The Altai streches from Russia to the far west of Mongolia and is a region full of contrasts. It is home to the highest mountains in Mongolia (over 4.000 m). The difficult terrain is home to the Kazakh nomads who are known to train their eagles for wolf hunting. Their beautifully decorated and painted tents are also typical for the nomads. The Kazakhs are a Turkish ethnic group from Mongolia and they are Muslims. Their traditions differ from those of the Mongolian Buddhists. Enjoy the rugged landscapes of incredible beauty between lakes and mountains on this trail. On horseback you will meet the locals and for a few moments you will participate in the life of this still existing, but by urbanization endangered, far eastern culture. Only very few tourists make their way to the remote Altai Mountains. This trekking tour in the west of Mongolia cannot be compared to a riding tour in Europe: we provide horses, camping equipment and a complete team on site. You will also be accompanied by a German speaking guide. Guests and team will help you to set up your tents and help you to fetch water or make a fire. The team will take care of the horses, as the customs are very different from those in Europe.
The luggage is mainly transported in the accompanying vehicle. A Mongolian cook will make the Mongolian cuisine tasty for you. However, the kitchen is adapted to European stomachs, so you don´t have to fear to be fed with offal every day. An expedition to a little known fascinating landscape and culture awaits you, where people still live in complete harmony with animals and nature. Forget your western customs and immerse yourself in another world. A good portion of adventurousness and openness towards foreign cultures are your most important companions on this trek.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar early in the morning. You will be met by the local team at the airport. This is followed by a transfer to the yurt camp outside the city (about 35 minutes). In the afternoon, you will visit the Mongolian capital and see, among other things, the Gadan Monastery, a popular pilgrimage site for nomads. While touring the temples, you’ll often have the opportunity to witness monks engaged in prayer and chanting. The tour continues with a visit to the market hall. Dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp. (Or: Flight to Hovd or Olgui, depending on flight schedules).

2nd day and 3rd day: We’ll take a domestic flight to the Altai. Since flight times for flights within Mongolia are always somewhat uncertain—and schedules can change at the last minute—we’ve set aside a buffer day in case the domestic flight is delayed or rescheduled. If you fly on the scheduled Day 2, you’ll have one day in the Altai; otherwise, you’ll spend the day in Ulaanbaatar waiting for the next flight on Day 3. The flight to Khovd (or Olgui) takes about three hours. The view from the plane of the mountains, lakes, and plains will give you a taste of what’s to come. Once there, you’ll be greeted by the local horseback riding guide, the cook, the driver, and the tour guides who will accompany you during the tour. Enjoy one last (hopefully warm) shower. Dinner and overnight stay in a jurt.

Day 4: From the Steppe to the Mountains: In the morning, you’ll begin your trail ride into the valley, where you’ll encounter herders for the first time—they’ve set up their yurts along the river. Most of the time, you’ll be accompanied by herds of goats, yaks, and horses roaming freely across the vast landscape. From the steppe, the trail gradually ascends into the mountains. In the evening, you’ll arrive at the camp, which is set up at a Kazakh winter encampment consisting of dry-stone structures.

Day 5: Your tour continues today and the landscape changes again as you gradually advance to higher altitudes. From there you can enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery, which will surely take your breath away! You may also spot some eagles circling effortlessly above your heads. Dinner and overnight stay in a tent camp by the river.

Day 6: Today’s ride will take you to the nomadic families who live here in one of the most remote regions of Mongolia. You’ll receive a warm welcome and be invited to sample local specialties—many dairy products made from goat’s, yak’s, and mare’s milk. Taste them with caution, as our European stomachs are generally not accustomed to these partially fermented beverages.

Day 7: You’ll encounter the tribes of the Far East: This morning, you’ll ride through a wild and inaccessible landscape. Along the way, you’ll meet the Oold and Zakhchin, isolated minority groups who tend their herds on horseback. Thanks to your riding guide and the translators, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the lives of the locals for a moment. In the evening, the light on the mountains offers a magnificent spectacle—a real highlight for photographers! Afterward, dinner and an overnight stay in a tent.

Day 8: At virtually every pass you cross, you’ll be treated to spectacular views. Kazakhs make up the majority of the population in this region. During the day, you’ll also have the opportunity to watch the impressive eagle hunters at work. Dinner and overnight stay in a tent.

Day 9: You’ll skillfully lead your horses up to the high-altitude steppes, which serve as pastureland in the summer. For you, it’s a fantastic galloping route through incredible scenery! You’ll reach some of the foothills of the Altai Mountains’ highest peaks, which rise to 4,000 meters. You’ll spend the night in a mountain camp at an elevation of 2,800 meters.

Day 10: This trail ride takes you to vast high-mountain steppes that invite you to gallop at a brisk pace, as well as narrow trails where you’ll be glad of your horses’ agility. You may even come across herds of wild horses along the way, and during a short break in the grass, you can enjoy the wonders of nature.

Day 11: Your ride across the steppe will eventually take you to the Shurga River, where you’ll set up camp. If you’d like, you can help gather yak dung and build a warming fire. Look forward to a convivial evening.

Day 12: Today it's time to slowly make your way back—toward Hovd. You'll leave the mountains behind and reach the steppes and the provincial town of Hovd. You'll stop for a picnic along the way. You'll spend the night in yurts or at a simple hotel, depending on your flight time the next day.

Day 13:One last ride! You’ll get up before sunrise to enjoy the magnificent light over the sacred mountain Baatar Khairkhan. After a good 20-kilometer gallop across the steppe, it’s time to say goodbye to the horses. You’ll drive back to Khvod and visit the local market. Afterward, enjoy a final dinner with your team in Khvod and spend the night at the yurt camp.

Day 14: Return flight to Ulan Bator, followed by time for shopping or a guided cultural tour of Ulan Bator, depending on the group’s preference. The Gandan Monastery is particularly worth seeing. Lunch on your own. Dinner and overnight stay at a yurt camp on the outskirts of the city.

Day 15: You will be taken to the airport for the return flight to Europe.

Subject to change!

Accomodation

Saddle & Tack: Comfortable Russian saddles and local bridles.

Experience: You are able to control your horse in all gaits, have trail experience and enough stamina (daily you sit in the saddle for about 5-6 hours).

Horses: Mongolian ponies with a size between 1.35 and 1.45m. Tough, enduring and comfortable. Only geldings are ridden.