Week-long Altai Jeep Tour

Overview

If you are looking for a unique week-long getaway to a remote and beautiful part of Mongolia, the country’s western frontier offers that and more. Not only will you be immersed in pristine nature, you will also have the chance to meet authentic local nomads and learn about their nomadic way of life.

There are several ethnic minority groups in Western Mongolia. The largest of them are the Kazakhs, who speak their own language and preserve their unique culture. The Mongolian Kazakhs are known for their ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles. The world’s most number of eagle hunters are concentrated here, in their home province of Bayan-Ulgii.

The westernmost province of Bayan-Ulgii is also the home of Tavan Bogd National Park, which is one of the country’s most important national parks. Here you will see the snow-capped, five tallest peaks of Mongolia, which are part of the Altai Mountains, along with the country’s longest glacier of Potanin. Spend nights camping near pristine lakes and waterfalls under thousands of stars.

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Itinerary

• 2 overnight in local hotel or ger camp in Bayan-Ulgii 
• 4 tented overnights

• DinnerAltai peaks ger camp
  Day 1

  Arrival in Ulgii

  Take a domestic flight to Ulgii, capital of Mongolia’s westernmost province of Bayan-Ulgii. This is the country’s only Kazakh-majority province. Mongolian Kazakhs are the largest ethnic minority group, with their own unique culture and language. Upon arriving at the airport, you will be met by your local guide, driver, and expedition cook. Stay overnight in a ger (yurt) at our own-run Altai Peaks ger camp. During dinnertime inside the camp’s restaurant, enjoy some music from the traditional instrument, dombra. 

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 2

  Drive to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

  We shall start early and drive to the entrance of Tavan Bogd National Park located at the upper Oigor RIver. Tavan Bogd (Holy Five) is the name of the highest five peaks of Mongolia, part of the Altai Mountain range. Here we will camp overnight in tents. If the weather is good, we will hike to an ovoo (cairn) named, the President. Ovoos (cairns) are found throughout Mongolia, usually on hilltops and passes, paying respect to the spirits of nature. From there, you can get a good view of the snow-capped peaks of the Altai Mountains, as well as the icy sheets of Potanin and Alexander, which are Mongolia’s longest glaciers. Afterwards, we head back to camp and enjoy a tasty dinner prepared by our experienced cook. Today’s driving is about 180 km. 

• B/L/DCamping/Ger
  Day 3

  Drive to Khoton-Khurgan Lakes

  Head to Khoton and Khurgan Lakes via the White River bridge. Amidst beautiful natural scenery, these two freshwater lakes lie serenely, joined together by a wide channel. On the way, we will stopover to see Turkic period human stones and ancient burial sites. There will be great opportunities to capture photos of pristine nature along the way. Today’s driving is around 200 km on a dirt road for about 6 to 7 hours. 

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 4

  Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall before driving to Dayan Lake

  After breakfast, go on a hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall and return to camp for lunch. Baga Turgen Waterfall is made up of two falls, with a combined height of 36 meters. The bigger fall is 23 meters and the smaller fall is 13 meters. The isolated location along the country’s border area and difficult accessibility helped its surroundings remain wild. The hike will be around 2-3 hours. After lunch, drive towards Dayan Lake and camp near a waterfall over there. The drive is about 100 km.

• B/L/DAltai peak ger camp
  Day 5

  Visit a Kazakh family before returning to Ulgii

  Drive towards Khar Lake and visit a nomadic Kazakh family on the way. The family practices the tradition of hunting with golden eagles. Experience and learn about Kazakh culture and customs. See differences between a Kazakh ger (yurt) and Mongol ger. Meet an Eagle Hunter and gain information about the ancient steppe tradition of hunting with eagles. In the evening, return to Ulgii and stay overnight at the Altai Peaks ger camp. Try a traditional Kazakh dish called besbarmak for dinner. Besbarmak is composed of boiled mutton and horse-meat preparation called kaz, alongside potatoes, carrots, and steamed dough rolls with onions. It's especially prepared for honored guests. Today’s total driving is about 160 km. 

• Breakfast
  Day 6

  Fly to Ulaanbaatar

  After breakfast at the camp, catch a domestic flight to Ulaanbaatar.

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