Magic of Western Mongolia
At the edge of Asia, where Kazakh eagle hunters perpetuate their ancestral traditions.
Duration
14 days
From
€2,490/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
The first rays of sunlight caress the snow-capped peaks of the Mongolian Altai as the morning call of a golden eagle rings out. In this most remote region in the world, 1636 kilometers from Ulan Bator, Kazakh families still live according to millennia-old codes, nomadizing between lush valleys and high-altitude plateaus.
The circuit crosses the Tsambagarav mountains where glaciers and moraines peak at over 4000 meters, then reaches the crystalline lakes of Khoton and Khurgan where the Khovd river has its source. Between hiking expeditions in the Altai Tavan Bogd national park and encounters with the eagle trainers of Sagsai, each stage reveals a facet of this Turco-Mongolian culture shaped by the constraints of altitude and geographical isolation.
This land inhabited by eighteen distinct ethnicities — Kazakhs, Uriankhai, Tuva — keeps shamanic practices and horseback falconry alive. Here, far from oceans and major trade routes, the Mongolian Altai offers one of the last testimonies to a pastoral way of life unchanged for centuries.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and discoveries in Ulan Bator
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, where vast steppes gradually give way to an astonishing city, blending Soviet heritage, nomadic traditions and emerging modernity. Welcome by your driver and transfer to the city center, a first glimpse of this fascinating destination with already striking landscapes. Check-in at your hotel and rest (early check-in not included).
Meet at noon at your hotel, where your guide will meet you before accompanying you to a local restaurant for lunch. This first moment of exchange is an opportunity to get to know each other, discover the highlights of your adventure and slowly immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Mongolia.
Dive into the heart of Mongolian history during a visit to the National History Museum. Spread over several floors, the museum traces the rich past of the country, from the first nomadic civilizations to the Soviet period, including the rise of the great empire founded by Genghis Khan. A fascinating visit to better understand the identity and culture of Mongolia.
A stroll through the downtown of Ulaanbaatar to discover the famous Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of the capital dominated by the imposing statue of Genghis Khan. You will also observe the Mongolian Parliament and the hustle and bustle of this amazing city, between Soviet heritage and nomadic culture.
Around 6:00 PM, you attend a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh, famous for its performances combining folk dances, traditional music, contortion acts and khoomi, the fascinating Mongolian diaphonic singing inscribed in the intangible cultural heritage.
Flight to the Mongolian far west
We leave the bustling Mongolian capital to board our domestic flight to Khovd, capital of the province of the same name, located 1500 km from Ulan Bator.
Khovd was an important commercial center located north of the Silk Road, which had woven ties with Russia and China. In 1763, the Manchu administration had the Sangiin Kherem fortress built. Walls 3 meters high and 2 meters wide then enclosed the city, spanning 4 hectares. Today, Khovd province is home to 18 Mongolian ethnic groups.
Visit to the local market.
Excursion on the banks of the Khar lake to the southeast of the city.
In the Mountains of Altai
Khovd → Tsambagarav
You are joining the region of Tavan Belchir, whose name means "the five pastures". This valley is located 25km north of the Tsambagarav mountains, , whose snow-capped peaks reach an altitude of 4,195 meters. You arrive at the south of the massif in the late afternoon.
Stay with a family from the region where we will spend 3 nights for a first experience of the lifestyle of nomads in Mongolia.
Hiking in the Tsambagarav Mountains
To Tsambagarav
From Tavan Belchir, we set off for 2 days of hiking in the valleys of the Tsambagarav National Park. Meeting with Kazakh and Uriankhai nomadic families (ethnic groups of Mongolia living in the western part of the country). Meeting with a Kazakh eagle trainer who will certainly take the opportunity to show us his eagle.
From the north-west of the Tsambagarav mountains, we get closer to snow-capped peaks. View of the glacier.
Heading to Olgii and Discovery of Lake Tolbo
Monts tsambagarav → Ölgii
You continue your journey to Far Western Mongolie, and the province of Bayan Olgii. On the way, we stop on the banks of the Tolbo Lake where we take a walk along its shores.
Arrival in Olgii, the capital of the westernmost province in Mongolie, which is also the place in the world most distant from the oceans. It is located 1636 km from Ulan Bator, at 1710 meters altitude. It is essentially populated by Kazakhs, and its atmosphere is greatly influenced by Central Asia: many signs written in Arabic, mosques pointing their domes toward the sky.
Visit to the Olgii Museum, which offers an exhibition on the fauna and flora of the region. We introduce ourselves to Kazakh culture by discovering a collection of traditional costumes and visiting a reconstructed yurt inside the museum.
Meeting with a falconer
Ölgii → Sagsai
In the morning, we head to Sagsai village.
Meeting with a Kazakh eagle hunter who will be delighted to show us his eagle and give us a small hunting demonstration (_demonstration done with bait - an animal skin - held at the end of a rope_) while telling us about this ancestral practice that is horseback falconry.
Sagsaï → Région de Syrgaal
We drive to the Sirgaal region. This region, very remote and separated from China by high snow-capped peaks, has two magnificent lakes, Khoton and Khurgan, where the Khovd river originates.
Hiking in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
This first day takes you through the Sirgaal region and allows you to reach the first of the two great lakes of the Altai Tavan Bogd: the Khurgan Lake.
Discovering Turgen Waterfall
Still based at our hosts' camp, we set off for a second day of exploration of the national park. Today's hike will take us very close to the Chinese border. We will walk along the Baga Turgen river to the Turgen waterfall, which is 40 meters high.
In the northern part of the Altai Tavan Bogd
Région de Syrgaal → Zagast nuur
Long day on the trail through the sumptuous landscapes of the Altai. We follow the Mogoyt river before arriving at Black Lake. The landscape becomes increasingly mountainous. Crossing a final pass before arriving on the banks of the White River (Tsagaan gol).
Setting up at a nomadic herding family's home where we will spend 2 nights.
Hiking to Mount Shiveet Khairkhan
Zagast nuur → Shiveet Khaïrkhan
Hiking day in the Shiveet Khairkhan Mountains, a region populated by the Tuva, a shamanic people for whom the Mountain is sacred. Hunting is therefore forbidden here, and it is possible to spot many Argali. We will also be able to observe in the region protohistoric statues and Turkish tombs from the Bronze Age.
Visit to the site of Tsagaan salaa rock paintings. Over nearly 15 km, you observe approximately 10,000 rock paintings engraved on the rocks bordering the southern bank of the white river, Tsagaan Gol.
Trail to Olgii
You reluctantly leave your hosts and get back on the trail, a difficult trail in this area, which leads you to the capital of the province: Olgii.
Installation in a camp of Kazakh yurts where we can enjoy a certain level of comfort.
Return flight and end of stay
Transfer to Olgii airport, where you board your return flight to Ulan Bator.
The domestic flight will be determined according to the airline's schedule and availability.
Arrival in the city and check-in at your hotel where you can have a moment of relaxation.
Rest of the day free. Accompanied by your guide, you explore the city's shops to make your last purchases.
Have a great trip and see you next time!
Breakfast at the hotel. The driver will accompany you to Ulan Bator international airport. The return transfer will take place at your preferred time, depending on your flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transport
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel insurance
- Extra beverages / alcohols
- Meals in Ulan Bator
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
- Baggage supplement if you carry more than 15kg (hold and cabin baggage combined)
Included
- Airport transfers / hotel / airport
- Flights Ulan Bator / Khovd & Olgii / Ulan Bator
- 2 nights in a 2-star hotel in Ulan Bator, breakfast included
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- 2 nights in comfortable Kazakh yurt camp with hot shower
- 7 nights with local hosts, staying in a yurt
- 1 night in a provincial hotel in Khovd
- 4x4 or mini bus transport + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide
- Assistant for groups > 8 participants
- Eagle Hunting Demonstration
- Local guides during hikes
- Entrance fees for parks and museums mentioned
- Meeting with a shaman in Ulaanbatar
- Kitchen equipment (camping tables and chairs) and sleeping gear (sleeping bag)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Mongolia depend on your nationality. The information below provides general guidance for tourist stays. We recommend verifying the specific conditions applicable to your situation with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence, as well as with your own authorities, before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays, while others must obtain a visa before departure.
If a visa exemption applies to your nationality, the authorites may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation or your travel itinerary.
For specific information regarding visa requirements and any exemptions applicable to your nationality, please contact the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Affairs Office (GASI). For stays of 30 days or less, registration is generally handled by your hotel or accommodation provider.
It is recommended to keep a copy of this registration throughout your stay, as Mongolian authorities may request it during checks.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Mongolia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
routine immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
tick-borne encephalitis, particularly if planning trekking or staying in rural areas,
rabies, if there is a possible risk of contact with wild or stray animals.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. All travellers should verify the specific requirements applicable to them with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for assistance-repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for reporting a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A stay in Mongolia is possible without a visa for a limited duration. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry is required. For a longer stay, a visa can be obtained from the Mongolian embassy. Entry conditions change regularly: check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Mongolian consular authorities before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation (yurts, lodges), meals, 4x4 with driver and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros round trip) are additional. Mongolia offers a timeless nomadic immersion.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Mongolian Altai
Cultural and encounters facilitator for Mongolia, based in Oulan Bator
The most beautiful memories from Mongolia are often born from an unexpected encounter, around a cup of tea or a ger door that opens with a smile.
— Chimgee
