Experience the Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ölgii: watch Kazakh hunters and their trained eagles compete across the Altai steppe. This four-day fall festival blends high-altitude spectacle with traditional horse games and close cultural encounters.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn on the Altai steppe arrives cold and immediate: heads of mountains carve the horizon while eagles, heavy and precise, ride thermals above riders in felt hats. At the Golden Eagle Festival near Sagsai, the air is full of wingbeats and the low thud of hooves—an unvarnished encounter between human skill and raptor power.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended—able to handle short horse rides, walking on uneven steppe, and travel at altitude.
Wildlife
History
Eagle hunting dates back centuries among Kazakh and Kyrgyz nomads across the Altai; trained raptors were integral to subsistence hunting and remain a central cultural identity for western Mongolian Kazakhs.
Conservation
The festival supports local economies and helps sustain traditional knowledge, but visitors should minimize disturbance to birds and livestock and favor guides who follow ethical handling practices.
Reserve your spot on the 4 Day Golden Eagle Festival today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Altitude and hydration
Ulgii sits near 1,800–2,000 m; drink water, move slowly on arrival, and limit heavy exertion the first day.
Photography etiquette
Ask handlers before close-up shots—use a telephoto lens to avoid stressing birds and to capture natural behavior.
Layer for wide temperature swings
Days can be mild but mornings and evenings are cold; pack an insulated midlayer and windproof shell.
Respect animal handling
Keep distance from gauntleted handlers and follow guide directions; do not attempt to touch birds without permission.
Telephoto camera lens (200–400mm)
Keeps you at a respectful distance while capturing detailed action of birds and riders.
fall
Insulated jacket and wind shell
Protects against strong winds and cold mornings/evenings typical on the Altai steppe.
fall
Sturdy ankle-support boots
Useful for uneven ground, short rides, and dusty village tracks.
Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
High-altitude sun is intense even when temperatures feel cool—eye and skin protection are essential.
summer