Golden Eagles, Gobi Sands & Khovsgol Lake

This journey takes you deep into Mongolia’s remote western frontier, a land where dramatic landscapes blend with a rich cultural mosaic. Here, Muslim and Mongolian traditions intertwine, creating a unique heritage of warmth and hospitality. Traveling through this rugged region offers both breathtaking scenery and unforgettable encounters. We begin with a flight to Olgii, the capital of Bayan-Olgii province. Unlike much of Mongolia, this region is home primarily to ethnic Kazakhs, most of whom practice Islam. The town itself reflects this identity, complete with a modest mosque at its center. Upon arrival, our local team welcomes us and leads the way west into the National Park. Along the route, we’ll meet Kazakh families living in traditional Gers—larger than the Mongolian style and adorned with handwoven carpets and vibrant textiles. Over tea and hearty Kazakh dishes such as Kuz (smoked horse meat) and Bisbarmak, we’ll share stories and gain insight into their nomadic traditions

For more than 2,000 years, Kazakhs have practiced the ancient art of eagle hunting. Female Golden Eagles—valued for their size and power—are trained from a young age to hunt foxes and wolves that threaten livestock. After years of service, these magnificent birds are released back into the wild, symbolizing the deep respect and enduring bond between hunter and eagle.

Activities:

• Flight: Depart Ulaanbaatar at 7:25 am, arrive in Ölgii at 8:40 am.
• Drive for 2-3 hours
• Meet with a family that practices eagle hunting

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, spanning 636,000 hectares along the western edge of Bayan-Olgii province, is one of Mongolia’s most breathtaking wilderness areas. Its rugged terrain stretches across Ulaan Khus, Tsengel, Sagsai, and Altai soums, unfolding in a dramatic panorama of snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, and sweeping valleys. At its core rises Khuiten Uul, Mongolia’s highest peak at 4,374 meters, towering where Mongolia meets China, Russia, and Kazakhstan—a crossroads of landscapes and cultures.

Beyond its natural grandeur, the park holds remarkable traces of human history. Tens of thousands of petroglyphs, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are etched into its rocks, alongside Turkic Stone Men and ancient burial mounds that silently guard the past.

Today’s journey takes us deep into this extraordinary landscape. After a 5–6 hour drive, we reach the Tsagaan River Valley by early afternoon. This lush summer pasture, still used by nomadic herders, is also sacred to the Tuvan people, who continue to honor their Shamanistic traditions in these timeless surroundings.

Activities:

• Enjoy a scenic 5–6 hours’ drive through breathtaking landscapes
• Visit and connect with a local Tuvan family

After breakfast, we return to Ölgii, the lively capital of Bayan-Ölgii province in western Mongolia. Set at 1,710 meters above sea level, the town is renowned for its Kazakh heritage, striking mountain scenery, and its position as the gateway to the Altai Mountains. While here, we’ll visit the Ölgii Museum to explore Kazakh history, art, and traditions, before heading to the bustling local market for a glimpse of daily life and local craftsmanship.

Activities:

• Explore Olgii town

The Eagle Festival is a vibrant celebration of Kazakh heritage, where hunters showcase their centuries-old tradition of training golden eagles. Once used for catching foxes and hares, the festival now features eagles chasing a fox skin pulled on horseback, highlighting the strength, speed, and precision of both bird and trainer. Prizes are awarded for agility, accuracy, and showmanship.

Held just outside the mountains, the festivities begin with an opening ceremony, colorful parade, cultural displays, and traditional handicrafts. Hunters, dressed in full eagle-hunting attire and riding decorated horses, compete for honors such as “best-dressed hunter and eagle” and “best eagle locating its owner.”

Alongside the eagle events, the festival also features traditional Kazakh sports and games, including camel racing, archery, Kiz Kuar (the ancient “woman-chasing” game), Tinge Lu (snatching coins from the ground on horseback), and the crowd-favorite Kokbar—a thrilling tug-of-war on horseback with a goatskin.

Activities:

• Festival activities

Upon landing, we drive 250 kilometers south to the striking landscape of Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a vast granite formation rising from the heart of Mongolia’s sandy plains. Here, the ruins of Delgeriin Choir Monastery lie scattered across the open steppe. Nearby stands an ornate 12-walled Ger, once used by monks during the harsh winter months when the stone monastery grew too cold for chanting. In the afternoon, we explore the region on foot and by vehicle, wandering among towering granite hills and discovering the ruins of a small monastery tucked into a tranquil valley. The area is also home to a sacred spring, long believed by locals to have eye-healing powers.

Later, we return to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, with the option to attend a mesmerizing cultural performance featuring contortionists, traditional throat singing, and vibrant Mongolian dance.

Activities:

• Depart Ölgii at 9:20 AM, arrive in Ulaanbaatar at 12:20 PM
• Explore the Choir Monastery
• Discover the stunning rock formation of Baga Gazar
• Visit the ruins of the solitary monk's monastery

After breakfast, we will set off on an adventure to the Gobi Desert. The scenery will shift dramatically from lush green grasslands to rugged, lifeless terrain. We expect to arrive at Tsagaan Suvraga by the afternoon. This impressive cliff rises 30 meters high and stretches 100 meters wide, with the wind having intricately shaped this extraordinary formation over millennia.

From a distance, Tsagaan Suvraga resembles the remnants of an ancient town, complete with crumbling structures. Ancient illustrations capture scenes of people hunting ibex with long bows, while petroglyphs of wild animals and cattle are etched into the rocks. Additionally, the caves in this area showcase various Turkic inscriptions, seals, and images.

A fissure stretches from east to west, cutting down from the upper slopes of a mountain into the steppe. Through this crack, one can observe strong mud columns rising from below. The vast chasm resembles the gaping jaws of a mythical creature. Some caves feature multiple chambers, including one that extends over 70 meters in length.

Activities:

• Explore the majestic Tsagaan Suvarga cliffs

Today we will be driving to the South Gobi province town Dalanzadgad. The Gobi Desert extends through Mongolia and China, measuring 1,610 kilometers from southwest to northeast and 800 kilometers from north to south. It covers an area of 1,295,000 km2, making it the world’s fifth largest desert and Asia’s largest although most of the Gobi is coated in bare rock rather than sand.

During the winter months, the Gobi is a cold desert with frost snow on its dunes. In addition to being far north, it is situated on a plateau between 910 and 1,520 meters above sea level, which leads to the cold temperatures. The Gobi receives around 194 millimetres of rain per year on average. In the winter, snow blown from the Siberian Steppes enters parts of the Gobi, providing additional moisture. The Gobi experiences temperature extremes ranging from –40°C in the winter to +50°C in the summer due to these winds.

We'll take a trip through the majestic Altai Mountain Range's breath-taking gorges. The Yolyn Am located in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, will be visited. Those green valleys were carved by ancient rivers.

Wild Argali sheep, Ibex, desert gazelles, and Golden Eagles are also possible sightings.

Activities:

• Visit small museum of the park
• Visit Yolyn am gorge
• Hike through the gorge

After enjoying a substantial breakfast, we will journey 180 kilometers west to the Khongoryn Els. This location boasts Mongolia's largest sand dunes. Reaching heights of up to 275 meters in some spots, these dunes stretch over 100 kilometers from east to west. The sands exhibit alluring curves that culminate in sharp points, creating beautiful wave patterns. Behind the dunes, the striking black rocky formation of Sevrey Mountain stands majestically. The Gobi Desert holds the title of the world's coldest desert, where frigid winds sweep across the plains throughout autumn, winter, and spring. With little shelter available, inhabitants must rely on extreme survival techniques to endure the harsh conditions. Gobi nomads are renowned in Mongolia for their unwavering commitment to hard work. We will encounter families who breed two-humped camels and discover their simple, humble, industrious, yet remarkable lifestyle.

Activities:

• Explore the Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes
• Hike to the tallest dune for those who are interested.
• Visit a family that breeds camels.
• Camel riding. Optional

Our journey today will take us to Bayanzag, commonly known as the "Flaming Cliffs." This extraordinary site is where the renowned palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered dinosaur bones and eggs. The scenery showcases a breathtaking mix of red sand, rugged formations, and greenery. We will wander around the cliffs, explore the area, visit the museum, and learn about the discoveries and expeditions from the early 20th century.

Activities:

• Explore the Bayanzag cliffs, the site where dinosaur skeletons and eggs were unearthed

Today, you will visit Ongi Monastery in northwest Mongolia, where the monasteries lie along the Ongi River. The tranquil Delger Khangai Mountains enhance the area's beauty. You'll explore the southern complex with various administrative buildings and 11 temples, while the northern complex, established in the 18th century, had 17 temples and four Buddhist universities. Originally built in the 17th century, these monasteries were destroyed in 1937 and once housed over 1,000 monks. A small monastery now stands among the ruins, with remnants displayed in the Ger Museum.

Activities:

• Explore the remnants of the Ongi Monastery

Today, we explore Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of Genghis Khan’s Mongolian Empire. Founded in 1220 on the ruins of Turug and Uigur cities in the Orkhon Valley, it flourished under Ugedei Khan as a multicultural political, trade, and cultural hub. The famed Silver Tree from Möngke Khan’s palace became a symbol of the city, which thrived until 1260, when Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing. Karakorum later regained some importance after the collapse of the Yuan Dynasty but was largely destroyed by Ming troops in 1388. Nearby, Erdene Zuu Monastery, established in 1588, stands on the ruins of the ancient city. Once home to 100 temples and over 1,000 lamas, it now features three main temples—Dalai Lama, Zuu of Buddha, and Lavrin—enclosed within 400m x 400m walls. Visitors can explore its historic grounds, marvel at the architecture, and absorb centuries of Mongolian spiritual heritage. The Karakorum Archaeological Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past. Its well-lit displays include artifacts from the 13th and 14th centuries, prehistoric tools, pottery, bronzes, coins, religious sculptures, and stone inscriptions. Highlights include a half-excavated kiln, a scale model of 1250s Karakorum based on William of Rubruck’s accounts, and a Turkic noble tomb with wall paintings, gold objects, and jewels.

Other points of interest include Turtle Rock, Phallic Rock, and a small market showcasing local artisans’ work, offering a blend of history, culture, and vibrant local life.

Activities:

• Explore the Erdene Zuu monastery
• Discover the Karakorum Archaeological Museum

We’ll arrive in the town of Tsetserleg in the morning and begin our day with a visit to a local museum showcasing Mongolian traditions and Buddhism from the early 1800s. Once a prominent Buddhist temple, the building was dismantled during the Soviet era but has since been preserved as a monastery-museum, offering a unique glimpse into Mongolia’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

After exploring the museum, we’ll continue our journey to the breathtaking Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. Formed by lava flows from an ancient volcanic eruption, the lake is surrounded by extinct volcanic craters and dramatic black lava rock formations. Stretching about 15 kilometers in length and reaching depths of up to 20 meters, the lake is one of Mongolia’s natural treasures. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and a mix of steppe and woodland steppe vegetation, creates a truly picturesque and serene atmosphere.

Activities:

• Explore Tsetserleg Town
• Discover the Zayiin Gegee Museum
• Experience Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur Lake

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake offers the perfect setting for a relaxing day. In the morning, we’ll set out on an excursion to the summit of Khorgo Uul Volcano, located about 4 kilometers from the lake. This impressive volcanic peak features a crater approximately 200 meters wide and 100 meters deep, framed by trees around its rim and back.

South of Khorgo, you’ll encounter fascinating basalt formations known as “Gers,” created as lava cooled and solidified. Some of these natural structures include openings and door-like features, standing over 1.7 meters high. We’ll also visit the Single Man Cave—a modest-looking entrance that leads into a surprisingly spacious interior.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy optional activities, such as trekking through scenic valleys, boating or swimming in the lake, horseback riding, or visiting a local nomadic family for a deeper cultural experience.

Activities:

• Hike to the Khorgo extinct volcano
• Optional horseback riding. Optional

We’ll begin a two-day journey northward toward the stunning Khovsgol Lake. As we travel, we’ll pass through vast central grasslands dotted with herds of horses, cows, and yaks grazing freely. The route also takes us across a number of rivers—both wide and narrow—many of which are rich with fish, adding to the scenic charm of the journey.

Activities:

• Explore the grassland
• Hiking is an option

Our first destination will be the Uushig Deer Stone complex, home to a collection of ancient deer stones dating back to prehistoric times. This site offers a glimpse into the artwork of early peoples, featuring not only deer stones but also burial mounds. After exploring the complex, we will continue our journey northward to Khovsgol Lake.

Often referred to as Mongolia's "blue pearl," Khovsgol Lake spans an impressive 2,760 square kilometers, stretching 130 kilometers in length and 40 kilometers in width. It is surrounded by mountain ranges that rise over 2,000 meters, along with dense pine forests and verdant meadows where yaks and horses graze. The lake is fed by the crystal-clear waters of over 100 small rivers and streams, with only one river—the Egiin—draining it. This river eventually flows into the mighty Baikal Lake.

Activities:

• Explore the Uushig deer stone complex from the Stone Age
• Discover the beauty of Khovgol lake

We’ll spend the entire day exploring the shores of Khovsgol Lake and the surrounding mountains. Participants can enjoy a variety of activities, including horseback riding, hiking, canoeing (weather permitting), and visiting reindeer herding families. We’ll also have the unique opportunity to meet the Tsaatan, or Dukha people—one of the last remaining groups of reindeer herders in the world. Their distinctive way of life revolves around reindeer, guided by Shamanism and deep-rooted ancestral traditions.

Activities:

• Visit reindeer family
• Hike along the lakeshore
• Optional boat tour available. Optional
• Optional horseback riding experience. Optional

Located about 60 kilometers west of Bulgan city, the extinct Uran Uul volcano, along with the nearby Togoo Uul, is part of the 1,600-hectare Uran-Togoo Tulga Uul Natural Reserve in the Khutag-Ondor district. Trails to the summit of this relatively modest volcano begin on the west side, where you'll also find some pleasant camping spots. At the peak, you'll encounter a crater that spans 500 to 600 meters in width and reaches a depth of 50 meters, with a small "crater lake" about 20 meters in diameter nestled inside.Located approximately 60 kilometers directly west of Bulgan city, the extinct volcano Uran Uul, along with the nearby Togoo Uul, is now part of the 1,600-hectare Uran-Togoo Tulga Uul Natural Reserve in the Khutag-Ondor district.

Activities:

• Explore Uran Togoo National Park
• Trek to an extinct volcano

Today, we will arrive at Amarbayasgalant Monastery, located in a picturesque valley surrounded by majestic mountains. Second only to Erdene Zuu Monastery in significance, Amarbayasgalant is considered the most well-preserved architectural complex in Mongolia. Built in the 18th century by the Manchu emperor Yongzheng, the monastery is dedicated to the revered Mongolian Buddhist leader, Zanabazar.Today, we will arrive at Amarbayasgalant Monastery, which is beautifully nestled in a stunning valley embraced by mountains. Following Erdene Zuu Monastery, Amarbayasgalant is recognized as the second most significant monastery and the most well-preserved architectural complex in Mongolia. Constructed in the 18th century by the Manchu emperor Yongzheng, it is dedicated to the revered Mongolian Buddhist, Zanabazar.

Activities:

• Explore the Amarbaysgalant monastery

It’s time to depart and head back to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Later, you’ll enjoy a mesmerizing cultural performance, featuring skilled contortionists, powerful throat singers, and vibrant traditional dances that capture the essence of Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage.

Activities:

• Attend a folklore show featuring throat singers
• Shop for souvenir or cashmere. Optional