EXPLORING WESTERN MONGOLIA

From

/ per person

  • 9 days
  • 25/09/2024
  • Western Mongolia
  • 6 People

Western Mongolia and the Kazakh People:

Western Mongolia’s Altai Mountains boast breathtaking landscapes. The region is home to the Kazakh people, a Turkic ethnic group with a strong nomadic heritage.

Geography:

Dominated by the Altai Mountains, the region features vast steppes, high peaks, and pristine lakes.

Kazakh Culture:

The Kazakh people maintain a nomadic lifestyle, herding livestock and living in traditional gers. Kazakh is the primary language, and Islam is the predominant religion.

Traditions:

Eagle hunting is an iconic Kazakh tradition, showcased in festivals that attract locals and tourists. Cultural events, like Nauryz, highlight music, dance, and traditional attire.

Challenges and Preservation:

The nomadic way of life faces challenges, including climate change, but efforts are underway to preserve Kazakh cultural heritage in modern times.

What’s included:

  • Accommodation: Ger camps and tented camps
  • Guiding: Expert interpretation and navigation
  • Meals: Full board with local and international cuisine
  • Transport: 4×4 vehicles or minivans
  • Entrance Fees: To protected areas and national parks
  • Horse Guide and Horses: For an authentic horse trekking experience
  • Camping Equipment: Provided for a comfortable outdoor stay

What’s not included:

  • International Airfare: Arrange separately
  • Personal Equipment: Bring your own gear
  • Optional Activities: Additional costs outlined
  • Excess Baggage Charges: Check airline policies
  • Single Room Supplement: Available for an extra fee
  • Alcoholic Drinks: Not included
  • Travel insurance
Day1: Ulaanbaatar – A City of Contrasts

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, where our journey begins with a warm welcome from our knowledgeable guides. After checking in at your hotel, let us unveil the city’s vibrant tapestry through a captivating sightseeing tour. The day concludes with a delightful welcome dinner, setting the stage for the adventure ahead.

Day2: Dayan Lake – The Gateway to Western Mongolia

Embark on a scenic 3-hour flight to Ulgii in Western Mongolia, the beating heart of the Bayan-Ulgii province and home to the Kazakh people of Mongolia. Upon landing, meet our English-speaking guide and driver, and journey to Dayan Lake. Along the way, marvel at the ancient Deer Stones and Balbal Stones, silent witnesses to the rich history of this region. Arriving at our Kazakh guest family’s Ger Camp, immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle, sharing a night in one of their Gers—a truly authentic experience.

Day3: Kazakh Family – Embrace Nomadic Living

Spend the day immersed in the warmth of our Kazakh family. Rise with the sun and partake in the morning rituals, from milking cows, goats, and sheep to experiencing the daily life of Kazakh herdsmen. Engage in the processing of dairy products, sample homemade yak cheese and yogurt, and contribute to the preparation of traditional Kazakh cuisine. This intimate experience offers a genuine glimpse into the nomadic way of life, filled with friendliness and hospitality.

Day4: Kazakh Family – A Day with the Eagle Hunter

Embark on a fascinating day with an eagle hunter, delving into the ancient tradition that spans thousands of years in Central Asia. While summertime isn’t the eagle hunting season, the hunters will showcase their training methods and introduce you to the art of eagle hunting. Engage in conversations with the hunters (through an interpreter), witness Kazakh embroidery, and gain insight into the intricate artistry decorating their gers.

Day5: Kazakh Family – Traditions and Talents

Discover the joy of Kazakh traditional games like knuckle bones and horseback riding games. Engage in the art of making felt, a craft that will keep you captivated throughout the day.

Day6: Kazakh Family – Farewell Celebration

Choose your adventure—hike in the beautiful mountains, go horseback riding, or simply revel in the tranquility of the lake. As we bid farewell to our nomadic friends, a grand celebration awaits with a feast known as Besbarmak—a delicious stewed mutton, sausages, fresh vegetables, homemade noodles, and local vodka. Raise a toast to our incredible stay with our guest family and savor the camaraderie forged in the heart of Western Mongolia.

Day7: Ulgii – A Cultural Exploration

Say goodbye to our Kazakh friends and return to Ulgii. Explore the local Muslim Mosque, peruse the open-air bazaar, delve into the rich history at the museum, and indulge in some shopping for famous Gobi cashmere and local art. Our night is spent in comfort at the Ger Camp or the Eagle’s Nest Guest House, offering modern comforts in a rustic setting.

Day8: Ulaanbaatar – A Return to the Capital

Bid farewell to Ulgii as we transfer to the airport. After a flight back to Ulaanbaatar, enjoy a day at leisure, reflecting on the mesmerizing journey through the rugged beauty and nomadic traditions of Western Mongolia.

(5 Review)
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    Anna E

    Horse trekking

    Traveling through Mongolia’s mountains on horseback was an incredible experience. Very grounding and kind of therapeutic for me. Bataa always made an effort to satisfy everyone’s wishes and helped us understand his county’s traditions. I felt very well taken care of and welcomed by his kindness and humor. I can only recommend traveling with Bataa, he was one of the reasons why that trip was so special.

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    Kathi Schnatti

    Horse trekking
    05/08/2023 Helpful

    If you were always dreaming of an amazing, unforgettable, very special and very intense journey – Bataa from Taiga Nomadic Travel is your man to help you out!!
    Why? Because he is responsible for a super well organized trip with:
    x landscapes that let you feel being directly in the scenario of “lord of the rings”
    x top powerful and brave horses, that will steal your heart forever
    x super friendly, generous and diligent team members of horse-men and eagle-hunters, who are making you feel like a champion on the horse and survive every challenge on the way
    x excellent talented cooks, letting you discover the varied culinary of Mongolian food
    x a loooot of fun and laughing, after you probably could have belly soreness
    x huge adventures, which you will tell your grandchildren for sure

    And probably many many many things more!
    I am so thankful for every second during this time and so happy about experienced this with this people!

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    Stephanie D

    Horse trekking
    18/10/2023 Helpful

    Bataa is an amazing Guide. You feel safe at every time. He takes care of his clients and make them always feel very comfortable. I can recommend him without exception. When you’re looking for a great time in Mongolia, Bataa should be your Guide. Thanks for everything! See you next year.

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    Meli

    Short tour
    20/10/2023 Helpful

    It was a dream for me to discover Mongolia on horseback. The experience was even more incredible than I had hoped, and one thing’s for sure, Bataa had a lot to do with it. Thanks to him, we got to know the traditions and people of Mongolia. He was available 24 hours a day to help us communicate with our guides and helped us, explaining what we should and shouldn’t do. He was there for the laughing, the good times but also when we were having a hard time. Perfect guy-de😃 ! I’ll definetely do my next trip with him again !

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    Alessandro C

    Horse trekking
    28/11/2023 Helpful

    That was the most exciting experience of my life. Our guide Bata was always very helpful and helped us with every problem imaginable.
    I will never forget this trip.
    Thank you for everything.

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    Leonie M

    Events & Festivals
    19/10/2023 Helpful

    Where should I start – I had an an indescribable and amazing experience from the beginning until the end and further.

    I was on a very well-organized nine-day riding tour with a small group of people. Bataa from Taiga Nomadic Travel accompanied our group and did incredible work to provide us with unforgettable experiences (for example feeding eagles, eating traditional Mongolian food, galloping bareback through the Mongolian steppe and heading camels).
    Always helpful and friendly, he enabled communication with the Mongolian horsemen, took us to Gers and introduced us to nomadic families and their way of living. Further, he spontaneously organized an additional three-day stay with a family of Kazakh Eagle Hunters – another once-in-a-lifetime experience.

    Bataa was always available, helping with several issues and did his very best to fulfill all desires. My expectations were more than satisfied and for certain it wasn’t my last tour with Taiga Nomadic Travel.

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