The Kazakhs use three types of eagle for hunting. The most common one is the Mountain Eagle also known as the Golden Eagle.


Kazakhs only hunt with female birds, as the male eagles are smaller and not as good at hunting. The eagle hunters usually catch four or five foxes in a day's hunting, as well as some smaller prey, such as marmots. If they are lucky, the hunters might even score a wolf.

First, the contesters are tested how well the eagles know their masters. The birds are released one at the time from the peak of a mountain and are expected to find their owners down at the foot. Judges time how long it takes the eagle to land on its master's arm. On the final day of the festival, the eagle hunters drag fox and rabbit skins behind their horses, and the eagles are judged on how well they hunt their “prey”. The panel of judges would hold up cards with big red numbers painted on them to award their scores, the highest score being nine. Points were awarded for the speed of the eagles, how deftly the eagles caught their prey, and for how quickly it took the eagles to recognize their masters.

Their culture is quite different to Mongolian culture, following Sunni Islam; their gers are richly decorated and their handcrafts, particularly the colorful wall hangings and felt rugs are highly sought after.

 

 

Itinerary

Day 1 arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Tour begins: At the airport in Ulaanbaatar you will be met by our vehicle and transferred to your hotel. City orientation tour, visit the dinosaur exhibits at the Museum of Natural History . Dinner at the Modern Nomads restaurant /Mongolian national food, modern and comfortable/. Overnight in *** hotel. (D)

Day 2 Bayan Ulgii
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Ulgii (3.5 hours), capital of Bayan-Ulgii , Mongolia 's most western province. Ninety percent of the population of Bayan-Ulgii is Kazakh , Mongolia 's largest ethnic minority. The isolation of the Altai Mountains has preserved the language and traditions of the Kazakhs and provides some of the most spectacular scenery in Mongolia . Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. After lunch, visit Local History Museum located in downtown Ulgii. This 2-store museum showcases some of the finest embroideries and art effects collected from the region including horse and eagle hunting accessories, hand woven carpets and other art crafts. This small but impressive museum offers an excellent opportunity to get a glimpse of history and culture of the people who have dwelled around the Altai Mountains for more than century now. Later on visit a Kazakh family with the chance to view local crafts. Kazakh women are renowned for their skills in embroidery and applique and their gers are decorated in a dazzling mosaic of colors. Hand-crafted felt carpets line the floor, each design unique to a family, and delicately embroidered tapestries adorn the walls of their gers, overnight in Kazakh styled gers. (L, D; Ger)

Day 3 Opening Ceremony / Competition
The official opening ceremony commences, as the participants will parade on horse back 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 technique will be awarded the highest scores. In the evening you are invited to attend a special performance of traditional Kazakh dance, song, and music, arranged for the competition participants, many who have traveled as far as 140 miles on horse back. During the festival you can shop around and have your hat because outdoor trades and exhibitions will be offered over there. Golden Eagle Festival Hunting Tests "Kukbar" (B, L, D; Ger )

Day 4 Competition / Awards Ceremony
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 of grabbing the “fox”, their speed, and “gripping” technique. As the points for the competitions are being tallied, the Kazakh 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. (B, L, D; Ger )

Day 5 Visit to Kazakh family
Spend 1 day with Kazakhs learning about customs and traditions.
Travel with Eagle Hunters to observe this ancient Kazakh practice of the event.
Experience the lifestyle of Mongolia 's Kazakh people including music and handicrafts.

Overnights at the Ger camp. (B,L,D; Ger)

Day 6 Ulgii-Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, transfer to your airport for departure. Free time. Overnight at the *** hotel in Ulaanbaatar . (B,L)

Day 7 Journey Home
Tour ends: After breakfast at the hotel you will be taken to the train for departure. (B)

Duration 7 Days (6 nights)
Travel distance: 3000 km, because the Mongolian countryside is for long distance travel.

Tour Package Price per person for 2-3 PAX: USD 2300

Tour Package Price per person for 4-7 PAX: USD 1800

Tour Prices Include:
2 Ulaanbaatar overnights in a *** star Hotel / standard single room
4 Overnights ger camp.
Ger facilities: During your trip in the countryside, you'll overnight in ger camps. Make yourself comfortable in a ger (2-3 beds). Each camp has a ger restaurant. Most camps are equipped with toilets and showers with morning and evening hot water.
Domestic flight from / to Bayan Ulgii 1636 km
Eagle Hunting Festival
Horse trek
City tour and shopping
Museums, national entertainment
Entry fees and guides
Transport in countryside and terminal transfer
Meals, Meal codes = (B, L, and D): breakfast, lunch, and dinner

We organist your free time in MONGOLIA : Shopping time, evening programs of interest, post, email service and Bank visit

Prices do not include: International transportation, travel insurance, visas, departure tax, drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature.