Day 1. Ulaanbaatar

The contrast between ancient traditions and the dawning of a 20th-century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar where traditional gers (felt tents) and Buddhist monasteries coexist with modern high-rises.  Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by your Zendmen Travel guide and transferred to a comfortable, centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops. You will visit Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia where you can see a gigantic Janraisag Statue, the god of eternity, as tall as a 9 stories of apartment block.  In the afternoon, you will visit the National Museum of Mongolia, one of the 100 best museums in the world where you can see traditional costumes of different ethnic Mongols, archaeological discoveries of prehistoric people and the Mongol Empire of the 13th century. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

            (Hotel****; L, D)

Take a local flight to Ulgii. Ulgii is the westernmost town of Mongolia. Enjoy Kazakh cuisine for a lunch in a local restaurant in Ulgii. Drive to Visit an Eagle hunter’s family. Enjoy your evening with local Golden Eagle Hunter’s family. Learning local Kazakh culture and tradition and experience local animal herding customs.

(Local family stay; B, L, D)

Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai

A half day to drive to Tsagaan Salaa on dirt road where you will go camping with a view of the Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain Range. After lunch you will acclimatise for the area’s altitude and go hiking around the campsite. You are now already in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Highlight of the day will be visiting “Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai” which is listed under Unesco World Heritage Site.
Throughout the journey you will come across prehistoric rock engravings dating back 12,000 years and the ancient Turkish stone men ‘balbal’ which witness the passing of Mongolia’s rich history. Also, Moslem burial tombs made from adobe, with their distinct architectural style.

(Camping; B,L, D)

Potanin Glacier

A few hours of drive to Altai Tavan Bogd Ranger gate. You will trek near the crown of Mongolia, Tavan Bogd Mountains with view of the highest peak in Mongolia, Mt Khuiten-4,374m. Making a visit here will mark that you are reached the extreme west and height of Mongolia at the same time. You will leave your sturdy vehicle behind and go with local herder’s horse up to the base camp.

(Camping, B, L, D)

Trekking from the base camp to Malchin peak (4,050m) between 9am-4pm (7 hours for ascending and descending) or alternatively people can do less intensive trekking without climbing up to 3500-3600 m. (B,L,D)

(Camping, B, L, D)

Trek from Tavan Bogd base camp to Tsagaan Gol Base camp for 18 km, camping at around 2900-3000m. Descend from 3000 m to 2800 m, approximately 5 hours trek.

(Camping, B, L, D)

Drive to nomadic Kazakh family to enjoy your evening with local Golden Eagle Hunter’s family. Learning local Kazakh culture and tradition and experience local animal herding customs. Kazakh are the second largest ethnic groups after Khalkh in Mongolia almost 5% of Mongolian population.

Kazakh Family visit

(Family Stay, B, L, D)

Golden Eagle Hunter with his daughter

Drive back to Bayan Ulgii. You can trek in the morning and drive to Ulgii after lunch.

(Camping, B, L, D)

This morning we catch a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Free easy afternoon for shopping and enjoy dinner.

(Hotel, B, L, D)

Mongolia’s bustling capital city, Ulaanbaatar, has much to offer its visitors where felt gers coexist with modern high-rises. Explore Ulaanbaatar where you can spend your time at boutique shops, trendy restaurants, fashion shows, and folk and pop concerts. Buddhist culture has got strong presence in Ulaanbaatar.
Enjoy famous Tumen Ekh Folk Performance in Ulaanbaatar before farewell dinner.

(Hotel, B, L, D)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight home.

(B)