Western Mongolia Tour

7 photos

Ulgii - Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains

Duration

Group Size

Accommodations

Hotel & ger

Transportation

Airlane & van

Discover towering Altai Tavan Bogd mountains, home to Mongolia’s highest and most picturesque peak, Khuiten Peak, and the massive Potanin Glacier. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park which contains those majestic mountains is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. We will also trek toward a couple of pristine mountain lakes in the area. Visiting Kazakh eagle hunters in Mongolia offers a unique cultural experience, highlighting their ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles. We will also see Khar Salaa petroglyphs dating back as far as 40,000 years depicting various scenes from daily life, including hunting, spiritual rituals, and depictions of animals like ibex and deer. They are considered some of the oldest known rock art.

Highlights

Altai Tavan Bogd mountains offer breathtaking scenery, including mountains, glaciers, and lakes, making it ideal for hiking, trekking, and climbing
Explore ancient rock carvings and burial mounds that offer insights into the region’s history
Experience the unique Kazakh culture, including their traditional eagle hunting practices
Stay with local nomadic families and experience their traditional way of life, including their customs, cuisine, and herding practices
Ulgii, the main town in Bayan-Ulgii Province, a gateway to the Altai region and a center for experiencing Kazakh culture

Included/Excluded

All accommodations listed
All meals mentioned accordingly
All transportation mentioned
English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees and road charges

Single rooming supplement
International flights and cost for visas
Inoculations and personal insurances
Photography or video recording fees at sights
Personal expenses

Tour Plan

Day 1 Ulaanbaatar - Flight to Ulgii - Drive to Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains

Flght to Ulgii town (3 hours flight) and drive to Tavan Bogd Mountains (170 km or 110 miles – 6 hours on the dirt road).

* Accommodations: Tent
* Food & drink: Lunch and dinner at local cafes

Day 2 Potanin’s Glacier

After breakfast we will start horseback trek to Potanin’s Glacier (15 km or 9 miles – 4 hours). During the trek much of the panorama will be dominated by the lofty peaks and rapid mountain streams and monumental glaciers offering spectacular views. We will come back to the our base camp before dinner at tent camp.

* Accommodations: Tent
* Food & drink: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at tent camp

Day 3 Lake Khoton, Lake Khurgan and Khar Salaa petroglyphs

After breakfast we will drive to Lake Khoton and Lake Khurgan (200 km or 120 miles – 7 hours on the dirt road). Located approximately 2000 meters or 6500 feet above the sea level, both lakes are connected with each other by 3 km or 1.8 miles long channel. Surrounding nature is very picturesque: snow capped mountains with coniferous forest, pristine clear streams, gers of Kazakh people and their pasturing yaks. We will set up a tent camp there and explore the famous 5000-year old Khar Salaa petroglyphs.

* Accommodations: Tent
* Food & drink: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at tent camp

Day 4 Visit to a Kazakh eagle hunter's home

After breakfast we will drive to an eagle hunter's family (150 km or 90 miles – 5 hours on the dirt road). Hunting with eagles is one of the most unique features of Kazakh hunter's life. We will stay at eagle hunter's home for a half day and have opportunity to glance at their precious eagles. After dinner we will drive back to Ulgii town (40 km or 25 miles – 1 hour on the dirt road) and check-in at local hotel.

* Accommodations: Hotel
* Food & drink: Breakfast at tent camp and lunch and dinner with a Kazakh family

Day 5 Flight back to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast we will fly back to Ulaanbaatar (3 hours flight). Our driver will pick you up at Ulaanbaatar Airport and transfer to your accommodation.

* Food & drink: Breakfast at hotel