Nestled amidst the mountains, glaciers and steppes of the Altai, in the far west of Mongolie, between China, Russia, and the Kazakhstan border, lies the small town of Olgii. This multiethnic site is inhabited predominantly by a Muslim population steeped in Kazakh culture. This community perpetuates an ancestral tradition: eagle hunting.

We invite you to meet the Kazakh eagle hunters of Mongolie and discover more about this people and an activity that spans several centuries.

Eagle Hunting: A Way of Life Passed Down Through Generations

The Kazakhs of Mongolie settled in the Altai toward the end of the 17th century. Since their migration, they have never abandoned their traditions, including eagle hunting. Successive generations have been dedicated to perpetuating this activity and passing down their expertise. Over time, this people became masters in the art of taming the golden eagle.

The Principles of Eagle Hunting

Eagle hunting is an art unto itself. It takes years of learning and experience to execute this task properly. Generally, the hunt takes place on horseback:

• The hunter mounts his horse, then places his eagle on his forearm using a protective glove.
• The two protagonists venture into nature and track game (usually foxes).
• When the eagle spots prey, it becomes agitated and its master releases it to pursue the quarry.
• Once the game is caught, the hunter approaches quickly and offers a piece of raw meat to his faithful companion. This distracts the bird so the hunter can detach its talons from the prey without damaging the animal's fur.

Special Cases

Some Kazakh eagle hunters hunt in groups. Their eagles work as a team to pursue the same prey. In this case, the game is a larger animal, such as a wolf.

Training the Golden Eagle

Taming the golden eagle is an arduous task. It requires years of experience and considerable patience to accomplish this feat successfully.

Typically, to facilitate training, the eagle is captured from its nest at around 2 months old, when it can neither fly nor walk. The bird is then fed daily with raw meat. The intervals between meals gradually increase as training progresses.

During its training, the eaglet first learns to maintain its balance on its master's arm and respond to his calls. Next, it practices hunting by chasing a lure attached to the back of a horse, like moving prey. With each success, it is rewarded with raw meat. Upon completing training, the young raptor must be completely dependent on its master for food. Should it revert to its hunting instinct, the eagle will return to the wild.

Quick Notes

• Eagle hunters prefer to tame female eagles because they are more fierce and imposing. As adults, their wingspan can reach 2.20 m and weigh up to 10 kg.
• Once trained, the eagle is fed only at hunting time, when it catches prey.
• After 8 to 10 years of hunting, the eagle is released back into the wild. It can live for nearly 20 years in its natural state and find a mate to reproduce.

The Eagle Festival in the Mongolian Altai

During the first weekend of October, eagle hunters gather in the small town of Olgii to celebrate the prestigious Eagle Festival, which spans 2 days. They come from several countries: Mongolie, Russia, Kazakhstan, and more.

Various activities are scheduled during this event:

• Demonstrations of agility and mastery in the art of taming the golden eagle
• Contests for eagle beauty and hunting prowess
• Equestrian games showcasing the hunters' skill and abilities

The Eagle Festival is also celebrated annually in the Sagsai Mountains, around mid-September.

Embark on a Tour to Meet the Eagle Hunters of the Altai

Nomadays offers a 14-day journey to meet the Kazakh people. We will take you to the Bayan Olgii province to stay with Kazakh nomadic families. You will witness the most important eagle festival and try your hand at eagle hunting on horseback with an English-speaking falconer. This tour guarantees you a journey to Mongolie that is unique and truly extraordinary.