MAT Kod: 08
Nature of western Mongolia tourMajestic Altai Mountains guard the western frontiers with China and Russia. Its spectacular peaks, covered in vast glaciers, are home to Argali sheep, Ibex, Lynx and the elusive Snow Leopard. The area is inhabited by Kazakh and our hunters whose ways of life have not changed since times unmemorable. Kazakhs have ancient traditions of falconry. They employ Golden Eagles which are kept for hunting foxes, hares and other small animals. Start off from the alpine lakes of Khoton and Khurgan, trek along glacial rivers, across luch meadows and icy gorges. Myriads of flowers entertain eyes of those traveling in June. Hundreds of stone mounds marking burials of various ancient tribes lie alongside our trail. Finally reach the base of the Tavan Bogd mountain range, the highest in Mongolia. Here, facing cold glaciated peaks and vast moraines beneath them time stands still. The tour allows a wealth of cultural experience in the caring company of local nomads and hunters. The Essentials - Length of tour: 14 days
- Group size: 4-15 people, plus tour guide
- Tour cost: 3-5 pax 2850 USD 6 and more pax 2620 USD
- Accomodatrion: Hotels- 2 nights (twin share) for this tour we will be using 3-4 star hotels. Mongolian Ger- 4 nights (shared) Tent 8
- Meals: 3 meals per day
- Schedule 2019: June 18 – July 03, July 15- July 30
Itinerary Day 1 Arrival to Ulaanbaatar. Our Sod Namnaa Company's guide will meet you at the “Mongolian railway” train station or Airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Mongolian folk art . Depending on your arrival time , there is the possibility for a whole or partial day city tour, including a visit to Gandan Monastery with its 26 m high gold-plated statue of Megjid Janraisag. Afterwards, an excursion to the National History Museum, where you will see artifacts from Mongolia and Central Asia from the Stone Age to the present, and displays of the development of Mongolian arts and culture. Day 2 Flight to Bayan-Ulgy, the Muslim province of Mongolia Early this morning take a 3 hour flight to Ulgy town in Western Mongolia. The Kazakhs living in the area are the largest national minority and practice Sunni Islam. A number of other ethnic groups also reside in the province in the region. Upon arrival meet with a support team of driver(s), cook(s) and a guide and head westward. At the end of a 3 hours travel across mountainous desert we camp in the Valley of Khovd River. In general rivers in Mongolia are small and shallow occasionally drying up but during the rainy season they rapidly rise and at times burst their banks. However, the Khovd river is one of the largest in the country. It covers over 400km and flows into Khar Us Lake, of which it is the only feeding source. Overnight in tents. Day 3 Drive to Khurgan Lake, Khoton Lake Khurgan and Khoton are spectacular alpine lakes at an altitude of 2073m. A number of moraines, result of earlier glaciations, and snow capped mountains surround them. Our campsite at Khoton lake is truly idyllic. It has one of the largest petroglyph galleries in Mongolia. They date back to Neolithic period and the Bronze Age and depict numerous hunting scenes, and representations of wild and domestic animals. Also there are some distinctly well preserved ancient burial sites. In the afternoon you may go swimming, explore the surroundings or laze in the camp. Water temperature permitting we go for a swim before the dinner. Day 4 Acclimatization day This morning the trek begins. This is an acclimatization day on terrain made of gentle hills and small flat valleys that lie along the Khoton lake. The area is dotted with white yurts of Kazakhs, living in the area, who sometimes approach to greet you. Along the way we wade several streams flowing into the lake from neighboring slopes. You will as well spot a few ancient tombs, a circular stone fill with another circle of rocks around its perimeter. The support team will move ahead and choose a campsite by a swift mountain stream. In the evening our Tuvan camel herders will join us in the camp. They will be accompanying us during the next several day together with their camels. Day 5-7 Wilderness trek along White Water river We leave the lakes behind and enter the mountains. The White Water River runs from vast glaciers of the "Tavan Bogd" massif north of the lakes. Its waters are milky white due to glacial dust floating in them. The first day we trek along the White Water river and follow one of its fast tributaries the next day. Though fenced by high rocky ridges on both sides, the river valley is rich in flowers and vegetation. With a bit of luck you may even spot a Mountain Goat (Ibex) or a marmot. Each day we will be trekking for a minumum of 5 hours. Our camp and kitchen will be moved by camels. In the afternoon of the seventh day we will make our way across a 3400m pass called "Worship" and descend into the valley of White River, which takes its source from the longest glacier in Mongolia named after a Russian traveler Potanin. As we approach to descend, the emerald green river glows winding down below and, the icy peaks of the "Tavan Bogd" loom in the background. In the camp we reunite with our drivers who will have made a detour to meet us. The valley is the home of our Tuvan friends and we camp nearby their gers. Their hospitality is unparallel, there is always someone to invite you home to taste their tea and food. Day 8 Rest day in White River valley Enjoy this well deserved rest day. Around lunch time we one of our local guides in his ger. Ger is simple but reliable dwelling, perfect in extreme weather conditions and suitable for frequent seasonal moves. Unpretentious life and beautiful nature have shaped these extremely friendly and tough people. Their knowledge of nature and of genuine traditions is outstanding. The hosts will offer you a traditional meal and almost surely some milk vodka too. Day 9 Trek to base camp of the Tavan Bogd Peaks
Back on trail and we trek to base camp of the Tavan Bogd. This gradual ascent takes us through a high mountain terrain of rock outcroppings and of wetlands. With a bit of luck you will see some of the wildlife that inhabit the area including marmots, hares and a number of birds such us Golden Eagles, Black Vultures and Falcons. Our tents and provision will be again transported by camels. Upon completing two thirds' of the way there open majestic perspectives of Potanin and Alexander glaciers with the icy peaks of Khuiten (4374m), Nairamdal (4082m), Snowchurch (4071m), Malchin (4050m), and Cradle (4113m) on their far side. This evening we camp at 2900m. Day 10 Optional climb to Malchin Peak (4051m) The 4051m Malchin is the lowest of the peaks. We hike along the Potanin glacier moraine for an hour and start climbing on the scree of Malchin. Its ridgeline overlaps with the borderline of Mongolia and Russia and provides a spectacular bird's eye view of the Potanin glacier, glaciated peaks and Russia. Over to the west, weather permitting, you will see the massif of Mt.Belukha (4500m) lying in Russia. That is the absolute top of Altai mountain range. Back in camp we reward ourselves with a tasty meal. Those staying behind can relax in the camp and take the so-called Russian border walk, an easy climb on to a neighboring ridge that allows a glance into the territory of Russia. Day 11 Return trek to White River Today we trek back to our camp in the White River valley. This time it is a gentle downhill and easy stroll. It is a chance to glance into every single valley of the "Tavan Bogd" massif and to observe how the glacier melt develops into torrents of the White river. Upon return to our camp we celebrate the trek, you will be served one of delicacies of the Kazakh cuisine - "besbarmak". Literally meaning "five fingers" this is a delicious assortment of stewed meat, vegetables and flour eaten with hands. Day 12 Return transfer to Ulgy, overnight in Ger We say drive back to Ulgy. Tonight is your chance to sleep in a Kazakh yurt. Hot shower and cold beers will highlight the day. Day 13 Return flight to Ulaanbaatar This morning we catch a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon for shopping and else. Farewell dinner. Day 14 Departure After breakfast at the Hotel it time to Departure. Our guide and driver will deliver you at the “Mongolian Railway” train station or Airport for departure to your country.
What’s included - All transportation as specified in the itinerary.
- Meals
- Excellent English-speaking local guide
- Comfortable well located tourist class hotels and Ger camps
- All transfers except arrival on day one and departure on the final day
What’s not included - Flights and taxes unless specified in the itinerary
- Visa fees
- Vaccinations
- Tipping
- Insurance
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