Due to the vast expanse of land in Mongolia the infrastructure is not developed, and traveling by road takes a lot of time. Tourists who go to the Bayan-Ulgii province, usually visit Altai Tavan-Bogd National park, Lake Khoton-Khurgan, and Lake Dayan, to see the ancient hieroglyph and petroglyphs, and the ancient stone man sculptures. They may also spend a few days staying with a family of nomadic sheperds to get acquainted with the ancient culture of Kazakh eagle hunters. The best way to visit those places is to travel by jeep as it also allows you to explore local sights, and to photograph the people, and their animals.
Our jeep tours are available and can be conducted by English-speaking translators, guides, and experienced drivers who are experts about the region, local culture, and language. The crew also includes chefs who are experienced in cooking for tourists.
The territory of the Western region of Mongolia is very rocky, roads are difficult to access, so the Russian cars UAZ-469, mini vans /UAZ-452/, and Toyota Landcruisers are best suited to Mongolian roads.
Depending on the number of tourists, the trips are usually carried out by two jeeps, one carrying passengers, the other one carries necessary luggage, and other equipment including kitchen appliances.
The Mongolian part of Altai Mountain range called Mongolian Altai Mountain range and is a natural preserved area. In 1996, the National Reserve “Altai Tavan Bogd National Park” was founded and officially opens. In the territory of the Altai Mountains Tavan-Bogd there are many lakes and rivers such as Khoton Lake, Khurgan Lake, Dayan Lake, the river valley of the Khovd River, Khar Salaa, Tsagaan-Salaa, Songinot, and Yolt.
The glaciers are located at an altitude of 3,500-4,000 meters above sea level. The largest glaciers are the Potanin Glacier, Alexander Glacier, Greny Glacier. They stretch 16 kilometers in length and are the source of the Tsagaan River. The five highest peaks of Altai Tavan Bogd mountain are Khuiten peak 4374 meters, Friendship peak 4082 meters, Herdsman peak 4037 meters, Eagle peak 4068 meters, and Ulgiy peak 4050 meters. This trip takes 5 days in total. It takes one day to drive to the mountains and one day to return with 3 days of hiking and climbing.
Duration:
10 days
Single supplement:
Arrival at Ulaan Bataar airport, you will be met by our representative and, after checking in at the hotel, we will take you on a city sightseeing tour and for a welcome dinner. (Hotel/D)
You will fly to Ulgii City, in the Bayan-Ulgii province of Western Mongolia. The majority of the population of this region is Kazakh, with their own culture and own language. At the local airport, you’ll meet your English-speaking guide, driver and expedition cook. Today we’ll drive to Sagsai sum, on the way we will see the ancient Deer Stones and Balbal Stones, 6th to 8th century Turkish burial markers. And before dinner we will catch up with our Nomadic Kazakh family. We will stay overnight in a Kazakh Ger, sharing Golden Eagle with Kazakh family. (/L. D) 35km
Today we’ll drive to Khoton and Khurgan Lakes, stopping for lunch on the way, and spending the night at the camping site on Biluut Hill. Here you will find ancient rock carvings of Turkic origin, 1500-2000 years old. Khoton and Khurgan lakes are second largest and clearest of all lakes in Mongolia, the average depth is 26 m, the maximum depth is approximately 58 m, Khoton lake has one Iceland which is covered by woods, the system of Khoton lake and Khurgan lakes connected by wide channel. The landscape around the lakes is very beautiful and picturesque surrounded by snow-capped mountains. 150km (Tent /B/L/D)
Drive to White River Valley. We will have a chance to visit Tuvan people, who are a separate ethnic and cultural group within Mongolia, live a nomadic life, and practice Shamanism. About 200km (Tent /B/L/D)
Today we will hike 18km to the base camp of the Tavan Bogd. Our luggage will be transported by camels and their Tuvan handlers who are very friendly and helpful. En route, from 5-6 km away we will see Potanin and Alexander Glaciers, as well as ice peaks. Base camp is 3,000 meters above sea level. Camel support. (Tent /B/L/D)
Climb to Malchin Peak, 4050 m. This peak, the lowest of the Holy Five Peaks, is on the Mongolia and Russian border. The climb takes 6 to 7 hours, all the way to the top of Malchin. Back in camp after the climb, we’ll relax! (Tent /B, L, D)
Hike north to Oigor River. Passenger cars arrive from White River valley. Camel support. (Tent /B/L/D)
We are drive back to Olgii. Afternoon do some arts and crafts shopping. Overnight at company’s ger camp or your hotel (Ger or Hotel/B/L/D)
Return flight to Ulaanbaatar. (Hotel/B)
Transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)