Trip overview

This 16-day tour is designed specifically for nature lovers, featuring excursions to the famous national parks in Central and Western Mongolia. Experience the majestic five highest mountains of Mongolia through this adventure journey that showcases Mongolia's stunning natural landscapes and rich nomadic traditions, along with the picturesque lakes found in the western region's parks. Throughout this sixteen-day expedition, you will have the chance to delve into the ancient nomadic practice of hunting with eagles.

Highlights

Experience camel riding across the sand dunes in Khugnu Tarna NR
Explore a scenic arch rock formation in the Khangai Mountain Range
Discover the attractions within Khorgo Terkh National Park
Explore a picturesque turquoise lake and a hidden gobi-desert oasis
Climb Malchin Peak to witness the magnificent view of Mongolia's five peaks
Partake in horseback riding within Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Hike through Mongolian biggest glacier
Meet the Golden Eagle Hunters

Itinerary

DAY 1. TO KHUGNU TARNA NATURE RESERVE

Start our 16-day journey from Ulaanbaatar to Khugnu Tarna Nature Reserve, area encompasses three distinct natural zones and spans an impressive 49,600 hectares, protecting some endangered species of birds of prey and wolves. Upon arrival at Khugnu Tarna NR, we will have the opportunity to ride a Mongolian Bactrian camel.

DAY 2. TO KHARKHORIN & ERDENE ZUU MONASTERY

Travel westward to visit Kharkhorin village, the historic capital of the Great Mongolian Empire and a prominent tourist attraction. Once we arrive, we will explore the Erdene Dzuu monastery, the oldest surviving monastery, built from stones in 1586 by King Abtai Sain, located near the remnants of the ancient capital of Kharakhorum. This monastic complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, as part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape.

DAY 3. TO TSENKHER HOT SPRING

Set off on a journey to Tsenkher Hot Spring, a sulfur spring that emerges from underground at a sizzling 86C and is located at an altitude of 1860m above sea level, the second-hottest spring in Mongolia. Looking up at the Milky Way on a starry night is a wonderful experience while taking a hot spa in an outdoor pool.

DAY 4. TO KHORGO TERKH NATIONAL PARK

Travel further into Arkhangai province to reach Khorgo Terkh National Park, an area of 77267 hectares, encompassing the Khorgo Crater, which rises to an elevation of 2,240 meters above sea level, as well as Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. Established as a protected area in 1965, the park aims to preserve its stunning mountainous landscapes and the endangered plant and animal species that inhabit it. It is bordered by the Khangai Mountains, which soar to heights of 3,000 meters above sea level. Khorgo Mountain, a dormant volcano located to the east of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, is characterized by its basalt-covered terrain.

DAY 5. TO TARVAGATAIN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK & GREEN LAKE

After breakfast, we will set off for the Tarvagatain Mountain Range, an area known for its expansive steppes, a small green lake, and deep valleys rich with forests, all crisscrossed by several rivers, including the Ider River. This river is a significant contributor to the Selenge River in northern Mongolia, which eventually flows into Baikal Lake in Russia. We will spend the night at a temporary campsite, where gathering around the campfire will provide an authentic experience of the great outdoors.

DAY 6. TO ULAAGCHINY KHAR LAKE

Proceed with our expedition to Ulaagchny Khar Lake, a stunning turquoise body of water nestled among the sand dunes in the western plateau of the Khangai Mountain Range. This lake spans approximately 37 kilometers in length and averages between 4 to 12 kilometers in width. It serves as a perfect location for fishing and hiking, allowing us to appreciate the remarkable natural scenery that surrounds it. Upon arrival, we will establish our tent near the striking sand dunes along the northern shore of the lake, providing us with an opportunity to relax during our leisure time.

DAY 7. TO MUKHART RIVER & SENJIT ROCK

Today, we will explore various attractions, including the impressive 10-meter-high Arch Rock and the stunning Mukhart, a pristine stream that flows beneath the Borhyar Sand Dunes, creating a picturesque oasis adorned with river meadows, poplar trees, and sea buckthorn fruit trees.

DAY 8. TO KHYARGAS LAKE

After breakfast, drive to Khyargas Lake, one of the largest lakes in Mongolia, which lies about 100 km south of Lake Uvs in the territory of the Great Lakes Depression. The Zavkhanriver feeds Airag Lake, which is further connected to khyargas lake, which has no outlet. The salt-water lake, stretching from west to east, is 75 km long and 31 km wide. Several fish, including the rare Mongolian grayling lives in the lake.

DAY 9. TO ULGII TOWN

Travel to Ulgii town, where you can spend the night in a local hotel, taking advantage of a hot shower and the opportunity to unwind.

DAY 10. TO ALTAI TAVAN BOGD NATIONAL PARK /RANGER STATION/

After a hearty breakfast, we travel to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, a stunningly beautiful park of snow-capped peaks and immense glaciers, located in the extreme western corner of Mongolia. Upon arrival at the ranger station, locally known as White River, we will visit a Tuvan family to learn more about the nomadic tribe living on the highest plateau of Mongolia. In the evening after dinner, we will pack our stuff for the next three-day trip to the Altai 5 peaks.

DAY 11. HORSE TREK TO BASE CAMP

Start our 2 day horback riding trip from Tsagaan Gol to the Potanin Glacier, the largest in Mongolia, spanning 53.5 square kilometers, along with the Alexander and Granegglaciers. This excursion promises an unforgettable experience at the magnificent Potanin Glacier, where an ice river originates from the snow-capped peaks of Altai Tavan Bogd. As you stroll alongside the river, you will have the chance to admire the stunning, pristine wilderness, along with the refreshing air and crystal-clear water.

DAY 12. HIKING TO MALCHIN PEAK

Embarking on a trek to Malchin Peak, the smallest of the impressive five peaks, presents a significant challenge. The ascent involves navigating steep and rocky terrain, necessitating prior mountaineering experience. However, upon reaching the summit, one is rewarded with breathtaking views of the glaciers below and the expanse of Russian territory, as the ridge coincides with the border.

DAY 13. RIDE BACK TO RANGER STATION

Today we'll continue our horse trek from base camp to the White River. We will ride along the glaciers where you can admire the moraines ice and permanent snow. We will visit the same Tuvan family and stay over the night in their guest’s ger.

DAY 14. VISIT EAGLE HUNTERS & KAZAKH NOMADS

Travel east to meet with eagle hunters, where you can spend the night and share experiences. You will have the opportunity to wear traditional Kazakh traditional attire, take a selfie with an eagle, and engage in traditional ankle bone games with the local community.

DAY 15. BACK TO ULGII TOWN

Today, you will have the opportunity to spend additional time with the golden eagle hunters for further exploration. Following our lunch with the nomads, we will return to the town of Ulgii.

DAY 16. FLY BACK TO ULAANBAATAR CITY

After a hearty breakfast, we will proceed to Ulgii airport for our flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon our arrival in UB, our driver will be there to greet you and take you to your hotel.