Who Is Aisholpan Nurgaiv? – The Eagle Huntress of Mongolia

Aisholpan Nurgaiv is a trailblazing young Kazakh girl from Western Mongolia who gained international fame as the first female eagle hunter to compete in Mongolia’s traditionally male-dominated sport of eagle falconry.

Born in 2000 in Bayan-Ölgii Province, Aisholpan comes from a long line of Kazakh eagle hunters, an ancient tradition passed down through generations, typically from father to son. Her father, Nurgaiv Rys, is a celebrated eagle hunter himself and was initially hesitant to break with centuries of tradition by teaching his daughter. But Aisholpan was determined.

Starting Young: A Girl and Her Eagle

At just 10 years old, Aisholpan began following her father on hunting trips. She quickly showed both skill and passion for the sport. Training and hunting with a golden eagle—which can weigh up to 8 kg (17 pounds)—requires immense strength, patience, and resilience. Despite the physical demands and social resistance, Aisholpan was undeterred.

In a conservative community where many believed eagle hunting was only for men, she faced skepticism. But her father eventually gave her his full support. Together, they climbed the cliffs to capture her first eaglet from the wild—an important rite of passage for any eagle hunter.

From Local Legend to Global Icon

In 2013, while Aisholpan was out training with her eagle, Israeli photographer Asher Svidensky happened to be documenting eagle hunters in the region. He was struck by the fact that she was the only girl among the many male hunters and captured a stunning series of images showcasing her confidence and skill.

These photos went viral online, drawing international attention. Inspired by the images, British director Otto Bell traveled to Mongolia and created the acclaimed documentary “The Eagle Huntress” (2016), which tells Aisholpan’s story in breathtaking detail. The film was narrated by Daisy Ridley (of Star Wars fame) and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, winning praise around the world.

Breaking Records and Traditions

With her newly trained eagle, Aisholpan went on to compete in the 2014 Golden Eagle Festival in Ulgii, Mongolia. She stunned the crowds and won first place, becoming the first female ever to do so.
Her victory wasn’t just personal—it was historic. She became a symbol of change, inspiring young girls across Central Asia and beyond to challenge outdated gender roles.

Following her success:

• Girls in Bayan-Ölgii were gradually allowed to train in eagle hunting.
• She received the Asia Game Changer Award in New York for challenging gender stereotypes and preserving nomadic heritage.
• In 2018, at age 16, she was awarded Mongolia’s Medal of the Polar Star, one of the country’s highest civilian honors.

Where Is Aisholpan Now?

As of recent updates, Aisholpan is continuing her education at Nur-Orda International School in Astana (now called Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan. While she focuses on her studies, she remains a cultural ambassador, attending international events, giving talks, and promoting the heritage of Mongolian Kazakh eagle hunting.

In 2023, Aisholpan and her family relocated to the East Kazakhstan Region, returning to their ancestral homeland. The region’s rugged terrain and cultural atmosphere made it ideal for continuing eagle hunting traditions. Aisholpan has expressed her desire to establish an Eagle Hunter’s Union—a center where she can teach eagle hunting and share her heritage with both Kazakhs and international visitors.

She is currently pursuing a degree in Kazakh Language and Literature at Suleyman Demirel University in Almaty. Multilingual and globally recognized, she speaks Kazakh, Mongolian, Turkish, and English fluently.

Fun Facts:

• The golden eagle she trained is named “Ak Kanat” (“White Wings”).
• She scaled a rocky cliff to capture her own eaglet—one of the most difficult parts of becoming an eagle hunter.
• Her traditional hunting attire featured in the documentary was handmade by her mother.

Want to Know More?

Watch The Eagle Huntress (2016) for stunning visuals of the Altai Mountains, a glimpse into Kazakh nomadic life, and Aisholpan’s inspiring journey. It’s more than just a documentary—it’s a story of bravery, tradition, and a young woman changing history.