Altai Mountains Active Journey

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Ulgii (2.5 hours), the capital of Bayan-Ulgii, Mongolia’s westernmost province. Ninety percent of the population of Bayan-Ulgii is Kazakh, and there will be many opportunities to meet local families and discover the unique Kazakh culture during your time here. Kazakh language and traditions have been preserved for generations in this isolated region, which also features some of the most spectacular scenery in Mongolia.

Upon arrival in Ulgii, enjoy your lunch and pay a visit to the local museum and the local out market.

Followed by a drive to your ger camp. Your ger camp is located at the base of permanently snow-capped Tsambagarav Mountain (13,783 ft.). This mountain valley is the autumn pasture of the Uulds, a Mongol-speaking people belonging to the Oirat ethnic group. The Uulds still use animals for moving and carrying loads, and are very proud of their rich history and the Uuld king Amarsanaa Khan, who led the rebellion against the Qin Dynasty’s invasion of Mongolia. Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Total flight time 2.5 hours

Total drive time 2 hours/ 86 km (57 miles)  Nomadic Expeditions Wilderness Ger Camp

After breakfast, pack your bags and begin your trek in to Tsambagarav Mountain Eregt Valley to north east, following the Eregt river, one of many rivers that takes its origin from the ice atop of the Tsambagarav snow peak. You’ll hike along the Erect river on rocks. Along the way you’ll pass many animals, horses and sheep, that belongs to the local nomads. Once you walk in the valley will become narrow and the towering mountains on both sides will be majestically towering over you. Packed picnic lunch.

Once you’ve reached the base of the mountain, you’ll return, backtrack the way you came from and get rewarded with a whole different view of the valley coming out. Or for those who are interested in a more challenging hike, you may hike up the pass and walk over to the eastern side of the pass and make a loop (counter clockwise) and return to the ger camp. (the options will be presented at the ger camp before your departure and pick and choose your preferred route, after talking to your guide)

Total hike time 6 - 7 hours/ 24 km (16 miles)

Total hike time 7 hours/ 30 km (20 miles) challenging longer hike

Nomadic Expeditions Wilderness Ger Camp

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After breakfast, mount your horses and ride to Namarjin valley. Your ride will take you up to an area that is high and with a view as far as your eyes can see. Along the way you’ll pass many nomads who are herding their animals, these are the Uuld ethnic group of Mongolians, who’s been living in this area for generations. After about 3 hours of riding, you’ll arrive at your host family at the Namarjin valley. Enjoy your day at the family and explore the surrounding on foot or on a back of a horse, eventually riding back to your ger camp and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Lunch at the local family.

In the evening, enjoy your dinner at your ger camp and overnight.

Total ride time 6 hours/ 20 km (14 miles)

Nomadic Expeditions Wilderness Ger Camp

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In the morning, hike to the Kholboo lake, an easy walk to the lake and back. Along the way enjoy a view of the nomads herding their animals and scenic landscapes. Enjoy lunch at the camp.

Afternoon, continue with your journey north with a short walk to a local eagle hunter due north and begin an eagle hunting demonstration, many Kazakhs still hunt with trained golden eagles in the winter months, a tradition passed down from their Turkic ancestors. Female eagles are preferred for their aggression and size. Weighing up to fifteen pounds, the females are nearly one-third heavier than the males and their vision is eight times more acute than the human eye. Enjoy your dinner at the Kazakh family, as they serve you the traditional Kazakh meat platter, locally known as Besbermakh. During dinner entertain your eyes and ears with a Kazakh musical performance.

Return to your ger camp for overnight.

Total hike time 5 hour/ 21 km (14 miles)

Nomadic Expeditions Wilderness Ger Camp

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In the morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Ulaanbaatar (2.5 hours).

Total drive time 2 hours/ 86 km (57 miles)