A Bond Rooted in Tradition and Vision
Meet Dalaikhan, a Kazakh herder and eagle hunter from Altai Soum in Bayan-Ulgii province, located in the western part of Mongolia. For over a decade, Dalaikhan has warmly welcomed our guests to experience the traditional art of Kazakh eagle falconry, a cultural practice that was nearly lost two decades ago. Thanks to the revival of the Golden Eagle Festival, this tradition is now thriving once again.
Dalaikhan is a father of five and a grandfather of nine, and his efforts have been pivotal in making the Golden Eagle Festival a cornerstone of the region’s tourism. The festival, which started as a grassroots initiative, showcases the skills of local eagle hunters in an authentic, community-driven event.
Badral Yondon, our president, has known Dalaikhan for nearly three decades and worked alongside him on making the festival come to life. He reflects on their long-standing relationship:
This is Dalaikhan. A Kazakh herder, owner of fast horses, eagle hunter, founder of Altai Eagle Festival. A proud father of five kids and nine grandchildren. Anyone who organized trips in Bayan Olgii in the 90s or was involved with organization of the Golden Eagle Festival knows him. I heard of him as an excellent horse guide while I interned with the national tourism organization in 1992. But met personally only in 1998. It has been almost 3 decades since then, yet he remains the very same person: reliable, hard working and funny – with exact same smile revealing his “signature tooth”.
Since 2017, Dalaikhan has organized the local eagle festival in Altai Sum, bringing together local eagle hunters to showcase their skills and passion. Unlike the larger Golden Eagle Festival in Ulgii, this festival is entirely run by the eagle hunters themselves, without the involvement of external businesses or NGOs seeking profit. This grassroots approach ensures the event remains focused on cultural preservation rather than commercialization.
In addition to promoting the Kazakh community, Dalaikhan has expanded the festival to include the Uriankhai community, one of Mongolia’s smallest but most culturally rich ethnic groups. The Uriankhai, known for their extraordinary archery skills and epic poetry, now have the opportunity to showcase their traditions, creating mutual benefits for both communities.
Respected in his community and the tourism industry, he always inspire with his warmth, expertise, and passion for preserving cultural traditions. We are always eager to support local people like Dalaikhan who influences and leads the community with his passion and dedication for preserving the natural and cultural heritage.
Join us on the festival grounds to meet Mr.Dalaikhan and the skilled eagle hunters!
Supporting the Underrepresented Uriankhai Community
The Uriankhai are a minority ethnic group in Mongolia, making up only 1% of the population. Despite their small numbers, their rich traditions, including heroic poetry (notably The Praise of the Altai) and remarkable archery, have played a significant role in Mongolia’s heritage. However, like many smaller cultures, the Uriankhai face challenges in preserving their language and traditions, especially with the growing dominance of the Khalkha language and modern influences.
We are committed to supporting the Uriankhai community by incorporating their stories, poetry, songs, and archery into our tours. This approach not only offers travelers an authentic cultural experience but also creates fair opportunities for local employment. By collaborating with the Uriankhai, we help ensure that their traditions are passed down to future generations, allowing visitors to connect with this extraordinary culture while supporting its preservation.
Conservation and Community Engagement at The Flaming Cliffs
One of the most iconic tourist destinations in Mongolia, the Flaming Cliffs in Umnugobi Province, is a significant paleontological site. Our President, Badral Yondon, and CEO, Gereltuv Dashdoorov, have been instrumental in developing a management plan for the Flaming Cliffs Development Center. This plan includes the creation of walkways for visitors and the establishment of a Visitor Center to preserve this unique site while benefiting the local community.
The Flaming Cliffs Visitor Center is a non-profit initiative funded by tourism fees, with the income directly supporting community development efforts. It is the first of its kind in Mongolia and demonstrates how tourism revenue can be used to preserve natural heritage while fostering economic growth.
Through a partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the local community operates the Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) Local National Park’s Environmental and Tourist Information Center. Entrance fees, generated by nearly 34,000 visitors this year, help fund operational expenses and support community projects. This approach empowers the local community, creates jobs, and ensures the long-term sustainability of the site.
The Visitor Center provides valuable information to visitors about the region’s unique wildlife, flora, history, and paleontological discoveries. It also offers a documentary about Roy Chapman Andrews’ Central Asia Expedition in the 1920s, which adds historical depth to the experience.
Additionally, the community has implemented strict regulations to prevent illegal excavations and vehicle damage, significantly reducing environmental harm and ensuring the protection of this natural treasure.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism through Ulaanbaatar Tourism Association
Founded by Mongolia Quest, the Ulaanbaatar Tourism Association (UBTA) is committed to fostering sustainable tourism practices in Mongolia. By empowering local communities on preserving cultural and natural heritage,while advocating for eco-tourism, UBTA aims to ensure that tourism serves as a catalyst for both conservation efforts and economic development. Key initiatives include:
- Eco-tourism training programs;
- The development of comprehensive tourism master plans;
- Cultural heritage management strategies;
- Local community empowerment and capacity building activities;
- and the installation of enhanced signage and trails building in protected areas.
These efforts aim to position Mongolia as a front-runner in global sustainable and culturally enriched tourism.
One of UBTA’s standout projects is the annual Ulaanbaatar Travel Expo, organized in collaboration with the Ulaanbaatar City Tourism Department. This flagship event gathers domestic and international stakeholders, including representatives from all 21 provincial Environment and Tourism Departments. The expo serves as a platform for exchanging best practices, promoting eco-friendly travel, and showcasing travel services from local and international organizations—ultimately strengthening Mongolia’s tourism industry.
Research and Policy Development for Sustainable Tourism
UBTA also conducts extensive research to address tourism-related challenges and guide policy development. Their studies on domestic tourism flows, waste management in Bayan-Ölgii, and CO2 emissions in protected areas reflect their commitment to balancing tourism development with environmental responsibility. By using data-driven insights, UBTA advocates for policies that benefit both local communities and the environment.
Looking Ahead: Continued Support for Local Communities
Local communities are vital to the nation’s framework, as they possess invaluable knowledge and serve as stewards of cultural heritage. This heritage offers significant opportunities for economic growth through tourism, and we are dedicated to supporting these communities in this endeavor. Additionally, many local residents volunteer as rangers, helping to protect our expansive landscapes.
Our commitment strengthens the bond between communities and their heritage, ensuring a sustainable future for both.
While we are a business organization, we recognize the importance of social responsibility. As part of Mongolia Quest’s legacy, we aim to reduce the country’s reliance on mining and agriculture by diversifying its economy. We are committed to helping local communities access alternative economic resources and encouraging their active participation in preserving cultural and natural heritage. We consistently support initiatives like this and are dedicated to seeking out and expanding new partnerships.