Altai Tavan Bogd Horse Ride
The Mongolian Altai mountains of western Mongolian offer a beautiful landscape coupled with three unique cultures - Mongolians, Kazakhs, and Tuvans. The area is rich in wildlife and provides one of the last refuges for the Altai Argali, the world's largest sheep, as well as the endangered Snow Leopard. In addition, western Mongolia is rich in archeological sites that vary from ancient petroglyphs to stone carvings from early Turkish nomads. To travel in western Mongolia and visit this area's nomadic people between the snow covered peaks of the Altai Mountains means to experience something that cannot be repeated anywhere else in the world. On a trip though this region, one discovers new horizons, will feel the beauty of unexplored wilderness and experience the freedom of nomadic life.
A horseback journey across the Altai Mountians is an experience not available elsewhere on Earth.These few days you will be out of civilation and all world problems.
Day 1: To Ulgii
Come to airport to catch the flight to Ulgii city.Fly 4hrs.Half an hour refuel stop in Tosontsengel or Moron.Transfer to the Blue Wolf GerCamp,overnight in Kazakh felt gers.Visit the local museum of Ulgii town with comprenhensive information of flora and fauna of Bayan Ulgii aimag as well as it colourfull traditional costumes.Day 2: To Altai Tavan Bogd
Departure by 4wd minivans (Forgons) 165 km along the north-westernly route . towards Shiveet Hairkhan Uul,where is numerous petroglyphs and Turkic stone men bearing witness of the Bronze Age and the time of the Huns and Tutkic times.. Beautiful views of the entire Altai Mountains range when we drive by Tsagaan Gol (valley). After 165km (5-6hrs drive if not stopping) we will arrive at Shiveet Hairhan Mountain, in Altai Tavanbogd National Park, where numerous Tuvan nomads live. Shiveet Hairhan is holy for them, so there is no hunting, and usually possible to see a lot of Siberian Ibex in the early morning. Pitch camp. Near you camp, you will see the biggest rock printing(petro-glyphs) belonged to Huns.Huns made Chinese to build The Great Wall of China.
Days 3-6: Altai Tavan Bogd
With the support of camels, we will trek for 35 kms to the base camp area at the edge of the 20km long Potanina glacier, that runs down from the highest mountains in Mongolia. We will pitch our camp right here. Tavanbogd means “The Holy Five” referring to the peaks of Huiten (4374m and the highest), Naran, Ölgii, Burget and Nairamdal. It is a stunning setting with the awe inspiring massif of high snow capped peaks.
We will remain in the same camp and make a day hike up the non-technical heights of Malchin Uul, where we are likely to trek up through snow. There is also a smaller hill nearby allowing for excellent and stunning views of the mountains, mainly into Russian Altai, but in the distance also China.
Day 7: Altai Tavan Bogd
Trek back on the other side of the Tsaagan River (White River) to Shiveet Hairhan Mountain, where the Tuva people live. Here we will now be able to visit some nomadic Tuvan families.
Days 8-9: Across Altai Mountians
We will allocate two days to cross the Altai Mountains range which is a total of 32km. You will be able to see remote and spectacular country from 3600m high. We will pitch camp after the snows or in the snows near the pass. Beautiful and wide views.
Day 10: Green Lake
Going down by beautifull valley.we willl reach the Green Lake. Here are dramatic landscapes of small lake and patches of larch forests. This is wild and remote place with many white water springs.Good to swim.
Days 11-13: Syrgaali Area
Day 14-17: Dayan and Jolt Areas
After one full day horse riding, we will come to DayanNuur,one of the crystal clear lakes of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.Two nights by Dayan Nuur.You will have the chance to try the fishing for the Altai grayling,lenok and others.
Day 18: Drive back to Ulgii
Drive a day to Ulgii town.Stay in Blue Wolf Gercamp.Dinner with Kazakh Short Concert.
Day 19: Fly Out
Transfer to the airport and fly to UB approx.4 hrs.
Some recommendations: Summer months in Mongolia are from early June to mid September.Although the Mongolian summers are hot and dry with occasional rain, the temperature can fluctuate as much 20 degrees centigrade between day and night.So be prepared for all weather conditions.
What to bring: Binoculars,sunscreen,a hat,gloves,long underware for travel in the high mountains,comfortable footware,lip balm,sanitary hand wipes,sunglasses,prescription medications,(if needed),rain gear,flashlight.
Transport: We will select some good riding horses , saddle up, and ride. Our gear will be loaded upon Bactrian Camels, used by the locals.
Western Mongolian families frequently move from one pasture to the other using camels.The services of some herdsmen will be hired by the expedition, and they will provide us with their animals.
Staff: A local guide who speaks English and Mongolian will accompany the group at all times.A cook will follow, with an assistant.In addition, the services of the local herdsmen will be hired along with their animals.The horsemen follow a traditional lifestyle in the areas where we will be riding.
Meals: Our cook will prepare the meals.We pride ourselves in having cooks adapt to both western and Mongolian cooking on our trips.There are always vegetables available, and we have no problem accommodating vegetarians on our trips.For breakfast we can usually buy fresh yogurt from the herdsmen in the local area.
Price:
USD 2390$ per person (min 2 members)
Group size: 2-8
Discounts available for groups.
Includes: English speaking guide, food(3 times per day), cook,packing horse or camels all overnights in gers and tents, camping equipment and all local transport /UB-Ulgii-UB flights /,all Border and National park permits.
Excludes: Drinks, Single room/tent/ger supplement is USD 20 per night.
DATES : 2010
Weekly, 14Jun-17Sep
