Eagle Hunting in Kyrgyzstan: An Ancient Tradition Passed Down Through Generations

If you’re planning on visiting Kyrgyzstan, you’ve come to the right place.

No trip to Kyrgyzstan is complete without seeing the unique eagle hunters, one of the country’s most fascinating traditions that has withstood the test of time.

For those interested in witnessing this remarkable blend of skill, loyalty, and tradition, eagle hunting offers an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning your trip and looking for things to do and places to visit in Kyrgyzstan, eagle hunting should definitely be on the top of your list, offering a unique glimpse into the relationship between humans and nature that defines much of Kyrgyz culture.

In this blog, I am doing my best to give you an introduction to this ancient practice that is still alive in parts of the country by sharing my experience of witnessing an eagle hunting demonstration and by sharing where and when is best to see it.

Table of Contents

The History of Eagle Hunting in Kyrgyzstan

Eagle hunting, known locally as berkutchi, has been practiced by nomadic tribes in Central Asia for thousands of years. Historically, eagle hunting provided a reliable means of securing food in Kyrgyzstan’s vast steppes and mountainous terrain, as well as providing fur and sometimes income. The golden eagle, or berkut, was revered for its strength, loyalty, and hunting prowess. Passed down through generations, this tradition was once a vital survival skill and is now celebrated as an important part of Kyrgyz heritage.

The berkutchi train their eagles to hunt animals such as foxes and rabbits, and their skills are often passed down from father to son. In recent years, eagle hunting has gained attention as a cultural treasure, with travelers drawn to its symbolism and history.

The ancient tradition of eagle hunting is also practiced in parts of Mongolia and Kazakhstan, but each culture has its approach and ceremonies.

Where Is the Best Place to See Eagle Hunting Demonstrations in Kyrgyzstan?

The town of Bokonbayevo on the south shores of the Issyk-Kul Lake is known as the best place to see eagle hunting demonstrations in Kyrgyzstan. As one of the top things to do in Bokonbayevo, eagle hunting demonstrations can be easily arranged in the village through local tour companies, and guest houses.

Bokonbayevo is also home to other beautiful and unique attractions, including Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon), where you can witness fascinating rock formations and breathtaking landscapes.

Eagle Hunting Season in Kyrgyzstan: The Best Time to See It

The best time to witness eagle hunting in Kyrgyzstan is typically during the colder months, from late autumn to early spring (October to February). During this time, hunters venture into the mountains with their eagles to track prey in snow-covered landscapes, making it an ideal season to observe the tradition in its most authentic form.

However, eagle hunting demonstrations in Kyrgyzstan are available for tourists throughout the year. During the rest of the year, from March till the end of September, you can still see the eagles and go for a demonstration, but this is not a period during which they fly to kill.

How Are the Golden Eagles Being Trained?

Becoming a golden eagle hunter is no easy and simple task. The process of becoming one involves years of learning, training, dedication, and trust-building between the hunter and the eagle.

Young hunters, often from families with a lineage of eagle hunters, are taught from a young age about the art and patience involved in training an eagle. The relationship between the hunter and eagle is profound, and it can take years to develop trust. Eagle hunters often raise their eagles from chicks and spend an average of 20 years together. During those 20 years, hunters and eagles spend together EVERY SINGLE DAY! Through daily training and care, a powerful bond forms between the human and the bird.

After spending 20 years or so together, the hunters release the eagles in the wild to live the rest of their lives (20-25 more years) freely and breed—a testament to the respect berkutchi have for nature and for the eagles.

Seeing Eagle Hunters in Kyrgyzstan: Festivals and More

There are several ways to see eagle hunting in Kyrgyzstan beyond a standalone demonstration. The Salbuurun Festival, held annually near Bokonbayevo, is one of the most popular events celebrating traditional Kyrgyz sports and hunting skills, including eagle hunting. This festival is a vibrant gathering where you can watch berkutchi compete in different eagle hunting events, as well as experience other cultural displays such as horseback archery and traditional music.

Another popular event is the Birds of Prey Festival, also held annually and attracting eagle hunters and bird enthusiasts from around the world. At this festival, you’ll find a rich showcase of different birds of prey, including golden eagles, falcons, and hawks. In addition to eagle hunting displays, you’ll also witness falconry and hawk demonstrations, highlighting the various hunting methods unique to each bird.

Both festivals are typically held in August.

What to Expect from an Eagle Hunting Demonstration Tour

An eagle hunting demonstration tour in Kyrgyzstan is a unique chance to witness berkutchi showcase the skills of their trained eagles up close. These demonstrations usually take place in natural settings, where hunters set their eagles to hunt for prey, showcasing the bird’s agility, vision, and precision.

From such a tour, you can expect a guided introduction to the tradition, background on the bird’s training, and insights into the life of a berkutchi.

As mentioned earlier, the village of Bokonbayevo, located on the southern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, is the best place to witness an eagle hunting demonstration. Being the main highlight and attraction of the village, there is a variety of tours to choose from.

TIP: Avoid online bookings, as they tend to be overpriced.

There are tour posters around the village with information and contacts for booking a tour. You can also arrange your eagle hunting demonstration tour with the assistance of your guesthouse or yurt camp hosts, or directly through the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) office in Bokonbayevo.

Traveling around Kyrgyzstan is relatively easy with various transportation options, but getting around Bokonbayevo specifically is far more limited. If you don’t have your own car to reach the eagle hunting demonstration site, you can either hire a taxi or confirm that transportation is included in your tour package.

On our tour, arranged through CBT Bokonbayevo, everything was organized from start to finish, including transportation to the location and back to the village.

The demonstration lasts around an hour to an hour and a half and begins with the hunter introducing the bird and providing insight into the history of eagle hunting, the bird’s training process, and his own unique relationship with the eagle. After the introduction, comes the most exciting part of the experience: witnessing the hunt. The hunter releases the eagle from a nearby hill, where it soars and scans the ground for its prey, typically a fur decoy to simulate a real hunt.

While most demonstrations involve a fur decoy, some tours offer the option to pay extra for a live hunt. This is an option we chose to skip, as it wasn’t something we felt comfortable with. Nor witnessing, nor sponsoring the killing of a living animal.

After the demonstration, you get the opportunity to engage in other traditional Kyrgyz activities, such as archery, a complementary skill to eagle hunting that remains an important cultural practice. You may also have the chance to meet the taigan, Kyrgyzstan’s revered hunting dog, known for its agility and loyalty. Some tours allow you to ride horseback and even dress in traditional Kyrgyz attire.

Another highlight of an eagle hunting demonstration tour is the chance to hold the eagle. It’s an odd feeling being so close to the animal, feeling its entire weight resting on your arm ( I couldn’t hold it for long as it was heavy).

Final Thoughts…

If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, eagle hunting in Kyrgyzstan offers a deep dive into the cultural soul of this Central Asian country. It’s not just a spectacle; it’s an experience rooted in centuries-old customs and the powerful partnership between humans and nature.

For me, it was a highlight of our trip to Kyrgyzstan and I would love to visit any of the festivals and learn even more about this fascinating ancient tradition the next time I go back to Kyrgyzstan.