Western Mongolia Photo Safari Tour

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)

Take a flight to Ulaangom, the central town of Uvs province. A short tour of the town. Uvs province has a chain of lakes, wetlands, sand dunes, and high mountains. (B/L/D)

Drive to Gashuun valley which is a wonderful panoramic landscape of ice-capped Turgen mountains. Visit Stone memorials of ancient periods. Photography day of wonderful nature and historical sites. Tented camp at the bank of the Turgen river. (B/L/D)

Drive to lake Achit - the largest lake in Uvs province, located on the border of three western aimags. It offers stunning sunsets and sunrises and plenty of fish. The lake is home to flocks of geese, eagles and other birdlife. In the afternoon drive to Kharkhiraa valley - a delightful valley, surrounded by dense pine forests, has crystal clear river and carpeted with flowers. It is a perfect place to stay and photograph, while and relax, or to go hiking and taking beautiful photos. On the way we will stop at “Island of Devel”, is home of kinds of rare birds.  (B/L/D)

Drive to Ulgii, the central town of Bayan-Ulgii province. Unlike other provinces, its population is dominated by Turkic Kazakhs, which have their own language, customs, and only Muslim religion in Mongolia. Visit a local museum, black market, and theater. Photography day of another culture and tradition than main Mongols. (B/L/D)

Today we head to the Altai Mountain area and arrive at Shiveet Khairkhan mountain- the closest place to the Altai peaks reachable by car. We are traveling at the altitude of 2500-3000 m. We will visit a local Kazakh family to explore their lives as well as rent horses for our further trip. Here you can meet the local people and take portraits and the daily life of Kazakhs. They have a bigger Ger dwelling than the Khalkha majority group and they are characteristic. Prepare our luggage for the next 3 day-trekking trips to Altai peaks. (B/L/D)

Leave our vehicle and load our luggage to the horses and trek toward the Altai Tavan Bogd peaks of 4100-4374m. You can take photos of a horse or camel caravan which suites the Western Mongolian landscape, rocky and show-capped mountains. Arrive near foot of the high peaks and camp there. (B/L/D)

Head back to the van through and after lunch drive to Khurgan lake, the lowest point of Altai Tavan Bogd National park.

Head back to the vehicle through Tsagaan Gol - White river, which owes its color to glacial milk, the suspended powder of rock eroded by the high glaciers. Here you have a chance to photograph both landscape and people. Then, drive towards Lake Khurgan. (B/L/D)

Full photography day at Khurgan and Khoton lakes and surrounding area. The system of these lakes, connected by a wide channel, is the source of the Hovd River which drains the whole Mongolian Altai. Khoton Lake is located in an intermountain tectonic depression in the northern portion of the Mongolian Altai. (B/L/D)

On the way stop at Tsengel sum and Valley of Jivertei. Here we can take photos of ancient man stones that belonged to the Turkic empire, which existed 5th to 7th centuries. (B/L/D)

Come close to magnificent Tsambagarav mountain (4193m) via Tolbo lake. Enjoy the natural beauty and meeting with local people. Stay in the local eagle hunting family. Photography day of hunting eagle show and nomad life. Owners train eagles such as they chase fox skins dragged by their owners on horseback, collect marmots, small foxes, and wolves, and return to the ger, where the Kazakhs use them for food. (B/L/D)

Drive to Khovd, the central town of Khovd province, as well as the major industrial center of western Mongolia. Brief city tour. Local Museum - geology exhibit, collections of stuffed wildlife, including an ibex with its distinctive corrugated antlers, ethnic costumes and artifacts, and a snow leopard pelt tacked up on the wall. One of the most interesting exhibits is the re-creation of the cave paintings at Tsenkheriin Agui /Tsenkheryn cave/. (B/L/D)

Take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar at a local airport. Transfer to the hotel and relax. Farewell dinner together. (B/L/D)

Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)