Natural & Cultural Delights in North-West tour

Transfer to the hotel and relax. City tour including the Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from the Stone Age to the 21st century, and Buddhism, Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). In Gandan Monastery, you can take local prayers, monks, the biggest standing indoor Buddha statue, and temples' own figure. (L/D)

Take a flight to Uliastai, the central town of Zavkhan province, which lies in the Khangai mountain range. Reach Otgontenger peak (4021m), which is one of the Sacred mountains declared by the Mongolian State. Those sites are treated with the utmost respect. Within the vicinity of these sites, the cutting of trees, hunting of wild animals, or digging of the land is prohibited. Dating back to pre-Buddhist animist beliefs, these taboos serve the double purpose of worship and protecting the surrounding environment. Later incorporated into Buddhism, people continue to practice these traditions nowadays.

Meet our travel team at the local airport and a brief tour of the town. Drive towards Ulaagchiin Khar Nuur - Black Lake. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Ulaagchiin Khar Nuur - Black Lake, which is another wonder of natural beauty. This lake occupies 40 sq. km area and surrounded by magic sandhills that its beauty could impress one. The lake reaches a 40m deep point. Hiking in vicinity areas and riding two-humped Mongolian Bactrian camel. (B/L/D)

Visit local herders’ settlement to have full interaction with nomads. You have an opportunity to enjoy these days at the nomadic settlement familiarizing yourself with its lifestyle. Explore Airag valley and visit a site of ancient stone monuments. Overnight in a tent close to herder’s settlement. (B/L/D)

Drive to the west heading to the Uvs province- a chain of lakes, wetlands, sand dunes and high mountains. Arrive at Khyargas lake – 2nd largest salt lake of Mongolia. The lake has abundant fish and it is a nice stop for birdwatching. 

Kharkhiraa Valley – a beautiful river valley surrounded by dense fine forests meadows carpeted colorful wild flowers. Twin peaks of Kharkhiraa mountain (4037m) and Turgen mountain (3978) dominate the area. People of Khoton ethnic group inhabit in this area. Arrive in Uureg lake which lies at the borders od Uvs and Bayan-Olgii provinces. The lake is surrounded by peaks with 3.000m height and more such as Tsagaan Shuvuut mountain (3.496m) and is a great place for trekking, hiking and fishing. 

Unlike to other provinces its population is dominated by Turkic Kazakhs, which have their own language, customs and Muslim religion. On the way visit Kazakh family, living in slightly larger and colorful gers. They train eagles, falcons hawks to collect marmots, small foxes and wolves and return to the ger, where the Kazakhs use them for food. Tented camp near their settlement. 

We are entering Altai high mountain area and arrive at Shiveet Khairkhan mountain- the closest place to the Altai peaks reachable by the car. We are travelling at the altitude of 2500-3000 m. We will visit local kazakh family to explore their life as well as rent horses for our further trip. Prepare our luggage for the next 3 day-trekking trip to Altai peaks.

Leave our vehicle and load our luggage to the horses and trek toward the Altai tavan Bogd peaks of 4100-4374m. Arrive at the foot of the high peaks. 

Start our trekking towards Potanin Glacier and The Tavan Bogd (means Holy Five Peaks) highest peaks in Mongolia - Khuiten Uul- 4374m, Peak Malchin, Peak Naran, Peak Burged and Peak Ulgii. Meaning the 5 Kings it comprises of five neighboring peaks. While trekking we will cross glaciers which connect those five peaks. Trekking distance 20km approx. Arrive at the camp. 

Visit State department store for shopping souvenirs and presents. Evening cultural performance.