Trekking Western Mongolia
A Unique Kazakh Homestay to Experience western mongolia Lifestyles!
Our Western Mongolia trekking experience is an unparalleled off-the-path cultural adventure that highlights the social, cultural and geographic diversity and wealth that Mongolia possesses! Hidden in valleys beyond the snow-capped western mountain ranges are Kazakh families that still to this day carry-on the ancient socio-cultural and traditional practices of their ancestors. As you will discover along our Western Mongolia Nomadic Lifestyle Adventure – Kazakh men continue the training of Eagles from an early age for both sport and hunting practices, while the elderly women pass-on the ancient traditional arts & crafts, such as the age old embroidery skills to their daughters. Kazakh Gers a well-known for their elaborate & decorative nomadic dwellings furnished with beautiful wall-hangings which add to the warmth of the family’s environment. Our Western Mongolia experience truly shows how special geographic environs are, you will greatly enjoy learning all the elements that makes up their unique and very traditional lifestyle.
Notice (posted May 2023): This Nomadic Lifestyle Adventure is still pending – we are waiting for Mongolia’s domestic flight carrier to confirm 2023 schedule and prices… Kindly note pending those informations travel dates/prices may fluctuate accordingly.
7 days / 6 nights Community Fee without Guide (Interpreter is extra) – if you desire an interpreter we can assist arranging upon request from Western Mongolia as sending a guide from Ulaanbaatar may be too expensive for most e.g. round trip flights, hotels, etc.)
Group size/USD Price:
1per = $814
2per = $761
3per = $743
Difficulty of Trip: Moderate
Method of Travel: trekking
Departures: Limited
Day One of Western Mongolia Nomadic Homestay – Domestic Flight to Bayan Olgii /Thursday/ – Arrive in Bayan Olgii (D): Upon arrival at the Bayan Olgii airport, our driver will greet you and then you will start your overland travel by jeep to the Kazakh host family (43-60kms). When you arrive, the family will prepare and serve you with a hot traditional Kazakh meal – this is a great time to get to know the family. In the evening, you can participate with family with their daily routines e.g. milking cows, goats and sheep, etc., before your dinner. Afterwards, you can stretch your legs and enjoy a walk around the surrounding areas before retiring for the night in family’s extra Ger.
Day Two-Four of Western Mongolia Nomadic Homestay – Trekking around the Tsambagarav Mountain (B, L, D): Today, you will have breakfast with the family members before the trek around the snow topped mountain. Tsambagarav is a mountain between Khovd Province and Bayanulgii Province in western Mongolia, this mountain is part of the Altai Mountains range. The range has two peaks, its highest peak “Tsast Uul” (“snow-covered peak”) has an elevation of 4,193 meters and another peak known as “Tsambagarav”, the Mongol Altai is regionally considered to be sacred within Mongolia. The park contains many glaciers, rocky gorges, glacial lakes, and a 7 meter waterfall, in addition to deer stones , balbal (standing stones), and Kazakh and Uriankhai nomads predominantly live in this region. Many rare and endangered species can be found in this region of Mongolia e.g., Argali sheep, Ibex, Snow Leopard, Rock Ptarmigan and Altai Snowcock. This park is a great place for hiking, trekking, as well as cultural and nature sightseeing.
Along the way, you can also visit Uriankhai nomads. In the evening time, you will return to the Kazakh family and enjoy the dinner before retiring to your Ger.
Day Five of Western Mongolia Nomadic Homestay – Return Flight /Monday/ via Olgii Town (B, L): After breakfast, you will experience how to make dairy products with the family before starting the overland jeep journey back to Bayan Olgii. Upon arrival to Olgii Town, you will have some free time to visit the local museum and Kazakh Handicraft shop. Afterwards, our driver will take you to the airport.
Important Notes for Mongolian Homestay Travel and Mongolia Homestay: These are “non-touristic” nomadic cultural lifestyle adventures with nomadic families – please do refer to the ‘terms and conditions’ for further clarifications. Winter itineraries are provided for “reference” there will always be changes in activities, methods of travel, etc., to maintain the ‘health/safety’ of travelers and nomadic families. Please double confirm itineraries via email. ONLINE Itineraries are subject to change owing to weather, cultural circumstance, terrain, lifestyles, etc., distances will change in accordance with Nomadic pastures, weather, culture, lifestyles and other factors. Kindly refer to the Pre-Trip online learning area for more details in how to prepare via this link
Trekking Western Mongolia – Included Services:
- All traditional Kazakh breakfast, lunch and dinner which are stated on itinerary
- Visiting the Kazakh family
- Herder guide
- Cultural activities at families (learn how to make dairy products, play the traditional game and listen to the folk songs etc)
- Boiled water
- Four overnights in Ger
- Local museum fee
- Rural jeep arrangement service – being a remote location we are assisting via local contacts (other unspecified routes you’ll have to arrange independently)
- Domestic flight (round trip) to Ulgii – we are assisting as we know this can be difficult for many to arrange themselves (other unspecified domestic flight routes you’ll have to arrange independently).
Trekking Western Mongolia – Not Included:
- Taxi to/from airport within UB city (you’ll need to cover)
- Camping equipments /sleeping bag/