10-Day Altai Horse Trek & Nomadic Culture Experience
Embark on a 10-day horse trekking adventure through Mongolia’s Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, one of the most remote and spectacular regions in Central Asia. Ride across alpine valleys, rivers, and high mountain passes while exploring glaciers, ancient petroglyphs, and pristine lakes. Experience authentic nomadic life with Kazakh and Tuvan families, and camp under the stars in untouched wilderness. This journey combines cultural discovery, natural beauty, and true off-the-grid adventure.
Per person fee
2000$ USD
Includes below:
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All meals
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Van and SUV's, driver
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Fuel
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English speaking guide
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Camels and Horses
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Ger camps and hotels
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Border area permits and Festival taxes
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All camping and cooking equipment
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Drinks and toilet papers ( Water, juice etc)
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Airport shuttle
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Other administrative costs
Excludes:
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International airfare
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Airport departure taxes
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Items of personal nature
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Optional tipping or gratuities to camp crew and leader
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Beverages, alcoholic drinks, bar bills, laundry
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Travel and insurance
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Taxi
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Optional activities
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Single supplement /For hotel or Ger camp/
Day 1 – Arrival in Ölgii (Bayan-Ölgii Province)
Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii (approx. 3–4 hours). Upon arrival, meet your English-speaking guide and driver and transfer to your hotel. After a short rest, visit the Bayan-Ölgii Museum to learn about the region’s Kazakh culture, history, and wildlife.
If time allows, take a short walk to a nearby viewpoint (Nairamdal Hill) for panoramic views over Ölgii town and surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Drive to Khoton & Khurgan Lakes
After breakfast, depart Ölgii by 4WD vehicle toward Altai Tavan Bogd National Park (approx. 6–7 hours). The journey passes through vast steppe landscapes, river valleys, and mountain passes, with multiple stops for photos and rest breaks.
Enjoy a packed or roadside lunch along the way. By late afternoon, arrive at Khoton Lake, one of Mongolia’s most beautiful alpine lakes, located near the Chinese border. Set up camp along the lakeshore with views of snow-capped peaks.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Horse Trek Begins: Upper Khoton Nuur
Distance: 22 km | Riding time: 5–6 hours
Meet your local horsemen and prepare for the trek. Pack horses or camels will carry equipment. Begin riding north through alpine forest and open valleys along the Tsaagan Us River.
This area was shaped by ancient glaciers, and you will see natural terraces marking historic lake levels. The landscape is rich with rivers, wildlife, and wide-open scenery. Camp near the river in a peaceful remote setting.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Cheben Hill
Distance: 15 km | Riding time: 4–5 hours
Cross the Tsaagan Gol River and continue riding through a broad river valley surrounded by mountains. Pass occasional nomadic ger camps with grazing livestock.
Reach Cheben Hill, where your campsite offers panoramic views over green plains and winding rivers. Enjoy a quiet evening in nature with fresh air and open skies.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Yak Milk Valley
Distance: 20 km | Riding time: 7–8 hours
Descend into a dramatic river gorge and ride through narrow valleys surrounded by towering rock walls. This is one of the most scenic and varied days of the trek.
Follow the Tsaagan River upstream to a stunning campsite beside the water, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The remote location offers a true wilderness experience.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Sheveet Uul Gorge & Mountain Pass
Distance: 11 km | Riding time: 8–9 hours
Ride out of the gorge and begin a steady ascent toward a high mountain pass (approx. 3,100 m). The climb is challenging but rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views.
From the pass, descend into the Sheveet Uul Gorge, a remote alpine valley with dramatic scenery. Camp in a secluded location surrounded by mountains.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Tolin Nuur (Mirror Lake)
Distance: 12 km | Riding time: 6–7 hours
After breakfast, take a short walk to visit a Tuvan nomadic family and learn about their traditional lifestyle and shamanic beliefs.
Continue riding along the Tsaagan Gol River and visit ancient petroglyphs—some dating back over 10,000 years—offering insight into early human history in the Altai region.
Climb gradually to a glacial plateau and arrive at Tolin Nuur (Mirror Lake), where you will camp surrounded by glaciers and high peaks.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Tavan Bogd & Potanin Glacier
Distance: 15 km | Riding time: 6–7 hours
Ride and hike toward the Potanin Glacier, the largest glacier in Mongolia, located at the base of the Tavan Bogd massif.
Enjoy views of Mongolia’s highest peaks, including Khuiten, Nairamdal, and Malchin. This is where Mongolia, Russia, and China meet. The landscape includes tundra, alpine meadows, and glacial terrain. Return to camp after exploration.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Return to Ölgii & Eagle Hunter Visit
Drive back to Ölgii by 4WD (approx. 5–6 hours). On the way, visit a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter family. Learn about their unique hunting tradition and daily life.
Arrive in Ölgii in the afternoon. Check into your hotel, enjoy a hot shower, and relax after the trek.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Departure to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, transfer to Ölgii Airport for your domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar (approx. 3–4 hours). End of the tour.
Meal: Breakfast