If you are one of those people, who wishes to witness the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, then the Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary is the best choice for you.
History Of The Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary
The Sunkar Falconry Centre in Almaty expanded its mission to protect and preserve the endangered species of rare birds of prey. Some of the popular species of birds that you can find here are peregrine falcons, eagle owls, golden eagles, black vultures, buzzards, gyrfalcons, and also the popular Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary eagles.
Almaty Bird Sanctuary prioritizes releasing adult birds that can survive in the wild, while also closely monitoring them as they adapt to their natural habitat. Over the years the Falcon Farm Sunkar, Almaty has released over 1000 individual birds into the wild.
If you dive deeper into the history of hunting in Kazakhstan, then you will find that the use of falcons and other raptors is an important part of the nation’s heritage. Although it’s not that popular today but is an important part of the legacy, and that is showcased through the Falcon show Almaty
Falcon Show Almaty
While watching the show, you will get to know how they tame these birds at the Falcon Training Farm Kazakhstan. This show features the popular dance of the black vulture, the flight of the saker falcon at a high speed of 320km/h, the white-tailed eagle catching a fish, the golden eagle grabbing a wolf, and the fascinating site of a bearded vulture eating bones, which makes the Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary the best part of your trip to Almaty Kazakhstan.
Besides these birds, the centre houses wolves and tazy dogs, which are the national breed of Kazakhstan, who are also known as the Kazakh Greyhound and who have been faithful companions to nomads for some centuries and are considered one of the main treasures of Kazakhstan.
Suggested Read: Travel Tips For Almaty
Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary Entrance Fees
Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary Timings
If you are wondering about the timings of the Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary, then let us help you with that. The Falcon Farm in Almaty starts the show at 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday between the months of March to November.
So if you are planning to visit Kazakhstan and wish to witness the Falcon Farm in Almaty at the Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary, you can plan your travel during the months of March to November.
How To Reach Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary?
- By Cab or Yandex: If you don’t have a car, you can hire a taxi or a Yandex from the Medeu for 3000 Tenge($6.70 USD) to reach one of the unique Almaty tourist attractions.
- By Car: But if you are using your own car then head South on Dulati Avenue at the Alma-Arasan, the big Almaty Gorge, and then take a right before the ecopost.
- By Bus: You can take the bus number 28 and 108 to get there quickly. You have to deboard at the 2nd Hydroelectric power station.
After the show, you can take a Yandex to go downtown Almaty from Sunkar for 2000 Tenge($4.50 USD).
Other Entertainment At The Falcon Hunting Festival
The in-house restaurant of the Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary serves national dishes including saumal and kumis, which are the traditional drinks made from the milk of pasture-gazing horses, so you can imagine what kind of taste you can expect. Taste authentic dishes that will leave a lingering taste on your tongue.
The surroundings of the bird-watching area in Almaty form a perfect backdrop to the Ile Alatau Mountains that will compel you to explore the place on horseback.
You will come across gorges, waterfalls, green pastures, and Tien Shan spruce-covered mountain slopes, which makes Falcon Nursery Sunkar in Almaty one of the best Almaty tourist attractions.
You can have a romantic escapade here have the best photo session with the beautiful horses and freeze the moments of your best trip ever at this popular bird-watching area in Almaty.
Popular Attractions In Almaty
1. Big Almaty Lake
The Big Almaty Lake is not only a popular attraction in Almaty but also a natural wonder in Kazakhstan. This lake has crystal clear waters, that reflect the surrounding mountains, amidst the backdrop of the picturesque views.
2. Almaty Central Mosque
Kazakhstan is an Islam-dominant country, so you can find plenty of mosques here. One of the popular and largest mosques in Kazakhstan is the Almaty Central Mosque which features a Grand Blue Dome that adds more beauty to its intricately designed minarets.
3. Central State Museum Of Kazakhstan
The Central State Museum is the largest and the oldest museum in Kazakhstan and among the most stunning places to visit in Almaty. Featuring some of the old stuff that forms a part of the history of Kazakhstan. Some of the things found here are Silk Road, Old Kazakh Clothes, and a copy of the Golden Man’s suit.
4. Republic Square
The Republic Square is the centre of Almaty and is a historical site. You can find an independence Museum, honouring the Independence of Kazakhstan from the Soviet Union in 1991.
5. Almaty Zoo
Located in Gorky Park, Almaty Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos in Kazakhstan, which is home to some of the many different species, including the rare endangered species. The zoo has animal enclosures that look like natural educational programs for people vacationing with Kids in Kazakhstan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary?
Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary is home to some of the unique birds where you can watch them put up a good show.
What types of birds can be seen at Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary?
The peregrine falcons, eagle owls, golden eagles, black vultures, buzzards, gyrfalcons are the type of birds that you can find here at the Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary.
What is the best time of year to visit Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary?
The best time of the year to visit Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary is between November to March.
Are there any other attractions near Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary?
Alam Arasan Gorge, First President’s Park, The Old Japenese Road are some of the attractions near the Sunkar Falcon Sanctuary.