Mongolian Panorama

Land Tour

18 days

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Mongolian Panorama
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  • Itinerary
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$AUD 349 per day

Departure: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Adventure

Explore the mountain glaciers, desert landscapes, large lake basins and steppe grasslands in far western Mongolia on this exhilarating journey. Starting in Ulaanbaatar, we fly to western Mongolia and head into the remote mountains, trekking to the impressive glacier in the Turgen Mountains. In the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park we undertake the second part of our trek, incorporating visits with local nomadic herders to learn about their traditional way of life from the hunting prowess of the Kazakhs to the hauntingly beautiful throat-singing of the Tuvan people. For those who wish to experience traditional Mongolian travel, you can opt to hire a horse for either or both of the trekking sections with assistance from a local herdsman. During the July departure, a further highlight will be the Naadam festival with its amazing displays of horse racing, archery and wrestling.
About
17 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 17 dinners
flights Ulaanbaatar/Khovd and Ulgii to Ulaanbaatar valued at US$750
camel/porter support during trek
airport transfers on day 1 & day 18
expert bilingual guide
comfortable well located hotels and hostels
80l World Expeditions kit bag for use during the trip
fully supported camping during trek
private vehicles
sightseeing as listed in itinerary
site entry fees
On the Naadam festival itinerary, we'll trek for 5 days to fully experience the festival.
Hightlights
Trek through the alpine peaks, river canyons and broad valleys of the Altai Mountains
Discover the culturally rich region of Western Mongolia
Trek to the glacier at the foot of the Turgen Mountains
Camp in the unique landscapes of the Mongolian steppe
Meet local nomadic families and learn about their traditional way of life
Explore the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar

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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
After arriving at Ulaanbaatar Airport, we will transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon, we will explore the capital city, starting with Sukhbaatar Square, named after the revolutionary hero, Damdiny Sukhbaatar, who declared independence from China in 1921. Another important landmark on our orientation tour is the State Department Store, also known as the "Great Shop" in Mongolian. Please time your arrival to be in the city by lunchtime as typically we will meet around 2 pm for the tour. We will return to the hotel in the late afternoon for some relaxation before a welcoming concert of traditional Mongolian music, followed by dinner and a briefing from your guide.
Overnight: Bayangol Hotel or similar
Day 2 - Fly to Khovd, Western Mongolia, drive to Zuragt Davaa
After breakfast at the hotel, we will be transferred to the airport for our internal flight to Western Mongolia. Our destination is the small township of Khovd, the capital of Khovd Aimag, which is similar to a state or province in Mongolia. The flight will take approximately 2.5 hours, and there is a 1-hour time difference between Ulaanbaatar and Khovd. Upon arrival, we will meet our vehicles and drivers at the airport and travel to Zuragt Davaa in Uvs province, which will take us approximately 4-5 hours on a mixture of paved and dirt roads, passing through the centers of Myangad, Ulgii, and Turgen soums (an administrative unit smaller than an aimag). During our journey, we will stop by the edge of Khar-Us Lake to appreciate the surrounding nature and birds. Our campsite for tonight will be located at the foothills of the Zuragt Davaa. Overnight: Tented Camp.
Days 3-4 - Turgen Mountain Trek
Over the next two days, we will embark on a rewarding trek to the base of Turgen Mountain, where a long glacier lies at the foot of the peak. The picturesque surroundings and crisp, clear air make for an unforgettable experience, with the towering mountain peak adding to the grandeur of the landscape. In the summer months, nomadic families move their gers (traditional felt tents) into these valleys to graze their herds of livestock, and we will have the opportunity to experience their hospitality first-hand.
Our trek covers a distance of 15kms on the second day, beginning on a mountain valley trail and gradually ascending towards the snow-capped peaks. We will follow the river upstream towards the glacier and continue through the Urd Turgen Valley, where the terrain is dry grassland scattered with large boulders. Our base camp for the next two nights will be set up by the white water river as it flows through the deep gorge.
Please note that during the trek, all camping equipment and personal baggage will be carried by vehicles. Trek distance: ~15-16km/ day
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 5 - Turgen Mountain Trek
Our adventure for the day involves hiking up the Urd Turgen Valley, with its small mountain streams and blooming wildflowers during the spring and early summer. As we continue our trek, we may need to scramble over boulders to reach the source of the river, right at the edge of the glacier. Afterward, we'll return to our base camp in the afternoon.
Trek distance: ~15-17km
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 6 - Drive from Turgen Mountain to Uureg Lake
We will start the day with a morning walk while our local team packs up the camp and loads the vehicles. As we proceed on our journey, our drivers will collect us en route, and we'll continue our travels towards Uureg Lake, a stunning freshwater lake nestled amidst towering peaks and the Russian border to the north. We will set up camp on the lakeshore and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 7 - Rest / contingency day at Uureg Lake
Today is a day for full exploration of Uureg Lake. The beautiful lake offers a range of activities, from swimming, fishing, walking, to bird watching or simply relaxing and taking in the stunning views. The entrance to the valley is lined with summer gers of the local nomads, which add to the scenic charm of the valley.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 8 - Drive Uureg Lake to Ulgii
This morning, we will embark on a scenic drive from Uureg Lake to Ulgii town, the capital of Bayan-Ulgii province. Our journey will take us alongside the picturesque Achit Lake and then along the banks of the Khovd River. During the drive, we will witness the changing ecosystems from semi-desert areas to steppe and mountainous steppe areas. Tonight, we will spend the night at a ger camp by the Khovd riverside in Olgii, where we will have the opportunity to experience the traditional dwelling of round-shaped felt tents, known as Khazak gers.
Overnight: Ger camp
Days 9-10 - Drive Ulgii to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
We'll spend two days driving into the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, following the Khovd River and stopping for a riverside lunch. Afterward, we'll continue our ascent over 130 kilometers, which will take us roughly 5-6 hours. Tonight we'll camp in a mountain valley, and the following day we'll keep driving until we reach a local Tuva family. After lunch, time depending, we'll have the opportunity to hike to the foothills of the mountain, where our crew will set up camp near the family's dwelling at an elevation of 2,600 meters above sea level. Those interested in riding a camel will have a chance to do so. Altai Tavan Bogd is known as the highest mountain range in Mongolia with five peaks that are referred to as the "Five Kings". The highest of these peaks is Huiten, rising to 4350m above sea level, and is accompanied by the magnificent Potanin's Glacier at its foot.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 11 - Trek over Tahilt Pass
Today marks the beginning of our trekking adventure. For the next three days, our pack camels will be carrying all food and camping equipment, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the challenge of this hike and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Mongol Altai Mountain Range.
Our trek will take us approximately 5-8 hours each day through high mountain meadows and expansive valleys. On our first day, we will cross over the Tahilt Pass (3,200m) and continue on to the Tsagaan Us valley. This will be a particularly challenging day, as we navigate through snow and glacier-covered terrain.
Ascending the steep slope to the pass will be especially demanding, but the reward will be worth it. From the top of the pass, we will be greeted by stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and high mountain lakes, which boast an entrancing turquoise hue.
After crossing the pass, we will make our way down into Tsagaan Us valley where we will set up camp for the night. Our campsite will be located on a small plateau high up on the mountainous slope, providing us with a magnificent view of the entire valley. At an altitude of approximately 3000m above sea level, please be advised that in the event of high wind conditions, our campsite may need to be relocated.

Trek distance: ~12km
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 12 - Trek the Tsagaan Us Valley
Today's leg of our trek takes us through the enchanting Tsagaan Us River valley. As we traverse over undulating hills and weave through larch forests, we'll be surrounded by towering peaks in every direction.
The river itself is a sight to behold. Its water is crystal clear and originates from the high alpine glaciers of the Tavan Bogd peaks in the Altai Mountain Range. As we continue along our path, we'll witness the river's gradual expansion as it's fed by a multitude of small streams that cascade down from the surrounding mountains.
Trek distance: ~14-15km
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 13 - Complete trek, visit Kazakh Nomad family
This morning, we'll walk out of the mountains and into the sprawling steppeland, where our drivers and vehicles await our return. This afternoon, we may have the opportunity to visit a local Kazakh family and learn about their unique culture. Although the Kazakhs' nomadic way of life is similar to that of the Mongols, there are distinct differences. For example, the Kazakh people are Muslim, and their religious customs and traditions are rooted in Islam. They also speak a different language from the Mongols and are known for their exquisite appliqué, stitching, and rug making out of crude felt. The Kazakh women's handicrafts adorn the floors and walls of their gers, creating a breathtaking tapestry. Finally, the Kazakh men are renowned for their skill in hunting.
After bidding farewell to our Kazakh family following the visit, we will take a short drive to the shore of Khoton Lake and set up camp for the night.
Trek distance: ~8-10km
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 14 - Khoton Lake
Enjoy a free day today to explore the shores of Lake Khoton on foot. Khoton Lake, a freshwater lake that's nestled within the mountains, surrounded by forests. Adjacent to Khoton lies Khurgan Lake, which is connected by a stream. Both lakes are fed by a network of rivers and streams that originate in the mighty Altai Mountains, the Khovd River originates from these lakes. The terrain in this region is incredibly diverse, with the wooded shores of the lake providing a striking contrast to the open steppes that surround it. We'll be treated to a breathtaking view of Mt Ikh Turgen (3,507m), which rises dramatically from near our campsite.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 15 - Drive to Sarsai Soum, visit Kazakh Nomad family, via Mogoin River Gorge
Today we drive 230km to Sagsai soum, we will stop for lunch at the Mogoin River Gorge, before continuing on to our campsite where we'll have the opportunity to connect with a local Kazakh family, allowing us to immerse ourselves in their traditional way of life.
Overnight: Tented Camp
Day 16 - Continue drive to Ulgii
After a brief drive this morning, we'll arrive in Ulgii town. In the afternoon, we'll have the opportunity to visit the provincial center and shop for handcrafted items made by the skilled Kazakh women.
Overnight: Ger camp
Day 17 - Fly to Ulaanbaatar
After transferring to the airport, we'll take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar this morning. The afternoon is free for you to unwind and watch the hustle and bustle of the city from one of its many sidewalk cafes. Alternatively, for the more active among us, a visit to the Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan is a great option. The palace was once home to Mongolia's eighth living Buddha, and last King -Jebutzun Damba Hutagt VIII- for 20 years until his passing in 1903. To end our trip, we'll gather together for a final farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Overnight: Bayangol Hotel or similar
Day 18 - Trip concludes in Ulaanbaatar
After a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Location

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