21-day Altai & Taiga Expedition: Eagle Hunters, Naadam & Reindeer Herders
About this tour
Tour Highlights
Golden Eagle Hunter ExperienceLive closely with Kazakh eagle hunters in the Altai Mountains and learn their ancient traditions passed down for generations.
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park AdventureExplore Mongolia’s most sacred mountain region, including the Five Holy Peaks and remote alpine valleys.
Camel Caravan Mountain TrekTrek to Base Camp with your luggage carried by camel caravan through stunning high-mountain landscapes.
Potanin Glacier ExplorationDiscover Mongolia’s largest glacier surrounded by dramatic peaks and untouched wilderness.
Authentic Nomadic Homestay ExperienceStay with Kazakh nomadic families and experience real daily life, food, and hospitality.
Western Mongolia Naadam FestivalWitness wrestling, horse racing, archery, and vibrant cultural celebrations with local communities.
Remote Overland Journey Across Western MongoliaTravel through valleys, rivers, deserts, and mountains far from modern civilization.
Tsaatan Reindeer Herder Expedition (Taiga Forest)Ride horseback into the northern taiga and live with one of the world’s last reindeer-herding communities.
Cultural Immersion Across Two WorldsExperience both Kazakh steppe culture and Northern taiga (Tsaatan) spiritual traditions in one journey.
Camping Under Infinite SkiesSleep in remote camps under some of the clearest night skies in the world.
Multi-Region Epic Mongolia Expedition (21 Days)From Altai mountains to northern forests — a complete, deep cultural and wilderness journey.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar Welcome to Mongolia. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you are warmly greeted by our local team and transferred to your hotel. After your long international flight, this day is dedicated to rest and gentle adjustment. Enjoy your first evening in Mongolia and prepare for the great journey ahead.
Day 2: Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia
Flight to Ölgii, Western Mongolia This morning, you fly westward to Bayan-Ölgii Province. As the aircraft crosses endless steppe and distant mountain chains, the landscape slowly becomes more dramatic. Upon landing in Ölgii, the atmosphere immediately feels different colorful clothing, Central Asian features, and warm Kazakh hospitality. After hotel check-in, enjoy a relaxed walk around town
Day 3: Biluu, Mongolia
Drive into the Kazakh Countryside Leaving the town behind, you journey into the wide valleys of western Mongolia. Rolling hills rise gradually toward snow-capped peaks. Nomadic herds graze freely, and the Altai Mountains begin to dominate the horizon. You arrive at a peaceful Kazakh family homestay, where dinner is shared around a low table simple, warm, and welcoming.
Day 4: Biluu, Mongolia
Life with a Kazakh Eagle Hunter Family Today you experience authentic daily life with a Kazakh family. In the morning, enjoy tea and fresh bread while learning about eagle hunting traditions — not as a performance, but as a living heritage passed from father to son. You may observe eagle equipment, traditional clothing, and learn how hunters care for their birds year-round. A gentle horseback ride through the valley allows you to feel the rhythm of nomadic life. The evening is spent sharing stories under the wide Altai sky.
Day 5: Biluu, Mongolia
Altai Valleys & Cultural Encounters A slow and peaceful day. You explore surrounding valleys on foot or horseback, visit neighboring families, and observe traditional crafts and daily routines. This day is about connection with people, land, and silence.
Day 6: Altai Mountains, Mongolia
Journey Toward the High Altai Mountains Today the journey continues deeper into the mountains. The road becomes rougher, but the scenery grows increasingly spectacular — rivers, rocky gorges, and distant glaciers appear along the way. By evening, you reach the edge of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
Day 7: Altai Mountains, Mongolia
Drive to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park A full day of travel brings you into Mongolia’s most sacred mountain region. After approximately six hours on remote dirt roads, you arrive at the park’s southern entrance. Towering snow-covered peaks rise ahead a breathtaking sight. You camp beside the White Milk River, listening to glacial waters flow through the valley.
Day 8: Altai Mountains, Mongolia
Trek to Base Camp (18 km) Today begins your mountain trek. Your luggage is transported by camel caravan while you walk freely through vast alpine landscapes. The Five Holy Peaks stand proudly ahead, growing larger with every step. By late afternoon, you reach Base Camp a wide meadow resting beneath the giants of the Altai. As night falls, the sky fills with countless stars.
Day 9: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia
Glacier Exploration Day A full day to explore the high mountains. You may choose a gentle walk to Potanin Glacier — the largest glacier in Mongolia — or a more adventurous hike toward Malchin Peak. Both offer unforgettable scenery and deep mountain silence.
Day 10: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia
Return from Base Camp After breakfast, begin your journey back through the valley. Walking once again beside the camel caravan, you slowly descend from the high mountains toward lower grasslands.
Day 11: Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia
Drive Back to Ölgii City Today you return to Ölgii. After days in the wilderness, enjoy the comfort of a hot shower, soft bed, and a relaxed evening in town.
Day 12: Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia
Ölgii Naadam Festival Experience the Naadam Festival of Western Mongolia. Local communities gather to celebrate tradition, strength, and pride. Enjoy wrestling, archery, horse racing, music, and colorful costumes. This is a joyful day full of life and community spirit.
Day 13: Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia
Second Day of Naadam & Farewell Evening Continue enjoying festival events, local markets, and cultural gatherings. In the evening, share a farewell dinner with your western Mongolia team.
Day 14: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Flight to Ulaanbaatar You return to the capital city by domestic flight. The afternoon is free for rest or personal exploration
Day 15: Murun, Mongolia
Flight to Murun, Northern Mongolia Fly north to Murun — the gateway to the taiga forest. Upon arrival, explore the local market and receive a briefing for the taiga expedition
Day 16: Darkhad Valley, Mongolia
Drive to Darkhad Valley A long but scenic drive leads you through forests, rivers, and wide valleys to Tsagaannuur village the final settlement before the wildernes
Day 17: Taiga, Murun, Mongolia
Horse Trek into the Taiga Today vehicles stop, and horses take over. Ride through dense forest, cross rivers, and follow ancient trails into the taiga. By afternoon, arrive at the Tsaatan reindeer herders’ camp hidden among the trees
Day 18: Taiga, Murun, Mongolia
Life with the Tsaatan Reindeer People Spend a full day with one of the world’s last reindeer-herding cultures. Learn about reindeer care, daily survival, traditional crafts, and spiritual beliefs. In the evening, gather around the fire beneath the northern stars.
Day 19: Taiga, Murun, Mongolia to Murun, Mongolia
Return Horse Trek After farewell tea with the Tsaatan family, ride back through the forest to Tsagaannuur. Drive back to Moron
Day 20: Mörön, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Return to Murun & Flight to Ulaanbaatar Drive back to Murun and take a flight to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a final dinner together, reflecting on the journey
Day 21: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Departure Transfer to the international airport. You leave Mongolia carrying not only photographs, but deep memories of people, landscapes, and traditions few travelers ever experience.
What's included
Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar – Murun – Ulaanbaatar) All ground transportation (4x4 vehicles in remote regions) Accommodation: hotels in cities, nomadic family stays, gers, and camping All meals during the tour English-speaking local guide and support team Horse trekking and camel caravan support where required National park entrance fees and permits Cultural experiences with Kazakh eagle hunters and Tsaatan reindeer herders Naadam Festival participation and local events
International flights to/from Mongolia Travel insurance (mandatory) Visa fees (if applicable) Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs) Alcoholic beverages Tips for guides, drivers, and local families Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar before/after the tour (unless requested)
What to know
This is a long-distance, multi-region expedition across remote parts of Mongolia Travel includes long drives, trekking, and horse riding Infrastructure is basic in remote areas; expect simple but authentic conditions Weather can vary significantly between Altai Mountains and taiga forest Flexibility is essential due to weather, road conditions, and nomadic lifestyle Limited or no internet and mobile network in most remote regions Suitable for adventurous and physically active travelers Warm layered clothing (including thermal layers, even in summer) Waterproof and windproof jacket Comfortable hiking boots Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen Personal medications and small first aid kit Sleeping bag (recommended for camping comfort) Power bank / extra batteries Reusable water bottle Small backpack for daily use Cash (Mongolian Tugrik) for personal expenses Open mind and respect for local culture and traditions
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia