Cultural Tour in Gobi Desert & Altai Mountains (17 D or 19 D)

17 DAYS / 16 NIGHTS

19 days / 18 nights (with Eagle Festival)

2025

september 2-18

september 2-20 (with eagle festival)

Go on an extraordinary tour to Mongolia, where the stark beauty of the Gobi Desert meets the majestic landscapes of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. This journey offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural splendor, inviting travelers to explore the vast expanses and hidden gems of Mongolia. In the Gobi Desert, you'll encounter awe-inspiring sand dunes, dramatic canyons, and the legendary Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur fossils await discovery. The region's diverse wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard and Bactrian camels, adds to the allure of this remote wilderness.

As you venture into Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, the scenery transforms into a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and pristine Hoton Lakes. This area is not only a haven for trekkers and nature lovers but also a cultural treasure trove, home to the Kazakh nomads renowned for their eagle hunting traditions. Experience the warm hospitality and rich heritage of these communities, and witness the seamless harmony between their way of life and the stunning landscapes they inhabit. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure, blending Mongolia's natural wonders with its vibrant cultural tapestry.

We strive to hire female guides for our tours as part of our mission to elevate the status of women in the tourism industry. This tour is open to all genders.

Women Guide Leadership Training June 6-8, 2025

Joining this trip will help us in launching our Women Guide Leadership Training in Bayan Ulgii, Western Mongolia as a way to elevate the roles of women in the tourism industry.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Rest day. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar.

DAY 2 Drive about 270km about 6-7 hours, Tsagaan Suvraga ( White Stupa)

The scarp of Tsagaan Suvarga is located in Ulziit soum of Dundgovi province. It is interesting to see the sheer slope, facing east, which from a distance seems to be the ruins of the ancient city. The cliff is 30 meters high and 100 meters wide. Over thousands of years the wind has created this amazing structure. It is sheer slope and was an old seabed with sedimentary structure created by millions years and the different colors of the ground represent different times. The formation is over 50m in its highest point and continues 400m. Overnight in a ger. B/L/D

Day 3. Drive to Yol valley (200km)

The Valley in the Zuun Saikhan mountain located 45km from Dalanzadgad, in the centre of South Gobi province, is called Yolyn Am. The narrow Valley between high rock walls has breathtaking dramatic scenery, and no doubt is one of the beautiful places in the country. In rainy summer hundreds of small waterfalls appear in the rocky walls. Overnight in a ger. B/L/D

Day 4 To Hongoryn Els Sand Dunes

After breakfast drive to Dalanzadgad, capital of south Gobi and ready to discovery with Gobi Desert. we will head to Hongoryn Els which is most highest sand all in Asia. Today we more in Gobi 800 meters high Sand Dune is in Servei soum, south aimag are called Hongoryn Els. These dunes are 20 wide 100km long. Don’t forget to ride camel here because the camel is matches in Gobi desert. The sunset is spectacular here. Overnight in a ger. B/L/D

Day 5,6. Bayan Zag and Ongiin khiid (300km)

Drive to Ongiin Khiid, formerly one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia founded in1660. The landscape around the monestry is a semi-desert with endless wode-open dry steppe, random plants and rocks. Gobi desert is not here yet, but the welcome gate is right around the corner. Early morning dirve to the place known to westerners as The Flaming Cliffs, Bayan Zag \Rich with Saxual\ is famed for its red sandstone cliffs which take on beautiful red and orange hues during sunset. Sculptural Saxual trees grow in the arid rocky soil. The area is also recognized as one of world’s larger dinosaur graveyard. In 1921, the American Roy Chapman Andrews discovered here some of the most important Paleontological findings of the last century. Since then, hundreds of archeological expeditions have come to this remote desert location, and even today with the assistance of local people dinosaur fossils continue to be found in the area. Overnights in a ger. B/L/D

DAY 7 Erdene Zuu Monestry (280km)

Today after breakfast we will drive to old capital of Mongolia Kharkhorum. Chinggis Khaan’s fabled city, was founded 1220 in the Orkhon valley, at the crossroads of the Silk Road. It was from there that the Mongol Empire governed, until Khubilai Khaan moved it to Beijing.The symbolic ruins of Kharkhorum monumental walls with 108 stupas, surround the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia Erdene Zuu MOnestry, built in 1586. In 1792, it housed 62 temples and 10,000 lamas, since 1990, it has been active monastery again. Overnight in a ger. B/L/D

DAY 8 Drive to Khorgo /Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake/ White Lake Nat.Park

Driving westwards, you will stop next to ‘Taikhar chuluu’, a huge rock which related to the local mythology. The next stop of the day will be the ‘Chuluut canyon’ observation point, and the holy ‘100 branches tree’ which stands next to it for hundred of years. Khorgo Volcano is a dead volcano covered with basalt lying in the east of the Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan /Nat.Park/ in Arhangai province. Interesting bubbles of solidified lave named ‘Basalt ger’. Possible a visit to yak’s herders. Arhangai province, the northeast slope of the Hangai chain, is called ‘the Switzerland of Mongolia’ for its forest, rivers and wooded hills. Overnight in a ger. B/L/D

DAYS 9-10 Drive to Altay, Ulgii province

First day, our route turns to west and drive to the western side of the Hangai Mountains. Next day, driving from Hangai area to Altay mountains, you can see many different wild areas, where mountains and steppe areas are combined. Meeting nomadic families, you can see how they are used to live on these remote wild places. Driving along the Hyargas Lake which is biggest salty Lake in Mongolia stay to overnight ger. Keep continue the driving by Achit Lake and get to Ulgii. Stay in a hotel or local apartment in Ulgii on last of our driving. B/L/D

DAYS 11-12 Visit and Stay with Nomadic Families

Today, we drive to Altay town to visit Kazakh eagle hunter family and experience their different way of life. We will visit to Kazakh nomadic family, experience their great hospitality, and see the eagle hunter’s magnificent bird. The Mongolian Kazakhs use for hunting female eagles as far they are bigger than male once and more aggressive. These eagles are trained to hunt foxes, wolves, rabbit and wild cat. To be a eagle hunter requires patience. The experience training the wild bird training gained by the father to the son and kept deep secret. Hunting with eagle is one of the traditional game of Kazakh people. Nowdays woman eagle huntress became famous. We will meet one of them in this family the girl who continues her family’s culture and to choose being an eagle huntress. Go to nearby mountains to see how the Kazakhs hunt with the Golden Eagle. Kazakh people keep their tradition and culture it continues to generation. They like to do embroidery you can see this in their ger which they decorate the walls hangings and rug. We can hike around this valley surrounded by snowcapped high mountains. Special Kazakh traditional dinner with family. B/L/D

DAY 13 Drive to Altay Tavan Bogd via Hoton Hurgan Twin lakes

About 180 km driving you will reach the Hoton and Hurgan twin lakes where many Nomadic Kazakh families spend summer time. On the way, we see the ancient Turcik bulbuls with the graveyards. This is beautiful place surrounded by mountains with forest which is wall of between China and Mongolia. Now we are closer to the Chinese border. One of the big waterfall have on that mountain. After crossing the wooden bridge on the water channel between Hoton and Hurgan lakes, we drive to north along the Hoton lake about 15kms and reach Biluut mountain. Here you can see the many petro-glyphs. Kazakh people who live here they are very kind and hospitality. They live in ger /yurt/ which madden by hand. We have special dinner Kazak traditional meal called Sirne. Overnight in a tent along the lake. B/L/D

DAY 14 Waterfall hike

After breakfast we will drive to the waterfall which is located in forest area. People used to call this place Switzerland of Mongolia. Having picnic lunch at the waterfall. It is soft hiking day to waterfall and enjoy the view green land with surrounded by snowcapped Altay mountain. Overnight in a tent. B/L/D

DAY 15. Drive back to Ulgii (150km)

Today we will drive to Ulgii city on the way we will have picnic lunch along the Khovd river. When you get in Ulgii you can do shopping to hand craft shops. Overnight in a hotel. B/L/D

DAY 16 Fly to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, we drive you to the airport to catch your flight to Ulaanbaatar.

Those who booked for the Eagle Festival will follow a different itinerary from here - see below.

Overnight in a hotel.

DAY 17 Fly home.

After breakfast, we drive you to Ulaanbaatar airport to start your journey back home.

FOR EAGLE HUNTING FESTIVAL EXTENSION

DAYS 16-17
Meet the Kazakh Eagle hunters. The rodeo of eagle hunting. A fantastic opportunity for photographers and adventurers alike to see these magnificent birds up close. There are approx. 400 eagle hunters in Bayan-Olgii aimag. The eagle hunters from around regions gather to test their finely trained birds in singular contests of speed and agility in these few days. During the festival we also see some Kazakh Traditional Horse Games like “BushKushi” (Try to take out from each other the goat skin on horseback),”Kiss woman on horseback”, “Pick up coins from the land on horseback” and others.

Overnight in a hotel or local apartment in Bayan-Ulgii.

Day 18
After breakfast, transfer to Ulgii or Khovd airport to catch your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Airport transfer to your hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

(PLEASE NOTE: If you’re flying from Khovd, there is an additional airport transfer fee)

Overnight in a hotel.

Day 19
After early breakfast, transfer to Ulaanbaatar airport to catch your flight home. (B)


TRIP STYLE

This trip is mainly focused on sightseeing and visiting nomadic families as a way to experience the local culture. The day hikes are easy to moderate. You will be staying in hotels and ger camps with the nomadic families. When visiting families in Gobi and Altai, there maybe limited or basic shower & toilet facilities.    

PRICING

Per person for a group of

2-4 Persons: $3690

5-10 Persons: $2980

With Eagle Hunting:

2-4 Persons: $3990

5-10 Persons: $3380

We want everyone to be able to join our tour! Contact us via equity@browngaltrekker.com to find out about our promotional discounts or to discuss some type of collaboration in exchange for reduced tour pricing.

Single supplement fee applies for solo hotel room.
Deposit due: $950

Balance Due Dates:  
90 days before the trip
 
A completed booking form & non-refundable deposit are required to book. For questions, send us an email at equity@browngaltrekker.com

Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS and LIABILITY WAIVER before booking.

INCLUSIONS

  • English-speaking guide.

  • One way domestic flight from Ulgii or Khovd to UB.

  • All land transports.

  • All meals noted in the itinerary & during the trek.

  • All accommodations during the trek.

  • Group camping equipment such as dining tents, cooking utensils, all meals during the trek, pack camels/horses & horse rangers.

  • Hotel stay in Ulaanbaatar & Ulgii (with breakfast).

  • Airport transfers.

  • Trekking/entrance fees, border & national park permits.

  • Shared accommodation

  • Private 4x4 transportation

  • Airport transfers

  • Home stay with nomadic people

  • Ger stay in Gobi

  • Services of a chef on the tour

  • All entrance fees

  • Mongolian barbecue

  • Visits to Eagle Hunters and nomadic families

  • Tax for museums

  • Camel and horse riding

  • Drinking water

  • Camping equipment

  • Sleeping bag

  • Tents

  • Mats

  • Park permits

    EXCLUSIONS

  • International flight

  • Optional activities

  • Tips for guide and driver.

  • Photography fees for museum and monastery

  • Single supplement for hotel stays

  • Personal expenses

  • Laundry

FLIGHTS
International flights are excluded.  Clients must book their own flights. Please send us your flight itineraries by e-email no later than the balance due date.

TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED
After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel insurance through Global Rescue or other insurance of your choice that should cover at a minimum 100% of the trip cost (land & air), as well as, emergency medical and evacuation.  Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.  Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.

VISA & VACCINATIONS

Please check ahead of time as to the visa requirements for the country of your choosing.  You are responsible for securing your own visa, if required and getting the required and/or recommended vaccinations.

COVID-19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Please check current COVID-19 related entry requirements. You can check the latest via the U.S. State Department website or the website of your embassy in Mongolia.

​GEAR LIST & TRIP NOTES

Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list.

Marinel DeJesus