High in the remote mountain landscapes of western Mongolia, where golden eagles ride the thermals and nomadic hunters continue a tradition passed down through generations. Eagle hunting, known locally as Berkutchi, is more than just a way of life; it’s a sacred bond between human and raptor, forged through skill, patience, and mutual respect. In this post, we’ll dive into the rich history of eagle hunting, its cultural significance among Kazakh communities, and how this awe-inspiring practice is adapting in the modern world.
The Ancient Art of Eagle Hunting in Mongolia
Eagle hunting in Mongolia is more than just a method of survival, it’s a living legacy of the nomadic Kazakh people, passed down through generations across the remote Altai Mountains. This centuries-old tradition takes place during the harsh winter months, when the snow-blanketed steppe makes it easier to spot prey. Mounted on horseback and dressed in hand-stitched fur garments, eagle hunters (known as berkutchi) ride into the wilderness with golden eagles, majestic birds revered for their strength, vision, and loyalty.
Training a golden eagle is a meticulous process that begins when the bird is still young. Hunters capture female eagles from the wild (as they’re larger and more aggressive than males) and build a close bond through months of trust, care, and handling. Once trained, the eagles can detect and dive on foxes, hares, and even wolves from hundreds of meters away.
This practice is not only a testament to the harmony between man and nature, it’s a vital piece of cultural identity. Eagle hunting is often showcased at annual festivals, such as the Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ölgii Province, where hunters compete in skill, costume, and the prowess of their birds. Beyond the thrill of the hunt, these events serve to preserve and share a tradition that might otherwise fade in the face of modernity.
Whether you witness it firsthand or simply learn about it, eagle hunting offers a window into Mongolia’s rugged spirit, resilience, and rich nomadic culture.
History of Eagle Hunting in Mongolia
The history of eagle hunting in Mongolia stretches back more than 2,000 years, rooted in the traditions of the Kazakh people who migrated into the Altai Mountains in the country’s far west. This ancient art, known locally as berkutchi, is believed to have originated with nomadic tribes of Central Asia and has been passed down through generations as both a survival skill and a deeply respected cultural legacy.
Historically, eagle hunting was a vital part of life on the harsh steppe. In the brutal Mongolian winters, when food was scarce and temperatures dropped well below freezing, hunters trained golden eagles to catch foxes, hares, and other small game. These hunts didn’t just provide meat, they also yielded warm pelts that were stitched into fur-lined clothing, blankets, and other essentials for survival.
Unlike falconry in other parts of the world, Mongolian eagle hunting is unique in its intensity and its environment. It takes place on horseback, in open, snow-covered landscapes, often with visibility stretching for miles. The bond between hunter and eagle isn’t casual, it’s the result of years of training, mutual trust, and shared endurance of the elements.
Today, while the practice is no longer a necessity for most, it remains a strong symbol of identity, especially among Kazakh communities in Bayan-Ă–lgii Province. Events like the Golden Eagle Festival have helped preserve and promote the tradition, ensuring that it lives on in both its original form and as a celebration of Mongolian heritage.
The Golden Eagle Hunters of Mongolia
The golden eagle hunters of Mongolia are a proud and ancient tradition. For centuries, they have hunted with these magnificent birds, using them to track and kill prey. Today, there are only a handful of eagle hunters left in the world, and most of them live in Mongolia.
Eagle hunting is a dangerous and demanding sport. It takes years of practice and patience to train a golden eagle to hunt with you. But the rewards are great. Golden eagles are powerful predators, and their hunting skills are legendary.
The golden eagle hunters of Mongolia keep alive an ancient tradition that is slowly fading away. They are the last of their kind, and they stand as a reminder of a time when humans lived in harmony with nature.
I also had the chance to experience another unforgettable tradition during my time in Mongolia the  Thousand Camel Festival. In this separate post, I dive into the rich heritage and wild energy of this unique celebration, where nomadic culture takes center stage in the heart of the Gobi Desert.
The Eagle Hunting Festival
Every October, deep in the dramatic landscapes of western Mongolia’s Altai Mountains, something truly special happens. Dozens of Kazakh eagle hunters, dressed in full traditional regalia, gather for the annual Golden Eagle Festival, a vibrant celebration of one of the world’s oldest and most majestic hunting traditions.
The festival is more than just a spectacle; it’s a living tribute to the bond between hunter and eagle, passed down through generations. Over two thrilling days, hunters compete in a series of challenges that test both their skill and their eagle’s precision, everything from timed retrievals to dramatic releases from mountaintops. It’s fast-paced, raw, and undeniably powerful to witness.
Beyond the competitions, the festival offers a full cultural immersion. Expect the sound of dombra music, traditional Kazakh throat singing, and the scent of freshly grilled meat wafting through the crisp mountain air. There are dance performances, horse races, storytelling, and local crafts, each detail offering a window into the soul of Kazakh nomadic life.
Watching an eagle launch from a hunter’s gloved arm and soar across the sky, only to swoop down in perfect synchrony, is something you don’t easily forget. It’s more than sport, it’s a deep, spiritual connection between human and raptor, shaped by respect, tradition, and trust.
If you ever find yourself in Mongolia during autumn, don’t miss the chance to attend the Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ölgii. It’s one of the most authentic cultural experiences you’ll find anywhere on the planet, a rare glimpse into a way of life that continues to thrive against the odds.
For an added adventure, hop on on the magnificent Trans-Mongolian train to reach Mongolia. Discover all the wonders of this iconic journey in my detailed blog post. Let your journey begin long before you arrive!
Training the Golden Eagles
Eagle hunting is a centuries-old tradition in Mongolia, passed down from generation to generation. Hunters train their eagles from a young age, using a variety of methods to teach the birds how to hunt and kill prey. The most important thing for an eagle hunter is to establish a bond of trust with their bird – this takes patience, time, and dedication.
Eaglets are taken from the wild when they are around two years old. They are then brought back to the hunter’s camp, where they are kept in a special enclosure called an ‘aigash’. The hunter will spend time with the bird every day, getting it used to human contact and teaching it basic commands. Once the eagle is comfortable with its new surroundings, the real training can begin.
The hunter will start by teaching the eagle simple tricks, like flying to a perch or fetching an object. As the bird gets more confident, it will be taught how to hunt live prey. This is done by first tying up small animals like rabbits or foxes near the eagle’s perch, so that it can watch them being killed. The next step is for the hunter to release the prey and let the eagle chase it down; this teaches the bird how to use its natural hunting instincts. The eagle will be let loose into the wild to hunt on its own; at this point, it should be able to successfully catch and kill small animals for food.
Conservation and Preservation of the Tradition
The ancient tradition of eagle hunting in Mongolia has been passed down through the generations for centuries. The eagle hunters, or burkitshi, are a nomadic people who have long been dependent on eagles for their livelihood. Hunting with eagles is a dangerous and difficult profession, but one that the burkitshi take great pride in.
In recent years, the number of eagle hunters has declined as younger generations move away from the traditional lifestyle. However, there are still a few hundred eagle hunters left in Mongolia, and they are working to keep the tradition alive. Conservation and preservation efforts are underway to ensure that this unique way of life does not disappear.
Eagle hunting is an important part of Mongolian culture and heritage. The hunts are traditionally conducted during the winter months, when eagles are most active. Hunters use a special lure to attract the eagles, which they then capture and train. Once trained, the eagles are used to hunt foxes, hares, and other small prey.
The tradition of eagle hunting is under threat from a number of factors. habitat loss and fragmentation due to development are making it difficult for eagles to find enough food. In addition, poachers often target adult eagles for their feathers, which are highly valued in traditional Mongolian culture. As a result of these threats, the number of wild eagles in Mongolia has declined sharply in recent years.
In another captivating blog post: “Journey into the Heart of Mongolia’s Nomadic Culture” I share my immersive experience living among the nomads in the breathtaking Gobi Desert.Â
Conclusion
Eagle hunting in Mongolia is a unique and ancient tradition that has been passed down for generations. From the majestic birds to the nomadic lifestyles of the Kazakh people, exploring this rich culture is an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re an avid hiker, photographer or simply wish to observe their way of life, there are many opportunities to explore eagle hunting in Mongolia if you know where to look. So why not take advantage of these incredible cultural experiences now while they still exist?
I would like invite you to explore my captivating photo project that showcases the fascinating lives of Mongolian nomads in the enchanting landscapes of the Gobi Desert.
Do you want help creating your very own trip to see the eagle hunter and the wonders that Mongolia holds? Contact me here for expert advice and trip planning.
Some pictures sourced from Julia Volk pexels.
