Altai Mixed Tour — Overview
— Discover mountain lakes, horse riding, glacier hikes, and Kazakh hospitality.The Altai Mixed Tour is Kazakh Tour’s most popular journey, bringing together the experiences travelers love most about Western Mongolia: mountain landscapes, horse riding, hiking, and Kazakh hospitality. Over eight days, explore by 4WD, on horseback, and on foot. Discover Khoton and Khurgan Lakes, hike through the Baga Turgen Valley, and experience the glacier scenery of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Visit a Kazakh eagle-hunter family, share moments with local nomadic households, and spend nights camping close to nature. Our local guides, drivers, and camp crew take care of the arrangements, allowing you to enjoy each day’s discoveries. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred departure date.
Tour Starting Point & Logistics
Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (Ulaanbaatar), travelers typically arrange their own transfer to their hotel. A reliable official taxi desk is located in the arrival hall The cost is approximately $30–35 USD to the city center Payment can be made by card in advance at the counter.
We recommend arriving in Ulaanbaatar at least one day before your tour and not booking your international and domestic flights on the same day, to avoid possible delays. The next day, we will pick you up from your hotel and provide a complimentary transfer to the airport for your flight to Ulgii, where your tour begins.
On your tour starting date- We pick up you from you hotel and you will get transferred to airport to fly to western Mongolia, Ulgii city. (free tansfer)
Your adventure begins by meeting our staff at Ulgii airport.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
We will arrange a complimentary pickup from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and transfer you to the airport for your domestic flight to western Mongolia, Ulgii city. (The exact pickup time will be confirmed in advance.) Upon arrival at Ölgii Airport, your Kazakh Tour team will welcome you and take you to a local restaurant for breakfast before transferring you to your hotel for check-in and a short rest. Later in the morning, we visit the Bayan-Ölgii Museum, where you will learn about the cultures and history of the Kazakh and other Altai tribes. After lunch in town, we drive to the countryside to visit a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter family. Here you will see how hunters train their golden eagles, experience nomadic life inside a traditional ger, enjoy Kazakh tea, and even hold the eagle on your arm for photos. In the afternoon we return to Ölgii, with time to visit a souvenir shop and the Peace Tower viewpoint overlooking the town.
Today we drive to the stunning Khoton and Khurgan Lakes, one of the most beautiful regions in Western Mongolia. Along the way we cross scenic valleys and high mountain passes, stopping for photos and lunch while enjoying breathtaking views of the Altai Mountains. After a scenic 180 km drive, we arrive at Khoton Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks along the Mongolia–China border. Camp will be set up in a beautiful spot in the forest. Although the roads are rough, our Lexus 470 or Land Cruiser SUVs make the journey smooth and enjoyable.
Today we enjoy a memorable horse trekking adventure through the beautiful landscapes of the Altai Mountains. After a short introduction to riding Mongolian horses, we saddle up and ride along scenic trails toward the Zagastai River, surrounded by wide valleys and breathtaking mountain views. After a packed lunch along the trail, we ride back to our camp. Along the way we visit local nomadic families, where you can step inside a traditional ger, enjoy Mongolian tea, and learn about their daily nomadic life.
Today we move our camp to another beautiful location in the Baga Turgen Valley, surrounded by forests, rivers, and snow-capped peaks. After a short scenic drive, we stop by a small historical site before continuing to the trailhead. While our crew sets up camp in this stunning valley, we enjoy a hike to the Baga Turgen Waterfall. This pleasant walk leads us through lush alpine scenery to a picturesque waterfall cascading about 15 meters from the cliffs above. After spending time at the waterfall and enjoying the views, we return to camp to relax. In the evening, we may gather around a campfire under the clear Altai sky.
After a hearty Western-style breakfast, we continue our journey deeper into Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, heading toward the northern part of the park. The drive takes us through spectacular landscapes, crossing mountain passes, rivers, and wide valleys. Along the way we stop at scenic spots such as the White River, often called “Yak Milk” for its unique milky color. As we travel, you will notice how the terrain changes dramatically—from green valleys to rugged alpine landscapes—revealing the wild beauty of the Altai region. By evening we reach our remote camping area near the Altai Tavan Bogd mountains, surrounded by breathtaking high-altitude scenery.
Today we explore one of the most spectacular areas of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. In this remote corner of the Altai where Mongolia, Russia, and China meet, dramatic landscapes rise toward the towering peaks of the Tavan Bogd range, including Khuiten Peak (4,373 m) — the highest mountain in Mongolia. We drive across rugged terrain to the sacred Presidential Ovoo, then begin our hike toward the impressive Potanin Glacier, the largest glacier in Mongolia. This rewarding 7 km round-trip trek takes us across rocky alpine terrain to the foot of the glacier, surrounded by breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks. Nearby stands Nairamdal Peak, marking the triple border point between Mongolia, Russia, and China. After enjoying this remarkable wilderness and glacier scenery, we return to our camp for the evening.
Today we begin our scenic journey back to Ölgii, driving through beautiful Altai landscapes, mountain passes, and wide valleys. Along the way we stop at several panoramic viewpoints to enjoy the scenery and take photos of this remote and spectacular region. We will have a picnic lunch at a beautiful spot in nature, surrounded by the peaceful Altai wilderness. By the afternoon we arrive back in Ölgii, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening after several days in the mountains.
Depending on your domestic flight schedule, you will have breakfast at the hotel before our team transfers you to Ölgii Airport for your flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable adventure in the Altai Mountains of Western Mongolia.
Photo Gallery
Tour Map & Location
Is This Tour Right for You?
- A good fit for
- Travelers who want a varied journey with hiking, horse riding, nature, lakes, and family visits.
- Be prepared for
- Active days, remote camps, and travel on rough roads. Ask us whether the riding and walking suit your experience.
Practical Travel Details
- Walking
- The itinerary includes two optional hikes on separate days, covering approximately 5 km and 7 km round trip. Travelers who prefer not to hike may opt out of either walk. Please let our team know your preferences in advance so we can discuss suitable arrangements.
- Horse riding
- Kazakh Tour provides custom-made English-style riding saddles and helmets. The ride covers approximately 15 km through forested mountain terrain near Khoton Lake, taking around five hours, including a visit to a local nomadic family. Our horses are well-trained and accustomed to carrying riders, including beginners. No previous riding experience is required, but participation is entirely your choice. Please discuss any concerns with our team before deciding to ride.
- Road travel
- Some days involve long drives, but the changing scenery makes the journey part of the experience. Open valleys, mountain passes, lakes, and forests offer fresh views throughout the route. We use Toyota Land Cruisers for comfort and capability on the region’s rugged roads. Expect some uneven, unpaved sections, with travel times varying according to road and weather conditions.
- Accommodation
- The current itinerary lists: Hotel in Ulgii; Overnight: Tent camp; GER/YURT CAMP IN ULGII. Ask us to confirm room arrangements for your departure.
- Camp and hotel facilities
- At our camps, we provide a private toilet tent equipped with a toilet seat for added comfort. On request, we can also arrange a portable shower tent, with opportunities to shower approximately two to three times during the tour.
Electricity is not available at remote camps, but you can charge compatible devices and batteries in the vehicle on driving days. We recommend bringing a power bank and suitable charging cables. Please let us know in advance if you would like shower facilities arranged. - Weather and packing
- After booking, we will send you a detailed packing list tailored to your tour and travel season, including recommended clothing, footwear, and personal essentials to help you prepare for the journey.
Before You Book
- Deposit policy
- Your deposit forms part of the tour price. Cancellation charges apply according to the published cancellation schedule; please review the full booking terms before paying.
- Remaining balance
- The remaining balance is due three calendar months before the tour departure date. Your booking documents will state the exact payment deadline.
- Cancellation
- Cancellation charges per person, based on when we receive your written cancellation: more than 90 days before departure — USD 500; 0–90 days — 100% of the total tour cost; Customized itineraries may have different terms. Air travel is subject to separate airline conditions. See the full booking terms.
- Departure confirmation
- Your place is confirmed once we receive your deposit and send you written booking confirmation by email. The remaining balance is due three calendar months before departure. Please wait for our written confirmation before booking international flights.
- Solo travelers and rooms
- 380USD single supplement
- After your inquiry
- Send your preferred departure date, group size, and questions. Our team will check availability and help you review the tour details before you decide to book.
Guest Reviews
An incredible journey into real Mongolia. The landscapes were unreal, and meeting eagle hunters felt truly authentic. Everything was perfectly organized.
This was easily one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. The Altai region is absolutely breathtaking—vast, untouched, and unlike anywhere else I’ve been. What really made the trip special was how authentic everything felt. Visiting eagle hunters wasn’t a staged activity; it was a genuine cultural experience, and you could tell the team has real relationships with the local families. The logistics were handled flawlessly from start to finish. The vehicles were comfortable, the food was excellent (especially considering how remote we were), and the guides were knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely passionate about the region. I also appreciated the balance of adventure and comfort—trekking, horseback riding, and exploring the lakes and mountains, while still feeling safe and well taken care of. If you’re looking for a true off-the-beaten-path experience that still delivers high-quality service, this tour is absolutely worth it. I would recommend it without hesitation.
This trip was truly unforgettable. The Altai landscapes were peaceful and breathtaking, and visiting an eagle hunter family felt very authentic. Everything was well organized, and the guide took great care of us. A perfect mix of nature, culture, and real adventure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Gobi Extension: https://www.kazakhtour.com/5-days-mongolian-gobi-desert-overland-tour/
Contact us for other options.
In case of illness, we provide immediate care on-site and coordinate with remote medical support if needed. Depending on the situation, we will arrange the most appropriate solution, including transportation to the nearest medical facility if required.
We strongly recommend all travelers have comprehensive travel insurance, including medical and evacuation coverage, to ensure full protection during the journey.
