West 5.00 (1)
Altai 5 Mountain
5 days
From $700 /person$70 to book
LT
Run by Local tour company
replies on time to 100% of requests
- 13 days, 12 nights
- 1–12 travellersPrivate for your group
- Request to bookThe provider confirms within 24 hours
About this tour
• Combine two of Mongolia's most unique destinations in one trip: the Gobi Desert and the Golden Eagle Festival. • Hike through the spectacular, colorful mud cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga and the ice-filled Eagle Valley (Yoliin Am). • Ride two-humped Bactrian camels and climb the towering Khongor "Singing" Sand Dunes. • Search for dinosaur fossils at the legendary Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) and visit the ancient ruins of Ongi Monastery and Erdene Zuu Monastery. • Fly to western Mongolia to experience 2 full days of the breathtaking Golden Eagle Festival. • Meet Kazakh eagle hunters, visit their homes, and learn about their well-preserved traditions and nomadic lifestyle.
Route, day by day
- 1Day 1
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Your adventure begins in Mongolia’s vibrant capital. After a warm welcome at the airport and a transfer to your hotel, take the day to relax or explore the city’s blend of modern life and nomadic soul. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner to meet your fellow explorers. Distance: 30 km (Airport) Activities: Welcome dinner, city orientation, and trip briefing.
- 2Day 2
Tsagaan Suvarga
Leave the city behind and venture into the Middle Gobi. Marvel at Tsagaan Suvarga, an ancient limestone seabed transformed into towering, multi-colored mud cliffs. These natural "stupas" glow with shades of pink, red, and orange—a photographer’s dream at sunset. Distance: 450 km (276 mi) / paved road Activities: Scenic drive through the steppe, exploring the colorful limestone "Stupa" cliffs.
- 3Day 3
Yoliin Am
Journey into the heart of the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Hike through Yoliin Am, a dramatic, narrow gorge where massive rock walls block the sun, allowing a deep glacier to remain frozen even in the peak of summer. Keep your eyes peeled for wild ibex and soaring vultures. Distance: 220km / paved road Activities: Hiking, Climbing, Sunset viewing
- 4Day 4
Khongor Sand Dunes
Arrive at the spectacular Khongor Sand Dunes, the largest and most majestic in Mongolia. Visit a local camel-breeding family to experience their hospitality, then ride a two-humped Bactrian camel along the base of the dunes before climbing to the summit to hear the mysterious "singing" of the wind-blown sand. Distance: 180 km Activities: Bactrian camel riding, visiting a nomadic family, climbing the "Singing Sands" for sunset.
- 5Day 5
Bayanzag
Explore the legendary Flaming Cliffs, so named for the fiery orange glow they emit at dusk. This is the world-renowned paleontological site where Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs in 1922. Wander the red hillocks where dinosaurs once roamed millions of years ago. Distance: 150 km Activities: Hiking, Climbing, Sunset viewing
- 6Day 6
Ongi Monastery
Head north to the banks of the Ongi River, a rare water source in the desert. Explore the atmospheric ruins of the Ongi Monastery, once one of Mongolia's largest Buddhist centers. It serves as a peaceful resting point between the desert and the green heart of the country. Distance: 160 km Activities: Exploring the riverside ruins, visiting the local monastery museum, steppe photography.
- 7Day 7
Karakorum & Erdene Zuu
Travel to the historic site of Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest surviving Buddhist sanctuary in Mongolia, surrounded by 108 stupas and filled with priceless religious art and ancient history. Distance: 250 km Activities: Touring Erdene Zuu Monastery, visiting the Karakorum Museum, exploring the Turtle Rock and Phallic Rock.
- 8Day 8
Return to Ulaanbaatar
Drive back to the capital city, watching the landscape shift from the arid desert to the rolling green steppes of Central Mongolia. Spend the evening preparing for your flight to the far west and enjoy a comfortable night in a city hotel. Distance: 360 km Activities: Journey across the grassland, evening city relaxation, souvenir shopping.
- 9Day 9
Flight to Bayan-Ulgii
Take a domestic flight to the rugged Bayan-Ulgii province, the rooftop of Mongolia. Meet your local Kazakh team and visit a family home, where you’ll be dazzled by intricate wall embroideries and the legendary warmth of Kazakh hospitality. Distance: 3hr flight Activities: Domestic flight to the Altai, traditional Kazakh dinner, visiting local felt-craft artisans.
- 10Day 10
The Golden Eagle Festival
Experience the opening ceremony of the Golden Eagle Festival. Witness the breathtaking sight of hundreds of hunters on horseback, dressed in traditional fur finery, parading with their majestic eagles. Watch the initial competitions testing the birds' speed and agility as they dive from the cliffs to their masters. Distance: 30-50 km Activities: Opening ceremony, hunter parade, eagle call competitions, and archery.
- 11Day 11
The Golden Eagle Festival
The excitement peaks on the second day with finals in eagle handling and thrilling traditional horseback games like *Kukbar* (tug-of-war over a goat skin) and *Tyiyn Teru* (picking up coins from a galloping horse). The day ends with a grand awards ceremony celebrating the champion eagle and hunter. Distance: 30-50 km Activities: Eagle flight finals, Kukbar (horseback tug-of-war), coin-grabbing games, and awards.
- 12Day 12
Return to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Spend your final afternoon shopping for high-quality Mongolian cashmere or visiting the National History Museum. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a traditional folk concert featuring mesmerizing throat singing (*Khoomei*). Distance: 3hr flight Activities: Return flight, traditional folk concert (throat singing), and farewell banquet.
- 13Day 13
Departure
After a final Mongolian breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight, carrying with you the spirit of the desert and the echoes of the Altai eagles. Distance: 30 km (Airport) Activities: Final breakfast and transfer for international departure
What’s included
- Included: Accommodation: Guests will stay in traditional gers (yurts) with modern comforts, nomadic family homestays, and select ger camps near key attractions. Bedding and basic amenities are provided.
- Included: Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included throughout the tour. Guests will enjoy authentic Mongolian cuisine, including dairy products, traditional stews, and occasional Mongolian barbecue. Meals may be prepared by local families or camp chefs. Your guide can assist in preparing meals if desired.
- Included: Transport: Travel is by comfortable, private 4x4 vehicles suitable for both paved and off-road conditions. Long-distance drives are broken into manageable sections with stops for rest and sightseeing.
- Included: Fitness Requirements: Moderate activity level required. Activities include hiking, camel riding, and horse riding. Horse riding may not be suitable for travelers with knee or back problems.
- Included: Weather & Clothing: Mongolia’s weather varies greatly. Layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, and warm clothing for evenings are recommended.
- Included: Cultural Respect: Guests will visit nomadic families and sacred sites. Respect for local traditions, customs, and etiquette is expected.
- Included: Safety & Guides: Experienced local guides lead all excursions. Guides carry first aid kits and ensure safe and sustainable tourism practices.
- Included: What to Bring: Passport, camera, personal toiletries, medications. Optional: reusable water bottle, trekking poles, binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Included: Connectivity: Mobile reception may be limited in remote areas, allowing you to fully immerse in the wilderness experience.
Changes and refunds
The same terms apply to every tour on Mongolia Guide.
Refunds are by request
If plans change or something goes wrong, open the booking in My bookings and send us a request. Our team reviews each one and replies in Messages. Refunds cover the deposit you paid online.
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