The Eagle Hunter Cultural Center

Cultural association · Olgii ·

The Eagle Hunter Cultural Center

Cultural association · Olgii ·

Learn about Kazakh eagle hunters' culture, tools, and conservation

Information

Musahan Street 115 Har sai Kh, Ölgii, Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia Get directions

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

Mongolia's Shifting Tourism Industry—And What It Means for the Country's Nomads | Condé Nast Traveler

"Opened the year prior as a permanent, year-round ger-shaped hub in Bayan-Ölgii, this center intentionally overlaps traditional heritage, wildlife conservation, and tourism. Outside the rounded yurt, Turginbek Ajken—who took up traditional eagle hunting in retirement—stroked the brown feathers of his golden eagle, Tirnek, and told me how he learned from his father and why keeping the old tradition gives him pride, with the golden Altai Mountains rising behind us. Inside, next to a case of hand-hewn biyalai deerskin gloves, director Atai Ayatkhan outlined the center’s mission: to “keep the balance,” train and educate future eagle hunters, build research and data on Mongolia’s eagle populations, welcome young wildlife researchers, and share this sport with locals and foreigners alike. Beyond the fall’s Golden Eagle Festival, travelers can participate in eagle-hunting workshops, learn Mongolian horsemanship, shop regional arts and textiles, and arrange overnight homestays; the center also serves as a community gathering place and the headquarters of the Kazakh Falconry Association, which is creating a modern database of registered, licensed eagle hunters to support both traditional falconry and healthy wild eagle populations." - Samantha Falewée

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/mongolia-tourism-is-growing-what-does-that-mean-for-nomads

The Eagle Hunter Cultural Center

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

Bright Ideas in Travel 2025 | Condé Nast Traveler

"Opened in October 2024 in Mongolia’s Bayan-Ölgii province, this large ger (yurt) serves as a hub for preserving Kazakh falconry traditions, with artifacts on display and tours and presentations that have already welcomed more than 1,150 visitors. Administered by the Kazakh Falconry Association, the Center keeps admission free for locals and school groups through ticket sales that support operations and community initiatives, while helping catalyze related tourism such as homestays, falconry lessons, and horseback riding." - CNT Editors

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/bright-ideas-in-travel-2025

The Eagle Hunter Cultural Center

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

I Plan Trips to Mongolia for a Living—and This Is the Cultural Event That’s a Can't-miss Experience

"I visited the Golden Eagle Hunter Cultural Center, which is dedicated to preserving the ancient Kazakh tradition of eagle hunting beyond the festival and provides visitors with an authentic cultural immersion in Mongolia’s western Altai region." - Undraa Buyannemekh

https://www.travelandleisure.com/mongolia-golden-eagle-festival-11788944

The Eagle Hunter Cultural Center

Zee T.

Google

My partner and I stopped by The Eagle Hunter Cultural Center today to see what we could learn about the Kazakh eagle hunters of the Bayan-Olgii province of Mongolia. The center manager was there to welcome us, even though we didn’t call ahead (I recommend letting them know you’re coming so they can prepare), and she gave us an informative tour (in English) through the center. She told us of the tools they use, how they hunt, the history, notable hunters/huntresses, how they are working on sustainability, and so much more. There’s a stuffed eagle you can touch, clothes to try on, and you can touch specific tools that are with the displays. This is definitely a place I’d recommend visiting while in Olgii! Entry is $5 or 20,000 tugrik. Also, please consider buying a souvenir to help the locals who struggle with the harsh conditions of life in the Altai. (And bring exact change.)

Michael R.

Google

I was exceptionally fortunate to arrive in western Mongolia on the opening day of the Eagle Hunter Cultural Center and see many of the eagle hunters along with their eagles arrive for the opening ceremonies of this wonderful center. What a treat and what a great spot and a must see if you are visiting this part of Mongolia ( which is a must along with going to see the Eagle festival) The center is tasked with the care, understanding and preservation of the eagle hunter’s way of life and culturally very important to this region and to the history of the Mongols. I can’t stress how interesting and worthwhile this place

Davis F.

Google

We had an absolutely wonderful time at the grand opening of the Eagle Hunter Cultural Center last November. Olivia and Chris were wonderful hosts as were all the Eagle Hunters we met. It’s a rich, unusually fascinating history which the Center captures and respects so beautifully. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit along with a day or two at the Eagle Festival. A bona fide adventure to be sure!

Kaitlyn C.

Google

We had a wonderful visit to the eagle hunter cultural centre, which is located at the edge of the city close to the airport. The centre manager thoroughly explained all of the displays and we got to meet an eagle hunter and his eagle! Definitely the highlight of our time in Olgii! Highly recommend making the time to visit.

Will C.

Google

We had a really great experience at the Eagle Hunter center, Nazira was a really great guide and we learned a lot about the culture and way of life of the eagle hunters. We found the mission of the center to be very inspiring, to spread the knowledge of the eagle hunters to the next generation. This is definitely worth visiting if you're in Olgii and interested in Qazaq culture.

Undraa B.

Google

If you're in Ulgii or planning to visit this beautiful remote region of Mongolia, the Eagle Hunters Cultural Center is an absolute must-see! The center offers invaluable insights into the ancient art of falconry, showcasing its rich history and evolution. It’s a wonderful place to learn about the eagle hunters who continue to practice this tradition today, ensuring that this important cultural heritage is passed down to future generations. I highly recommend a visit! Plus, all ticket revenue goes directly to supporting the center’s operations, making your visit even more impactful.

jackpjk k

Google

The Eagle Hunter Cultural Center was everything I hoped it would be. Before visiting in late 2024, I had a rough idea of western Mongolia and the eagle hunter culture, but it was the Cultural Center that finally tied it all together for me. Upon entering we were greeted by the incredibly friendly and knowledgeable team, and awed by the purposeful layout and great design with tons of information and beautiful imagery. It was the perfect launching point for our ensuing adventure into the surrounding wilderness, and gave us a great respect and understanding of the eagle hunters and their culture!

Catherine K.

Google

I visited the Eagle Hunter Cultural Center with my family in October and it was a wonderful experience! Not only was the space beautifully constructed to represent the nomadic lifestyles and culture of Mongolia but the people who run the center were very knowledgeable and excited to share all that they know with us about the Eagle Hunter traditions. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn about such an interesting culture. I would love to return back one day!