Journey to the West

Explore the enigmatic west of Mongolia. Climb glaciers, meet eagle hunters and get a taste of life in this rarely-visited part of the world.

Month: August

Journey to the West

This eleven-night tour starts from Mongolia’s ever-changing capital Ulaanbaatar heading west to visit eagle hunters, Tuvan’s, Mongolians, Mountains and glaciers. On this Journey we will fly into and out of the far western region of Ulgii, we travel beyond the steppe while, using aeroplanes, 4X4s and horses.

Accommodation will be a mix of hotels, Mongolian Gers, tourist Ger camps and camping.  You’ll get a chance to live like the locals and get a real taste of life on the Mongolian steppe out here in the far West.

 

Highlights

Tavan Bogd National Park is one of Mongolia’s most impressive mountainous regions; we visit some of the most rarely seen areas of the park – packed with mountains, glaciers and crystalline alpine lakes, Tavan Bogd is most certainly a highlight!

Meeting the Locals is an integral part of this tour. We’ll camp alongside local nomadic families, joining in their daily activities and experiencing their way of life in this hostile natural environment; we always make sure we’re not intruding in their day to day life.

Visiting the Eagle Hunters is an incredible way to spend a day in Mongolia’s far west. These nomadic hunters use their eagles throughout winter to track and hunt foxes, rabbits and sometimes even wolves!

Tsaagan Gol or the ‘White River’ sits at the heart of the Tavan Bogd National Park; the stunning river runs from a the Potanin Glacier which we’ll hike to, right on the border between Mongolia, Russia, China and Kazakhstan.

 

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Journey to the West - Mongolia Summer Tour

What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
  • Accommodation
  • All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Domestic Flights
  • All Entrance Fees (where listed)
  • Vehicles and Driver
  • Local Guide
  • Riding and Pack Horses
  • Park Permits
What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Spending Money
  • Snacks and Drinks
  • Extra Nights Accommodation
  • Tips
  1. Day 1 All Passengers Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

    We will meet at a designated meeting point in Ulaanbaatar to begin our adventure. Contact your Tour Manager for information about arranging an airport transfer into the city.

     

    Accommodation: 3-star Hotel

    Included Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2 Fly to Bayan Ulgii & Drive to White River

    Today, after breakfast, we depart Ulaanbaatar as we head back to the airport for our morning flight to Bayan -Ulgii. Lovingly known amongst Mongolians as the ’Roof of Mongolia’, a remote land of glaciers and mountain peaks Bayan –Ulgii is a must-see.

    Upon arrival, we will pile into our Russian UAZ also know as the bread truck due to their distinctive shape. Once we’re all packed and comfortable, it’s on with our Mongolian adventure driving out beyond Sagasi Village, where we can stop to acquire supplies for the upcoming few days. Our Journey takes us deep into the stunning  Altai Mountains. Home to the Kazakh people, the mountains in Mongolia’s far west have sheltered this sizeable ethnic group for centuries; we will stay with these families learning of their local life and customs.

    As we journey on making our ay through steep-sided mountain valleys, we will eventually reach the Tsagaan Gol (White River), a  river whos glacial source is our target the following day. The white rive makes its way past the mount Shiveet Khairkhan, and ancient mountain crossroads adorned with rock carvings and signs of early life. From here we also catch our first glimpses of the Five Saints (the five peaks of Tavan Bogd). A short journey onwards and we arrive at Shiveet Khairkhan rangers station; our home for tonight

     

    Accommodation: Overnight Camping/Tent

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3 Hike to Altai Tavan Bogd

    We leave our vehicles and none essential luggage at the foot of the mountains today. The kit needed for our overnight stay is to be carried by our camels. We then begin our trek up Tavan Bogd with the help of our local Tuvan guide. The Journey to the camp is around 15 kilometres located next to the stunning Potanin glacier, Mongolia’s largest. The hike is truly amazing as we walk across lush alpine tundra, through mountain valleys and cross bubbling mountain brooks all the while rewarded by views of untouched mountains. Once at our camp, we can relax and soak up the ambiance of the area the distant rumble of mountain avalanches and the crackling can In the distance.

    After lunch and a good old cup of tea, we follow our local guide for a hike up over the moraines to take a closer look at the natural marvel the Potanin glacier. From a distance, the Moraines look small, but it will take an hour to reach the Glacier. Once there should you wish we would only advise walking on its frozen surface with the assistance of the local guide. Around the Glacier, the ring of mountains makes this breathtaking Journey, one that even the best camera has problems capturing.

     

    Accommodation: Camping

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4 Return to Tsagaan Gol (White River)

    Today we journey back down the valley to the Tsagaan Gol ranger station where our trucks and drivers will be waiting. As we travel through these mountain valleys, it is truly amazing to see the small rivers and streams from the Glacier forming into the mightly white river.  Once repacked and refreshed, we continue the adventure, eventually passing small local over winter villages.  At one of these small habitations, we will stop to visit one of the caretaker families, whom we will visit for tea as and see his central ward the local school. We drive on to make camp in the beautiful Tsengle valley this wide valley offers excellent views for tonight’s camp.

     

    Accommodation: Camping

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5 Drive to Khurgan & Khoton Lakes

    As we set out today, we have some further stunning scenery ahead.  It may be rough going as we traverse moraines (glacial debris), rivers and mountains but worthwhile. Not only the landscape is a treat, but we also have some historical evidence that man has been passing this way for many thousands of years. Ancient burial sites, guarded by old Turkic stone standing men and mountains adorned with ancient carvings revealing a little of life during the bronze age period.

    Like a scene from a chocolate commercial, the beautiful Khurgan and Khoton Lakes will eventually reveal themselves surrounded by the snow-capped Altai Mountains. These lakes sit at an altitude of 2,073 metres and will be our home for the next two nights.

    We cross the river joining these two giants and stop for lunch after registering our visit within the camp headquarters. Before travelling to meat our local hosts we first try our hand at a little fishing in the waters of these glacial lakes. Once with our local family, we set up camp close to their local yurts.

    Close to the shores of Khoton Lake, you may spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring, or swimming in the lakes clear waters. After dinner, we join our hosts for a campfire giving us the chance to relax and enjoy the clear skies.

     

    Accommodation: Camping

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6 Relax around Khoton Lake or Learn from the Locals

    Today is your day to relax or experience a little more of local life in this stunning corner of the world.

    For those who wish to wake up and help our hosts round up their sheep and horses for milking, there will be an early call. Alternatively, should you want to the morning can be free for hiking, exploring or a short drive to the lake shores.

    This afternoon for those that wish there will be horses available for riding into the stunning foothills behind the camp. The total trek is around three hours, riding past local families enjoying their summer lodgings, we will also visit Mongolia’s largest waterfall (technically). This evening before dinner, we once again join our hosts in their Yurt to learn a little more of their local life.

     

    Accommodation: Camping

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7 A Day with the Eagle Hunters' Families

    We board our vehicles again as we continue skirting the impressive Khoton lake, making sure to stop for pictures as we go. The first part of our Journey today is a real bumpy adventure as we navigate the ancient glacial moraines as we go. Once we into the rolling hills once more, we pass by the wood and mud dwellings used by the Kazakhs over the long winter months. Our host family this morning are camped close to the black lake and will entertain us. Being long time residents of this beautiful valley they produce some of the best cheese, and mares milk in the world. The host of the family is also a skilled eagles hunter; he will show us his eagles and explain about life as a true Kazakh. For those that wish you may also learn about mares milk and how this Nomadic delicacy is collected.

     

    Accommodation: Camping next to Kazakh families

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8 Return to Ulgii City

    Today after a late start we bid farewell to our Nomadic hosts and begin our a scenic drive back to Ulgii city. Along the way, the scenes are stunning as we journey over high passes and stunning river valleys. Dotted with white yurts and horseback riders chasing Yak herds through green pastures it’s hard to leave these beautiful lands. Upon reaching Ulgii, we will head straight to our ger camp, where we have access to hot showers and a cold beer (or the reverse if you wish). Its also no more sleeping on the floor as our Gers here have warm, inviting beds. This evening we relax, enjoy a drink and look out refreshed at the views of Ulgii city.

     

    Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9 Explore Ulgii City

    Today you have the opportunity to take it a little easier, feeling refreshed we explore Ulgii city the capital of this remote province.

    We first visit the fantastic local market mixing with locals; it’s also an excellent opportunity to buy those last-minute souvenirs from felt hats to hand-sewn carpets. There is also a small history museum detailing life in these remote parts.

    After a coffee on the city square, it is off to join the locals for some archery practise if you don’t wish to participate it’s also an excellent chance for photography

    From the city, we drive 15 mins driving to our Ger stay where you may further relax and enjoy the scenery.

    We will drive to a local viewpoint to get a better perspective of the city and surrounding area, if lucky we may also catch a wedding couple or two.

    After dinner, we will have a traditional Kazakh band come and play some of their music; we like to support these young artists as they are now trying to re-learn and preserve some of their local cultures.

     

    Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Mongolian BBQ will be prepared to bid farewell to our amazing hosts)

  10. Day 10 Fly back to Ulaanbaatar

    After a hearty farewell breakfast, we transfer to Ulgii airport for our two-hour flight back to Ulaanbaatar.  Upon arrival, we will head into the city for a much-needed lunch and further exploration.

    We start our sightseeing at Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Ulaanbaatar’s largest and most impressive Buddhist Monastery. Time permitting we will catch the resident monks chanting. We will have a chance to learn about the role of Mongolia’s largest religion and how it survived the darker days of communism.

    Continuing through the city, we stop at Sükhbaatar Square; named after the revolutionary hero Damdinii Sükhbaatar, whose statue proudly marks the centre of this famous area. At the northern end of the square, the towering figures of Genghis Khan, his son, grandson, and his generals watch from a commanding position.

    Just a stone’s throw from the square is the well-appointed National History Museum, which helps to make some semblance of Mongolian history.

    This evening, for those who wish, we will see the ”Wonders of Mongolia” folklore show made famous amongst Mongolians when it toured in over 40 countries and showcasing traditional folk singing.

    All of this before our final farewell meal at a popular local restaurant close to the city centre.

     

    Accommodation: 3-star Hotel

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11 Departure Day

    The adventure will end in Ulaanbaatar – for information on airport transfers, consult your Tour Manager.

    END OF TOUR

Camping Across Mongolia's Wilderness

As with all of our tours where possible we like the accommodation to be part of the tour experience. Not just a poorly located hotel chosen for price or convenience. The Journey to the west is an excellent tour with the accommodation selected to complement this nomadic adventure. Form Ulaanbaatar, our hotel the Hotel 9, is ideally situated just a stone’s throw from the city’s heart.

From the Mongolian capital were out in the wilds of Mongolia utilising beautiful tourist ger camps in touristy areas whilst camping with local nomads for the rest of the adventure.

Accommodation on the Journey to the West tour

Hotel 9 - Ulaanbaatar

One of Ulaanbaatar’s newer hotels, the Hotel 9, is a three-star hotel that offers a little more than the rating suggests. This compact option is ideally situated next to Sukhbaatar square and offers easy access to many of Ulaanbaatar’s main tourist attractions.

Camping (Day 2)

Our first night’s camping will be next to the raging white river; the area here is designated for climbers and hikers heading up to climb the glacier. We will rent a traditional Mongolian ger which we’ll use as a restaurant, cooking area. The views from the camp are stunning, and it’s strongly recommend to awake to view the sunrise. There are bio-toilets erected around the camp area, and we will provide hot water for washing.

Camping (Day 3)

Today’s camping is a little more basic. We’ll carry all we need to the glacial area by camel, including our restaurant tent, tables and chairs, and any essentials you require for the night. The views over the surrounding mountains and glaciers are considered to be some of the best in Mongolia. There is a basic but clean toilet block at the campsite.

Camping (Day 4-7)

For these nights camping, we do so living with actual local nomadic families. We camp next to these families as it gives us an excellent opportunity to experience a little of their local life. We will be welcomed into their Yurts/Gers for dinner and snacks and, if the weather becomes bad, they will no doubt invite us in for a little more confront. We camp next to families, though, as it is a little too imposing for whole tour groups to bed down in one family home. When camping like this, we will carry and erect a toilet tent and a shower tent option making the experience a little more bearable.

Eagle's Nest Ger Camp

The best way to picture a tourist ger camp is to replace a hotel room with a traditional Mongolian Ger (tented dwelling); these are dotted around a set area and offer comfortable beds and shelter. The Eagles Nest Ger camp is a real home away from home, offering beautiful Gers with gorgeous views across Olgii valley. There is a modern shower block with hot water and western-style toilets. The restaurant/bar onsite offers traditional cuisine.