🏔️ Discover Western Mongolia’s Best 15-Day Ultimate Adventure Tour

📍 Western Mongolia | Durgun Lake | Gurvan Tsenkher cave | Tsambagarav mountain | Altai Mountains | Khoton Lake | Eagle Hunter Family | Malchin Peak | Khyrgas lake | Khetsuu Khad | Uvs Lake

⛰️ Discover Western Mongolia’s Best – A 15-Day Journey of Peaks, Lakes & Nomads

Discover the very best of Western Mongolia on this immersive 15-day adventure, journeying through some of the country’s most remote, dramatic, and culturally rich landscapes. From the golden sands of the Mongol Els dunes and hidden desert lakes to the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Altai Mountains, this expedition reveals Mongolia at its wildest and most authentic.

Travel deep into Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, trek to high-altitude base camp, and summit Malchin Peak (4,050 m) for breathtaking panoramic views across four countries. Along the way, explore ancient petroglyphs, Turkic stone monuments, sacred caves, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and vast steppe landscapes that have been home to nomadic civilizations for thousands of years.

This journey is equally rich in culture. Stay with Kazakh nomadic families, experience the legendary golden eagle hunters, and share traditional meals prepared by a traveling cook. Camel-supported trekking, comfortable ger camps, and carefully planned acclimatization ensure a balanced blend of adventure, comfort, and cultural immersion.

Designed for adventurous travelers, hikers, and photographers, this 15-day tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of Mongolia’s deserts, mountains, and great lakes—far from the crowds and deep into the heart of nomadic life.

📌 Quick Facts

  • 🗓️ Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
  • 📍 Region: Western Mongolia – Altai Mountains, Great Lakes Basin
  • 🏔️ Highest Point: Malchin Peak – 4,050 m
  • 🏕️ Base Camp Altitude: ~3,000 m
  • 🥾 Activity Level: Moderate to Challenging
  • 🚗 Transport: 4WD vehicles & off-road driving
  • 🐫 Trekking Support: Camel-assisted luggage transport
  • 🏨 Accommodation: Hotels, Ger camps, Tents, Nomadic & Eagle Hunter family stays
  • 🍽️ Meals: All meals included (professional traveling cook)
  • 🦅 Cultural Experiences: Kazakh nomadic families & Eagle Hunters
  • 🏜️ Landscapes: Sand dunes, glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls, steppe, desert
  • 🪨 History & Heritage: Petroglyphs, Turkic stones, ancient caves
  • 🌊 Lakes Visited: Durgun Lake, Khoton Lake, Khyrgas Lake, Uvs Lake
  • 🐾 Wildlife: Ibex, argali sheep, marmots, eagles, migratory birds
  • 📸 Best For: Adventure travelers, hikers, photographers, culture lovers
  • 🌦️ Best Season: June – August
  • ⚠️ Note: September–October hiking to Malchin Peak may be difficult due to snow

🧭 Tour Pace

This tour follows a moderate to active pace, carefully designed to balance adventure, acclimatization, and cultural immersion.

  • 🚗 Driving Days: Several days involve long but scenic drives, including off-road travel (4–7 hours on some days). Driving days are broken up with photo stops, short walks, and cultural visits.
  • 🥾 Hiking & Trekking Days: Trekking days are moderate to challenging, especially during the Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp trek and Malchin Peak summit day. Hikes range from 1.5-hour walks to 6–7-hour high-altitude hikes.
  • 🐫 Well-Supported Trekking: All trekking is camel-supported, so you hike with only a light daypack. Camps are pre-arranged, and meals are prepared by a professional cook.
  • 🏔️ Altitude & Acclimatization: The itinerary allows gradual altitude gain, with time to rest and adapt before the Malchin Peak ascent, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
  • 🏕️ Balanced Comfort: Hotels are used in cities for recovery, while ger camps, tents, and family stays provide authentic wilderness and cultural experiences.
  • 🕰️ Free Time: Several afternoons and evenings are relaxed, allowing time for photography, rest, or cultural interaction.

✔️ Who This Pace Is Best For

Travelers seeking a true expedition, not a luxury sightseeing tour

Active travelers with good general fitness

Adventurers comfortable with basic camping and remote travel

💰 Tour Package Prices

  • 👤 1 Pax – USD 3,450 per person
  • 👥 2–3 Pax – USD 2,500 per person
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 4–6 Pax – USD 2,100 per person
  • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 7–9 Pax – USD 1,880 per person
  • 🚌 10–12 Pax – USD 1,720 per person
  • 🧳 13–16 Pax – USD 1,590 per person
  • 🏕️ More than 16 Pax – USD 1,480 per person (Special group discount – final price on request)

🚙 Transportation & Logistics

  • All ground transportation throughout the tour using 4WD vehicles suitable for long-distance and off-road travel
  • All fuel, driver expenses, road tolls, and vehicle maintenance
  • Airport transfers in Khovd/Ulaangom (as per itinerary)

🏕️ Accommodation

  • Hotels in Ulgii and Ulaangom (standard twin/double rooms)
  • Ger camps / Yurt stays in countryside locations
  • Tent camping at Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp (3,000 m)
  • Homestays with Kazakh nomadic families
  • Overnight stay with an Eagle Hunter family

🍽️ Meals & Dining

  • All meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner throughout the tour
  • Meals prepared by a professional traveling cook
  • Nutritious trekking meals during hiking days
  • Picnic lunches during long drives and trekking days
  • Bottled, boiled, or filtered drinking water during the tour

🥾 Trekking & Expedition Support

  • Guided trek to Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp
  • Guided ascent of Malchin Peak (4,050 m)
  • Camel transport for all luggage, food, and camping equipment during trekking days
  • Local herders and camel handlers assisting the expedition
  • Group camping equipment (tents, cooking equipment, dining gear)

🧭 Guides & Staff

  • Experienced English-speaking tour guide
  • Professional driver(s)
  • Cook traveling with the group
  • Local support staff (camel herders, camp assistants, nomadic hosts)

🎟️ Entrance Fees & Activities

  • Entrance fees to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
  • Entrance fees to Tsambagarav National Park
  • Entrance fees to local heritage sites, petroglyph areas, and caves
  • Cultural experiences with Kazakh nomadic families
  • Eagle hunter family visit and cultural demonstrations

🦅 Cultural & Experiential Activities

  • Horse riding experience
  • Eagle hunting culture experience
  • Visits to ancient petroglyphs, Turkic stone monuments, caves, and tombs
  • Local lifestyle and cultural exchanges

🚿 Comfort & Safety

  • Portable shower (on request)
  • Portable sitting toilet (on request)
  • First-aid kit carried by the guide
  • Emergency coordination support

✈️ Flights & Visas

  • International flights to and from Mongolia
  • Domestic flights (Ulaangom ↔ Ulaanbaatar)
  • Mongolian visa fees (if applicable)

🩺 Insurance & Medical

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Medical evacuation or rescue insurance
  • Personal medications and medical supplies

🎒 Personal Gear & Equipment

  • Personal trekking gear (hiking boots, clothing, sleeping bag, backpack)
  • Trekking poles or personal camping equipment
  • Camera equipment and drones (if permitted)

🍺 Personal Expenses

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Soft drinks outside of meals
  • Snacks and personal food items
  • Laundry services
  • Souvenirs and handicrafts

💰 Tips & Miscellaneous

  • Tips for guide, driver, cook, camel handlers, and local families
  • Any services not specifically mentioned in Price Includes
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Prices decrease as group size increases sharing costs for transport, guide, cook, and crew.
  • For 17 or more travelers, contact us for custom discounted pricing.
  • Peak season (August–October) may have slightly higher costs due to demand.
  • Children discounts available on request (age-based).
  • A couple traveling together (2 pax) pays about $1,750 per person — shared vehicle and services.
  • A small group of 4–6 travelers pays $1,450 per person, maximizing shared cost efficiencies.
  • For larger groups (13–16 pax), the price drops to $1,100 per person due to economies of scale.
  • Hotel upgrade in Ölgii (midrange): +$40–$80 / night
  • • Additional day excursions: +$150–$250 pp per day
  • • Domestic flights (UB ↔ Ölgii): ~$250–$350 per person (seasonal)

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

✅ June – August (Best & Recommended)

This is the ideal season for the tour and especially for trekking and summiting Malchin Peak.

  • Stable weather and longer daylight hours
  • Snow-free trails at higher elevations
  • Best conditions for trekking, camping, and camel-supported hikes
  • Clear views of glaciers, peaks, and alpine lakes
  • Comfortable temperatures for hiking and cultural visits

✔️ Best time for Malchin Peak ascent

⚠️ September – October (Challenging)

This period offers beautiful autumn colors but increasingly difficult conditions for high-altitude trekking.

  • Early snowfall possible at higher elevations
  • Colder nights and shorter days
  • Malchin Peak ascent becomes more difficult or may not be possible due to snow and ice
  • Suitable mainly for experienced hikers or flexible itineraries

❗ Not recommended for first-time high-altitude trekkers

❌ November – May (Not Recommended)

  • Heavy snow and extreme cold
  • Mountain passes may be closed
  • Trekking and camel support not possible
  • Limited access to remote areas

🌡️ Seasonal Overview

  • Daytime temperatures (summer): +15°C to +25°C
  • Night temperatures (mountains): 0°C to -5°C
  • Altitude consideration: Weather can change rapidly in the Altai Mountains

📌 Summary

  • 👉 Best overall time: June – August
  • 👉 Possible but difficult: September – October
  • 👉 Not suitable: November – May


🌟 Tour Highlights

👨‍🍳 Fully Supported Expedition Travel with a professional cook, comfortable camps, and experienced local staff ensuring safety, quality meals, and smooth logistics throughout the journey.

🏜️ Mongol Els Sand Dunes & Durgun Lake Explore Mongolia’s second-largest sand dune system and swim in a rare freshwater lake hidden among golden dunes—one of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the country.

🪨 Ancient Petroglyphs & Sacred Caves Discover prehistoric rock art inside Gurvan Tsenkher Cave, revealing the spiritual and daily life of early nomadic civilizations that lived in the Altai region thousands of years ago.

🏔️ Tsambagarav & Altai Tavan Bogd National Parks Travel through two of western Mongolia’s most spectacular protected areas, home to glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and endangered wildlife.

🥾 Trek to Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp (3,000 m) Hike deep into the high Altai Mountains following ancient horse and camel trails, with luggage transported by camels for comfort.

🏔️ Summit Malchin Peak (4,050 m) Stand atop one of the Altai’s most accessible high peaks and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views stretching across Mongolia, Russia, China, and Kazakhstan.

🧊 Potanin Glacier & Khuiten Peak Views Witness Mongolia’s largest glacier and the country’s highest mountain rising dramatically above alpine valleys.

🦅 Authentic Eagle Hunter Family Stay Experience the ancient Kazakh tradition of eagle hunting with a real hunting family, including hands-on interaction and unforgettable photography opportunities.

🏕️ Nomadic Life & Cultural Immersion Stay with Kazakh nomadic families, learn about herding life, traditional food, music, and centuries-old customs preserved in the Altai.

💧 Baga Turgen Waterfall & Khoton Lake Hike to a scenic mountain waterfall and relax by crystal-clear alpine lakes surrounded by forests and snow-capped peaks.

🌊 Great Lakes Basin Adventure Visit Khyrgas Lake and Uvs Lake, two of Mongolia’s largest and most important lakes, part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape rich in birdlife.

🐫 Camel-Supported Trekking Enjoy a classic Altai expedition experience with camels carrying equipment and supplies—just as nomads have done for generations.

🌌 Remote Wilderness & Stargazing Camp far from settlements under some of the darkest skies in Mongolia, perfect for stargazing and photography.

📅 Detailed Itinerary

  • 📍 Khovd City → Durgun Lake
  • 🚗 Distance: 160 km | ⏱️ Driving time: ~3 hours
  • 🏕️ Overnight: Ger Camp
  • 🍽️ Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Upon arrival in Khovd city, your adventure begins with a scenic drive west into the vast desert landscapes of western Mongolia. You travel into the heart of the Mongol Els Sand Dunes, the second-largest sand dune system in Mongolia, where rolling golden dunes stretch for kilometers. Hidden within this desert lies Durgun Lake, a rare freshwater lake that has sustained nomadic herders and wildlife for centuries.

This dramatic contrast between sand dunes and water creates one of Mongolia’s most unique landscapes.

🧭 Activities

  • 🏜️ Climb the Mongol Els sand dunes
  • 🏊 Swim in Durgun Lake (weather permitting)
  • 📸 Sunset & desert photography
  • 🚶 Short walks around the lake
  • 🔥 Evening campfire & stargazing
  • 📍 Durgun Lake → Gurvan Tsenkher Cave → Tsambagarav NP
  • 🚗 Total distance: 230 km | ⏱️ Driving time: 4–5 hours
  • 🏕️ Overnight: Kazakh Nomadic Family Stay
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Picnic Lunch / Dinner

Today you explore one of western Mongolia’s most important archaeological sites, Gurvan Tsenkher Cave. Inside the cave, you will see ancient petroglyphs carved into stone by early nomadic tribes thousands of years ago. These carvings depict hunting scenes, animals, and spiritual symbols, offering insight into prehistoric life in the Altai region.

In the afternoon, continue driving into Tsambagarav National Park, dominated by snow-capped peaks and wide alpine valleys. Here, you will stay with a local Kazakh nomadic family, experiencing their traditional lifestyle, hospitality, and customs that have been preserved for generations.

🧭 Activities

  • 🪨 Explore Gurvan Tsenkher Cave
  • 📜 Learn about ancient petroglyphs and early nomads
  • 🏔️ Scenic drive through Tsambagarav landscapes
  • 🐑 Visit a Kazakh nomadic family
  • 🍲 Traditional homemade Kazakh dinner
  • 🎶 Cultural exchange and storytelling
  • 📍 Tsambagarav → Ulgii City
  • 🚗 Distance: 90 km | ⏱️ Driving time: ~3 hours
  • 🏨 Overnight: Hotel (hot shower available)
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Picnic Lunch / Dinner

Begin the morning with a horseback ride across open steppe and mountain foothills, following ancient nomadic routes still used today. Horses have been central to life in Mongolia for thousands of years, and this ride offers an authentic connection to that heritage.

After lunch, drive to Ulgii city, the cultural capital of Mongolia’s Kazakh community. Ulgii is known for its lively markets, handicrafts, and museums reflecting Kazakh history and traditions.

🧭 Activities

  • 🐎 Horse riding (2–3 hours)
  • 📸 Steppe and mountain photography
  • 🏙️ Explore Ulgii city
  • 🛍️ Visit local bazar & souvenir shops (optional)
  • 🚿 Relax with hot shower at hotel
  • 📍 Ulgii City → Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains Gate
  • 🚗 Distance: 200 km | ⏱️ Driving time: ~5 hours
  • 🏕️ Overnight: Nomadic Ger Camp / Yurt / Tent
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Picnic Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, drive deep into the Altai Mountains, entering one of Mongolia’s most remote and spectacular regions. The route passes through vast valleys, rivers, and rugged mountain terrain, home to wildlife such as marmots, eagles, and grazing herds.

You arrive at the Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains Gate, the traditional starting point for treks into Mongolia’s highest mountain range and glacier systems.

🧭 Activities

  • 🚙 Scenic mountain drive
  • 🦅 Wildlife spotting along the way
  • 📸 Landscape and mountain photography
  • 🚶 Short walks near the camp
  • 🔥 Evening campfire under the stars
  • 📍 Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains Gate → Base Camp
  • 🥾 Hiking distance: 16 km | ⏱️ Hiking time: ~5 hours
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Picnic Lunch / Dinner
  • 🏕️ Accommodation: Tent camping at Base Camp

Today marks the beginning of your true high-mountain expedition. In the morning, you start hiking along an ancient horse and camel trail used for generations by nomads and hunters moving through the Altai. The landscape gradually changes from open valleys to alpine terrain, with glacial rivers, wildflowers, and rocky moraines.

As you approach base camp, the dramatic Potanin Glacier comes into view, along with Khuiten Peak (4,374 m) — the highest mountain in Mongolia. This area has long been considered sacred by local Kazakhs and Tuvans, believed to be protected by mountain spirits.

All food supplies, camping equipment, and luggage are transported by camels, assisted by local herders, allowing you to hike comfortably.

🧭 Activities

  • 🥾 High-altitude trekking into the Altai Mountains
  • 🐫 Camel caravan experience
  • 🧊 View Potanin Glacier up close
  • 📸 Photography of Khuiten Peak and glacier valleys
  • 🌌 Stargazing at high altitude
  • 📍 Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp
  • 🥾 Hike: 6–7 hours round trip
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Packed Lunch / Dinner
  • 🏕️ Accommodation: Tent camping at Base Camp

After an early breakfast, you begin your ascent of Malchin Peak, one of the most accessible yet rewarding peaks in the Altai range. Rising 1,050 meters above base camp, the climb offers a challenging but non-technical route, making it ideal for adventurous trekkers.

From the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic views stretching across Mongolia, Russia, China, and Kazakhstan. These peaks were historically used as natural borders and navigation landmarks by nomadic tribes and traders.

After spending time on the summit, descend back to base camp for rest and recovery.

🧭 Activities

  • 🏔️ Summit Malchin Peak (4,050 m)
  • 🧭 High-altitude trekking & acclimatization
  • 📸 Summit and glacier photography
  • 🦅 Spot alpine birds and wildlife
  • 🧘 Rest and recovery at base camp
  • 📍 Base Camp → Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains Gate
  • 🥾 Hiking time: ~4–5 hours
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Packed Lunch / Dinner
  • 🏕️ Accommodation: Ger camp / Yurt / Tent

After breakfast, break camp and begin your descent following the same ancient routes used by camel caravans for centuries. Walking alongside the camels creates a powerful connection to traditional Altai life, where people and animals have always moved together through these valleys.

Arrive back at the Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains Gate in the afternoon and enjoy a well-earned rest after completing the mountain expedition.

🧭 Activities

  • 🥾 Descending trek through alpine valleys
  • 🐫 Camel-assisted transport experience
  • 📸 Final mountain and glacier views
  • 🔥 Relaxing evening at camp
  • 📍 Altai Tavan Bogd Gate → Khoton Lake
  • 🚗 Distance: 160 km | ⏱️ Driving time: ~4 hours
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • 🏕️ Accommodation: Ger camp / Yurt / Tent

Drive east toward the beautiful Khoton Lake, one of the three interconnected alpine lakes that form the source of the Khovd River. This area has been inhabited for thousands of years and is scattered with Turkic stone monuments and ancient burial mounds, remnants of early nomadic civilizations.

Surrounded by forested slopes and snow-capped peaks, Khoton Lake is a peaceful place to relax after the demanding mountain trek.

🧭 Activities

  • 🚙 Scenic drive through Altai valleys
  • 🪨 Visit Turkic stones and ancient tombs
  • 🚶 Leisure walks along the lakeshore
  • 🏊 Swimming (weather permitting)
  • 📸 Sunset photography
  • 📍 Khoton Lake Area
  • 🥾 Hike: ~1.5 hours to waterfall
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch with Kazakh family / Dinner
  • 🏕️ Accommodation: Ger camp / Yurt / Tent

After breakfast, take a short drive to the trailhead and hike through forested valleys to reach Baga Turgen Waterfall, one of the most scenic waterfalls in western Mongolia. The surrounding area contains ancient petroglyphs, showing hunting scenes and animals carved into stone thousands of years ago.

Enjoy lunch with a local Kazakh family, gaining deeper insight into daily nomadic life, traditions, and hospitality.

🧭 Activities

  • 💧 Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall
  • 🪨 Explore ancient petroglyph sites
  • 🧑‍🌾 Cultural visit with Kazakh family
  • 📸 Waterfall & portrait photography
  • 🚶 Nature walks around Khoton Lake
  • 📍 Baga Turgen Area → Eagle Hunter Family
  • 🚗 Distance: 60 km | ⏱️ Driving time: ~2 hours
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • 🏕️ Accommodation: Eagle Hunter Family Stay

Today you travel to stay with a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter, guardians of one of the world’s last remaining eagle hunting traditions. This ancient practice has been passed down through generations and is deeply tied to survival, honor, and identity in the Altai Mountains.

Learn about eagle training, hunting techniques, and the close bond between hunter and bird. Share stories, meals, and time with the family in their home.

🧭 Activities

  • 🦅 Meet and photograph golden eagles
  • 🏹 Learn about eagle hunting traditions
  • 🧑‍🌾 Daily life with an eagle hunter family
  • 📸 Cultural and portrait photography
  • 🍲 Traditional Kazakh dinner
  • 📍 Eagle Hunter Family → Ulgii City
  • 🚗 Distance: 160 km | ⏱️ Driving time: ~4 hours
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel in Ulgii City

After breakfast with your eagle hunter hosts, you bid farewell to the Altai countryside and begin your journey back to Ulgii city, the cultural and administrative center of Bayan-Ölgii Province. Ulgii has long been a crossroads for Kazakh nomads, traders, and travelers moving between the Altai Mountains and the Great Lakes Basin.

The afternoon is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace, offering a gentle transition from remote wilderness back to civilization.

🧭 Activities

  • 🚙 Scenic drive through mountain valleys
  • 🛍️ Visit Ulgii bazar (local market)
  • 🧵 Shop for Kazakh handicrafts and souvenirs
  • 🏛️ Optional visit to the local museum
  • ☕ Café time and rest
  • 🚿 Hot shower and comfortable hotel stay
  • 📍 Ulgii City → Khyrgas Lake
  • 🚗 Distance: 300 km | ⏱️ Driving time: 6–7 hours (off-road)
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • 🏕️ Accommodation: Ger Camp near Khyrgas Lake

Today you journey northeast into Mongolia’s Great Lakes Depression, one of the country’s most important ecological regions. Khyrgas Lake is among the largest lakes in Mongolia and has been a vital water source for wildlife, migratory birds, and nomadic herders for centuries.

The landscape gradually opens into wide steppe plains, home to wild animals such as gazelles, foxes, and numerous bird species.

🧭 Activities

  • 🚙 Long scenic off-road drive
  • 🦆 Birdwatching along the lake shore
  • 🚶 Walks along the open steppe
  • 📸 Landscape and wildlife photography
  • 🌅 Sunset views over Khyrgas Lake
  • 📍 Khyrgas Lake → Khetsuu Khad
  • 🚗 Distance: 200 km | ⏱️ Driving time: ~5 hours (off-road)
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • 🏕️ Accommodation: Ger Camp at Khetsuu Khad

Continue deeper into the remote western steppe toward Khetsuu Khad, a striking area known for its unique stone formations shaped by wind and time. These rocks have long been landmarks for nomads navigating the open plains and are often associated with local legends and spiritual beliefs.

The evening is ideal for short hikes and relaxation in a pristine natural setting far from any settlements.

🧭 Activities

  • 🚙 Off-road journey through untouched landscapes
  • 🥾 Hike among unusual rock formations
  • 🏊 Swimming in natural waters (seasonal)
  • 📸 Sunset and stargazing photography
  • 🔥 Campfire evening
  • 📍 Khetsuu Khad → Ulaangom City
  • 🚗 Distance: 200 km | ⏱️ Driving time: ~4 hours
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel in Ulaangom City

After breakfast, drive toward Uvs Lake, the largest lake in Mongolia and the centerpiece of the Uvs Nuur Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake and surrounding wetlands support an extraordinary variety of birdlife and wildlife, making it one of Central Asia’s most important natural reserves.

Continue to Ulaangom city, the capital of Uvs Province, where you enjoy a comfortable evening after days in the wilderness.

🧭 Activities

  • 🌊 Short visit to Uvs Lake shoreline
  • 🦢 Birdwatching and nature observation
  • 📸 Photography of vast lake landscapes
  • 🏙️ Explore Ulaangom city
  • 🛏️ Relax at hotel
  • 📍 Ulaangom City → Ulaanbaatar
  • ✈️ Flight: Domestic flight
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Ulaangom Airport for your domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar, bringing your unforgettable Altai Mountains and Great Lakes adventure to a close.

🧭 Activities

  • 🚐 Airport transfer
  • ✈️ Flight to Ulaanbaatar
  • 📸 Final reflections on your journey

ℹ️ Important Tour Notes

  • 🚿 Portable shower and portable sitting toilet can be provided upon request, as there are no hotels or restaurants inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
  • 👨‍🍳 A professional traveling cook accompanies the tour and prepares all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the journey.
  • 🐫 During the trek to Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp, all luggage, food supplies, and camping equipment are transported by camels, assisted by experienced local herders—allowing you to hike with only a daypack and enjoy the trek comfortably.

⭐ Why Choose This Tour

🚿 Comfort Where Possible, Wilderness Where It Matters Hotels in cities, ger camps in nature, family stays in the countryside, and optional portable showers and toilets during trekking days give the perfect balance of comfort and adventure.

🏔️ The Most Complete Altai Experience This journey covers desert, high mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and great lakes—all in one expedition. Very few tours in Mongolia combine Mongol Els sand dunes, Malchin Peak, eagle hunters, and the Great Lakes Basin in a single route.

🥾 Real Mountain Expedition, Not Just Sightseeing You don’t just look at the Altai Mountains—you trek deep into them, hike to 3,000 m base camp, and summit Malchin Peak (4,050 m) with full logistical support.

🐫 Camel-Supported Trekking for Comfort All camping gear, food, and luggage are carried by camels and local herders, allowing you to hike with a light daypack and fully enjoy the mountain scenery.

🦅 Authentic Eagle Hunter Experience Stay with a real Kazakh eagle hunting family, not a staged tourist show. Learn firsthand about this ancient tradition that exists in only a few places on Earth.

🏕️ Deep Cultural Immersion Spend nights with nomadic Kazakh families, share meals, hear stories, and experience a way of life that has changed little for centuries.

👨‍🍳 Fully Supported & Professionally Guided A professional traveling cook, experienced guides, drivers, and local staff support you throughout the tour—ensuring comfort, safety, and quality meals even in the most remote areas.

🪨 Ancient History Along the Way Visit petroglyphs, Turkic stone monuments, ancient caves, and burial sites, revealing over 10,000 years of human history in the Altai region.

🌊 UNESCO-Listed & Rare Natural Landscapes Explore the Uvs Nuur Basin, one of Central Asia’s most important ecological zones, along with Khyrgas Lake and other remote natural wonders rarely visited by tourists.

📸 Designed for Photographers & Adventurers From golden dunes to snow peaks, glaciers to eagle portraits, this tour offers extraordinary photography opportunities every single day.

🧭 Balanced Pace with Proper Acclimatization The itinerary is carefully designed with gradual altitude gain, rest days, and comfortable camps—making high-altitude trekking achievable for fit travelers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How difficult is this tour? This is a moderate to challenging adventure tour. It includes long driving days, off-road travel, and high-altitude hiking. The most demanding part is the Malchin Peak ascent (4,050 m), which requires good physical fitness but no technical climbing skills.
  • Do I need previous trekking or mountaineering experience?
    Previous trekking experience is recommended but not required. If you are physically fit, enjoy hiking, and can walk 6–7 hours in a day, you can complete this tour successfully.
  • What is the highest altitude on this tour?
    Base Camp: ~3,000 m
    Malchin Peak: 4,050 m
    The itinerary is designed with gradual altitude gain to allow proper acclimatization.
  • Is the Malchin Peak climb technical?
    No. Malchin Peak is a non-technical hike. You do not need ropes or climbing equipment. However, weather conditions can affect difficulty, especially in September–October when snow may be present.
  • What is the best time to join this tour?
    The best time is June to August, when weather conditions are most stable.
    ⚠️ September–October: The Malchin Peak ascent becomes more difficult due to snow and colder temperatures.
  • How are luggage and equipment transported during trekking days?
    All luggage, food, and camping equipment are transported by camels, assisted by local herders. You only carry a small daypack during hikes.
  • What type of accommodation is provided?
    Hotels in Ulgii and Ulaangom
    Ger camps / tents in remote areas
    Homestays with Kazakh nomadic and eagle hunter families
    Tent camping at Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp
  • Are showers and toilets available during the trek?
    There are no hotels or permanent facilities inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
    ✔️ Portable shower and sitting toilet can be provided upon request.
  • What kind of food is served on the tour?
    A professional traveling cook prepares three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Meals are nutritious and adapted for trekking days. Vegetarian options can be arranged with advance notice.
  • Is drinking water provided?
    Yes. Safe drinking water is provided throughout the tour, including boiled or filtered water during trekking days.
  • Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
    This tour is not recommended for young children or travelers with mobility issues due to long drives, altitude, and hiking requirements.
  • What wildlife might we see?
    Possible sightings include ibex, argali sheep, marmots, foxes, eagles, vultures, and many bird species. Snow leopards are extremely rare but inhabit the region.
  • Do I need travel insurance?
    Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering trekking and high-altitude activities is mandatory.
  • How do we get to and from the tour?
    Start: Khovd or Ulgii (depending on flight availability)
    End: Ulaangom → Ulaanbaatar by domestic flight
    Flights can be arranged upon request.
  • Is this tour suitable for photographers?
    Absolutely. The tour is ideal for landscape, wildlife, cultural, and portrait photography, with golden dunes, glaciers, eagle hunters, and remote lakes.
  • What should I pack?
    A detailed packing list will be provided, including warm layers, hiking boots, windproof clothing, and personal items.
  • Is this tour environmentally responsible?
    Yes. The tour follows Leave No Trace principles, supports local families, employs local herders and camel handlers, and minimizes environmental impact.