7-DAY Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain Eagle Hunters

A 7-day adventure in western Mongolia exploring the Altai Mountains, Tsambagarav peak, Tsenkher Cave, and Tavan Bogd National Park while experiencing Kazakh eagle hunter culture, ancient petroglyphs, horseback riding, and remote alpine wilderness.

Key info

Overview

Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain Eagle Hunters is a moderate adventure journey into the remote landscapes of western Mongolia, where dramatic mountain scenery meets rich nomadic culture. This tour takes travelers deep into the Altai Mountains, home to Mongolia’s highest peaks, ancient petroglyphs, and vast alpine valleys.A key highlight is the authentic experience of meeting Kazakh eagle hunters, one of the last communities in the world to practice hunting with golden eagles. Combined with horseback riding, camping in pristine wilderness, and cultural encounters with nomadic families, this journey offers a unique blend of nature, history, and living traditions.Designed for travelers seeking both exploration and cultural immersion, this tour reveals the wild beauty and heritage of Mongolia’s far west.


The package includes:

  • Meals as noted in itinerary (Breakfast-B, Lunch-L, Dinner-D)
  • English speaking guide
  • Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • Bottled or filtered water 2servings per day
  • All ground transportation, including airport transfers
  • All sightseeing, events, and visits as noted in the itinerary
  • All entrance fees, service charges, and standard taxes
  • Visit to shaman and nomad families
  • Domestic flights

The package excludes:

  • Travel Insurance
  • Single accommodation (available on request)
  • Round trip airfare and en-route expenses to/from your trip in Mongolia
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Increase in VAT or other tourism taxes, which may occur at any time
  • Excess baggage charges, departure fees, and airport taxes
  • Personal expenses and incidentals, such as phone calls, internet, and laundry
  • Trip cancellation, travel delay, and baggage loss insurance
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control
  • Gratuities for trip leaders, local guides, drivers, porters, and other staff

Itinerary

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar - Cultural Welcome

Day 1

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Bayangol Hotel or similar hotel. Early-check-in will be subject to availability

Har Us Lake & Tsenkher Aguu (Cave)

Day 2

Land in Khovd town with early morning flight. Day trip to Tsenkher Cave, a 90 km drive from Hovd. Drive through the vast grasslands of Mankhany Tal (steppe) to reach the 20-meter-deep cave on the banks of the Tsenkher River. Palynologist findings show that the cave was inhabited by humans at least 12,000 years ago during the Old Stone Age. Tsenkher Cave is famous for its rock inscriptions. Paintings of ibex, buffalo, ostrich, and elephants can be easily recognized. Afterwards return to Hovd town, situated in the basin of the Buyant River. Hovd province is an intriguing mixture of ethnic groups, and their languages leave no doubt that the cultures of all Central and Northeastern Asia fuse and blend seamlessly here. Tour the city and visit a local museum.

Tsambgarav Mountain and Tolbo lake

Day 3

After breakfast, drive to the Tsambagarav Uul (Tsambagarav Mountain, 4202m). See the glorious snowcapped peak of Tsambagarav Mountain while camping in the magnificent Namarjiin valley (horse riding optional). Enjoy the peaceful night in the open air and tell your Ger camp by Tolbo Lake

Arrival in western Altai Mountains

Day 4

Today we head towards the Oigor River, where the entrance of the Tavan Bogd National Park is located. On the way, see the petroglyphs of Tsagaan Salaa. This 15 km long site is a gallery of over 10,000 petroglyphs dating from the Neolithic Period and the Bronze Age. Many of the figures depict humans herding or hunting wild animals, showing the transition of ancient hunter-gatherers to livestock breeders and the beginning of the classic nomad era in Mongolia. In 2011, this site was approved along with a few others as part of the larger Petroglyph Complexes of the Mongolian Altai - World Heritage Site. Arrive at the NP’s ranger’s gate and set-up camp. Today’s driving is about 180 km.

Horseride or drive to the basecamp at Tavan Bogd NP

Day 5

After breakfast, start the 16 km horseback ride to the basecamp located in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. This national park is named after the five tallest peaks of Mongolia, which are part of the Altai Mountain range, where four countries of Mongolia, Kazakhstan, China, and Russia converge. Tavan Bogd is translated as “Holy Five” - the snow-capped peaks with the tallest, Mount Khuiten, standing at 4,356 meters above sea level. Late afternoon we’ll come back to our campside of the NP Gate

Visit a Kazakh family before returning to Ulgii

Day 6

Get up early in the morning and head to Ulgii. On the way, visit a nomadic Kazakh family. Kazakhs are Mongolia’s largest ethnic minority group; they speak their own language and preserve their unique culture. One of their most interesting traditions is using golden eagles for the purpose of hunting wild animals. Meet a Kazakh Eagle Hunter and learn about this ancient practice. Enjoy lunch with the family before returning to Ulgii. Tonight, stay at our own-run hotel and take a refreshing shower. Today’s driving is about 180 km.

Ulaanbaatar Farewell - Cultural Highlights

Day 7

With an early morning departure, we fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Refresh yourselves and gather strength for you cycling journey in Mongolia. In the evening, we gather for a vibrant Mongolian traditional dance, song, and musical concert, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the country. The trip concludes with a heartfelt farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where we celebrate the unforgettable experiences shared during this adventure.

Join in your Exodus Cycling tour

Day 8

Bid farewell to Juulchin World Tours team at and join your Exodus Adventure Travel Cycling journey.

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