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Golden Eagle Festival Mongolia – Complete Guide (2026)

The Golden Eagle Festival is one of Mongolia's most distinctive cultural events, bringing together Kazakh eagle hunters, golden eagles, horses, and local communities from across the Altai region of western Mongolia.

Held each autumn in Bayan-Ulgii Province, the festival combines eagle competitions, horsemanship, cultural performances, and community celebrations, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience one of the world's best-known eagle hunting traditions.

Today, travelers can attend two major eagle festivals: the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival in September and the October Golden Eagle Festival near Ulgii.

Quick Facts

Festival Season:	September – October
Locations:	Sagsai (September) • Ulgii Area (October)
Province:	Bayan-Ulgii, Western Mongolia
Duration:	2 Days
Eagle Hunters:	Typically 50–80 Participants
Best For:	Cultural Travelers, Photographers, Adventure Travelers

What Is the Golden Eagle Festival?

The Golden Eagle Festival is built around a series of competitions that showcase the skills of both eagle hunters and their birds. Participants gather from across Bayan-Ulgii Province to demonstrate eagle handling, horsemanship, and hunting traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Alongside the competitions, visitors can experience horse games, cultural performances, traditional crafts, music, and community celebrations that reflect the heritage of Mongolia's Kazakh communities.

When and Where Does It Take Place?

Golden Eagle Festivals take place each year in Bayan-Ulgii Province, the center of Mongolia's Kazakh eagle hunting tradition in the Altai region.

Travelers can choose between two major festival periods.

The first is the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival, held in September near Sagsai soum. The festival is known for its strong participation from local eagle hunting families, photography opportunities, and cultural programs that extend beyond the competitions themselves.

The second is the October Golden Eagle Festival, held near Ulgii, the provincial capital of Bayan-Ulgii. This festival is one of Mongolia's best-known cultural events and attracts international travelers from around the world each year.

Both festivals feature eagle hunting competitions and traditional cultural activities, but the atmosphere, scale, and visitor experience can differ significantly.

For travelers trying to decide between the two, understanding these differences is often one of the most important parts of planning a trip.

Festival Season at a Glance

Festival	Usually Held	Location
Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival	September 17–18	Sagsai Soum, Bayan-Ulgii
October Golden Eagle Festival	First Weekend of October	Near Ulgii, Bayan-Ulgii

The Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival is held annually on September 17–18. The October Golden Eagle Festival is traditionally held on the first weekend of October, although exact dates may vary slightly from year to year.

Sagsai vs October Golden Eagle Festival

Visitors are often surprised to learn that there is more than one major eagle festival in Bayan-Ulgii Province.

While both festivals celebrate the tradition of eagle hunting and feature competitions involving eagle hunters and their birds, the atmosphere and visitor experience can differ significantly.

The Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival is held in September near Sagsai soum, where many eagle hunting families live. The festival places a strong emphasis on local participation, cultural activities, and community involvement.

One of the most distinctive features of the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival is the Nomadic Migration performance, which presents aspects of traditional nomadic life through horseback riders, camels, traditional costumes, yurt building, and cultural demonstrations. This program is unique to the Sagsai festival and is not part of the October festival.

The October Golden Eagle Festival, held near Ulgii, is one of Mongolia's most internationally recognized cultural events and attracts visitors from around the world. The festival focuses primarily on eagle hunting competitions and traditional cultural performances.

Both festivals offer excellent opportunities to experience eagle hunting culture, meet eagle hunting families, and photograph one of Mongolia's most distinctive traditions.

Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival	October Golden Eagle Festival
Usually Held	September 17–18	First Weekend of October
Location	Sagsai Soum	Near Ulgii
Eagle Competitions	Yes	Yes
Cultural Performances	Yes	Yes
Nomadic Migration Performance	Yes	No
Community Participation	Strong	Moderate
Photography Opportunities	Excellent	Excellent
International Visitors	Moderate	High

Which Festival Should You Choose?

Choose the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival if you are interested in photography, community-based cultural experiences, and seeing additional programs such as the Nomadic Migration performance.

Choose the October Golden Eagle Festival if your travel dates fall in October or if you would like to attend one of Mongolia's most established eagle hunting events.

Many returning visitors eventually attend both festivals, as each offers a different perspective on Mongolia's eagle hunting tradition.

What Happens at the Festival?

The Golden Eagle Festival is built around a variety of competitions, cultural performances, and community activities that take place over two days. While specific programs may vary slightly from year to year, visitors can generally expect a combination of eagle hunting demonstrations, horse games, cultural presentations, and opportunities to meet local eagle hunting families.

Opening Procession

The festival usually begins with an opening procession featuring eagle hunters in traditional dress, mounted on horseback with their golden eagles. This colorful gathering provides one of the most iconic moments of the festival and offers visitors an introduction to the participants and communities involved.

Eagle Competitions

The centerpiece of the festival is a series of eagle competitions designed to demonstrate the skills of both hunter and bird. Eagles are judged on their responsiveness, speed, and ability to return to their owners on command. These events showcase the close relationship between eagle hunters and their birds.

Horse Games

Traditional horse games form an important part of the festival program. Riders demonstrate horsemanship, speed, and riding skills through a variety of competitive events that reflect the equestrian traditions of western Mongolia.

Nomadic Migration Performance

At the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival, visitors can also experience the Nomadic Migration performance. This cultural presentation includes horseback riders, camels, traditional costumes, yurt building, craft demonstrations, and scenes inspired by nomadic life in the Altai region. It has become one of the defining features of the Sagsai festival.

Kazakh Music and Dance

Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy traditional Kazakh music, dance performances, and cultural presentations that celebrate the heritage of western Mongolia's Kazakh communities.

Crafts and Market

Local artisans and vendors often present traditional crafts, handmade products, and regional specialties. These areas provide visitors with opportunities to learn more about local culture and support community businesses.

Community Participation

Beyond the competitions, the festival serves as an annual gathering for eagle hunting families and communities from across Bayan-Ulgii Province. For many participants, the festival is as much a social and cultural gathering as it is a competitive event.

Why Is the Festival Important?

The Golden Eagle Festival plays an important role in the life of eagle hunters in Bayan-Ulgii Province.

For many participants, the festival provides an opportunity to meet other eagle hunters, compare skills, exchange knowledge, and celebrate a tradition that remains part of everyday life in western Mongolia.

The festival also contributes to the local economy. Hotels, ger camps, drivers, guides, artisans, restaurants, and small businesses all benefit from the arrival of visitors during the festival season.

For younger generations, the festival offers an opportunity to learn from experienced eagle hunters and to take pride in traditions that continue to shape local identity.

Over the years, the festival has also introduced Mongolia's eagle hunters to an international audience. Photographers, filmmakers, journalists, and cultural travelers have helped bring global attention to a region that was once little known outside Mongolia.

Today, the Golden Eagle Festival remains both a cultural celebration and an important meeting point between local communities and visitors from around the world.

Can Visitors Meet Eagle Hunting Families?

Yes. One of the most rewarding aspects of visiting the Golden Eagle Festival is the opportunity to meet the people behind the tradition.

While the competitions are the most visible part of the festival, eagle hunting remains closely connected to family life in many parts of western Mongolia. Visitors often have opportunities to meet eagle hunters, speak with family members, learn about eagle training, and gain a better understanding of daily life in the region.

Many eagle hunting families have practiced the tradition across multiple generations. Parents teach children, knowledge is passed through families, and the relationship between hunters, horses, and eagles continues to play an important role in community life.

For travelers who wish to explore beyond the festival grounds, visiting an eagle hunting family can provide a deeper perspective on the people and traditions behind the event. These experiences often become some of the most memorable moments of a journey to western Mongolia.

Why Do Photographers Visit?

Photographers are drawn to the festival because it offers a wide variety of subjects within a relatively small area. Portraits, action, horses, traditional clothing, cultural performances, landscapes, and daily life can all be photographed during the event.

Many arrive expecting to focus on the eagles themselves but leave with a much broader visual story that includes families, celebrations, community life, and the landscapes of the Altai region.

The two major festivals also offer different photographic opportunities. Some photographers prefer larger public events, while others are attracted to community-focused festivals that provide closer access to local families and cultural activities.

How Do I Travel to the Festival?

Most international visitors begin their journey by flying to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital city.

From Ulaanbaatar, travelers typically take a domestic flight to Ulgii, the capital of Bayan-Ulgii Province. Ulgii serves as the main gateway to both the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival and the October Golden Eagle Festival.

After arriving in Ulgii, visitors continue by vehicle to the festival grounds. Travel times vary depending on the festival location, weather conditions, and road conditions.

Because western Mongolia is a remote region and festival season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, flights and transportation are often booked well in advance.

Typical Travel Route

International Flight → Ulaanbaatar → Domestic Flight to Ulgii → Festival Location

Travel Planning Tips

Book domestic flights as early as possible.
Confirm festival dates before making travel arrangements.
Allow extra time for weather-related travel changes.
Consider arranging transportation in advance, particularly during festival season.

Where Should I Stay?

Accommodation capacity in Bayan-Ulgii is limited during the Golden Eagle Festival season, particularly for travelers seeking comfortable hotels, quality ger camps, or photography-focused itineraries.

Because accommodation, vehicles, guides, and domestic flights can become fully booked during festival season, early planning is strongly recommended regardless of which option you choose.

Visitors can stay in hotels in Ulgii, ger camps near the festival area, or accommodations arranged as part of an organized festival itinerary.

For travelers planning to attend either festival, it is advisable to begin making arrangements as soon as festival dates are confirmed.

Many international visitors choose to work with a Mongolia travel specialist familiar with western Mongolia, local accommodation availability, transportation logistics, and festival planning.

Should I Join a Tour or Travel Independently?

Both independent travel and organized tours are possible, but the best option depends on your travel experience, interests, and the amount of time available for planning.

Independent travel may be suitable for experienced travelers who are comfortable arranging domestic flights, accommodation, local transportation, and festival logistics on their own.

However, many international visitors choose to join an organized festival tour because accommodation availability is limited, transportation distances can be significant, and local knowledge can greatly improve the overall experience.

Organized tours also make it easier to arrange visits with eagle hunting families, photography opportunities, cultural experiences, and extensions to destinations such as Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.

Because accommodation, vehicles, guides, and domestic flights can become fully booked during festival season, early planning is strongly recommended regardless of which option you choose.

Independent Travel May Be Suitable If You:

Prefer to plan your own itinerary.
Have experience traveling in remote destinations.
Are comfortable arranging transportation and accommodation independently.
Have flexibility in your travel schedule.

A Festival Tour May Be Suitable If You:

Would like assistance with logistics and transportation.
Are visiting western Mongolia for the first time.
Want access to local knowledge and cultural experiences.
Are interested in visiting eagle hunting families or additional destinations beyond the festival itself.

Can I Combine It with Altai Tavan Bogd?

Yes. Many travelers choose to combine the Golden Eagle Festival with a longer journey through western Mongolia.

One of the most popular extensions is Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, home to Mongolia's highest mountains, glaciers, and some of the country's most spectacular alpine landscapes.

Visitors also frequently explore Khoton and Khurgan Lakes, two of western Mongolia's most beautiful freshwater lakes. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and traditional Kazakh settlements, the lakes offer opportunities for photography, cultural experiences, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation.

Other popular destinations include Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain, the White River Valley, and visits with local eagle hunting families beyond the festival grounds.

Because travel distances in western Mongolia are significant, many visitors allow several additional days before or after the festival to explore the region more fully.

Popular Festival Extensions

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Khoton Lake - Khurgan Lake
Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain
White River Valley
Eagle Hunting Family Visits
Western Mongolia Photography Expeditions

How Much Extra Time Should I Allow?

Most festival-goers add between 3 and 7 extra days beyond the festival itself.

Travelers focused primarily on the festival may choose a shorter itinerary, while photographers and cultural travelers often spend additional time visiting eagle hunting families, remote valleys, Khoton Lake, Khurgan Lake, and mountain regions beyond the festival grounds.

Visitors planning to explore Altai Tavan Bogd National Park or combine the festival with a broader western Mongolia journey should consider allowing additional days to fully experience the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like during the festival?

Weather conditions in the western region can change quickly during both September and October. Warm sunshine, strong winds, rain, and even snow are all possible during the festival season. In some years, the surrounding mountains are already covered with snow, creating a spectacular backdrop for photography and cultural travel.

During the October Golden Eagle Festival, snowfall is not uncommon, particularly in the higher elevations around Bayan-Ulgii Province. Visitors should be prepared for cold mornings and evenings, regardless of daytime conditions.

What clothing should I bring?

Layered clothing is strongly recommended. Warm jackets, hats, gloves, sturdy footwear, and wind-resistant outer layers are useful, especially during early mornings and evenings.

Are drones allowed?

Drone regulations may vary by festival and location. Because drones can disturb both eagles and horses, visitors should always seek permission from festival organizers before flying a drone.

What is the proper photography etiquette?

Most eagle hunters are happy to be photographed, but it is always polite to ask before taking close portraits. Respect personal space, avoid interrupting competitions, and follow instructions from festival staff when working near participants or animals.

Is it safe to approach a golden eagle?

Golden eagles are powerful birds of prey. Guests should follow the guidance of eagle hunters and festival organizers and should not approach or handle an eagle without permission.

Are toilets available at the festival?

Basic toilet facilities are usually available at festival venues. However, travelers should not expect the same facilities found in large urban events.

Is there mobile phone coverage and internet access?

Mobile phone coverage is generally available in Ulgii and many festival areas, although signal strength may vary depending on location. Internet access is usually available in hotels and some accommodations, but speeds may be slower than visitors are accustomed to in major cities.

Do I need to pay for photographs?

Many eagle hunters are happy to be photographed during the festival, particularly during competitions and public events. However, customs and expectations can vary depending on the situation, especially when arranging individual portraits, private visits, or photography sessions outside the main festival program.

There is no fixed fee, and practices may differ between individuals and communities. Visitors who are traveling with a tour operator are encouraged to consult their guide regarding local customs and appropriate ways to show appreciation when photographing people.

As always, asking permission before taking close portraits is considered respectful and is appreciated by many participants.

Can I use cash or credit cards?

Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and businesses in Ulgii, but cash is still useful when visiting rural areas, small shops, markets, or festival locations. Travelers are encouraged to carry some Mongolian tugriks in addition to payment cards.