Western Mongolia Tour

4 photos

Ulgii - Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains

Duration

Group Size

Accommodations

Hotel & ger

Transportation

Airlane & van

Discover the rooftop of Mongolia in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and beautiful lakes in Western Mongolia. The combination of high Altai Mountain trekking and horseback riding adventure will be an unforgettable experience. We trek through the snowy mountains, cross the longest glaciers of the country. Then we will head towards the most beautiful lakes of the area. En route we will explore the 5000-year old Khar Salaa petroglyphs. We will also visit a Kazakh eagle hunter’s family.

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 - Murun Flight & Murun - Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains Drive

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