Golden Eagle Festival 2024 | A Guide to The Most Popular Festival of Mongolia

Explore the heart of Mongolian culture with our comprehensive guide to the Golden Eagle Festival 2024, the most iconic event in Mongolia. Immerse yourself in the ancient art of eagle hunting, witness thrilling competitions, and experience the vibrant traditions of the Kazakh people. Our guide offers invaluable insights into this legendary festival, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Discover the allure of the Golden Eagle Festival and plan your adventure with our curated Mongolia vacation packages.

What is the Golden Eagle Festival

The Golden Eagle Festival of Mongolia stands as a vibrant tribute to Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and the ancient art of eagle hunting. Held annually by the local Golden Eagle Hunter’s Association, this two-day event in Ulgii town, western Mongolia, has captivated audiences since its inception in 1999.

Honoring Tradition

At its core, the Golden Eagle Festival pays homage to the time-honored practice of eagle hunting, a tradition deeply ingrained in Mongolian nomadic culture. For centuries, nomad hunters have formed profound bonds with these majestic birds, training them to assist in hunting for food across the rugged landscapes of Mongolia.

A Cultural Extravaganza

Beyond its roots in eagle hunting, the festival of Mongolia offers a captivating glimpse into Mongolia’s cultural tapestry. From vibrant displays of traditional music and dance to artisan exhibitions showcasing local craftsmanship, the Golden Eagle Festival is a celebration of Mongolian identity and heritage.

Thrilling Competitions

Central to the festival’s allure are the exhilarating competitions that showcase the skill and agility of both eagles and their handlers. Spectators are treated to awe-inspiring displays of eagle-hunting prowess, as these magnificent birds demonstrate their speed and precision in capturing prey.

When is The Golden Eagle Festival 2024 & 2025

The Golden Eagle Festival, a significant event in Asia and particularly in Mongolia, is scheduled for September 17th and 18th, 2024, with group tour departures available. Additionally, private tours will be offered on September 21st and 22nd, 2024.

For the following year, the festival will take place on September 17th and 18th, 2025, and September 20th and 21st, 2025. This festival serves as an opportunity to showcase the rich culture of the Kazakhs to the world and to preserve their heritage for future generations.

Location of The Golden Eagle Festival

The Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia unfolds amidst the picturesque town of Ulgii, nestled in the western reaches of the country. Accessible by a domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar, the journey typically spans 1.5 to 3 hours, varying with airlines and seasonal factors. Upon arrival at Ulgii town airport, travelers embark on a scenic drive spanning roughly 16 kilometers to reach the festival grounds. Nestled within a captivating valley encircled by majestic mountains, the setting provides a breathtaking backdrop for the festivities.

Beyond the main Golden Eagle Festival in Ulgii, the region hosts two other notable events: the Nomadic Games Eagle Festival and the Sagsai/Tolbo Lake Festival. The Nomadic Games Eagle Festival unfolds in Altai, approximately a 3-hour drive from Ulgii town, offering a distinctive celebration of nomadic culture.

Meanwhile, the Sagsai/Tolbo Lake Festival, situated about 1.5 hours away from Ulgii town, presents another opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia. Each festival, with its unique location and traditions, contributes to the vibrant tapestry of Mongolian heritage, offering visitors a memorable and enriching experiences.

What to See During the Golden Eagle Festival

During the Golden Eagle Festival, visitors are treated to a spectacular array of events and competitions showcasing the ancient art of eagle hunting and Kazakh culture. The festivities span two days, beginning with a grand opening parade featuring 70 to 80 Eagle hunters, resplendent in traditional attire, riding horses while proudly displaying their majestic eagles on their arms.

Throughout the festival of Mongolia, spectators witness thrilling competitions that test the bond between the eagles and their hunters, as well as the hunters’ attire and horse ornaments. Archery demonstrations showcase precision and skill, while eagle agility is evaluated as they grip stuffed baits dragged by horses.

One of the highlights is the release of eagles from hilltops, where they must recognize their trainers’ calls and gracefully alight their arms. Visitors also enjoy camel and horse races, coin grabbing on horseback, and the exhilarating Kyz Kuar – Women Chasing game.

The festival atmosphere is further enlivened by Kykbar, a tug-of-war played on horseback with goat skins, and culminates in a vibrant concert featuring traditional Kazakh music and dance. With its blend of ancient traditions and exhilarating competitions, the Golden Eagle Festival offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia’s Kazakh community.

Competitions held at The Golden Eagle Festival

At the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia, spectators are treated to an awe-inspiring display of two main competitions dedicated to the revered golden eagles: the eagle training competition and the eagle hunting competition. The eagle training competition offers a mesmerizing showcase of the bond between the eagle hunters and their majestic birds. Here, the agility, obedience, and responsiveness of the eagles are put to the test as they perform a series of tasks, including flying to their handlers from a distance and attacking a lure with precision.

However, it’s the eagle hunting competition that takes center stage as the main event of the festival. This thrilling contest demonstrates the remarkable hunting skills of the eagle hunters and the keen tracking abilities of their feathered companions. Mounted on horseback, the hunters venture into the rugged mountains with their eagles, scanning the terrain for prey such as foxes and rabbits.

Once spotted, the eagle is released to swoop down and immobilize the prey, showcasing the extraordinary partnership between the hunter and the eagle.Both competitions highlight the deep-rooted tradition of eagle hunting in Kazakh culture, emphasizing the intricate bond between the hunters and their avian allies.

Beyond the exhilarating displays of skill and teamwork, these events serve as a poignant reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia and the importance of preserving its traditions. For spectators, witnessing these competitions is not just a spectacle but also an opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique customs of the Kazakh people and experience the thrill of eco-tourism in this breathtaking region.

Why are there different Golden Eagle Festival?

The expansion is primarily driven by the festival’s growing appeal, attracting a broader audience each year. However, logistical constraints, such as limited infrastructure and flight capacity, prompt organizers to stagger the festivals across different dates in autumn. This ensures manageable crowd sizes while accommodating the increasing influx of attendees.

Each iteration varies in scale and scope, with the main festival in October being the grandest. Conversely, smaller, localized editions cater predominantly to the local community. Despite their differences, all festivals feature a rich array of events, including eagle training, horse racing, and traditional Kazakh performances, preserving the essence of this cherished tradition.

Culinary Delights and Local Cuisine at the Golden Eagle Festival

At the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia, visitors have the chance to tantalize their taste buds with a delightful array of local culinary delights. Traditional Kazakh cuisine takes center stage, offering a rich tapestry of flavors and textures that reflect the region’s vibrant cultural heritage. One of the highlights is the hearty nomadic fare, featuring succulent meats such as mutton, beef, and horse meat, cooked to perfection over an open flame or in traditional Kazakh stew pots known as “kazans.” These savory dishes are often accompanied by staples like dairy products, including creamy yogurts, tangy cheeses, and rich butter made from the milk of grazing animals.

For those with a penchant for adventure, sampling exotic delicacies like air-dried meats, such as borts (dried meat strips), or kazy (horse sausage), promises a culinary journey unlike any other. Additionally, festival-goers can savor aromatic bread freshly baked in traditional clay ovens, along with savory dumplings known as buuz, filled with flavorful meat and spices. To satisfy a sweet tooth, traditional desserts like boortsog (fried dough pastries) and ömör khökhii (sweetened curds) offer a delectable finale to the culinary experience.

Where to stay during the Golden Eagle Festival

During the Golden Eagle Festival, accommodation options abound to suit diverse preferences. As the festivals typically take place 7 to 14 kilometers outside Ulgii town, staying in local hotels, tourist ger camps, or guesthouses offers convenient access.

For a taste of authentic Kazakh hospitality, consider lodging with local families in their traditional gers, either within Ulgii or in the serene countryside. This immersive experience allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture and forge meaningful connections with their hosts.Additionally, Ulgii town provides a range of accommodation choices, including hotels and guesthouses, catering to various budgets and preferences.

What to prepare for the Golden Eagle Festival

Preparing Wardrobe for Comfort at the Golden Eagle Festival

When gearing up for the Golden Eagle Festival, it’s imperative to curate a wardrobe that aligns with the autumnal climate of Mongolia. The festival of Mongolia, being held during this season, necessitates versatile clothing due to fluctuating temperatures. Dressing in layers becomes paramount, ensuring adaptability to changing weather conditions throughout the day. It is advisable to include essentials such as jackets, sweaters, and thermals to stay warm during cooler moments. Additionally, investing in sturdy footwear capable of navigating the rugged and uneven terrain surrounding the festival grounds ensures both comfort and safety for attendees as they partake in various activities.

Protective Measures Against the Mongolian Sun

The Mongolian sun, even amidst cooler temperatures, can be remarkably intense, underscoring the importance of adequate sun protection during the Golden Eagle Festival. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are indispensable accessories to shield oneself from the sun’s potent rays while reveling in the outdoor festivities. Equally crucial is the presence of a refillable water bottle to maintain hydration levels throughout the day. Given the physically demanding nature of the festival activities, staying adequately hydrated becomes paramount, safeguarding against exhaustion and dehydration.

Capturing Memorable Moments Through Photography

Photography enthusiasts flocking to the Golden Eagle Festival are presented with a myriad of captivating scenes and cultural performances begging to be immortalized through the lens. Carrying a reliable camera or smartphone becomes essential, serving as the conduit to capture the vibrant colors and dynamic energy permeating the festival grounds.

To ensure uninterrupted photography sessions, it’s prudent to equip oneself with spare batteries and memory cards, preempting any unforeseen technical hiccups. Moreover, the inclusion of a portable charger guarantees sustained power for electronic devices, enabling continuous documentation of the festival’s highlights.

Financial Preparedness for Seamless Festival Experience

Navigating the Golden Eagle Festival necessitates adequate financial preparedness, with cash in the local currency, the Mongolian Tugrik, emerging as the preferred mode of transaction. As the festival grounds often span remote areas where credit card acceptance may be limited, carrying sufficient cash becomes imperative. This ensures seamless access to essential amenities such as food, souvenirs, and transportation, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the festival experience without logistical constraints.

Accommodation Considerations for Festival Attendees

Selecting suitable accommodations is a pivotal aspect of planning for the Golden Eagle Festival, with various options catering to diverse preferences and budgets. From hotels and guesthouses to traditional Mongolian gers (yurts), attendees have a plethora of choices to suit their lodging needs. Booking accommodations in advance is advisable, especially for those seeking specific amenities or prime locations within proximity to the festival grounds. Alternatively, opting for a homestay experience with a Kazakh family offers a unique opportunity for cultural immersion, enriching the overall festival experience.

Cultural Sensitivity and Interaction at the Golden Eagle Festival

Enhancing the festival experience entails embracing and respecting local customs while fostering meaningful interactions with the community. Prioritizing cultural awareness involves familiarizing oneself with basic Mongolian phrases and etiquettes, facilitating seamless communication and demonstrating reverence for tradition. Learning greetings and thank-you phrases not only bridges linguistic barriers but also fosters genuine connections with locals, enriching the Golden Eagle Festival experience with authentic cultural exchanges.

The Golden Eagle Festival stands as an iconic celebration of Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the ancient art of eagle hunting and the vibrant traditions of the Kazakh people. From thrilling competitions showcasing the bond between hunters and their majestic birds to immersive cultural experiences and culinary delights, the festival promises unforgettable moments for every visitors