Fishing Trip in Western Mongolia

Overview

Mighty glaciers of Mongolia’s highest peaks at the Altai Mountains feed the pristine lakes of Khoton and Khurgan situated at the foot of these mighty mountains. These two lakes are joined by a wide channel forming a massive body of freshwater surrounded by picturesque scenery. The lakes, as well as the mountain rivers flowing into the lakes, offer excellent fishing in unspoiled nature. These lakes are a source for the Khovd River, which is the main water resource for western Mongolia’s Bayan-Ulgii and Khovd provinces. All rivers and streams of the Mongol Altai region make up the 510 km long Khovd River, which eventually drains into Khar Us Lake. In the spring, fishes from Khar Us Lake swim upstream and spawn in all rivers and streams of the Altai. It is prohibited to fish in Mongolia from April 1st until June 15th. Thereafter with an official license, people can do sport-fishing. There are fishes such as the Altai osman, grayling, and lenok in these waters.

Another upside of this fishing trip is that at the end of the journey, you get a chance to meet a nomadic Kazakh family who are also Eagle Hunters, and learn about their interesting lifestyle and culture. Getting a glimpse into their age-old nomadic way of life, visiting their traditional felt home, and sharing a local meal together makes for an unforgettable experience!

Tour Gallery

Itinerary

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

• Hotel
  Day 1

  Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

  Our company is based in western Mongolia; however, we have representatives working in the capital of Ulaanbaatar. There, we can arrange the following services: airport pick-up, hotel reservation, city tour, domestic flight reservation, and airport drop-off. Some travelers choose to plan their own activities while in Ulaanbaatar. If this is the case, we will exclude the Ulaanbaatar portion from our travel package. Therefore it’s best to give us your suggestion before we offer the tour price. Then we can plan a trip according to your liking.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 2

  Fly to western Mongolia

  Take a flight to Ulgii, which is the center of the westernmost province of Bayan-Ulgii. This province is home to the country’s largest ethnic minority group, the Kazakhs, who have their own language and cultural heritage. At the local airport, you will be met by your English-speaking guide, a driver, and an expedition cook. Drive to Khoton-Khurgan Lakes for approximately 7 hours.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 3-5

  Fishing at Khoton-Khurgan Lakes

  These days, we will be fishing at Khoton and Khurgan Lakes. These two freshwater lakes are connected by a wide channel. This area is one of the most beautiful places in Bayan-Ulgii province. The landscape around the lakes consist of forests and snow-capped mountains. Glacial rivers flowing down from the mountains fill up these lakes. The Khoton and Khurgan Lakes are home to the grayling and lenok. There is a waterfall named Baga Turgen falling from a height of 25 meters located around 10 km away from the lake.

  Nomadic families of the Tsengel region make this area their summer camping grounds. People in Mongolia have many celebrations throughout the summer as the weather is most pleasant during this vibrant season. Kazakhs give much importance to wedding ceremonies of young couples. Games such as wrestling and horse-racing are organized during some events. There are sometimes instances of our tour groups coming across local festivities. Here, we can meet Kazakh people, visit their ger (yurt), and learn about their traditional way of life and customs.

  Mornings and evenings are ideal for walking along the lake shore.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 6-8

  Fishing at Dayan Lake

  We will drive to Dayan Lake, stopping for lunch on the way. We will also visit Turkic era human stones called balbals dating from 6th to 8th centuries AD. The landscape around the lake is picturesque - consisting of lush forests, mountains, and pristine rivers.

  These days, we’ll fish in Dayan Lake. The lake and rivers here are crystal clear, fed by springs. Dayan Lake is rich with the Altai osman, grayling, and other fish species. The lake is also an ideal spot for a great variety of migratory birds, including many kinds of ducks, swans, geese, seagulls, and cranes.

• B/L/DHotel
  Day 9

  Back to Ulgii

  Today we will drive back to Ulgii. On the way, we will visit Kazakh eagle hunters, who are world famous for preserving this ancient tradition. The majority of the world’s eagle hunters are concentrated within this one province. Learn about this special bond between humans and birds of prey, and get a glimpse into the culture of the Kazakh nomads. Stay overnight either in our own-run Ger Camp or at our hotel named the Eagle's Nest.

• B/L/DHotel
  Day 10

  Fly to Ulaanbaatar

  Take a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to your hotel and meet up later for farewell dinner. 

• Breakfast
  Day 11

  Departure day

  Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. 

Reviews