Jeep Tour in Altai Tavan Bogd NP

Overview

The vast expanse of wild Mongolia is best explored by jeep. One of the best regions to visit in this large, landlocked country is Bayan-Ulgii province, located in far western Mongolia. The main attractions of this unique, remote province are: the snow-capped, highest peaks of Mongolia at the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, pristine lakes of Khoton-Khurgan, and Dayan Lake. There are sites of human-shaped stones dating to the Turkic period of 6th to 8th centuries and large collections of ancient petroglyphs. This is also an opportunity to visit a nomadic Kazakh family who keep alive the tradition of hunting with golden eagles. The Kazakh eagle hunters, renowned for their skills, are one of the world’s only surviving groups of people practising the art of falconry. 

Our jeep tour is conducted by locals: a knowledgeable English-speaking guide and experienced drivers who are familiar with the region, local customs, and language. The crew also include a chef who is skilled in outdoor cooking for travellers. The rugged terrain of western Mongolia is difficult to traverse, thus four-wheel drive vehicles are most compatible. Sturdy Russian jeeps (UAZ-469) or vans (UAZ-452), and Toyota Land Cruisers are best suited on Mongolian roads. Depending on the number of passengers, trips are usually carried out by two or more vehicles - one carrying passengers, the other carrying luggage and other necessary equipment including kitchen appliances.

Tour Gallery

Itinerary

• 2 overnights in 4 star hotel in UB 
• 1 overnight in local hotel or ger camp in Bayan-Ulgii 
• 10 tented overnights

• Hotel
  Day 1

  Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

  Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, we will take you on a city sightseeing tour. Ulaanbaatar reveals traces of its historical periods through its blend of modern glass buildings, Soviet-era architecture, TIbetan Buddhist monasteries, and the ger (yurt) districts spread out on the outskirts.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 2

  Fly to Ulgii in western Mongolia

  Fly to Ulgii, capital of Bayan-Ulgii province in westernmost Mongolia. The majority of this province are Kazakhs, with their own culture and language. At the local airport, you’ll be met by your English-speaking guide, driver, and expedition cook. Today we’ll drive to Dayan Lake. On the way, we’ll see Bronze-age deer stones as well as Turkic-era human-shaped stones dating from 6th to 8th centuries. Early evening, we’ll arrive and meet local Kazakhs. Stay overnight in a Kazakh ger (yurt) or tent. Today’s drive is about 150 km.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 3

  Leisure day at Dayan Lake

  Spend a full day at Dayan Lake, located at the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Tavan Bogd, meaning “Five Holy,” is the name given for the five highest peaks of Mongolia. Scenery around the lake is stunning, with views of forests and snow-capped Altai Mountains. Dayan Lake is a birdlife sanctuary. In the region, there are wolves, foxes, and Pallas’s cat. You can explore the area, help the family with daily chores, or just relax.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 4

  Drive to Khoton-Khurgan Lakes

  Today we’ll drive to Khoton and Khurgan Lakes, stopping for lunch on the way, and spend the night camping on Biluut Hill. Here you will find ancient rock carvings of Turkic origin from 1500-2000 years ago. Khoton and Khurgan are pristine lakes connected by a channel, situated at around 2,000 meters above sea level at the foot of the Altai Mountains. The landscape around the lakes is picturesque with a backdrop of majestic snow-capped mountains. Today’s drive is about 90 km.

• B/L/DB/L/D
  Day 5

  Drive to White River Valley

  Drive to Tsagaan Gol (White River) Valley. Here is summer camping ground for Tuvan people, who are another minority group in western Mongolia. Tuvans are livestock-herding nomads with a heritage of practising shamanism. They are also famous for their tradition of throat-singing. Today’s drive is about 200 km.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 6

  Hike to basecamp at Tavan Bogd

  Today we will hike about 18 km to the basecamp of Tavan Bogd. Our luggage will be transported by camels, accompanied by their Tuvan handlers, who are very friendly and helpful. En route, we will see Potanin and Alexander Glaciers. The Potanin is Mongolia's longest glacier extending for about 14 km. The size of this glacier has been gradually decreasing due to climate change. The base camp is located at around 3,000 m ASL. 

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 7

  Climb Malchin Peak

  Today we will climb Malchin Peak (4050 m), which is the lowest of the “Holy Five” peaks of the Altai Mountains. The Mongolian-Russian border runs across its summit. The climb takes about 6 to 7 hours. After a rewarding panoramic view of the surrounding landscape from the top of Malchin, we will head back to basecamp for a tasty dinner prepared by our chef, then relax!

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 8

  Hike to Oigor River

  We will hike to Oigor River, where one of the two gates of Tavan Bogd NP is located. Here, our drivers with their cars will rendezvous with us. This is our final day with our Tuvan friends.

• B/L/DHotel
  Day 9

  Drive back to Ulgii

  We will drive to Ulgii. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit our arts and handicrafts shop, which supports locals by creating jobs and helps women earn income from home while looking after their children. Tonight you can stay either at our own-run Ger Camp or our hotel named the Eagle's Nest. Enjoy a refreshing hot shower. Today’s drive is about 170 km.

• B/L/DHotel
  Day 10

  Fly back to Ulaanbaatar

  Take a return flight to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel upon arrival. Meet later for farewell dinner.

• Breakfast
  Day 11

  Departure day

  Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Tour map

Reviews

Adam

Very good company

I had a very nice trip in Mongolia.