16 February, Oct 10, 11 2010 Sagsai village, Bayan-Ulgii province. In western Mongolia, deep within the Altai mountain range, an ancient tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles is still alive.
The Kazakhs of Mongolia train their eagles to hunt for rabbits and foxes. Once a year, hunters from all over Bayan-Ulgii province gather to celebrate this traditional skill and compete against each other challenges that show off the abilities of both birds and their trainers. The festival highlights local culture through performances, handcrafts, concerts, horse and camel games and eagle hunting. Eagle hunting is practiced by approximately 450 Kazakhs in Mongolia. The festival highlights this culture legacy in a series of competitions designed to showcase the practice and provide a venue for eagle hunters to meet each other. It is a fantastic opportunity for photographers and adventurers alike to see these magnificent birds up close, as well as Kazakh culture.
