Bayan-Ulgii
Province is located at the westernmost tip of Mongolia, bordering
China-Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the south and Russia-Altai
Republic to the north. The west is close to Kazakhstan. The area of Bayan-Ulgii Province is
457,000 square kilometers. The altitude of the prefecture is 1301-4374m,
which varies considerably depending on the location. 95.3% of the prefecture
has an altitude of 1600m or higher, and it is located at a very high place
overall. You can see mountains covered with icecaps and glaciers here and
there so that the entire prefecture is in the Altai Mountains.
The average annual rainfall in Bayan Rugi Province is very low at 102.6
mm and it is very dry. However, Bayan-Ulgii Province is in a mysterious
environment where the air is dry and it has a lot of water resources. This
is closely related to the environment in the mountains of the Altai Mountains.
The average annual rainfall in the mountains of the Altai Mountains is
400-500 mm, which is much higher than the rainfall in the prefecture. Also,
in the mountains of the Altai Mountains, various conditions such as dry
and hard land, very few trees in the mountains, and many rocky mountains
cause the rain and thaw water to flow out immediately. The water that flows
out in this way creates rivers in various places and lakes in the lower
places. In the land of Bayan-Ulgii, you can see very clear and beautiful
rivers and lakes.
Kazakh traditional golden eagle hunting culture preserved in the Altai Mountains
The Kazakh people who live in Bayan-Ulgii, the westernmost province of Mongolia, are famous for hunting with golden eagles. Hunting is usually done only in the midwinter when the mountains are white with snow. Hunters who train raptors and prey are collectively called "falconers" in Japan. Since ancient times in Japan, falconry by mountain hawk-eagles has been a samurai's favorite. It is still popular in Arab as an aristocratic sport using falcons. However, there are only a few falconer cultures left in real life in the world. The Kazakh people who live in the Altai Mountains are the successors of that culture. Among them, Bayan-Ulgii, Mongolia, has by far the most talented falconers. We have endured the suppression of traditional culture by socialism and the economic difficulties caused by the market economy, and continue to protect the golden eagle falconer culture, which is the pride of the people. Veteran falconers of Sagusaism dressed in traditional falconer costumes. Always appear at important events. Sagsaisom is about 30km from Ulgii, the prefectural capital. With comfortable accommodation, it is the easiest village to experience Kazakh culture.
An attempt to live together while protecting rare animals
The golden eagle is one of the most valuable birds of prey in the world
listed as an endangered and rare animal under the Washington Convention.
Golden eagles raised by falconers are nationally licensed and registered.
The number of wild animals such as rabbits that feed on them has decreased
dramatically, making it difficult to raise golden eagles. Therefore, in
2002, falconers united to establish the "Mongolian Golden Eagle Association"
for the purpose of ecological research and conservation activities for
golden eagles, and protection and promotion of traditional folk culture.
Every year, we work with ornithologists from the Mongolian National Academy
of Sciences to measure golden eagles, hunt and survey their habitat. An individual measurement of a golden eagle is being carried out with a
falconer. After the measurement, put on the numbered ankle and give the
registration certificate. The golden eagle has a lifespan of about 20 years.
It is captured around 1 year old and returns to nature when it is about
9 years old, which has fertility and can live independently.
Kazakh costume
Kazakh folk costumes are common to both men and women and are decorated
with many traditional Kazakh patterns. We don't usually see people wearing
folk costumes, but we can see many people wearing them at special occasions
such as festivals. Most of the patterns of folk costumes are pasted, but
it is said that they were carefully embroidered one by one in the past.
Bayan-Ulgii Package Tours
The Kazakh people living in the prefecture · Bayan ulgii, the westernmost
district of Mongolia, are famous for hunting with eagles. Usually
hunting is done only during the winter season
Head to Bayan Ulgii, the westernmost point of Mongolia at the foot of the
Altai Mountains. The Kazakh people living in Bayan Ulgii, the westernmost
province of Mongolia
After visiting Kharkhorin ruins , head to westernmost prefecture of Mongolia
for Golden Eagle Festival, which helds every year
The Altai Tawan Bogd National Park
covers an area of approximately 630,000 m² and is the largest national
park in Mongolia. The five highest peaks of the year-end snow
