Discover Altai Mountains 8-Day Joining Tour in Western Mongolia

Day 1 · Arrive Ulgii city, Bayan-Ulgii province

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   Olgiy

   Passing by

   Upon arriving in Ulgii city, the gateway to the wild landscapes of western Mongolia, our first stop is the local black market, a lively place where nomadic traditions and modern trade come together. After enjoying lunch, we continue to the local museum, where you can explore a collection of artifacts and exhibits that highlight the rich history and culture of the region.

   The rest of the day is spent exploring Ulgii city, experiencing the atmosphere of this unique frontier town and getting a feel for everyday local life. In the evening, we return to a comfortable local hotel for an overnight stay, resting up for the adventures ahead.

Maksum Hotel

Day 2 · Altai Tavan Bogd National park Gate

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   Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

   10 min Admission not included

   Distance: 200 km | ⏱️ Driving: ~5 hours

   ️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   After breakfast, begin the scenic drive toward the entrance of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. The journey passes through vast steppe landscapes, dramatic mountain views, and pristine wilderness typical of Mongolia’s far western region.

   Enjoy lunch along the way while taking in the beautiful natural surroundings. Upon arrival near the park area, settle into your camp and relax in the peaceful environment. In the evening, enjoy dinner and admire the clear night sky of the Altai Mountains.

   ️ Accommodation: Nomadic ger camp / yurt stay.

At your Hotel · Picnic · Camp

Nomadic ger camp / yurt stay

Day 3 · View point of Altai tavan Bogd mountains

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   Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

   10 min Admission not included

   Hiking: 12 km (one way) | ⏱️ ~3 hours

   ️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   After breakfast, begin a horse-assisted hike to the Altai Tavan Bogd viewpoint. Along the trail, enjoy spectacular views of the Potanin Glacier and Khuiten Peak (4,374 m), the highest mountain in Mongolia. The route follows scenic valleys surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.

   A picnic lunch will be served in the mountains while you take in the breathtaking alpine scenery. After some time for photos and rest, hike back to camp along the same trail.

   In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner cooked by your camp cook.

   ️ Accommodation: Nomadic ger camp / yurt stay

Camp · Picnic · Camp

Nomadic ger camp / yurt stay

Day 4 · Khoton lake, Altai Tavan Bogd National park

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   Khoton and Khurgan Lake

   10 min Admission not included

   Distance: ~160 km | ⏱️ Driving: ~4 hours

   ️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   After breakfast, begin the scenic drive to the beautiful Khoton Lake, traveling through the remote valleys of the Altai Mountains. Along the way, stop to see ancient Turkic stone monuments and burial sites, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich archaeological history.

   Lunch will be served en route. Upon arrival at Khoton Lake, spend the afternoon relaxing by the shoreline, taking short walks, and enjoying the breathtaking alpine scenery surrounded by snow-capped peaks and peaceful wilderness.

   In the evening, enjoy dinner at camp beside the lake.

   ️ Accommodation: Nomadic ger camp / yurt stay

Camp · Picnic · Camp

Nomadic ger camp / yurt stay

Day 5 · Baga Turgen waterfall and Petroglyphs

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   Khoton and Khurgan Lake

   10 min

   Hiking: ~1.5 hours

   ️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   After breakfast, take a short drive to the trailhead for Baga Turgen Waterfall. From there, enjoy a scenic hike through forested valleys to reach the beautiful waterfall.

   Lunch will be shared with a local Kazakh nomadic family, offering a unique opportunity to learn about their traditional lifestyle and customs. In the afternoon, explore the ancient petroglyphs around Khoton Lake, which date back thousands of years.

   Dinner will be served at camp in the evening.

   ️ Accommodation: Nomadic ger camp / yurt stay

camp · Picnic · Camp

Nomadic ger camp / yurt stay

Day 6 · Visit Eagle Hunter family

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   Khoton and Khurgan Lake

   10 min Admission included

   Distance: ~60 km | ⏱️ Driving: ~2 hours

   ️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   After breakfast, drive to visit a Kazakh eagle hunter family. Upon arrival, learn about the ancient tradition of golden eagle hunting, a centuries-old practice passed down through generations. Observe the daily life of the family and enjoy opportunities for memorable photos with the hunter and his eagle.

   Lunch will be prepared upon arrival. Spend the afternoon experiencing the unique culture and hospitality of the Kazakh nomads.

   In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner with the eagle hunter family.

   Accommodation: Nomadic ger camp / yurt stay

Camp · Picnic on the way · Kazakh traditional meal Besbarmak

Nomadic ger camp / yurt stay

Day 7 · Ulgii City

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   Ulgii

   10 min

   Distance: ~160 km | ⏱️ Driving: ~4 hours

   ️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

   After breakfast, begin the drive back to Ulgii City. Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Altai region along the way. Upon arrival in the city, lunch will be served.

   In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Ulgii’s local bazaar, visit souvenir shops, or stop by the Bayan-Ulgii Provincial Museum to learn more about the region’s history and Kazakh culture. Dinner will be on your own.

   Accommodation: Local Hotel in Ulgii city

Local Hotel

Day 8 · Flight back to Ulaanbaatar

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   Ulgii

   10 min

   ️ Meals: Breakfast

   After breakfast, transfer to Ulgii Airport for your domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar.

   This marks the end of your unforgettable Altai adventure, filled with stunning mountain landscapes, rich Kazakh culture, and unique experiences in western Mongolia. Safe travels!