Kazakh culture
It’s not only the landscape of western Mongolia that distinguishes it from the rest of the country. Ninety percent of the population here are ethnic Kazakhs. In centuries past, when the first Kazakh nomads migrated to the eastern side of the Altai Mountains to graze their sheep on summer pastures, they didn't realise their descendants would populate the Bayan-Ölgii province of western Mongolia. After the Mongolian Revolution in 1921, a permanent border was set up and an enclave of Kazakh culture remained.Kazakh is spoken here and the ancient Kazakh tradition of eagle hunting is revered. For over 2000 years, central Asian nomads have caught and trained eagles to catch prey. The golden eagle is a magnificent bird – a regal and powerful ruler of the skies. Hunters catch young birds, preferring the bigger, stronger females. After five to ten years, the eagles are released back into the wild to live free once again.
Whether Mongolian or Kazakh, hospitality prevails in this part of the world. Nomads will often invite you into their gers, which are basically large round tent-like structures made from felt and canvas. Kazakh-style gers are typically larger than Mongolian gers, and furnished with richly decorated carpets and wall hangings. Expect offerings of yak tea, fried bread, sour cheese and fermented mare’s milk. You'll then wash it all down with home-made vodka, a potent but surprisingly smooth brew.
