Eagle Festival & Western Wonders
TITLE INTRO
Why Western Mongolia?
Well, though Mongolia has innumerable wonders, Western Mongolia is the lesser-explored wing of Mongolia with the most precious untouched landscapes that deserve much more than just a fly-over. Starting off from the volcanoes, canyons, and ancient lakes formed from the last Ice Age, and tallest alpine peaks of Mongolia this trip includes everything you must-see in this region, ending with the world-renowned Eagle Festival.
Starting and ending in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, we will pass by the quaint town-life of modern Mongolians in the countryside and the mountains and their spirits we call home. From there, taking you to the Khorgo-Terkh Volcanic National Park, a region where recent volcanic activity reshaped the whole landscape; riddled with local legends and folktales.
Proceeding to the natural amphitheater Ulaagchin Black Lake and Mukhar river, the most illusive, secretive formations of the Khangai Mountains. Then onto the bird safe-haven of Mongolia, Khyargas Lake, a lake more reminiscent of the Greek shores than Mongolian steppe but the chill will still definitely remind you of Mongolia.
Heading to the largest lake of Mongolia and next province, Uvs lake in Uvs province we continue our journey to the Alpine territory riddled with millennia of history from the Scythians, Huns, Turks, and Mongols.
Going onto the towering sacred peaks of Altai, the peaks where even the president does a pilgrimage every year. These sacred peaks are believed to be the original homes of all Mongolic peoples, Tungusic and Turkic peoples. Though passed between Khanates, Tribes, and Empires of all Inner Asian history, these mountains keep its sanctity and sacred alpine nature as the youngest mountain range in Inner Asia. The breathtaking glaciers, and milky white rivers, with the towering Peaks are a bucket list item for all Mongolians, as it should it for any adventurous daring traveler as well.
Boasting with rich wonders the Altai region will be sure not to bore any who dare to travel here.
The Khoton, Khurgan lakes, and the much hidden away Baga Turgen Waterfall tucked between the beautiful landscapes, as just a must-see.
At the end, the Eagle Festival, with decorated and revered hunters, as well as precocious young hunters and huntresses seeing the festival’s legendary hunts, competitions and it’s own itinerary jam-packed with activities is the natural highlight of the whole trip, and possibly your year.
This trip is the perfect manifestation of “Fortune favors the bold.”
Our tour is definitely not a luxury retreat by any definition, its a hardy, down-to-earth, authentic, and precious trip for those who don’t mind long drives and hikes for a view of a lifetime.
So, if that sounds like you, book now!
Arrive in Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar, where your driver will greet you at the airport for your private transfer to the hotel.
Spend the afternoon settling in — exchange currency, explore local cafés, or visit Narantuul Market, the second-largest open-air market in Asia, where you’ll see traditional ritual tools, clothing, and local goods.
In the evening, gather with your guide and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner to review the journey ahead and learn a few essential Mongolian words to get your adventure started.
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Private Airport Transfer: Chinggis Khaan International Airport → Hotel
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Activities: Optional Narantuul Market visit, city walk
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Stay: Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar (Double Occupancy)
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Meals: Dinner
Features and Information: Arkhangai is the economic hub of the Khangai Region, and is the perfect example of modern town life in rural life. Protected by Bulgan mountain in the north, the town Tsetserleg is an economically active and flourishing center of the province.
- Pick up from hotel @8am
- Stop by supermarket to buy snacks and essentials (water, and toiletries)
- Lunch en-route at roadside service station/restaurant
- Arrival & check-in at Fairfield Guest House
- Dinner at Fairfield Guest House /International and Mongolian cuisine/
- Optional: Narantuul market
🍜 BREAKFAST: @ the Hotel
🍜 LUNCH: Lunch @ on the way
🍜 DINNER: @ Ger camp
🛏️ Guest house
Travel Time: 8-9 hours on road.
Features and Information:
This lake is located in the Great Lakes Depression area of western Mongolia, with the Tarvagatai range of the Khangai Mountains immediately to the east. The Ulaagchinii Khar Nuur is freshwater and bordered by sand dunes and local hills to the south. It is 23 km west to east and 5 km north to south The lake is at an altitude of about 2,000 meters (6,600 ft).
Mukhart River flows from the Bor Khyar Sand dunes that are up to 400 high. The river forms a lush green oasis amidst desert sands — a semi-circular “natural amphitheater” unlike any other landscape in Mongolia. This area is widely considered one of the most surreal hidden natural formations in the country.
Activities:
- Scenic drive through rural soums and steppe landscapes
- Explore lake shore viewpoints & optional short hikes
- Visit Mukhart River oasis & sand dunes
- Photo stops, nature walk
🍜 BREAKFAST: @Ger Camp
🍜 LUNCH: Lunch box or eat soum center
🍜 DINNER: @ Ger camp
🛏️ Black Lake ger Camp
Travel Time: TBD
Features and Information: This lake is located in the Great Lakes Depression area of western Mongolia, with the Tarvagatai range of the Khangai Mountains immediately to the east. The Ulaagchinii Khar Nuur is freshwater and bordered by sand dunes and local hills to the south. It is 23 km west to east and 5 km north to south The lake is at an altitude of about 2,000 meters (6,600 ft).
Mukhart River flows from the Bor Khyar Sand dunes that are up to 400 high. The river forms a lush green oasis amidst desert sands — a semi-circular “natural amphitheater” unlike any other landscape in Mongolia. This area is widely considered one of the most surreal hidden natural formations in the country.
Activities:
- Scenic drive through rural soums and steppe landscapes
- Explore lake shore viewpoints & optional short hikes
- Visit Mukhart River oasis & sand dunes
- Photo stops, nature walk
🍜 BREAKFAST: @Ger Camp
🍜 LUNCH: Lunch box or eat soum center
🍜 DINNER: @ Ger camp
🛏️ Black Lake ger Camp (📞 )
Travel Time: TBD
Features and Information:
Khyargas Lake is the third largest lake in Mongolia, and the largest in the region: 1023 m elevated from sea level, surface area 1,481.1 sq km, average depth 51 m, 75 km length, 31 km wide, 254 km shoreline. On the northern side of the lake, there is spring that local people believe to have a healing effect. The most attractive place of this lake is Khetsuu Khad, translated as “Difficult Cliffs”, gorgeous cliffs with amazing views. Khyargas Lake supports diverse freshwater fish species — including Mongolian grayling, Altai osman, northern pike, and yellowfish — which in turn sustain numerous native and migratory birds, making the area a prime bird-watching destination.
Activities:
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Scenic drive via sand dunes and steppe roads
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Walk and explore Khetsuu Khad viewpoint
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Optional lakeshore hike & relaxing free time
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Bird-watching opportunities (seasonal)
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Sunset photography along shoreline
🍜 BREAKFAST: @ Ger Camp
🍜 LUNCH: Lunch box eat and enjoy
🍜 DINNER: @ Ger camp
🛏️ Baruun beach ger Camp (📞 )Travel Time: TBD
Features and Information: Uvs lake is the birthplace of the Hunnus, Turks and Scyhtians who left an unforgettable mark on world history. The lake’s basin is the largest untouched watershed in Central Asia. This area is a natural wonder, a treasure chest of 40,000 archaeological artifacts. In 2003, it was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Uvs lake is the largest lake in Mongolia, covering 3,350 sq. km. Here the world’s most northern desert meets the world’s most southern tundra.
- After enjoying a relaxed breakfast, we will continue our journey and drive to Uvs Province.
- After having lunch, we will check into our hotel and spend the afternoon exploring Uvs Province.
🍜 BREAKFAST: @ camp
🍜 LUNCH: Uvs province @ Local Hotel
🍜 DINNER: Uvs province
🛏️ Accomadation: 📞
Travel Time: TBD
Features and Information: 1450 km west of Ulaanbaatar in the Sagil soum of Uvs province. Uureg lake is one of the beautiful lakes of Mongolia. The lake stretches over 19.5km for 18km width for a 65.5 km shoreline length. Several rivers and streams such as Tsagduland Kharigiin flow into its waters. Water temperature ranges between 14-15°C at the mouth of the lake with Kharigiin river, and is 12-13°C in the central part. During winter time, from the end of September to May the lake freezes with 1-1,5 meter thick. Uureg lake is a semi-desert region with arid vegetation, reminiscent the region of the Gobi. It is the home of threatened species such as Swan Goose and Pallas’s Fish-eagle. On the site also live typical species of the Eurasian steppes, such as Red foxes and Pallas’s Cats.
Schedule & Activities:
- 09:00 — Departure
- Drive via Ulaan Davaa Pass
- Picnic or lakeside lunch at Uureg Lake
- Wilderness photography & nature exploration
- Continue driving to Ölgii city (Bayan-Ölgii Province)
🍜 BREAKFAST: @ Hotel in Uvs
🍜 LUNCH: Lakeside meal
🍜 DINNER:
🛏️ Accomadation: 📞
Travel Time: TBD
Features and Information: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in the Altai Mountain range is located on the western edge of Mongolia and holds the highest peak in the country. Mongolians call it the “roof of the country.” Altai Tavan Bogd features five high peaks (Tavan means five in Mongolian), which have three large interconnected glaciers. The largest is the Potanin Glacier, which is 14 km long. This area’s climate is extremely unpredictable. You may observe four seasons in one day: the sun will shine, and then it may snow or rain. In 1996, this area officially became a protected National Park. The mountain range is considered sacred, and the Mongolian president visits to worship each year.
🍜 BREAKFAST: @ Ger Camp
🍜 LUNCH: Lunch box eat and enjoy
🍜 DINNER: @ Ger camp
🛏️ KazakhLocal nomad (📞 )
Travel Time: TBD
Features and Information: Slightly larger than its southern neighbour Khoton is fed by over ten rivers from glaciers and nearby lakes. In places, Khoton lake is up to 50 metres deep although the average is 29 Meters. Khoton lake has only one island although it does have a strangely inviting beach on its southern shore. The lakes are only 3 KM apart with Khoton feeding into Khurgan via a fast-moving channel of water known as Sargaal channel. Upon arrival, you will need to show your permits and travel at the ranger/ military station. If you're thinking of taking a swim, do take care as the average summer temperature is low, 8 – 10 C this is because the lakes are fed by snow and ice. During the winter months, the leas do freeze to a depth of around 1-2 meters making driving a lot easier for locals as they must cross the surface.
🍜 BREAKFAST: @ Ger Camp
🍜 LUNCH: Lunch box eat and enjoy
🍜 DINNER: @ Ger camp
🛏️ Kazakh Local nomad (📞 )
Travel Time:
On this day, we will travel to Baga Turgan Waterfall, located within the valley of Khoton and Khurgan Lakes in the Baga Turgan Gorge. The waterfall is approximately 15 meters high and originates from the surrounding snow-capped mountains, creating a remarkable natural landscape. Its remote and untouched wilderness makes it a uniquely scenic location.
🍜 BREAKFAST: @ Ger Camp
🍜 LUNCH: Lunch box eat and enjoy
🍜 DINNER: @ Ger camp
🛏️ Kazakh Local nomad (📞 )
Travel Time:
After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Sagsai soum, where we will have lunch at a Kazakh eagle hunter’s family and learn about their lifestyle and how they train and raise their eagles. Before dinner, we will arrive in Ölgii city and take a short tour of the town.
🍜 BREAKFAST: @
🍜 LUNCH: Lunch
🍜 DINNER: @ Ger camp
🛏️ Local Hotel (📞 )
Travel Time
We will attend the Eagle Festival, and in the evening, we will enjoy a Kazakh cultural performance.
🍜 BREAKFAST: @ Hotel
🍜 LUNCH: Lunch at the Eagle Festival area
🍜 DINNER: @ any restaurant in Ulgii city
🛏️ Local Hotel (📞 )
Travel Time
Continuation of the Eagle Festival…
🍜 BREAKFAST: @ Hotel
🍜 LUNCH: Lunch at the Eagle Festival area
🍜 DINNER: @ any restaurant in Ulgii city
🛏️ Local Hotel (📞 )
Travel Time
After breakfast, we will head to Khovd city. On the way, we will enjoy the natural beauty at the foot of Tsambagarav Mountain and have lunch. Upon arrival, we will explore Khovd city.
🍜 BREAKFAST: @ Hotel in Khovd
🍜 LUNCH: Lunch at the Eagle Festival area
🍜 DINNER: @ any restaurant in Khovd city
🛏️ Local Hotel (📞 )
Travel Time
After a long trip, and some well deserved we offer a trip to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and the nearby Terelj National Park, known for the magnificent granite formations, including the infamous Turtle Rock. Additionally, we offer a small hike to the Aryabal Meditation Temple on the mountain face overlooking the Turtle Rock.
We will organize airport transfers from your hotel to the Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
- Optional: Aryabal Meditation Temple, Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, Terelj National Park, Turtle Rock
- A hike into the Turtle Rock’s inner platform
- The epic 45-meter tall statue of Chinggis Khaan Mounted on his horse
- Hike across the mountain face into the Aryabal Meditation Temple
🍜 BREAKFAST: @ the Hotel
🍜 LUNCH: @
🍜 DINNER: @
🛏️ Hotel in City (📞 ####-####)
Day 16 UB free day or Chingis Khan Statue 60km east from UB
If you interest to go to see i will add more information.
Included in the Tour Price:
- All accommodations: Local hotels, ger camps, and nomadic families
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the trip
- Border zone entry permits and other required permissions
- Vehicle with an experienced local driver
- Fuel
- Tour guide
- Entrance tickets for activities and attractions included in the itinerary
Not Included in the Tour Price:
- Flight ticket from Khovd province to Ulaanbaatar
- Meals during Ulaanbaatar
- Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
- Alcoholic drinks, coffee, soda and snacks
- Travelers’ personal gear
- Visit to a Kazakh eagle hunter’s family (presents to families)
- Any other expenses not included in the tour price
- Travel insurance
Traveler’s Personal Preparation:
- Flashlight
- Warm clothing
- Water bottle
- Personal first-aid kit
- Personal hygiene items
- Other necessary personal items
- Domestic travel insurance
- National ID card
Money Transfer Instruction:
Golomt Bank's SWIFT code for receiving money from abroad is GLMTMNUB.
The address of Golomt Bank is Golomt Bank of Mongolia.
When transferring money to Mongolia, if codes other than SWIFT are required, you can enter the SWIFT code in the BIC field and your account number in the IBAN field.
- IBAN: MN 62 0015 00 3105104772
Receiver name:
- Surname: LKHAMSUREN
- Given name: SARANCHIMEG
Tour Highlights:
Duration of tour: 15-16 days
Accommodations: Local hotels, Ger camps and Traditional Kazakh homestays
Transportation: SUV vehicle
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- Khorgo Volcanic mountain, White Lake ( Terhiin Tsagaan nuur)
- Ulaagchin Black Lake, Telmen lake beautiful mountainsides of Khangai region
- Khyargas Lake and White Rock formation known as Khetsuu khad
- Uvs Province, Lake Uvs
- Uureg Lake
- Altai Tavan Bogd
- Potanin Glacier
- Tsagaan gol as translated Milk River
- Daily life or Kazakh, Urianhai and Tuvan nomadic families
- Khoton and Khurgan Lake
- Baga Turgen Waterfall
- Khovd River
- Ancient Petroglyphs and Human shaped ancient burial stones
- Visit Eagle Hunters
- Bayan-Olgii and Olgii city
- Olgii city and local museum
- Traditional Kazakh cuisine
- Handcraft shops and Town Bazaar

