Trekking and Sightseeing tour in Western Mongolia:
From Snow-Capped mountains to Glacial lakes
Starting from 2330$
14 days
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Trek around Mt. Tsambagarav (4,190 m) in Khovd Province
- Trek along the White River in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- Explore Bronze Age petroglyphs
- Reach the glacial twin lakes, Khoton and Khurgan
- Trek to Baga Turgen Waterfalls
- Meet Tuvan and Kazakh herders and immerse yourself in their culture
- Experience a homestay with two different eagle hunter families
- Explore Dayan Lake
- Camp under the stars at the foothills of snow-capped mountains
- Discover museums and cultural sites in Ulaanbaatar
Tour date :
15 May to 1 October 2025
Difficulty :
Comfort :
Tour description :
This tour offers short yet beautiful treks in highlighted spots throughout Western Mongolia, providing a unique way to discover this magical land. Journey through the majestic Altai Mountains at the frontier, explore highland lakes, glacial rivers, and alpine meadows, and witness diverse wildlife while immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of local cultures. Interact with various Mongolian ethnic groups, experience the mysterious throat singing, and learn about the falconry traditions practiced by Kazakh nomads who live harmoniously with nature.
Over the course of 14 days, you’ll alternate between hiking and jeep exploration, traveling through Khovd, the cradle of several ethnic minorities, and Bayan-Olgii province, home to the Kazakh people for nearly two centuries. Enjoy two days of trekking in the magnificent Tsambagarav National Park, one day hiking along the White River to explore the Shiveet Mountains and their valuable rock paintings dating back to the Bronze Age, and a day and a half trekking around Khoton and Khurgan Lakes—all at a moderate pace.
Arrival in UB and city tour
Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, our local staffs (drivers and guide) will pick you up at the international airport of Chinggis khan. You will be transferred to a centrally located three-star hotel.
At noon, you will be escorted for a guided city tour that highlights the city’s most notable attractions, impressive National History Museum, Sukhbaatar Square and the Parliament building.
As the evening approaches, at 6:00 PM, experience a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh ensemble, featuring folk dances, contortion, and khoomii, the unique throat singing, followed by a welcome dinner.
:
100 km
:
Dinner
:
*** Hotel
Flight to Khovd: Escape to Far West
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Khovd City, a cradle of many ethnic groups in Western Mongolia. Departures are scheduled for either early this morning or in the afternoon.
Following a 2,5-hour domestic flight, your support team (drivers, cooks, and guides) will welcome you.
Then we will head towards majestic Mount Tsambagarav mountain. At the end of 2 hour’s drive, we will reach the summer camp of nomadic families, the Namarjin valley. Set up our camp near family’s camp.
Spend your afternoon experiencing local life with a nomadic family. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and relax for the night in the tented camp.
:
2.5h
:
110 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Hiking day in Namarjin valley: Tsambagarav National park
Today marks the start of our hiking adventure as we head out to explore the Tavan Belchir area from Namarjin Valley, located just north of Tsambagarav Mountain National Park. We’ll hike about 15 to 20 kilometers through a beautiful mountain valley. Along the way, we’ll take a break to enjoy a tasty picnic lunch in the great outdoors. This region is home to several different ethnic groups, including Kazakh and Uriankhai people. We will also meet a Kazakh eagle hunter who will show us his impressive eagle.
:
15 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Hiking around Tsast mountain: Tavan belcher valley
Today, our adventure begins as we make our way toward the impressive snow-capped mountains rising before us. We will ascend into the upper glacial valleys of Tsambagarav (4,209 m), where we’ll discover a beautiful waterfall. Next, we’ll trek into a lush valley beneath the Tsast Uul glacier (4,190 m), both part of the Altai Mountain range. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a picnic surrounded by spectacular views.
Mount Tsambagarav lies between Khovd and Bayan-Olgii Provinces, featuring diverse glaciers, rugged gorges, and lovely glacial lakes. The sight of these glaciers from afar is truly impressive.
Today’s hike will be a round trip of about 5-6 hours, taking us back to our campsite. As evening falls, enjoy a tasty dinner and a cozy night in our tent
:
15 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Drive to Olgii
After breakfast at the foothills of the mountains, we will travel to the city of Olgii and check into a comfortable hotel to relax after an exciting day. Olgii, the capital of Bayan-Olgii province, is a vibrant region inhabited by the Kazakh, Tuvan, and Uriankhai peoples. Once we arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the local market and visit the regional museum.
:
130 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Local hotel
Heading to Zagast nuur (Fish lake): a calm lake nestled among Altai mountains
Today, we will head towards the calm and refreshing lake called ‘Zagast,’ a hidden gem that marks the start of tomorrow’s wonderful one-day hike. Located 40 km from the westernmost peaks of the beautiful Altai Mountains, this lake is part of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
Our journey will cover 145 km and take about 5 hours. Zagast Lake, located along the gentle Tsagaan Gol (White River), is home to Mongolian grayling and osman fish. Once we arrive, we will set up camp and take some time to relax, enjoying the harmonious natural surroundings.
:
145 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Trekking along the White River to Holy Shiveet Mountain
After a tasty breakfast, we start a full day’s trek along the White River, through fertile pastures, all set against the backdrop of the majestic Altai Mountains, until we reach Mt. Shiveet, the holy mountain worshipped by Tuvan nomads. There, we will explore ancient rock paintings that depict impressive hunting scenes and the wild animals that once roamed this area. At the end of the day, we settle down for the night on the riverbanks in cozy tents.
:
13 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
:
Tent
Heading to Khoton and Khurgan Lakes: Syrgaal Region
Another driving day awaits us as we travel 170 km through open valleys and mountains to explore the Altai region’s most beautiful highland lakes: Khoton and Khurgan. These two lakes, connected by a narrow canal, are often referred to as sister lakes.
Our journey continues with a 5-6-hour drive leading us to a campsite by Biluu Hill. Once we’ve set up camp by the lakeside, you’ll have the opportunity to hike up the hill. This route offers a chance to discover ancient petroglyphs dating back to the Bronze Age. We strongly encourage you to reach the summit, as it provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hike will take approximately 2-3 hours.
:
170 km
:
2-3h
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Visit a Kazakh family and hike to the Baga Tugen waterfall
After breakfast, we will drive for about half an hour to the eagle hunter’s family. The Kazakh people are well-known for their traditional hunting with specially trained golden eagles. Let’s discover more about the ancient traditions of the nomadic Kazakh people. Enjoy the hospitality of the Mongolian people and experience the nomadic lifestyle.
In the afternoon, you will hike along the beautiful gorges of the Baga Turgen River, located in a clean, untouched wilderness. The waterfall, which comes from snow-covered mountains, is 15 meters tall, making it the tallest in the area. The nearby mountains are filled with Siberian larch, fir trees, and wild currants. This area is located within a protected zone near the national border with China.
After the hike, we will return to the eagle hunter’s family.
:
13 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Traditional ger
Dayan Lake: a Sanctuary for birds
An hour’s drive takes us to Dayan Lake, the final lake on our journey. Dayan Lake is a glacial freshwater lake located near the border, at an elevation of 2,232 meters. Its unique habitat supports a diverse range of wildlife, including six species of breeding birds and various migratory species, as well as rich plant life along its shores and in the surrounding alpine meadows and moist steppe.
It is an ideal spot for ecotourism, particularly for birdwatching during the right season. On the eastern shore, visitors can explore a small archaeological site that features a carved stone statue of an ancient warrior.
The afternoon is free for swimming and enjoying the surroundings. Overnight in tents.
:
65 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
To the eagle hunters of the Altai Region
Today, we will drive to the Altai village, a community inhabited by the Kazakh and Uriankhai people. This village is one of the few places where brave eagle hunters reside, contributing to a total of 230 to 280 active eagle hunters in the region. We will be warmly welcomed into the ger of one of these esteemed hunters and spend the day observing the traditional practice of horseback falconry.
The hunters will showcase their skills by targeting bait (a piece of animal skin), even though actual hunting focuses on foxes, rabbits, and small wolves, which takes place in winter. You’ll also have the chance to talk with the eagle hunter, take photos with the eagle, and learn about their way of life. Their bond with their eagles is deep, treating them like family members.
This experience offers a unique and unforgettable opportunity for adventure and cultural immersion.
:
100 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Traditional ger
Drive back to Olgii
After we say goodbye to our hosts, we’ll set off on a 130 km journey back to Olgii, which should take about four hours. Once we arrive, we’ll check into a cozy local hotel. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore the city at your own pace. Feel free to shop for a variety of souvenirs and local crafts if you’d like.
In the evening, we’ll savor a traditional Kazakh dinner accompanied by a dynamic spectacle to mark the end of our adventure in Western Mongolia.
:
130 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Local hotel
Return flight to Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to Olgii Airport, where we will board our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Once you arrive, check in at your hotel. You will have free time for the rest of the day. In the evening, we will come together for a farewell dinner.
:
3h
:
100 km
:
Breakfast, Dinner
:
*** Hotel
Departure: See you next time 🙂
Transfer to International Airport for your journey back home. You can choose your return transfer time based on your flight.
:
Breakfast
Price per person:
Tourists |
2 |
3-4 |
5-6 |
7-8 |
9-10 |
11-15 |
Price p.p |
3590$ |
3150$ |
2940$ |
2690$ |
2500$ |
2330$ |
Dates:
Tour dates |
Available places |
Status |
15 May to 1 October 2025 |
15 |
OPEN |
The tour includes:
The tour excludes:
