Camp Baavgain Khondii sits on the banks of the Khovd River in Bayan-Ölgii province, at Mongolia's far western edge. Located 8 km from the center of Ölgii and just 2 km from the airport, it makes an ideal base for exploring the Kazakh territory of the Mongolian Altai.

Why stay at Camp Baavgain Khondii

Opened in 2010, this camp is one of the rare accommodations offering structured immersion in Kazakh culture in western Mongolia. Bayan-Ölgii province stands apart from the rest of the country with its predominantly Kazakh population, language, cuisine, and equestrian traditions. The camp capitalizes on this unique setting by organizing encounters with local families and eagle-hunting demonstrations—a practice recognized on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Its proximity to the airport makes it easy to arrive in the evening after your flight from Ulaanbaatar, without a lengthy transfer. The Khovd River, which flows down from the snow-capped peaks of the Altai, provides a serene natural setting at the edge of camp.

Atmosphere and character

The camp's layout follows Kazakh dwelling conventions, distinct from the traditional Mongolian ger: a taller structure with interior decorated by embroidered wall carpets (syrmaq and tuskiiz) and dominant red tones. The restaurant, housed in a large Kazakh ger, serves as a gathering point for meals and evening gatherings.

The camp welcomes a maximum of around thirty guests, preserving an intimate atmosphere far removed from the larger tourist facilities sometimes found around Ulaanbaatar.

Accommodation

The camp offers two types of lodging:

• 15 double gers, with a total capacity of 30 guests
• 4 small wooden cabins, an alternative for those preferring solid construction

Hot showers and toilets are located in a shared sanitary block available to all guests.

Services and dining

The restaurant beneath the Kazakh ger serves varied cuisine: Kazakh specialties (besbarmak, lamb and noodle dishes), traditional Mongolian fare, plus Asian and Western options for travelers seeking familiar flavors. Free wifi is available—a valued amenity in a region where connectivity remains irregular.

Location and access

Ölgii is the provincial capital of Bayan-Ölgii, approximately 1,600 km as the crow flies from Ulaanbaatar. The city is reached mainly by plane via regular domestic flights from the capital. From the airport, the camp is accessible in just a few minutes, making it a practical option for your first and last nights in the region.

What to do from the camp

The camp organizes a range of activities centered on Kazakh culture and Altai nature:

• Horseback riding through surrounding valleys
• Hiking along the Khovd River and foothills
• Visits to a Kazakh family to share in the daily life of herders
• Eagle-hunting demonstrations with a local eagle hunter
• Attendance at the Eagle Festival (typically in October), a major event bringing together regional hunters
• Celebration of Nawryz, the traditional Kazakh spring equinox festival (March)

Planning your stay

Camp Baavgain Khondii fits naturally into an itinerary dedicated to western Mongolia, often combined with Tavan Bogd National Park or Khoton Lake. To build your journey and benefit from our specialists' advice, explore our Mongolia tours.