If you've been following our blog with keen interest, you've likely noticed that Mongolie is a land where traditions remain deeply rooted. Among these, golden eagle hunting is certainly one of the most captivating and alone justifies a journey! This tradition, spanning 2,000 years, has been passed down through generations within the Kazakh nomadic people, enduring even through Mongolie's darkest hours when certain religions and traditions were heavily suppressed by totalitarian regimes. In this spirit of preserving the identity and culture of certain Mongolian ethnic minorities... The Kazakhs represent a Muslim ethnic group that is overwhelmingly dominant in the mountains of the Altai, in western Mongolie. Each year, the Kazakhs organize two festivals in honor of their hunting eagles. In light of recent developments, let's talk about the one taking place on September 19 and 20 in the Sagsai district, located in the province of Bayan-Ölgiy. This intimate gathering brings together around forty hunters accompanied by their loyal companions, and showcases their talents through various activities, notably fox hunting. The closing event consists of the eagle catching a fox fur being dragged by a horse. Quite the spectacle! This ancestral art is, of course, made possible by a perfect bond between the hunter and his eagle, a relationship built over time and rooted in deep mutual respect between both parties. The festival also features a 6-kilometer camel race, as well as various Kazakh games including traditional archery, Tiyn Teru (a competition involving picking up a coin from the ground while mounted on horseback), Kyz Kuar (a sort of couple's race in which the woman delights in whipping her companion), and Kokpar (where competitors vie for an animal hide while on horseback). A variety of disciplines, then, which wonderfully complement the discovery of this ancestral tradition, while allowing visitors to meet the hunters and approach their majestic animals. It's also possible to hold one for a memorable photo, or even ride a horse or camel outside the competitions. A total immersion in Mongolian culture, no less! If you'd like to learn more about this must-see festival, don't hesitate to contact us via the form at the bottom of the page. You can also join a group on our Eagle Festival tour if you're tempted by an immersion in Kazakh territory... Happy travels!