The Mongolian Kazakh and Tuvan people are the only people in the world who still keep their unique nomadic style of life, which has a strong connection with hunting with golden eagles. Immerse yourself in the unique landscape, culture, and traditions of Western Mongolia and gain an intimate insight into the lives of local nomadic people. Accompany these fascinating mountain nomads on their hunts and explore the breathtaking countryside.
Day 1: Fly to Olgii
Meet your driver at reception for transfer to airport and flight to Olgii; flight time is about 3 hrs. After lunch in Olgii, start driving to the west towards Altai Tavan Bogd. After 7 hours of driving, reach Syrgali where you will meet your host family. Overnight there.
Days 2-3
Start experiencing the Kazakh nomadic life, learn about ethnography of Nomadic Kazakhs who have kept their culture for many centuries. You will also venture into the surrounding wilderness with your host family learning the skills and customs of the Mongolian Kazakhs and exploring the stunning local landscape.
Day 4
Drive to the north towards Shiveet Khairkhan, which is the Tuvan sacred mountain to reach to the Tuvan Nomads. See historical places on the way to Shiveet Mountain. Reach the destination on the same evening and overnight with the Tuvan host family.
Days 5
See ethnography of Tuvan nomads, stay with them, and experience their nomadic life; feel them with your heart.
Day 6
Drive back towards Olgii, see art rock, petroglyphs, Turkic Stones, and scripts on the way back. Overnight along the Sogog river.
Day 7
Drive back to Olgii, overnight in Olgii. After dinner, see a brief Kazakh concert with the Kazakh national instrument Dombira.
Day 8
Fly to UB
Some recommendations: Summer months in Mongolia are from early-June to mid-September. Although the Mongolian summers are hot and dry with occasional rain, the temperature can fluctuate as much 20 degrees centigrade between day and night, so be prepared for all weather conditions.
What to bring: Binoculars, sunscreen, a hat, gloves, long underwear for travel in the high mountains, comfortable footwear, lip balm, sanitary hand wipes, sunglasses, prescription medications (if needed), rain gear, and a flashlight/torch.
Transport: Western Mongolian families frequently move from one pasture to the other using camels. The services of some herdsmen will be hired by the expedition, and they will provide us with their animals.
Staff: A local guide who speaks English and Mongolian will accompany the group at all times. A cook will follow, with an assistant. In addition, the services of the local herdsmen will be hired along with their animals. The horsemen follow a traditional lifestyle in the areas where we will be riding.
Meals: Our cook will prepare the meals. We pride ourselves in having cooks adapt to both western and Mongolian cooking on our trips. There are always vegetables available, and we have no problem accommodating vegetarians on our trips. For breakfast we can usually buy fresh yogurt from the herdsmen in the local area.