Welcome to Mongolia! Upon arrival at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport and after clearing immigration formalities, meet your local guide. You will directly transfer to the Tuul Riverside Lodge. An intimate and fully sustainable traditional Mongolian ger camp on the foot of the Bayanzurkh Mountain - set amidst rolling hills above the 500-mile Tuul River, the main water source for Ulaanbaatar awaits you. The beautiful camp’s surroundings invites you to be explored and discovered! Your gers are prepared by a dedicated team of people, giving you a warm welcome!

This afternoon, try assembling mini ger. The Mongolian Ger is a simple structure to set up. Setting up the yurt is all about balance, patience, tension, and symmetry. We highly recommend joining the entirety of the set-up process or at least taking part.

Later this afternoon, you can participate in an archery experience! Legendary for their prowess with the bow, Mongols perfected this ancient practice with bows constructed from wood, animal sinew, bone, and glue made from fish bladders in a process that could take up to a year. A stone inscription dating from the 13th century claims that one of Genghis Khan’s generals hit a target from a distance of 1/3 of a mile.

Day at Tuul Riverside Lodge

Channel your inner explorer and discover the beautiful surroundings of our your camp today! We hope to give you an insight of Mongolia’s captivating culture through various activities. Start with a mini cooking lesson in the morning. Mongolian traditional cooking has been enriched with cooking traditions of many other nations dating back 800 years ago to the time of conquest which led to rapid cultural exchange. Today, we will make "buuz", which is cooked on special occasions and is especially fun for kids to prepare!

After lunch our nomadic neighbor will come with his ox and his cart will take you on a ride. On the way stop and visit the local herder family to learn more about their lifestyle. The day will end with a camp bon-fire and star gazing ... an absolutely unforgettable sight on a clear night.

Today you will be transferred to the airport in good time for your flight to Ulgii. Upon arrival at the local airport, a representative will meet you and take you out of town for a lovely dinner!

The drive then will continue to the Oigor River. This river lies near the foothills of Tavan Bogd Mountain. The entire area is within the boundaries of a National Park and is patrolled by park rangers. It is also a border area as Mongolia, China, Russia and Kazakhstan all reside close to the peak of the mountain.

Ulgii

Ulgii is the center of Bayan-Ulgii Aimag, which is situated in the far west of the country. This aimag is populated by the Kazakh minority of Mongolia, which are of Muslim origin. Their gers are slightly larger than Mongolian gers and are decorated with brightly colored rugs. Their traditional dress is also slightly different to the Mongols, as the men tend to wear large, black dels (the traditional Mongolian coat-dress) and small, bright hats.

Tsagaan Salaa & Baga Oigor Exploration

Over the course of the next two days, you will embark on a journey to Altai Tavan Bogd! After leisurely breakfast, you be transferred back to the Oigor River. Along the way, you will have time to stop and explore lower Tsagaan Salaa and upper Baga Oigor’s rock art- one of the largest rock art complexes in North & Central Asia. There are images of various animal species, hunting scenes, as well as scenes depicting aspects of human life in the region. Here, you will see humans riding and leading animals, loaded caravans and schematic drawings of what are assumed to be enclosures. The petroglyphs document a shift from dependence on hunting to pastoral nomadism in the period between about 2000 BCE (Bronze Age) and 1000 BCE (early Iron Age). Following this exciting and informative visit, you will be taken to your tented accommodations.

President Ovoo & Tavan Bogd Arrival

Today you will be driven to President Ovoo, where the views are absolutely spectacular! Here, you will hike until the base camp of Tavan Bogd is reached. This considered the highest range of the Altai Mountains. The highest peak is Khuiten, which is at an elevation of 4370 m above sea level. Potanin’s Glacier lies alongside the mountains, which are covered in snow. The glacier is about 20 kms long. Enjoy hiking back to meet your driver where you will then be transferred to White River camp.

Journey to Khoton & Khurgan Lakes

Today, you will be driven to to Khoton & Khurgan lakes, which are connected by a river. Many rivers and streams originating in the Altai Mountains feed the lakes with icy, crystal-clear water. The landscape around the lake is stunning! Admire the lush forests and snow-capped Altai Mountains. Enjoy swimming, hiking and fishing in the late afternoon.

Baga Turgen Waterfall & Mongolian Culinary Adventure

Get ready to ride and hike up to the Mountain to reach the Baga Turgen Waterfall! This is a 23-meter high, beautiful waterfall. It is fed by the Turgen river, which is sourced from the glacier snowmelt in the beautiful surrounding mountains, making it the tallest waterfall in the Bayan-Ulgii area. The waterfall is isolated and located in the most western corners of the Mongolian border along the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The rough roads of the area have helped its surroundings remain wild.

This evening, you will be served a special Mongolian meal of ‘Khorkhog’ as a farewell. The meal is mutton cooked slowly in a huge, metal urn with vegetables, water, and hot rocks on a flaming fire. The meat becomes soft and tasty, and the water turns into a thick meaty broth. A perfect and delicious end to your hiking expedition!

Journey to Ulgii

Following breakfast, you will be driven back toward Ulgii. Along the way, you will visit the local Eagle Hunter family to learn more about their lifestyle! This is one of the oldest and most spectacular customs of Mongolia's Kazakh people, passed down from generation to generation, hunting with specially trained eagles. The animal works in a similar way as hunting falcons do. While eagles are used for hunting in other parts of the world, this area is arguably the birthplace of eagle falconry. Afterwards, you will be taken to your Ulgii hotel in the late afternoon for check-in.

Ulgii Uncovered

Following a lovely breakfast, you will be taken to Ulgii town for an exciting tour! The Bayan-Ulgii is the western most province of the country. The culture of the Kazakh majority is influenced by their Islamic beliefs and their Nomadic traditions. You will explore the city by visiting the local mosque, museum and vibrant markets. At the markets you will have a chance to purchase renowned, handmade Kazakh crafts including their famous rugs.

This afternoon, you will be transferred to the local airport in good time for your onward flight back to Ulaanbaatar.

Once checked-in to your hotel, if time allows, visit the Bogd Khan Palace! This palace has a series of beautiful traditional buildings where the last religious king of Mongolia resided. The Palace is now a museum displaying fascinating artifacts and costumes associated with the king, as well as his collection of European furniture and stuffed animals.

Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia's capital city of Ulaanbaatar is a stark contrast to the pristine countryside. The city is constantly modernizing at lightning speed, as old Soviet style buildings are transformed to trendy shops and hotels. In this bustling cosmopolitan city, you will have the opportunity to visit historical museums, watch traditional theater, and experience the dynamic nightlife.

Erdene Khamba Monastery

This morning, you will continue west to the National Park at Khogno Khan. Covering over almost 47,000 hectares, its sacred mountain and the fertile soil not only provides a habitat for a variety of medicinal herbs, but also for a lot of game. The national park also generously donates habitat to the nomads and their herds. The wide steppe with sand dunes blown down from the Gobi and traces of small monasteries such as the Erdene Khamba give the park a special flair.

Later on, enjoy the twilight hours at the dunes! Take the opportunity to hike, visit a local herder family and take a camel ride on the sand dune. You can visit the old monastery ruins as well. Erdene Khamba Monastery, also known as Khogno Tarnyn Khiid, lies about 18km north of the small sand dune Elsen Tasarhai and is in front of the Khogno Khan Uul mountains (1967m asl). A tip- weather permitting, the dirt road to the former capital of Mongolia is a picturesque, photogenic alternative to the paved country road.

Journey to Karakorum

Today, you will travel overland to the ancient capital of Mongolia, Karakorum. For 30 years the ancient capital of the Mongoila Empire under Genghis Khan, the largest empire the world has ever seen. At it’s height in 1279 it covered nearly all of Asia and Europe (his grandson Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing). This area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is little left of the former capital these days, but the walls of the massive Erdenezuu Monastery, built in 1586, still stand. Other temples suffered damage under communist purges of the 20th century, as they attempted to eradicate the 60 temples that housed nearly 10,000 Buddhist monks.

This afternoon, we a visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery which is the most ancient surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. It is in Ovorkhangai Province, near the town of Kharkorin and adjacent to the ancient city of Karakorin. It is part of the World Heritage Site entitled Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. On the way we drive by Erdene Khamba Monastery, also known as Khogno Tarnyn Khiid, is located only 18 km north of Elsen Tasarhai, at the Khogno Khan Uul Mountains (1967 m ASL.) Today there are only the ruins. Erdene Khamba Monastery had two sections: the lower one called the Zaluu Khiid, or the "Novice Temple" and the upper one called the Uvgun Khiid, or the "Elder's Temple", which was built on top of the mountain. The monastery was built in a sacred valley, according to Mongolian Buddhist traditions.

Journey to Ongi Monastery

Today, you will be driven south to Ongi monastery ruins. The monastery is located at the top of the Tuvkhun Shireet Mountain, resting at an elevation of 200m. Formerly one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia, Ongi monastery was founded in 1660 and consisted of two temple complexes on the north and south banks of the Ongi River. The older southern complex consisted of various administrative buildings, as well as 11 temples. The northern complex built in the 18th century, consisted of 17 temples, one of which is the largest temples in all Mongolia. Sadly, during 1930s the monastery was completely destroyed and over 200 monks were killed by the communists.

Journey to Bayanzag

Today, you will be driven from the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to Bayanzag. Bayanzag has striking Flaming Cliffs, the red-rock bluff is reminiscent of areas in the American West. Internationally renowned as the place where celebrated explorer and naturalist Roy Chapman Andrews first discovered dinosaur eggs on his ground-breaking expedition in the 1920s, Bayanzag boasts a treasure-trove of important fossils that you can see all over the rocks.

Eagle Valley

Today, you will visit Eagle Valley. Also known as Yolyn Am, it is a striking natural canyon located in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains of southern Mongolia, within the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. The valley is renowned for its dramatic scenery, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife. Completely shaded from the sun in some parts by high cliff walls, Eagle Valley is often covered in thick ice during the winter months and this ice persists well into the summer, providing a cool refuge amidst the desert heat and creating a stark contrast with the surrounding desert.

Eagle Valley is also home to a variety of plant and animal species that have adapted to the harsh desert environment. Visitors may encounter rare wildlife, including wild sheep grazing high on the cliff walls or the majestic golden eagle hunting for prey, which gives the valley its name. You can learn more about about the different wildlife here at the Natural History Museum, located near the entrance to the valley.

The best time spotting wildlife is at dawn or dusk – you may discuss with your guide which time of the day you prefer. Today, you will enjoy different hikes through Eagle Valley and enjoy the marvelous views of this rugged, unique landscape.

After a hearty breakfast, you will travel back to Dalanzadgad in good time for your onward flight. Upon arrival, make your way to your accommodations for check-in.

Fine Arts Museum Tour

This afternoon, you will visit the Fine Arts Museum. This museum showcases a noteworthy collection of religious art from pre-history to the early 20th century. You will see pieces such as metal sculptures, scroll paintings and papier-Mache masks. You will have time for souvenir shopping in afterwards.

This evening, you will get to experience a live traditional song and dance program, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

After a relaxed breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. We hope you had an amazing time discovering the beauty of Mongolia's culture and landscapes and wish you a safe journey home!