Horseback Expedition in Altai Mountains, West Mongolia - 11 Days (extended edition)

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 3-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 deeper into the Altai Tavan Bogd region, visiting Kazakh nomadic families along the way and seeing daily life shaped by mountain rhythms. Camp in remote alpine wilderness.

Ride through scenic Aksu Valley toward Bear Valley and visit the picturesque Heart Lake, surrounded by rugged ridgelines. Continue through remote mountain terrain.

Cross the dramatic Dakilbay “Death Pass” and descend into the White River Valley. Arrive at the ranger station and stay in traditional Tuvan gers.

Ride toward the majestic Potanin Glacier, the largest glacier in Mongolia, and settle at base camp, surrounded by dramatic ice fields and towering peaks.

Ride back to the ranger station and transfer by vehicle to Ölgii. 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.