Visiting Mongolia: Meet the Eagle Hunters and Discover Their Rich History

The chance of gaining deeper insight into some of the few remaining tribes of Mongolia, including its famous eagle hunters, was too good for photographer Steve McCurry to pass up. So Silversea flew him to the rugged steppes of this untouched travel destination.

His journey started by flying 2½ hours north of Ulaanbaatar in order to locate the reindeer herders of the northern plains of Tsaatan. With just 44 nomadic tribes left in Mongolia, the Tsaatan (Mongolian for “those who have reindeer”) move as many as 10 times per year, which makes them notoriously difficult to find. Their lifestyle has remained unchanged for centuries and the connection between reindeer, herder and environment endures both on a spiritual level and a physical one. Luckily, Steve’s trip was rewarded, and the warm-hearted nomads welcomed him with grace and serenity.

McCurry’s trip then took him west towards Sagsai in search of the Kazakh people of the Altai Mountains. This was cultural immersion on a level second to none; Steve was welcomed into the 6,000-year-old tradition by the families of those who survive the bitter winters by hunting with Golden Eagles. The lifestyle of the eagle hunters — or berkutchi — involves domesticating a Golden Eagle from eaglet and taming it to hunt on the steppes for the family or tribe. The magnificent birds of prey are released back into the wild approximately seven years later.

The raw authenticity of the experience was quite singular and the thrilling power of the unrehearsed and un-choreographed images speak volumes. As ever with a McCurry shooting, sincerity, respect and honest emotion shine through the images.

Capturing the authentic beauty of the world

Steve McCurry needs no introduction. He is most probably the greatest living photographer today. His iconic “Afghan Girl” image has captured the hearts and minds of thousands — the eloquence of her haunted expression, telling the world of her fate through her vivid green eyes — is simply stupendous.

So, when considering our new direction, Steve was a natural choice for us. He is a born storyteller with the soul of an explorer. His unique ability to capture what is left of the authentic beauty and truth in the world and express it with clarity and emotion is just brilliant. A McCurry image not only takes you on a journey, it inspires you to travel the world.

Are you ready to see the world’s more remote spots? Learn more here.

Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry — the greatest living photographer today — needs no introduction. His iconic “Afghan Girl” image has captured the hearts and minds of thousands. He is a born storyteller with the soul of an explorer. He has a unique ability to capture authentic beauty and truth in the world and express it with clarity and emotion. As a result, a McCurry image not only takes you on a journey — it inspires you to travel the world. To learn more about the partnership between Steve McCurry and Silversea, visit www.steveandsilversea.com.