Horseback Expedition in Altai Mountains, West Mongolia - 8 Days

Take a morning flight from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii, where we pick you up at the airport and take care of everything. After brunch at a halal restaurant, meet your expedition team and begin a scenic 5-hour overland drive into the Altai Mountains, across vast steppe landscapes, to a Kazakh eagle hunter’s summer camp in Shar Gobi. Settle into traditional gers for your first evening of nomadic life.

Ride toward the snow-capped peaks of the Altai and experience the centuries-old tradition of golden eagle hunting. Learn the fundamentals of eagle handling and observe hunting techniques, riding alongside the hunter to witness this remarkable partnership between human and bird. In the evening, join your host family for the traditional Five Fingers Feast (Besbarmak).

Begin your multi-day horseback expedition from Shar Gobi toward the Khar Lake summer pasture, riding across rolling valleys and open grasslands where herds graze freely. Overnight in nomadic yurts or expedition tents, depending on location and conditions.

Ride on through pristine alpine landscapes to the turquoise waters of Dayan Lake, where snow peaks reflect in the clear water and migratory birds circle above. Camp near the lakeshore.

Ride on to breathtaking Khoton Lake in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Discover ancient Turkic balbal stones and burial mounds scattered across the steppe, then arrive at our nomadic base camp, where hot showers await.

Ride along the forested shores of Khoton and Khurgan lakes, with a detour to Baga Turgen Waterfall, which cascades down from the glaciers of the Chinese border. Spend the afternoon visiting local families and seeing the rhythms of lakeside nomadic life.

After a final breakfast by the lake, transfer by vehicle back to Ölgii (about 6 hours). In the evening, a farewell dinner with traditional throat singing and a Kazakh folk performance.

After breakfast we drop you at Ölgii airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar.