Days: 10 nights/11days
Highlights: Horse trekking, Altai Mountains, nomadic families, tracking Ibex
Season: June-September
Group size: 1-9 pax
Activity scale: Active
Khovd is a vibrant city of tapestry of cultures, where over 17 nationalities converge, creating a rich mosaic of traditions, clothing, art, and music. With a population of 89,000, Khovd is a true cultural melting pot, each group contributing to the region’s unique heritage.
Located against the stunning Altai Mountain Range, Khovd offers breathtaking landscapes and a treasure of archaeological sites, including petroglyphs, cave paintings, and ancient deer stone monuments dating back 10,000 years.
Join BTTC Travel for the exhilarating “Horse Trekking in the Altai Mountains” adventure tour, set in the breathtaking Uench sum of Khovd province. This remarkable area features a stunning 100 km canyon and majestic high-altitude scenery. Over the course of five days, we will trek through the wild landscapes, witness abundant wildlife, and interact with local nomadic families, gaining insight into their daily lives and rich cultural practices.
This tour is perfect for active adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in unspoiled nature, far from the typical tourist places. Experience the WILD WILD WEST of Mongolia and create unforgettable memories in one of the country’s most stunning regions!
Upon your arrival, a professional BTTC Travel team will greet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to a hotel located in the vibrant heart of the city. After a refreshing break, embark on an exciting city tour that begins at the Museum of National History to discover captivating exhibits that bring Mongolia’s rich history to life, including a splendid collection of traditional costumes that showcase the nation’s cultural heritage.
If time allows, we’ll take you on a memorable evening tour around the city, featuring a visit to the World War II Memorial at Zaisan Hill, with breathtaking panoramic views of the city as the sun sets. Welcoming dinner at a downtown restaurant, where you can savor the flavors of Mongolian cuisine. Overnight at the hotel. (-/L/D)
Start your adventure with an early morning transfer to the airport for a scenic 3-hour flight to Khovd City, the vibrant western city of Mongolia’s 17 minority nationalities. After exploring the main square, enjoy a delicious local lunch before embarking on a drive to Yamaan Us, famous for its ancient rock paintings.
On the way, we’ll stop at the impressive Hoid Tsenher Cave, one of Mongolia’s largest caves, renowned for its stunning rock art dating back 17,000 to 22,000 years. Afterward, arrive in Yamaan Us in the late afternoon, where you’ll be greeted by local horsemen and guides. Here, you’ll discover the captivating “The Yamaan Us” (Goat Water Rock Paintings) nestled in a scenic valley, showcasing several hundred ancient drawings from the Late Bronze or Early Iron Age. Overnight in a tent or in a ger depending on the weather conditions. (B/L/D)
After breakfast we will start our adventure with a morning meet-and-greet with your new companions for the next few days — Mongolian horses! Begin the journey with a short horse trek to familiarize yourself with these remarkable animals. Although smaller in stature than their Western counterparts, Mongolian horses are renowned for their incredible stamina and endurance, making them perfect partners for your exploration.
Over the coming days, we will embark on an exhilarating trek through the breathtaking Uench Valley, experiencing the stunning landscapes of western Mongolia. Each ride will bring you closer to the heart of this untamed wilderness, culminating in a rewarding ascent to the mountaintop, where you’ll be greeted by panoramic views and the tranquility of a pristine freshwater lake. Spend your nights under the stars in a cozy tent, surrounded by the beauty of nature, and enjoy delicious meals that fuel your journey. Overnight in a tent. (B/L/D)
The breathtaking sunrises and sunsets in the Altai Mountains are sights one will cherish forever. We will spend four incredible days with nomadic families while immersing ourselves in their rich traditions and way of life. With an average horse trek of 10-15 km each day, this journey offers a unique chance to engage with the nomadic lifestyle and ride through stunning landscapes that will leave one in awe.
The harsh, dry climate of the Altai Mountains has shaped a resilient ecosystem, home to a variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as the snow leopard, argali sheep, ibex, lynx, maral deer, falcons, foxes, golden eagles, and vultures. We will encounter smaller animals like snowcocks, ring-necked pheasants, beavers, and marmots, all of which have adapted to thrive in this rugged environment.
This tour provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife observation and tracking, especially during the early morning and late evening when animals are most active. BTTC Travel team ensures to provide you with an unforgettable adventure where you can connect with nature, experience the nomadic way of life, and create memories that will last a lifetime! Overnight in the tent or traditional ger. (B/L/D)
In the morning, we will drive to Khovd city to catch our flight to Ulaanbaatar, taking in the last glimpses of the beautiful landscape along the way. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, we will transfer to a comfortable hotel to relax and refresh after our journey. Once settled, you will have the afternoon free to explore the city at your own pace, perhaps visiting local shops, enjoying the vibrant café scene, or simply walking in the city. This evening, we’ll regroup for a delicious dinner to reflect on our travels and share stories from our adventure. (B/L/D)
Begin your day with a morning visit to Gandan Monastery, the spiritual heart of Mongolian Buddhism. Known as “The Great Place of Complete Joy,” Gandan is a renowned center for learning and practicing Buddha’s teachings, influencing not only Mongolia but the entire Mahayana Buddhist community. Situated in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, this historic monastery is a symbol of Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage and resilience, having endured periods of political repression.
The Gandan complex showcases stunning Mongolian architecture, with intricately designed temples, statues, and stupas. The main temple, Migjid Janraisig houses a magnificent 26.5-meter-high statue of Avalokitesvara (Migjid Janraisig), adorned with gold and precious stones—a revered sage guiding followers on the path to Truth. Today, over 150 monks reside at the monastery, continuing its spiritual legacy.
In the afternoon, enjoy visits to the Museum of Fine Arts and the State Department Store, where you can explore traditional and contemporary Mongolian art and shop for unique souvenirs. In the evening, experience traditional Mongolian cultural performances, featuring the beautiful sounds of short and long songs, throat singing, captivating dances, and the artistry of contortionists. The day will conclude with a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage. (B/L/D)
Our professional BTTC Travel team will be at your service to transfer to the airport. With a commitment to exceptional hospitality, we’ll make sure your experience is smooth and stress-free. Our team assists you with any last-minute needs, ensuring you leave with a sense of fulfillment and a heart full of cherished experiences. (B/-/-)
