Altai Mountain & Eagle Hunters of Mongolia

Duration: 13 days
Driving distance: 1020 km
Riding distance: 150 km
Support type: Vehicle & luggage horses
Ridding Level: Intermediate to Strong Intermediate

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The Altai Mountains and Eagle Hunters of Mongolia horse riding is a unique experience to discover thousands of year-old Kazakh cultural heritage except for riding horses amongst some of the most outstanding natural scenery. Imagine, you will stay in the Kazakh eagle hunter’s home, observe their unique lifestyle and ride horses with the eagle hunters in the mountains, where they will show you how they train the eagles for hunting. Travelers come all the way to Mongolia to see and photograph this activity, which will be a small part of your Mongolian adventure. On this horse riding, you will spend half of the entire duration at well-known by its wilderness and beauty, but least traveled Yolt basin, accessible only for the horseback adventures. We advise you to come and witness by your eyes as words are not enough to describe the beautiful surroundings of Khoton Khurgan Lakes and Baga Turgen waterfalls, a summer settlement area of the Kazakh nomads. Riding and hiking among majestic snow-capped peaks of Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains, exploring ancient historical relics, and seeing the 20 km long Botanin glacier are other highlights of this trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and city tour
Meet at the airport and transfer to a downtown hotel. If time permits, attend a city sightseeing tour. First, we will visit the Gandantegchilen Monastery. This monastery is a favorite place for both locals and foreigners due to its interesting religious artifacts and peacefulness. A 26 m gilded statue of a Buddha is another thing of interest. Next, visit the National Museum of Mongolia, followed by a Central Square visit. In the evening, attend a traditional cultural performance, which is one of the most attractive things in Ulaanbaatar.
Accommodation: 3* hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Fly to Ulgii, visit eagle hunters
Fly to Ulgii, a central town of remote western Mongolia. Prepare for the tour if required, visit the local museum and market. The countryside adventure starts when driving to Altai town territory. On our way, we will explore some rock drawings and balbal stones. Visit an eagle hunting Kazakh family in the evening and learn first-hand about their unique lifestyle.
Accommodation: an extra ger of the Kazakhs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Ride with the Eagle hunters and horseback adventure starts
In the morning, you will ride to the nearby mountain with the eagle hunters. See how they train the eagles in the mountains. Next, start the multi-day horseback adventures, riding approximately 30 km heading to Chihertei Zuslan. Chichertei is a summer area of the nomadic people where we will stay in a tent near a lake. If you wish, you can catch fish and cook it for dinner.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Horse riding to Yolt Nature Reserve
Today, the trails become more obstacle and the landscape changes into a forested area. We see a waterfall and more balbal stones. Yolt is a picturesque Nature Reserve established to protect wildlife such as brown bear, deer, and ibex. If we are lucky, we will see some wild animals.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Horse riding in Mongolia and China border area
Today will ride within Mongolia and China border zone through the forested landscape and river valley.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Ride back Chihertei nomads’ summer area
Last day to ride a horse in the least traveled wilderness area. In the afternoon, we start seeing the nomadic home gers and their animals. Today we will ride 30 km back Chihertei Zuslan summer area and stay overnight in the tent.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Driving to Khoton and Hurgan Lakes
Today, we say goodbye to our horses and the equestrians and continue the journey driving on the rough roads heading Khoton and Khurgan Lakes. Enjoy the picturesque lakes’ surroundings and stay overnight in the tent at the lake’s shore.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Leisure day at Hoton and Hurgan Lakes and hiking to Baga Turgen waterfalls
The Khoton Khurgan Lake is one of the most picturesque areas with nearby Baga Waterfalls in Turgen gorge. The two waterfalls are 23 m and 13 m in height. Not only waterfalls but there are also several rapids in the river that look awesome. Spend the whole day exploring the lakes’ surroundings and hiking around Baga Turgen Waterfalls.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Driving to Tsagaan Gol/White River
Today, we will drive approximately 180 km on bumpy roads. If you wish, you can explore some ancient rock drawings at Shiveet Ulaan Mountain and visit Tuvan ethnic families. Overnight in the tent near the Tsagaan/White River.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Horse riding to Botanin Glacier and Tavan Bogd peaks
We will pack our luggage on horse/camels and start another shorter horseback adventure to the Botanin Glacier, seeing sharp summit snow-capped mountains and picturesque valleys. Overnight in the tent near the Botanin Glacier.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Riding back Tsagaan Gol River and return to Ulgii
In the morning, we will ride back 18 km to Tsagaan Gol River and reach our vehicle. Return to Ulii town after 6 to 6.5 hours’ drive.
Accommodation: local hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back Ulaanbaatar and free day for shopping and refresh from the adventures.
Accommodation: 3* hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Departure
Transfer to the airport.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast