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.
Next, you’ll proceed to meet a local nomadic family who resides in the Oigor Valley near Altai mountains surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, rivers, and rocky landscapes, for about 5-6 hours of driving.

You’ll be welcomed by the family, and usually, the locals are very hospitable, allowing you to immerse yourself in their culture and daily lifestyles. The nomadic family engages in numerous daily tasks, including milking cows and yaks in the evening. Sometimes, their livestock roams on the plateau. You and the local herders could cooperate, for instance, herding cattle off the mountaintop once sundown. Overnight in ger camp.(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.

The journey continues to explore the beautiful Altai Tavan Bogd National Park for about 2 hours. 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. The final parking for the vehicles is at a sacred site on the hill where you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of the valley landscape, providing an ideal setting for breaks to capture photos and take rests. Furthermore, you’ll enjoy hiking for 6-7 km (roundtrip) to get closer to the peaks and glaciers. Then, you’ll return to the family. Overnight in Ger.(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 Baga Turgen Valley to meet the local nomadic eagle hunter family. You’ll spend the rest of the day experiencing their culture. Overnight in a Ger.(B/L/D)

You’ll embark on a horse trek to the Baga Turgen valley to explore the beautiful waterfall which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush forests, rocky rivers, and green meadows. The horse trek would be about 10-12 km. 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 head back to the family.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)