The Origins and Legacy of the Golden Eagle Festival

At SLS Consulting, we take pride in our direct connection to one of Mongolia’s most celebrated cultural events—the Golden Eagle Festival. One of our esteemed team members, Badral Yondon, was part of the pioneering team that organized the first Golden Eagle Festival, showcasing our depth of experience in community-based tourism and cultural heritage projects. This involvement reflects our longstanding commitment to promoting and preserving Mongolia’s rich traditions through innovative and impactful initiatives.

The Golden Eagle Festival, a captivating annual event in Mongolia, celebrates the profound bond between the Kazakh people and their majestic golden eagles. This festival has become a distinguished cultural highlight, drawing global attention to the heritage and traditions of Kazakh eagle hunters. But how did this unique event come to be?

The idea for the festival took shape in the 1990s with the goal of revitalizing and preserving the ancient practice of eagle hunting, an art passed down through generations among Kazakh nomads. The first Golden Eagle Festival was organized in the early 2000s in Bayan-Ölgii Province, a region rich in Kazakh culture and traditions. Supported by local and international partners, the inaugural event set the foundation for what would grow into a celebrated tradition.

Participants from surrounding areas showcased their skills, demonstrating the deep connection and mutual respect shared between hunter and eagle. The event featured hunting displays, traditional dress competitions, and cultural performances, weaving together the past and present in a vibrant tapestry of nomadic life. Over the years, the festival has expanded in size and popularity, becoming a beacon for tourism and cultural preservation.

Today, the Golden Eagle Festival stands as a testament to the resilience and pride of the Kazakh people, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the grace, skill, and timeless relationship between humans and nature.