Natural & Cultural Delights in North-West tour

15 days from $2800

​New trails to the north-west part of Mongolia - where the great contrasts of nature exist! In general, people know that the landscape elevation rises up towards the west part of Mongolia comprising high mountain ranges of Altai and Khangai. But do all people know that we also can find golden sand dunes as well as fantastic views of sparkling lakes nestled between the sand hills there?
Along this trip you have an opportunity to discover all those beauties in a very peaceful way. You will constantly meet local people of different mongolian ethnic groups, which are as different as you go further to the west. This is a very rewarding trip in a part of Mongolia rarely visited by foreigners yet.

Highlights

  •  Crossing provinces of Zavkhan, Uvs, Bayan-Ulgii 
  •  Khar lake - beautiful lake surrounded by sand hills 
  •  Kharkhiraa valley, Khyargas lake 
  •  Eagle hunting family 
  •  Cattle herding nomad family 

Key Info

Physical level: Advanced Physical level: Advanced
Overlanding & Discovering Overlanding & Discovering

Tour Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1.

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Transfer to the hotel and relax. City tour including the Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from the Stone Age to the 21st century, and Buddhism, Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). In Gandan Monastery, you can take local prayers, monks, the biggest standing indoor Buddha statue, and temples' own figure. (L/D)

in the hotel

Day 2.

Fly to Northern Mongolia

Take a flight to Uliastai, the central town of Zavkhan province, which lies in the Khangai mountain range. Reach Otgontenger peak (4021m), which is one of the Sacred mountains declared by the Mongolian State. Those sites are treated with the utmost respect. Within the vicinity of these sites, the cutting of trees, hunting of wild animals, or digging of the land is prohibited. Dating back to pre-Buddhist animist beliefs, these taboos serve the double purpose of worship and protecting the surrounding environment. Later incorporated into Buddhism, people continue to practice these traditions nowadays.

Meet our travel team at the local airport and a brief tour of the town. Drive towards Ulaagchiin Khar Nuur - Black Lake. (B/L/D)

in the hotel

Day 3.

Ulaagchiin Khar Nuur - Black Lake

Arrive in Ulaagchiin Khar Nuur - Black Lake, which is another wonder of natural beauty. This lake occupies 40 sq. km area and surrounded by magic sandhills that its beauty could impress one. The lake reaches a 40m deep point. Hiking in vicinity areas and riding two-humped Mongolian Bactrian camel. (B/L/D)

in the tent 1-2 hours

Day 4.

Songino Village

Visit local herders’ settlement to have full interaction with nomads. You have an opportunity to enjoy these days at the nomadic settlement familiarizing yourself with its lifestyle. Explore Airag valley and visit a site of ancient stone monuments. Overnight in a tent close to herder’s settlement. (B/L/D)

in the tent

Days 5-6.

Khyargas Lake

Drive to the west heading to the Uvs province- a chain of lakes, wetlands, sand dunes and high mountains. Arrive at Khyargas lake – 2nd largest salt lake of Mongolia. The lake has abundant fish and it is a nice stop for birdwatching. 

in the tent

Day 7.

Kharkhiraa Valley

Kharkhiraa Valley – a beautiful river valley surrounded by dense fine forests meadows carpeted colorful wild flowers. Twin peaks of Kharkhiraa mountain (4037m) and Turgen mountain (3978) dominate the area. People of Khoton ethnic group inhabit in this area. Arrive in Uureg lake which lies at the borders od Uvs and Bayan-Olgii provinces. The lake is surrounded by peaks with 3.000m height and more such as Tsagaan Shuvuut mountain (3.496m) and is a great place for trekking, hiking and fishing. 

in the tent 3 hours

Days 8-9.

Enter Bayan-Ulgii province.

Unlike to other provinces its population is dominated by Turkic Kazakhs, which have their own language, customs and Muslim religion. On the way visit Kazakh family, living in slightly larger and colorful gers. They train eagles, falcons hawks to collect marmots, small foxes and wolves and return to the ger, where the Kazakhs use them for food. Tented camp near their settlement. 

in the tent

Day 10.

Altai mountain range

We are entering Altai high mountain area and arrive at Shiveet Khairkhan mountain- the closest place to the Altai peaks reachable by the car. We are travelling at the altitude of 2500-3000 m. We will visit local kazakh family to explore their life as well as rent horses for our further trip. Prepare our luggage for the next 3 day-trekking trip to Altai peaks.

in the tent

Day 11.

Altai Tavan Bogd Peak

Leave our vehicle and load our luggage to the horses and trek toward the Altai tavan Bogd peaks of 4100-4374m. Arrive at the foot of the high peaks. 

in the tent 5 hours

Day 12.

Potanin Glacier and Mount Altai Tavan Bogd

Start our trekking towards Potanin Glacier and The Tavan Bogd (means Holy Five Peaks) highest peaks in Mongolia - Khuiten Uul- 4374m, Peak Malchin, Peak Naran, Peak Burged and Peak Ulgii. Meaning the 5 Kings it comprises of five neighboring peaks. While trekking we will cross glaciers which connect those five peaks. Trekking distance 20km approx. Arrive at the camp. 

in the tent 5 hours

Day 13.

Back to Ulgii town
in the tent

Day 14.

Take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar from Ulgii town.

Visit State department store for shopping souvenirs and presents. Evening cultural performance. 

in the hotel

Day 15.

Departure

Prices & Inclusions

Prices & Inclusions
Group size Price/Per person
2 PAX 3400$
3-4 pax 3200$
5-8 PAX 3050$
9-12 PAX 2900$
13-15 PAX 2800$

Includes

Accommodation: Hotel****,* ger camp, tented camp
Guiding and interpreting service
Full board meals
Transport: 4x4 vehicle or minivan
Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar-Uliastai & Ulgii-Ulaanbaatar)
Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
Camping equipments

 

Not Includes

International airfare 
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost 
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement 
Alcoholic drinks 
Travel Insurance
The extra cost for photography in museums
Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc

arrow_upward

6 Reasons to choose Ayan Travel

Initial tour operator
Initial tour operator
Experience in Adventure and Discovery Tours
Advisors and specialist
Advisors and specialist
In Photography and Workshops
Our Tours
Our Tours
We arrange Flexible and Fixed trips
Responsible for
Responsible for
Clients- Locals- Nature
During your trip
During your trip
Assistance for 24 hours a day
Service quality
Service quality
Well planning and excellent