Visiting an Eagle Hunter in Mongolia
Visiting an Eagle Hunter in Mongolia
Visiting an Eagle Hunter in Mongolia: A Journey to the Heart of Nomadic Traditions
Imagine yourself on the back of a sturdy horse, galloping through the breathtaking Altai Mountains, witnessing an ancient and unique tradition that has been passed down through generations: visiting an eagle hunter in Mongolia. This captivating practice, deeply rooted in Kazakh culture, will take you on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Mongolia’s nomadic traditions.
Highlights
- Discover the ancient tradition of eagle hunting in Mongolia’s Altai Mountains, and experience an unforgettable journey with a Kazakh eagle hunter family!
- Witness the unique bond between hunters and their golden eagles, participate in traditional customs, go horseback riding & witness majestic eagles hunt.
- Enjoy delicious meals with a host family & explore wild horses while experiencing nomadic hospitality year round!
Discovering the Art of Eagle Hunting
Eagle hunting is a distinctive tradition practiced by the Kazakh people in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia, where Kazakh eagle hunters showcase their exceptional skills. Among them, Mongolian eagle hunters establish a remarkable bond with their golden eagles, living in nomadic families and preserving their ancient customs. With around 240 Kazakh eagle hunters residing in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park region of Mongolia, this intriguing tradition remains alive and thriving.
In Kazakh culture, eagles are revered as the king of all birds, and their prowess in hunting is a powerful source of identity for Kazakhs in Western Mongolia. The eagle hunting tradition provides these nomadic families with traditional fox skin clothing and a deep connection with nature and their magnificent golden eagles.
The Bond Between Hunter and Golden Eagle
The bond between the Kazakh eagle hunter and their golden eagle is quite extraordinary, with the eagle becoming a beloved member of the family. Female eagles are captured from their nests when they are a few months old and nurtured by their hunter-owner, who expertly trains them for hunting. The bond between hunter and eagle is absolutely essential for successful hunting, as mutual trust is imperative for the eagle to follow the hunter’s commands and for the hunter to trust the eagle to return after the hunt.
The Kazakh eagle hunters have a respectful yet practical approach to their eagles. They only hunt during the winter months, and after about ten seasons, the eagles are released back into the wild to breed and reintegrate into their natural habitat.
Experiencing 48hrs with an Eagle Hunter Family
Experiencing the lifestyle of an eagle hunter family is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During a 48-hour homestay, you will witness:
- The daily routines, customs, and hospitality of these exceptional people
- The close relationship and communication needed between hunter and eagle as they embark on exciting hunts
- Performances from local music in the evenings, playing a traditional Kazakh lute called the dombro
During your homestay, you will experience the warmth and generosity of your host family, sharing delicious traditional meals, and learning about their unique way of life. You will also witness the incredible skill, precision, and bond between the eagle hunter and their golden eagle as they hunt together in the vast and awe-inspiring landscape of the Altai Mountains.
Preparing for Your Visit to an Eagle Hunter
Before starting your journey to visit an eagle hunter, it’s important to be well-prepared for the adventure ahead. You will need to know what items to bring, as well as understand the customs and etiquette of nomadic hospitality. This will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience as you immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Kazakh eagle hunters.
What to Bring
When packing for your visit to an eagle hunter, it’s important to pack suitable clothing, personal items, and gifts for your host family. For a horse riding trip in Mongolia, bring a light set of long underwear, long trousers or leggings, boots with a slight heel, extra socks, and underpants.
When visiting a nomadic Kazakh family, it is always appreciated to bring useful items as gifts. Some suggested gifts include:
- Practical items like food (such as flour, noodles, and meat), pocketknives, solar lights, and traditional Mongolian clothing like a tsamts shirt or a hürem jacket.
- Gifts from your home country, such as sweets or mementos.
- Children may enjoy coloring books and pens.
Understanding Nomadic Hospitality
Nomadic hospitality is deeply rooted in the nomadic culture, characterized by a warm and sincere welcome into the nomad’s home. To navigate the unique aspects of nomadic hospitality, one should:
- Embrace the local culture and customs with enthusiasm
- Build connections with the nomadic community
- Be flexible and adaptable to different living conditions
- Show gratitude and reciprocate with appreciation
Being aware of some common mistakes tourists make when dealing with nomadic hospitality is crucial. Here are some things to avoid:
- Setting unrealistic expectations
- Not doing research on local customs and etiquette
- Being disrespectful at sacred sites
- Showing too much public display of affection (PDA)
- Scheduling visits at inconvenient times for the nomadic hosts.
A Day with a Mongolian Eagle Hunter
Experience a day in the life of a Mongolian eagle hunter as you join them on horseback, witness the hunt, capture stunning photographs, share traditional meals, and sleep in a cozy Kazakh yurt.
This unforgettable adventure will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the unique traditions and captivating beauty of the Altai Mountains and the Kazakh eagle hunters.
Mounting Up: Horse Riding with the Hunters
Riding horseback with the eagle hunters through the vast landscape of the Altai Mountains is an exhilarating experience you will never forget. As you traverse the rugged terrain, you will witness:
- The incredible skill and bond between the hunter and their eagle as they work together on the hunt
- The stunning backdrop of the Altai Mountains, with breathtaking landscapes
- The rich cultural heritage of the region
To prepare for horseback riding in the Altai Mountains, it’s beneficial to:
- Have some prior experience or take lessons before your visit
- Pack the right clothing for the weather conditions, such as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight, breathable clothing
- Wear sturdy and comfortable footwear, like riding boots or hiking shoes
- Stay hydrated and bring a water bottle with you during your rides
Witnessing the Hunt: Eagles in Action
Observing the remarkable skill and precision of the golden eagle as it hunts in the wild, guided by its Kazakh hunter, is a mesmerizing sight. The bond between hunter and eagle is essential for successful hunting, as mutual trust is imperative for the eagle to follow the hunter’s commands and for the hunter to trust the eagle to return after the hunt.
During the winter hunting season, you will have the unique opportunity to observe the golden eagles in action after the first snowfall. The heavy snowfall covers the land, creating a beautiful white blanket that stretches as far as the eye can see, making it easier for the eagles to spot their prey, as the contrast between the white snow and the dark animals becomes more pronounced. The snow can also make it more difficult for the prey to move quickly, giving the eagles an even better chance of catching them.
Taking stunning pictures: Capture the majestic eagle and the eagle hunter dressed in his traditional clothes in Altai
Capturing the majestic beauty of the eagle and the hunter in their traditional attire against the stunning backdrop of the Altai Mountains is a photographer’s dream come true. The best camera equipment for photographing eagles in the Altai Mountains includes:
- A telephoto lens with a long focal length, such as a 300mm or 400mm lens
- A camera with a fast autofocus system and high burst rate
- A sturdy tripod or monopod to stabilize the camera and lens
To photograph in the extreme cold conditions of the Altai Mountains, proper care of your camera gear is necessary and yourself. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep your camera and batteries warm by using hand warmers or keeping them close to your body.
- Use a camera bag or case that provides insulation and protection from the cold.
- Allow your camera to acclimate slowly to prevent moisture buildup when moving between warm and cold environments.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your camera gear stays in good condition and that you can capture stunning photos in the extreme cold.
Dress in layers and wear warm clothing to protect yourself from the cold, and use a tripod or stable surface to minimize camera shake caused by shivering.
Sharing a meal: Eating traditional Western Mongolian Kazakh Meals
Sharing a traditional Western Mongolian Kazakh meal with your host family is a delightful way to experience the flavors and customs of their cuisine. Beshbarmak, a dish made of boiled meat served with thin pasta sheets and a sauce made from onions, is a popular traditional meal. Horse meat is also a valued tradition in Kazakhstan and is often included in meals.
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the culinary traditions of your Kazakh host family
- Understand the importance of food in their culture
- Experience meals that are typically prepared with a focus on meat, especially mutton
- Taste traditional Kazakh foods like beshbarmak and baursak, a type of fried dough, which reflect the nomadic past of the Kazakh people.
Sleeping in a yurt: Enjoy the cozy feeling of a colorful Kazakh yurt
Experience the warmth and comfort of a traditional Kazakh yurt, adorned with vibrant rugs, pillows, blankets, and wooden ornaments. These yurts are designed to be resilient and offer insulation against the extreme climate, including strong winds, dry summers, and cold winters.
The interior layout of a traditional Kazakh yurt typically includes strategically placed bedrooms and workspaces around the perimeter, with a centralized area for the kitchen and toilet. Sleeping in a yurt provides a cozy retreat after a day of adventure, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the unique traditions and captivating beauty of the Altai Mountains and the Kazakh eagle hunters.
Life in the Vast Landscape
The daily life of a Mongolian Kazakhs family living in the vast landscape of the Altai Mountains is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern adaptations. From their nomadic homes and herds of wild horses to their traditional meals, a visit to an eagle hunter family will provide a unique glimpse into the lives of these remarkable people.
From Yurts to Wild Horses
The nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people has a profound connection to their herds of wild horses. These magnificent animals have been indispensable partners for the Kazakh nomads, serving as a means of transportation and a source of food. The domestication of horses is believed to have originated in Kazakhstan, making horses a vital part of Kazakh culture and history.
Kazakh families in the Altai Mountains construct their yurts using a variety of materials, including:
- Wood
- Canvas or vinyl covering
- Metal frames
- Tarpaulin
- Plexiglass domes
These yurts are traditionally portable and dome-shaped, designed to withstand Mongolia’s harsh weather conditions while providing warmth and comfort.
Meals with a Kazakh Family
Sharing meals with your Kazakh host family will not only allow you to taste delicious traditional dishes but also learn about their culinary traditions and the importance of food in their culture. Meals in a Kazakh household typically focus on meat and dairy products, reflecting their nomadic past. Dishes like beshbarmak, made with boiled meat and pasta, and baursak, a type of fried dough, are commonly served.
The sharing of food is an essential expression of religion and culture in Kazakhstan. Hospitality is considered a sacred duty and a symbol of respect and admiration, so rest assured that you will be warmly welcomed by your host family and treated to an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.
Best time to visit an Eagle Hunter
Choosing the best time to visit an eagle hunter in Mongolia depends on the seasonal activities and events. Summer offers an ideal time to practice eagle hunting and go horseback riding with the eagle hunter, while autumn brings the cultural spectacle of the Golden Eagle Festival.
Winter, on the other hand, offers the excitement of the eagle hunting season, allowing you to witness the golden eagles in action after the first snowfall.
Summer: Great to practice eagle hunting and go horseback riding with the eagle hunter
Summer in the Altai Mountains provides a fantastic opportunity to practice eagle hunting and enjoy horseback riding with the eagle hunter. With temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, the landscape is lush and ideal for exploring the beautiful surroundings.
During the summer, eagles molt and do not fly, making it easier to train and work with them. Taking advantage of the warm weather, you can join the eagle hunter on horseback to explore the majestic landscape, learn about eagle training, and engage in thrilling outdoor activities.
Autumn with The Golden Eagle Festival: A Cultural Spectacle
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Mongolia, as it brings the cultural spectacle of the Golden Eagle Festival. Held on the first weekend of October, the festival showcases the unique relationship between the hunters and their eagles, along with traditional horsemanship and other fascinating aspects of the Kazakh culture.
During the festival, you can witness hunting skills competitions where the eagles showcase their amazing abilities. In the evenings, traditional Kazakh music and dance performances delight the attendees, providing a vibrant and unforgettable cultural experience.
Winter: Eagle Hunting Season after the first snowfall
Winter brings the excitement of the eagle hunting season, offering a unique opportunity to witness the golden eagles in action after the first snowfall. The snow-covered landscape transforms the Altai Mountains into a stunning winter wonderland, with the heavy snowfall providing better visibility and hunting conditions for both the eagles and the hunters.
During the winter hunting season, you can join the eagle hunter on thrilling expeditions, as they venture high into the mountains with their eagles to hunt for foxes and other animals. The cold temperatures and snowy conditions make for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
Summary
Visiting an eagle hunter in Mongolia is a truly unforgettable experience that takes you to the heart of nomadic traditions. From witnessing the ancient art of eagle hunting and exploring the vast landscape on horseback to immersing yourself in the daily life of a Kazakh family and participating in their cultural events, this journey offers a unique glimpse into the fascinating world of the Kazakh eagle hunters. Embrace this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and embark on a thrilling adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Eagle Hunters in Mongolia?
Get ready for an adventure - the eagle hunters of Mongolia can be found in the remote western corner of the country, Bayan-Ulgii province. There are approximately 400 Eagle hunters mostly located in the remote corners of the Altai mountains.
Why do Mongolians cover eagles eyes?
Mongolian hunters cover their eagle's eyes with a leather hood to prevent them from being startled and to keep the eagle calm when not hunting. This ensures the eagle is safe and ready for action when needed.
Where is the Golden Eagle Festival?
Experience the wonder of the Golden Eagle Festival, held in the Western part of Mongolia by local Kazakh minority to show off their eagle hunting culture and unique traditions!
How long do eagle hunters keep their eagles?
Eagle hunters keep their eagles for around 10 years, before releasing them back into the wild to start a new life.
What is the best time of year to visit an eagle hunter in Mongolia?
Experience the excitement of eagle hunting season after the first snowfall, or take part in the cultural spectacle of the Golden Eagle Festival - whichever you choose, the best time to visit an eagle hunter in Mongolia is here!