High above the windswept steppes and rugged peaks of the Tian Shan mountains, a massive golden eagle circles the sky. On horseback below stands a hunter, cloaked in fox fur, extending a heavy leather glove toward the horizon. With a sudden piercing cry, the eagle folds its wings and dives with breathtaking speed.
This is the ancient art of the Berkutchi—Kazakhstan’s legendary eagle hunters.
For thousands of years, nomadic tribes across Central Asia relied on trained golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) not merely as a sport, but as an essential means of survival through brutal steppe winters. Today, falconry in Kazakhstan is recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, and experiencing this living heritage firsthand is one of the most unforgettable adventures a traveler can have.
Whether you are planning a cultural tour near Almaty or venturing deep into the wild Altai mountains, here is everything you need to know about witnessing traditional eagle hunting in Kazakhstan.
What is Kusbegilik? Understanding the Eagle Hunter Tradition
In Kazakh culture, an eagle hunter is known as a Berkutchi (from berkut, meaning golden eagle), while the broader art of training birds of prey is called Kusbegilik.
Unlike Western falconry, which often uses smaller raptors like falcons or hawks, Kazakh hunters work predominantly with female golden eagles. Female eagles are chosen because they grow significantly larger and more formidable than males—often weighing up to 6–7 kilograms (13–15 pounds) with wingspans exceeding 2 meters (6.5 feet).
The Sacred Bond Between Hunter and Bird
Training a golden eagle is not an exercise in domination; it is a life-long partnership built on trust:
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Sourcing the eaglet: Traditionally, young fledglings are taken from cliff nests just before they learn to fly, or captured young so they already have natural hunting instincts.
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Intense bonding: For months, the hunter speaks, sings, and feeds the eagle by hand, sleeping in the same room until the bird recognizes the hunter’s voice and scent.
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Return to the wild: Respect for nature is paramount. By custom, after 10 to 12 years of faithful partnership, the eagle is released back into the wild to breed and live out its natural life free in the mountains.
Where Can Visitors Experience Eagle Hunting in Kazakhstan?
You do not need to embark on a multi-week wilderness expedition to see eagle hunting, although deep backcountry journeys are available for seasoned travelers. Depending on your schedule, here are the top places to witness the craft:
1. The Almaty Region (Best for Accessibility)
If your base is Kazakhstan’s cultural hub of Almaty, you have several accessible options within a short day-trip:
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Sunkar Falcon Center (Alma-Arasan Gorge): Located just 15 minutes south of Almaty, this licensed sanctuary and breeding center works to protect endangered raptors. They host educational flight demonstrations where you can see eagles, falcons, and owls up close while learning about wildlife conservation.
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The Huns Ethno-Village (Talgar District): Situated roughly an hour from Almaty, this living-history village offers immersive nomad cultural shows, horseback riding, traditional yurt lunches, and live eagle-handling presentations.
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Nura Village (Enbekshikazakh District): Known locally as a cradle of modern Berkutchi families. Visiting a local master hunter here allows you to see how birds are cared for, trained on lures, and integrated into family life.
2. East Kazakhstan and the Altai Mountains (Best for Raw Authenticity)
For those seeking an untamed, cinematic experience, the Altai region near the borders of Mongolia and Russia is unmatched:
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Master hunters here still head out into deep snow on horseback during the hunting season.
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Tours in this region are multi-day, community-led homestays where you travel alongside local nomadic families.
3. Cultural Festivals and the Salburyn
If your travel dates align with local festivals, you can witness competitive gatherings where dozens of hunters showcase their skills:
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Salburyn: The traditional collective autumn/winter hunt where hunters gather to test their birds against artificial lures and live game.
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Nauryz Celebrations (Late March): Spring equinox festivals across regional towns frequently feature horseback games, yurt camps, and falconry exhibitions.
Best Time of Year to Visit
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October to February (Official Hunting Season): This is the true working season for the Berkutchi. Crisp snow makes tracking game easier, and the eagles are at peak fitness. If you want to ride out into the snowy hills to watch real winter hunting demonstrations, pack warm thermal layers and visit during these months.
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May to September (Warm-Weather Touring): While live hunting does not take place in summer (as the birds molt and the weather is too hot for intense exertion), you can still visit eagle sanctuaries, watch training sessions, hold an eagle on a gloved arm, and take stunning photos against lush green alpine meadows.
What to Expect During an Eagle-Hunting Experience
A standard guided tour usually includes:
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The Introduction: Meeting the Berkutchi at his home or yurt, examining the handcrafted leather hoods (tomaga), wrist guards (bileklik), and leg jesses (ayaqbau).
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Handling the Bird: Under close supervision, you will wear the heavy leather gauntlet and feel the sheer weight, power, and grip of a golden eagle perched on your arm.
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The Flight Demonstration: The hunter will position himself downhill while an assistant releases the bird from a high ridge. Watching the eagle spot a fur lure from kilometers away and descend like an arrow is an adrenaline rush unlike any other.
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Traditional Hospitality: Experiences typically conclude inside a warm yurt with endless cups of Kazakh milk tea (shay), warm baursaki (fried dough cushions), and stories passed down through generations.
Ethical Travel Tips for Falconry Experiences
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Choose Licensed and Ethical Operators: Ensure your tour works directly with genuine Berkutchi families or recognized conservation sanctuaries like Sunkar. Avoid roadside tourist traps where birds are kept on short leashes solely for paid snapshots.
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Follow Safety Protocols: Golden eagles are powerful apex predators. Always listen to the hunter’s instructions, never make sudden frantic movements near the bird’s head, and never attempt to touch an eagle without permission.
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Tip Your Hosts: These birds consume considerable amounts of fresh meat daily, and equipment is handcrafted. Fair compensation and gratuities directly support the preservation of this heritage.
Planning Your Trip: Kazakhstan Visa Requirements Made Easy
Traveling to Central Asia has never been more straightforward. Kazakhstan now offers electronic visas (eVisa) and streamlined entry processes for international tourists, allowing travelers to arrange their documentation entirely online before departure.
Navigating foreign visa paperwork, requirements, and portal guidelines, however, can sometimes feel daunting. To ensure your itinerary goes off without a hitch, partnering with a trusted visa support specialist takes the stress out of your journey.
Why Choose Kazakhstan eVisa Services?
When planning an international adventure to the steppes, having professional visa assistance ensures your journey begins smoothly:
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Reliable Travel Visa Services: A proven, global approach that has assisted countless travelers worldwide in successfully obtaining their visas.
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Round-the-Clock Assistance: Rest easy knowing you can reach out for support 24/7, with dedicated experts ready to answer your inquiries within 72 hours.
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Experienced Visa Consultants: Get specialized guidance tailored to international travel regulations to maximize the accuracy and acceptance of your application.
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Efficient Visa Application Process: Skip the embassy lines. You can complete and submit your application in just minutes through an intuitive, simplified digital form.
Ready to start planning your steppe expedition? Apply for your Kazakhstan Visa online in minutes and prepare for the journey of a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can tourists hold a golden eagle in Kazakhstan?
Yes. During guided visits with licensed hunters or at cultural centers, visitors are provided with a thick leather gauntlet (sarsha) and assisted in holding the bird for photos and flight demonstrations.
Is eagle hunting dangerous for spectators?
When arranged through experienced handlers, it is very safe. The eagles are thoroughly familiar with humans and accustomed to their trainers. Visitors are given clear safety briefings and kept at an appropriate viewing distance during flight runs.
How much does an eagle hunting tour cost?
Day tours departing from Almaty (including transport, an English-speaking guide, demonstration, and traditional lunch) typically range between $80 and $180 USD per person depending on group size. Multi-day private expeditions into remote regions like East Kazakhstan will vary based on duration and logistics.
What should I wear for a winter eagle demonstration?
Dress in windproof, heavy winter gear: thermal base layers, insulated boots, fleece-lined trousers, a warm winter parka, gloves, and a wind-resistant beanie or fur hat. The steppe winds can be biting even on clear, sunny days.