Discover beautiful Altai mountains in Mongolia, the largest and highest mountain range in the country, with this 11-day tour. This mountain range features glacier topped peaks over 3000 meters high, crystal clear mountain rivers and streams where the world's largest sheep live, along with snow leopards, wolves, eagles and other bird species.

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Discover beautiful Altai mountains in Mongolia, the largest and highest mountain range in the country, with this 11-day tour. This mountain range features glacier topped peaks over 3000 meters high, crystal clear mountain rivers and streams where the world's largest sheep live, along with snow leopards, wolves, eagles and other bird species.

The name Altai Tavan Bogd (Five Holy Peaks of Altai) was given to a cluster of five peaks that dominate this extensive mountain range. The climate is extreme with very little vegetation, giving the sorrounding landscape a barren appearance. 

You'll also have the unique opportunity to take part in the Golden Eagle festival. The official opening ceremony starts with a parade of the hunters on horseback with their eagles. The most elaborate clothing and accessories are rewarded with the highest points. Later in the day, the eagles are judged for their speed and agility. The second day of the competition is intense: the eagles fly from the edge of a cliff to chase a bait dragged by their human hunting partners and the men prove their courage in an ancient test of horsemanship. 

The itinerary includes:

  • Ulaan Baatar city tour, shopping and cultural performance
  • Trekking to Potanin Glacier and Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain National Park
  • Tsagaan Gol or White River
  • Golden eagle festival
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Trip summary

  • Travel style Tailor-made travel
  • Departure Ulaan Bataar
  • End Ulaan Bataar
  • Countries
    • Mongolia
  • City
    • Ulaan Bataar
    • Ulgii
    • Altaj
  • Theme Meeting local people
  • Accommodation Standard
  • Flight Excluded
  • Guide Not Included
  • The tour has met our standards

Detailed itinerary

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  • 1
    Arrival in Ulaan Baatar
    Day 1

    You'll arrive in Ulaan Baatar. You'll be transferred to your hotel and have some relax. During the dinner in a restaurant you'll listen to a short briefing on the upcoming trip to the Altai. Overnight in hotel. 

    Visited places:
    • Ulaan Bataar
  • 2
    Ulaan Baatar -Ulgii
    Day 2

    On this day you'll catch your flight to Ulgii, the center of Bayan Ulgii province where 90% of the population is made up of Kazakh who have their own language and unique culture. Kazakhs are famous for their eagle hunting game tradition. You will meet your vehicle and the local team.

    You'll finally be transferred to Sagsay river and settle your camp. Overnight in tent. 

    Visited places:
    • Ulaan Bataar
    • Ulgii
  • 3
    Ulgii - Altai
    Day 3

    Today you will enter the Altai high mountain area and arrive at Shiveet Khairkhan mountain, the closest place to the Altai peaks reachable by car. You will be travelling at the altitude of 2500-3000 m. You will visit a local kazakh family to learn about their life as well as rent horses for the next trip.

    You'll prepare your luggage for the upcoming three day trekking trip to Altai peaks. 

    Visited places:
    • Ulgii
    • Altaj
  • 4
    The Altai mountains
    Day 4

    On day 4 you will leave your vehicle and load your luggage on the horses. You'll then trek toward the Altai Tavan Bogd peaks. You'll arrive at the foot of the high peaks. Overnight in tent. 

    Visited places:
    • Altaj
  • 5
    Potanin Glacier and Mount Altai Tavan Bogd
    Day 5

    You will start your trekking towards Potanin Glacier and Mount Altai Tavan Bogd. The name Tavan Bogd means "Holy Five Peaks": they are the highest peaks in Mongolia, Khulten Uul, Peak Malchin, Peak Naran, Peak Burged and Peak Olgii.

    While trekking you will cross the glaciers connecting these five peaks. You'll arrive at the camp. Overnight in tent.

    Visited places:
    • Altaj
  • 6
    Tsagaan Gol or White River
    Day 6

    You will arrive at Tsagaan Gol and change your horses. Tsagaan Gol, or White River, owes its color to glacial milk, the suspended powder of rocks eroded by the high glaciers. Overnight in tent near a nomad family with whom you will have the opportunity to talk and share experiences.

    Visited places:
    • Altaj
  • 7
    Tsagaan Gol - Ulgii
    Day 7

    You will drive back to Ulgii for the Golden eagle festival.

    Visited places:
    • Altaj
    • Ulgii
  • 8
    The Golden Eagle festival
    Day 8-9

    The Golden eagle festival starts with parades and competitions for customes and hunting techniques. This festival has been celebrated since 2000 and attracts many visitors nowadays. Each year the number of eagle hunters participating in the festival is increasing and this makes the festival more colorful and spectacular.

    The eagles chase skins dragged by their owners on horseback. Points are given for their speed and gripping ability. Festival winners are announced at an award dinner. Overnight in a local hotel. 

    Visited places:
    • Ulgii
  • 9
    Ulgii - Ulaan Baatar
    Day 10

    You will fly back to Ulaan Baatar and have some relax at the hotel. Then, you'll go shopping in the State department store and Cashmere house for souvenirs and products.

    In the evening you will attend an amazing cultural performance of Mongolian traditional music and dance. Overnight in hotel. 

    Visited places:
    • Ulgii
    • Ulaan Bataar
  • 10
    Ulaan Baatar - Departure
    Day 11

    You will be transferred to the airport and depart from Ulaan Baatar. 

    Visited places:
    • Ulaan Bataar

Photogallery

  • Mongolia Ulgii Golden eagle festival
  • Mongolia eagle
  • Mongolia Ulgii Golden Eagle festival
  • Mongolia landscape
  • Mongolia Ulgii Golden eagle participant
  • Mongolia Golden Eagle festival participant with eagle
  • Mongolia Ulgii Golden Eagle festival man with eagle
  • Mongolia Ulgii Golden eagle festival participants
  • Mongolia Ulgii Golden Eagle festival competition
  • Mongolia lake and mountains

  • Prices and conditions
    Price includes
    • Accommodation in hotels, ger camps or tented camps
    • Guiding service
    • Transport: 4x4 vehicle or minivan
    • Entrance fees to protected areas or national parks
    • Museums and cultural performance
    • Camping equipment
    Price does not include
    • International airfare
    • Personal equipment
    • Optional activities
    • Excess baggage charges
    • Single room supplement
    • Alcoholic drinks
    • Sleeping bag
    • Travel insurance