Falconer in Mongolia Travel Postcard

Mongolia, with its vast, windswept steppes and rugged mountain ranges, is a land where ancient traditions remain deeply woven into daily life. Among these traditions, the art of falconry—and more specifically, eagle hunting—holds a special place, particularly among the Kazakh communities in western Mongolia. For centuries, these nomadic herders have trained golden eagles to hunt for foxes and hares, a practice born of both necessity and cultural pride. This partnership between human and bird reflects the deep connection Mongolians have with their natural environment and their ability to thrive in some of the world’s harshest landscapes. The tradition of eagle hunting is most vibrantly celebrated in Mongolia’s Bayan-Ölgii Province, where the annual Golden Eagle Festival draws hunters from across the region. Clad in heavy furs and traditional attire, these falconers—known as berkutchi—demonstrate their skill and bond with their majestic birds, which can weigh up to 15 pounds and have wingspans exceeding six feet. The relationship between eagle and hunter is built on trust, patience, and respect, with many hunters raising their eagles from a young age. Today, eagle hunting endures as both a living tradition and a symbol of the cultural heritage of Mongolia’s Kazakh minority, attracting travelers eager to witness this remarkable fusion of skill, history, and natural harmony.