Eagle hunting in Mongolia: Tradition meets adventure in Altai!

Eagle hunting in Mongolia: Tradition meets adventure in Altai!

Mongolia, a country of extremes, fascinates with its vast deserts, mighty mountains and endless steppes. The originality of this country has largely been preserved. Eagle hunters live in this impressive landscape, hunting in close symbiosis with their majestic birds of prey. The director is Christopher Gerisch, who captures the beauty and traditions of the country in his images ARD media library reported.

The tradition of eagle hunting, which is practiced particularly by the Kazakh population in western Mongolia, is particularly well known. This centuries-old art form, also known as Berkutchi, is up to 4,000 years old and deeply rooted in the nomadic cultures of Central Asia. The eagle hunters use golden eagles to hunt small animals such as rabbits and foxes. This special relationship between hunter and eagle is based on respect and a deep understanding of nature The Green Voyage supplemented.

Tradition and respect

The tradition of eagle hunting arose from the need to search for food and fur in harsh landscapes. However, this practice was not without challenges in the 20th century, particularly due to Soviet influence. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, eagle hunting experienced a revival and is now celebrated not only as a necessary way of life, but also as a sport and cultural heritage.

A highlight is the annual Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ölgii, which showcases the skills of eagle hunters. Visitors have the opportunity to take part in traditional Kazakh games and enjoy cultural exhibitions. These experiences offer a deep insight into the way of life of the eagle hunting families and their traditions.

Nature and adventure

The Altai Mountains, a key area for eagle hunting, invite adventurers to explore. Staying with an eagle hunting family allows travelers to experience the nomadic lifestyle in winter. During these visits, photographs should be taken respectfully and with the family's permission. A local tour guide can offer valuable support.

Conservation efforts are also of great importance to ensure the preservation of both the golden eagle and the tradition of eagle hunting. The best times to hunt eagles are in September and October, when the Golden Eagle Festival takes place. Travelers typically fly to Ulaanbaatar before continuing on to Ölgii to reach the authentic hunting grounds.