Kazakhs living in Western Mongolia continue to hunt with eagles today. They use eagles to hunt foxes, corsac, wolf and, and hares during the cold winter months when it is easier to see the gold-colored foxes against the snow.
Hunting with the Golden eagle is one of the most ancient traditions that passed down from generation to generation of Kazakh people. As we know Kazakh people had hunted eagles for their life for many years. In modern days hunting with the Golden eagle is a sport and a unique aspect that identifies the tradition of Kazakh people. Every year many Kazakh hunters gather with their specially trained eagles and challenge them in different ways. By watching Eagle Festival you can explore the cultures and ways of life of Kazakh people who lived in the High Altai Mountains.
Participants will explore the techniques of capturing and training an eagle and will have to see the eagles fly in pursuit of prey and hunter skills.
Highlights:
Eagle festival, visits of Kazakh family, Terelj national park excursion, an opportunity of photo with hunters and Golden eagles. (Aquila chrysaetos)
Day 1. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel. Tour the Museum of Natural History with its splendid collection of Dinosaur exhibits. Mongolian traditional folklore concert. Evening tour of Ulaanbaatar, including the War Memorial at Zaisan, if time permits. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel. Meals: L/D Trans: 4WD Van
Day 2. Terelj National Park
Transfer to Terelj National Park. Have an excursion to Turtle rock and Ariyabal meditation temple. In the afternoon visit a ger “museum”. Following dinner, clients will be given a demonstration and training class for the traditional Mongolian sport of archery. Trails and competitions will be held. Overnight in the ger camp.
Overnight at Ger. Meals: B/L/D Trans: 4WD Van
Day 3. Chinggis Khaan Monument and Tonyukuk
After breakfast, Drive to the 13th-century theme park and Chinggis khaan Monument. On the way visit Tonyukuk Monument. Transfer back the Ulaanbaatar. Overnight in the hotel.
Overnight at Ger. Meals: B/L/D Trans: 4WD Van
Day 4. Ulgii Town
Early in the morning take a flight to Ulgii town (06 am; 08.10 am) and attend the official opening ceremony commences with the participants parading in on horseback with their eagles. The competition begins with each Kazakh displaying his hunting outfit and accessories. The most elaborate and beautiful clothing and accessories are given the highest points. In the afternoon, the Golden Eagles will be evaluated for their speed and agility. The Eagles will be released from a cliff and their owner will stand below and signal for them to land upon their arm, as they do during hunting. Those with the fastest times and best techniques will be awarded the highest scores. In the evening, attend a Kazakh play in honor of the Kazakhs and their eagles.
Overnight at Ger. Meals: B/L/D Trans: 4WD Van
Day 5. Eagle Festival
Prepare for some exciting action today! The Golden Eagles will be released from a cliff to attack fox skins that will be dragged by their owner on horseback. The Eagles will be judged on their success grabbing the “fox,” their speed, and the “gripping” technique. As the points for the competitions are being tallied, the Kazakhs will compete in their traditional game called “kukbar” which tests one’s horse-riding skills, strength, and agility. In the late afternoon, the winners of the festival will be announced at the awards ceremony. In the evening, enjoy a celebration dinner. After dinner, you are invited to attend a special performance of traditional Kazakh dance, song, and music, arranged for the competition participants, who have traveled as far as 140 miles on horseback.
Overnight at Ger. Meals: B/L/D Trans: 4WD Van
Day 6. The day with Kazakh Family
Drive to Ulaan-khus soum to visit the local Kazakh family. Lunch with Kazakh family. Late afternoon drive back Ulgii and visit the local market and museum.
Overnight at Ger. Meals: B/L/D Trans: 4WD Van
Day 7. Ulaanbaatar
Take the flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy Mongolian folk art performances. Free time in the evening. Overnight in the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel. Meals: B/L/D Trans: 4WD Van
Day 8. Departure
Transfer to international airport for the next connection. Tour ends.
