Eagle Hunters of Kazakhstan: A Living Nomadic Tradition
Few images capture the Central Asian steppe like a horseman with a golden eagle on his arm. Hunting with eagles is one of the oldest and most dramatic traditions of the Kazakh nomads — a bond between human, horse and bird that goes back many centuries and still survives today.
What is eagle hunting?
Known as berkutchi (from berkut, the golden eagle), the tradition involves training a large bird of prey to hunt foxes, hares and even wolves across the open winter landscape. It's not a sport of convenience — it takes years to build the trust and skill between hunter and eagle, and the knowledge passes down through generations of a family.
The bond between hunter and bird
Traditionally the birds are taken young, trained with great patience, and then released back to the wild after some years so they can breed — a mark of respect built into the practice. A good eagle is treated as a member of the family, hooded and carried on a padded glove, and the relationship is one of partnership rather than mere ownership. UNESCO recognises falconry, including this eagle tradition, as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage.
Where the tradition lives
The strongest living tradition is among Kazakh communities of the Altai region, including the famous eagle hunters of western Mongolia, but the art is honoured across Kazakhstan as a national symbol of the nomadic past. You'll see the golden eagle everywhere in Kazakh iconography — it even soars on the national flag.
Seeing it as a visitor
You don't have to travel to the Altai to encounter this world:
- Festivals. Traditional games and nomad festivals — especially around Nauryz in spring and various autumn events — often feature eagle-hunting and horseback displays. (See our Kazakh culture guide.)
- Birds of prey near Almaty. There are falconry and raptor centres in the gorges near the city where you can see golden eagles, falcons and vultures up close and watch flight demonstrations — a reliable way to meet these birds year-round.
Respecting the tradition
If you attend a demonstration, treat it as the serious cultural heritage it is, not just a photo op. The best experiences are those that care for the birds and share the real knowledge behind the practice.
Do it with us
We can help you fold a birds-of-prey or cultural experience into your Almaty trip, alongside the mountains and canyons. Our tours are private, English-guided and priced per vehicle. Browse the tours or message us on WhatsApp — we usually reply within about 15 minutes.
Quick questions
Do Kazakhs still hunt with eagles? Yes — the berkutchi tradition survives, strongest among Kazakh communities of the Altai, and is honoured across Kazakhstan as a national symbol.
What eagle do they use? The golden eagle (berkut), a powerful bird trained to hunt foxes and hares across the winter steppe.
Where can I see eagle hunting near Almaty? At nomad festivals (especially around Nauryz) and at falconry and birds-of-prey centres in the gorges near the city.
Is eagle hunting cruel? Done traditionally, birds are trained with great care and often released back to the wild to breed — it's a respected heritage recognised by UNESCO.