Western Mongolia

Western Mongolia. This zone covers the three western provinces of Mongolia-Uvs, Bayan-Olgii, Hovd. The impressive Altai Mountain Range and great lakes depression make this region one of the most attractive place of the country. The diversity of ethnic groups residing in these regions is the great opportunity for cultural discoveries. Popular ones are Kazakh ethnic groups, who are residing in Bayan-Olgii province. The Kazakhs have a rich culture, close extended families, and many traditions that are still practiced today that are centuries old.

Eagle Hunting Festivals

One of the oldest, most revered and amazing holiday for Kazakh people, passed down from generation to generation, is hunting with trained eagles. It exhibits the real boast of the Kazakhs. In most cases, the hunters prefer to raise female eagles, which weigh up to one-third more than males, and have proven themselves as faithful and committed hunters. Eagles are trained from a young age for hunt and when hunters are 7 years old Kazaks release them into the wild life.

They annually hold an exceptional feast called the Eagle Hunting Festival in the extreme area of the majestic Altai Mountains, among the river glaciers and picturesque landscape in Bayan-Ulgii province.