Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival takes place every September/October in the far west of the country in the Altai Mountains on Mongolia – This festival showcases an incredible spectacle of skill, culture and a powerful relationship between man and eagle.
With so many animal based experiences now falling under scrutiny for ‘animal cruelty’, company’s like ourselves, must take a stance that culture is never an excuse for animal cruelty. It is important for travellers to really understand the difference between true tradition and what animal cruelty is.
Many people do not realise that there is more than one Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia. There is the large main festival which is set up for tourism. This version of the festival was in fact started in recent times purely as a money grab and with the wrong intentions set as the framework around it. Despite this approach, there is still no cruelty to animals involved.
However, the original festival was not set up for tourism. The Owner and Director of our Mongolian local office chats to us about this.
“When the first snowfall arrives in September, the hunters gather together for the hunting season. After successful hunting, they have a smaller festival to celebrate their successes. There weren’t many reasons for the hunters to gather in the olden days, so, this was one of the celebrations for them. It has been the same process over many centuries.”
Hunting is not for fun – it is a way of life. The practice of eagle hunting, also known as falconry, is a traditional form of hunting which originated amongst the nomadic people on the Steppes of Mongolia thousands of years ago. In Mongolia, there are about 400 remaining ethnic Kazakh eagle hunters, where an estimated 70,000 people have little or no access to schooling, medical care, electricity, water and sanitation, roads, and other public services.
This partly forested region of the Altai mountains is recognised nationally as a critical natural habitat area and recognised by UNESCO, as a World Heritage site making it an area of prime importance globally for both cultural and environmental conservation.
Here, Kazakh eagle hunters use hunting birds, namely, Golden Eagles, to catch foxes like the corsac fox as well as other creatures of prey, and turn the pelts into hats or other pieces of clothing. In the past, fox furs and other pelts were used for insulation and warmth or traded for food and other goods.
The practice of eagle hunting still exists today and retains many of its original customs and traditions in the remote areas of western Mongolia. After ten seasons, the hunter then lets the eagle free with the notion of ensuring sustainable breeding patterns and repeats the practice with another bird. These field skills and knowledge have been passed down from generation to generation, often from father to son through mentoring and apprenticeship, which builds a sense of alliance and continuity. Over time, eagle hunting has become uniquely affiliated with the history and cultural identity of the Kazakh people and community in Bayan Ulgii.
In 2010, UNESCO inscribed Falconry to its Representative List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The nomination of falconry is a multi-national submission that was supported by the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO as well as the Association for Eagle Hunters of Mongolia, which commended eagle hunting as an ancient cultural practice of the Kazakh people that has been transmitted over generations. The most important criteria for inscription on the list is a planned program for protecting falconry in the future as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. According to UNESCO, the document should address: 1) the falconer and his needs, including medical provision for the raptor; 2) the bird of prey and her needs, including rehabilitation for injured raptors, treatment of raptors in conformation with animal welfare rules, and veterinary treatment of raptors; 3) the prey species and their needs, including legal access to huntable species traditional to falconry, ensuring all welfare issues are met, and ensuring respect for and sporting treatment of the prey while alive; and, 4) the hunting area and its needs.
The festivals themselves, provide the hunting family’s with a minimal source of income and thus the financial incentive to continue to practice and promote eagle hunting among future generations as a cultural tradition dating back thousands of years. Safeguarding eagle hunting through tourism provides a revenue boost for the local government.
Experts rate falconry as a low-impact, low-stress, welfare-friendly, and sustainable fieldsport that offers a long list of benefits and advantages, including a re-connection with the natural world and no wounded prey (in the wild, eagles apparently catch their prey properly and kill it quickly or it will escape unhurt). It is also promoted as a form of wildlife management that is relevant to society and makes important contributions to natural resource conservation and science.
For those planning to experience the Golden Eagle Festival, travellers will clearly witness that hunters are not cruel to their eagles. They show their love very clearly to their eagles.
For those wanting to experience a different side of falconry, we can also organise travel to the re-release of eagles who have come to the end of their trained hunting prime. A truly special ceremony that really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness. The emotion from the hunters is unexpected and further solidifies the importance of the man-eagle relationship and connection that has formed over many years.
Read more about Falconry on the UNESCO website.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Back to Our Blog
