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17 Day itinerary in Mongolia, Asia

The Great West Expediton: Arkhangay, Zavkhan, Altai and ...

Duration: 17 Days Group Size: 2–8 travelers Discover Mongolia’s spectacular west on this immersive journey that weaves together ancient cultural heritage, stunning wilderness, and authentic nomadic encounters. Starting in the dramatic desert landscapes of the “Small Gobi” and the historic heart of ... Read More

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Olivier

By Olivier

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Average
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Ulaanbaatar

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Nature & Widlife

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Hiking

Landscapes & Sceneries

Meet local people

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Karakorum : ancient capital of the Mongolian Empire

2

Khögno Khan Small Gobi

3

Trekking in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park accompanied with camels

4

Ulaankhus Almakuk Eagle Festival 2025

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Ulaanbaatar – Khögnö Khan “Small Gobi”: Cameback ride

In the morning your team will pick you up at your hotel. You will leave the bustling capital of Mongolia towards the western steppes

 

 

You will then visit the Khamba monastery built in the 17th century in the mountain by Zanabazar (spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism at the time).

 

After meeting the nomadic family, you will go for a camelback ride across the vast steppes, starting right from their family camp.  


Travel details

~5h ~6h / ~285 km | Camel ride ~1h

Accomodation

Standard Yurt – Guest-yurt

Meals included

Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

place DAY 2 (2nd of September 2025): Khögnö Khan – Elsentsarkhai sand dunes – Kharkhorin: Visit of the Erd

After enjoying breakfast under the yurt, you will head to Kharkhorin.  Before that you will make a stop to discover the dunes of Elsentasarkhai "the sand fracture" which extend over 80 km south of the Khögnö Khan National Park. These dunes are bordered by the river Tarna, which is lined with willows. 


Your will arrive in the afternoon in Kharkhorin to visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery (meaning "Jewel Temple" in Mongolian), which was constructed in 1585 by Prince Abtai Khan just outside the ruins of the Mongol Empire's capital. This monastery holds great historical significance as it was established after the introduction of Buddhism as the state religion of Mongolia. It is recognized as the oldest Buddhist monastery in the country and has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. You will have the opportunity to explore its intricate architecture and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.


Next, you will visit the Karakorum City Museum, which houses an exceptional collection of artifacts, particularly from the Turkic peoples who inhabited the region during the first millennium. This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the area and provides valuable insights into the history and traditions of the diverse civilizations that once thrived in Karakorum


Trip details

~1h ~2h / ~100 km

Accomodation

Standard Yurt – Nomadic Family

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

place DAY 3 (3rd of September 2025): Kharkhorin –Tövkhön – Tsenkher hot springs

Breakfast under the yurt. Depart in the morning for a visit to the Tövkhön Monastery, located at the summit of the sacred mountain of Shireet Ulaan at an altitude of 2,312 meters. Surrounded by rocks and larch forests, it overlooks the Orkhon Valley and is an ideal place to have a picnic while admiring the view. (Hiking to the summit)


Arrive in Tsenkher in the late afternoon, where you can relax in the hot springs surrounded by a wooded valley in a pleasant and peaceful setting. The mineral-rich hot springs of Tsenkher have healing properties, especially for relieving joint ailments and nervous system disorders


Trip details

~4h ~5h / ~220 km

Accomodation

Standard accommodation – Touristic Yurt camp

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

place DAY 4 (4th of September 2025): Tsenkher – Tsetserleg – Khorgo Uul – Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur

Breakfast at the camp restaurant. In the morning, you will pass through Tsetserleg and visit the Zayan Gegeen Monastery and the Buddha overlooking the city. You will have lunch at a local restaurant in the town.

 

Before reaching Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, you will make a stop at the ancient Khorgo Uul volcano, which stands at an altitude of 2,240 meters. It is surrounded by lava fields and dominates the region to the east of the lake. Its 8,000-year-old basalt crater measures 200 meters wide and 80 meters deep. There will be a short and easy hike to the summit. Arrive in the late afternoon at the shore of Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur Lake



Trip details

~5h ~6h / ~200 km

Accomodation

Nomadic family

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

place DAY 5 (5th of September 2025): Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur: immersion with the nomadic family

Enjoy breakfast under the yurt.  A day of immersion with the nomadic family. You will have the opportunity to participate in various daily tasks of the family

 

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, known as the “White Lake of Terkh River,” is situated at an altitude of 2060 meters. It is the jewel of Arkhangai and one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. It was formed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Khorgo. The lake is home to numerous pike and other fish species. This area remains untouched, and you may encounter axis deer, marsh deer, wild boars, ducks, or great cormorants.


Trip details

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Accomodation

Yurt – Nomadic family

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

place DAY 6 (6th of September 2025): Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur – Bogdiin Gol

Breakfast under the yurt. Today, you will head to the heart of the Zavkhan province, one of the least visited provinces in the country, yet renowned for being one of the most beautiful! In the afternoon, you will arrive at Bogdin Gol, a valley traversed by rivers and waterfalls, and a summer residence for nomadic families in the region.



Trip details

~5h~7h / ~380 km

Accomodation

Nomadic family

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

place DAY 7 (7th of September 2025): Bogdiin Gol – Uliastai – Mukhartin Gol

Breakfast under the traditional yurt. In the morning, you will continue your journey towards the western sand deserts. You will go through the town of Uliastai, the capital of the Zavkhan province and then arrive in the afternoon at  Mukhartin Gol, the river that emerges from the desert.


Trip details

~ 4h – 5h /~ 180 km             

Accomodation

Bivouac – Under the tent

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

place DAY 8 (8th of September 2025): Mukhartin Gol – Khyargas Nuur

Breakfast at the campsite. You will continue through the "Desert Steppes of the Great Lakes Basin" (a depression enclosed by the Altai and Khangai mountains), which include the Uvs, Khyargas, Khar-Us, and Airag lakes. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Lake Khyargas, a large saltwater lake in western Mongolia, located in the Uvs province. You will have the opportunity to swim in the lake if you are brave enough !


Trip details

~4h ~5h / ~300 km

Accomodation

Standard accommodation – Touristic Yurt camp

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

place DAY 9 (9th of September 2025): Khyargas Nuur – Uureg Nuur

Breakfast under the tent. Arrival in the afternoon at Uureg Nuur, a lesser-known but one of the most beautiful lakes in Mongolia. It is also interesting because it is frequented by Mongolian and Kazakh nomadic families. Picnic lunch en route.


Trip details

~ 5-6h / ~ 260 km 

Accomodation

Yurt – Guest-yurt

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

place DAY 10 (10th of September 2025): Uureg Nuur: Hiking in the canyon

Breakfast with the family. In the morning, you will embark on a hiking excursion to Uureg Canyon. It is a lesser-known place but equally beautiful as the famous Yol Canyon in Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Here, depending on the time of your visit, you may still find ice and snow at the bottom of the canyon. It is also a place visited by Altai snow leopard !


Trip details

~10km Return walking

Accomodation

Yurt – Guest-yurt

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

place DAY 11 (11th of September 2025): Uureg Nuur – Olgii

Breakfast under the yurt. Upon arrival in Olgii, you will have lunch at a small local Kazakh restaurant.

 

This will be an opportunity to enjoy a typical Kazakh dish  and explore the local market, where you can find beautiful Kazakh crafts, renowned for their intricate embroideries. Visit of the city museum.



Trip details

~4h ~5h / 300km

Accomodation

Standard room – Hotel

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

place DAY 12 (12th of September 2025): Olgii – Ulaankhus: Almakuk Eagle Festival 2025

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. In the morning you will drive to Ulaankhus village to attend the Almakuk Eagle festival. It’s the most authentic Eagle Festival taking place every year in the village since 2016.  The particularity of that festival is the releasings of the 5 years old eagles at the end of the festival.    The day of festivities will include competition of Eagle hunting and training. In the morning an early afternoon and demonstration of Uriankhai archery in the evening.   You will have a traditional Kazakh lunch “Beshbarmak” with the Kazakh eagle hunters “Berkutchi” under the yurt. It will be an exclusive experience and opportunity to know more about their culture.


Trip details

~2h / ~45 km

Accomodation

Homestay – Kazakh Eagle hunter family

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

place DAY 13 (13th of September 2025): Ulaankhus – Shiveet Khaikhan

Breakfast under the yurt. Resume your journey towards the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, also known as the "Five Sacred Peaks of Altai." You will have your lunch on the way. Depending on the road conditions you may go across the Twin Deer stones on the right side of the dirt road several kilometers after crossing the wooden bridges of Tsengel. You will then arrive at Shiveet Khairkhan to admire the world unique open-air petroglyphs of the Mongolian Altai, classified as UNESCO World Heritage. You will set up your camp close to the Shiveet Khaikhan mountain


Trip details

~7h ~8h / ~170 km

Accomodation

Bivouac – Under the tent

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14

place DAY 14 (14th of September 2025): Shiveet Khaikhan – Tsagaan Gol: hiking

Breakfast at the campsite. Day of trekking in the Tsagaan Salaa valley. You will follow the west bank of the Tsagaan gol river. It’s a beautiful place covered in wild flowers and edelweiss. You may see some wild animal on the flank of the Shiveet Khaikhan mountain.  You will cross an ancient megalithic site (slab grave) dating back from 700 to 300 BC as well as Kurgan stelae dating from the Turkic khaganate (~5th to 8th century CE). You will arrive at the Tsagaan Gol guest-yurt in the afternoon. You will have first glance of the snowcapped mountains of the Altai



Trip details

~5h ~6h / ~18 km | Elevation gain + 400 m

Accomodation

Yurt – Guest-yurt

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Day 15

place DAY 15 (15th September 2025): Tsagaan Gol –Tavan Bogd: Horseback trek accompanied with pack camels a

Breakfast under the yurt. In the morning, you will embark on a horseback trek (You can choose to hike instead) through the magnificent landscapes of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, which spans an area of 6,362 square kilometers, bordering China and Russia. The path from your guest-yurt in Tsagaan Gol will lead you at the foot of the Alexander Glacier. You will set up your tents at the base camp next to the moraine. You will have a stunning view on the 5 sacred peaks, with Mount Khuiten, the highest peak in the range and in Mongolia, reaching an altitude of 4,374 meters and Mount Malchin being the closest to your camp. 


Trip details

~5h ~8h / ~18 km | Elevation gain + 800 m

Accomodation

Bivouac – under the tent

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16

place DAY 16 (16th of September 2025): Tavan Bogd base camp – Malchin Peak – Tavan Bogd base camp

Breakfast at the campsite. Our goal today is to climb one of the lowest and easiest of the Five Sacred Peaks. (If you wish you can explore the glacier instead) Although non-technical, a round trip requires 5 to 9 hours, depending on hikers' fitness levels and weather conditions. We will walk along the Potanin Glacier for an hour before starting the ascent up the mountain. While entirely on scree, the trail is well-established, marked, and only requires hiking poles. We begin our journey across peat bogs to approach the mountain base. The view is stunning, with sweeping sights of the valley, the peaks of Tavan Bogd, and the Potanin Glacier. We start the ascent of Mount Malchin (4,037 m), where snow is possible. At the summit, we enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, with distant vistas reaching toward neighboring Russia and China. Below, deep blue mountain lakes scattered through the grasslands complete an exceptional panorama. We return to camp in the afternoon.


Trip details

~5h ~6h / ~ 18Km hiking

Accomodation

Bivouac – under the tent

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 17

place DAY 17 (17th of September 2025): Tavan bogd base camp – Olgii

Breakfast under the yurt. In the morning after a short hike to meet up your driver close to the great ovoo, you will head to Olgii where you will arrive in the evening




Trip details

Hike 1h30 ~5km | drive ~7h ~8h / ~150 km

Accomodation

Standard room – Hotel

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Lunch (17)
  • Dinner (16)
  • Breakfast (16)
  • Snacks (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Surface Transportation
  • English Speaking guide
  • Cook (Day 12 to Day 16)

Activities expand_less

  • Sightseeing and activities as specified

Extras expand_less

  • Accomodations as specified above
  • Meals as specified above
  • Bottled water
  • Museum and park entrance fees
  • Festival entrance tickets
  • Road taxes

Not Included expand_less

  • Drinks
  • International & Local flights
  • Tips
  • Souvenirs
  • Items of personal nature
  • Desserts
  • Visas if applicable
  • Personal Insurance

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