Amazing pictures of the wolf-skin clad Kazakhs who keep 4,000-year-old traditions alive (5)

The hunters could use rifles - but they opt to use eagles instead, as it is seen as the highest form of art and dedication

Though the benefits of eagle hunting have decreased in the ever-modernising world, the Kazakhs living in Western Mongolia have preserved the tradition, due to their physical isolation.

The hunters could hunt with rifles - but they opt to use eagles instead, as it is seen as the highest form of art and dedication.

Surviving the harsh winter is challenging, with permanent freezing conditions of up to -40 C , and to the outside world their lifestyle may seem to be a very hard way of living.

However, the Kazakhs have developed a resilience for living in these conditions over the centuries.

Though the benefits of eagle hunting have decreased in the ever-modernising world, the Kazakhs living in Western Mongolia have preserved the tradition, due to their physical isolation

Massimo said: 'The Kazakhs of the Altai mountain range in western Mongolia are the only people that hunt with golden eagles.'

The tradition of hunting with golden eagles is said to have been started by the nomadic Khitans from Manchuria in northern China around 940AD.

Massimo said: 'My desire to experience a different way of life and a unique culture is what took me to Mongolia. I read about the Kazakh people and their ancient tradition of eagle hunting and I wanted to learn about their nomadic lifestyle.

'I was lucky to find Jess, an English lady, who operates a small independent company called Eternal Landscapes with a Mongolian Team. Their love for Mongolia is genuine rather than a business decision.

'Their focus is to provide experiences that support the local community and provide a real insight into Mongolia in the 21st century.'