Your adventure begins with an early domestic flight to Olgii, arriving in the morning. Note that summer flights to Olgii typically depart very early, around 7:25 AM. For instance, this year’s MIAT schedule had us leaving Ulaanbaatar at 7:25 and landing in Olgii at 8:40. The journey takes about 2 hours, accounting for the one-hour time zone difference between regions.

Western Mongolia is primarily inhabited by Kazakhs, comprising 90% of the population. They have their own language and unique culture. Our crew will be ready and waiting at the local airport in the morning, and you’ll head to the ranger station of the Altai Tavan Bogd mountains, about a 5-6 hour drive.

En route to the Altai mountains, you’ll traverse mountain ranges and rivers, surrounded by rocky landscapes. At some beautiful spot along the way, you’ll make a quick stop to set up camp for lunch. Eventually, you’ll reach the valley known as the “White River,” home to nomadic Tuvan families for centuries. Their language differs from Khalkh Mongols, and their main religion is Shamanism, although their culture is closely tied to Mongolian traditions. The White River, also known as the Milk River, flows from the glaciers of the Altai mountains. Overnight in a tent.(B/L/D)

Note: There are no guesthouses or tourist camps in the north and we’ll set up our private camp, tents. Our talented cook will prepare 3 times meals for you every day. You’ll be provided with, mattresses, sleeping bags, and all camping equipment. In certain places, there aren’t proper bathroom amenities, so you’ll be roughing it like you’re camping outdoors. Some spots might have outhouses made of wood.

In the morning, a group of Tuvan horse guides, accompanied by Bactrian camels, will arrive at your location. They’ll warmly greet you and exchange introductions, after which they will load all your camping gear onto the camelbacks. For the next two days, bid farewell to your vehicles and drivers and embark on a horse trek towards the base camp of the Altai Tavan Bogd mountains and glaciers, covering a distance of approximately 17 kilometers. These mountains represent not only the highest point in Mongolia but also the most picturesque national park in the country.

The Altai Tavan Bogd boasts five perennially snow-capped peaks, with the highest named Khuiten towering at 4374 meters above sea level. Additionally, there are three substantial glaciers, the longest one spanning an impressive 20 kilometers. Just like other days, we’ll swiftly set up a lunch camp along the way, with a special stop at a spot known as the President’s Point. Here, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of the valley landscape, providing an ideal setting for breaks to capture photos and take rests.

Continuing from the President’s Point, you’ll proceed on your journey towards the base camp. Tonight, you’ll be camping around the base camp in the tent.(B/L/D)

Early in the morning, you will begin hiking to ascend Malchin Peak, which involves non-technical climbing and offers a beautiful view of glaciers from the side. The peak stands at an altitude of 4050 meters above sea level, providing a panoramic view of the entire valley from the summit. You’ll have our packed lunches during the climb to keep you energized. The descent back to the camp will be much quicker and easier than the ascent. Overnight.(B/L/D)

You’ll wake up to the breathtaking morning atmosphere of the Altai mountains and have breakfast before bidding farewell to the mountains and heading back to the White River valley using the same route. Upon your return, you’ll set up camp next to our horse crew’s family, where you’ll also visit their ger (traditional tent/home) and immerse yourself in their culture. Engage in conversations with the elders, play one of the traditional games like ankle bone with the children, and spend the night in a tent.(B/L/D)

Bid farewell to the family and depart from White River for the Khoton lakes for about 5-6 hours. As you journey towards the lakes, you notice the landscape subtly differs from the Altai mountains. You’ll explore the area with lush meadows, traverse mountains surrounded by foliage, and encounter Turkic-age human stones along the way. Upon reaching the Khoton lakes, you’ll drive to the lakeshore, the team will set up camp, and relax by the lakeshore. Enjoy a peaceful dinner on the serene lakeside. Overnight in a tent.(B/L/D)

In the morning, a short drive takes you to the Baga Turgen Valley. It’s surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush forests, rocky rivers, and green meadows. You’ll hike up to the beautiful waterfall for about 3 kilometers. The Baga Turgen Waterfall is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Mongolia, standing at 15 meters high. You’ll relax in the area for a while, then hike back to where you left the cars. Not far from the area, you’ll visit the Kazakh nomadic eagle hunter family. This is a very special and hospitable family, and you’ll spend the rest of the day experiencing their culture. There are many daily tasks in the nomadic lifestyle, such as women making dairy products in their unique way and men working with livestock, including golden eagles. You’ll practice everything from milking cows to making yogurt, curd, cheese, and more in the countryside. Additionally, you’ll have amazing opportunities to take photos with the golden eagle and its trainer.

For the rest of the time, you’ll relax and play with children (there are many children in the family) and more.

Tonight, you’re going to have a local party with the locals. They’ll prepare their very traditional dish called Besbarmak, and you’ll all gather together, inviting the neighbors to have a huge meal. They’ll also have a traditional mini-concert with their traditional instrument called Dombra. Usually, our tours involve song battles between travelers and locals and will award the winner. Tonight, you’ll spend the night in a traditional Mongolian Kazakh house – GER.(B/L/D)

Bid farewell to the family, and you’ll drive back to Olgii town for about 5-6 hours. Depending on the time of arrival in Olgii, you’ll also have chances to visit local markets, souvenir shops, and the museum. Overnight in a tourist camp with hot showers and toilets.(B/L/D)

You’ll have an early lunch at the tourist camp. Then, the driver will transport you to the airport. We’ll bid farewell, hoping to be a part of your unforgettable vacation and bring some vibrant moments to your life.(B)