11 DAY EXPLORING MONGOLIA’S WILD WEST

Today, take a domestic flight to Uliastai (13:05–14:45). Upon arrival in Uliastai, you will be warmly greeted by your local staff and driver, who will accompany you on your journey into Western Mongolia. Here lies one of the region’s most striking natural wonders-the vast Mongol Els sand dunes (also known as the Mukhar River area). Stretching dramatically across the steppe, these dunes form a stunning contrast with the surrounding mountains and river valleys, creating a truly unique desert landscape in the heart of Mongolia.

Upon arrival, settle into your private tented campsite set up in the wilderness, offering both comfort and immersion in nature. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner under the open sky before spending your first overnight stay in the wild beauty of Zavkhan.

Overnight: Canvas tent with camping beds and sanitary facilities, dining tent with kitchen support  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, spend the day exploring the extraordinary landscape of the Mukhart River oasis. The river’s name, meaning “no-through road,” reflects its unusual course: a small waterway that flows for about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) along the Bor Khyar Dunes, creating a lush ribbon of green amidst the golden sands. Along its banks grow poplars and sea buckthorns, forming a striking natural oasis in the heart of the desert. The river’s source is truly magical—it emerges suddenly, gushing from beneath the towering Bor Dunes, only to vanish again into the sands further downstream. This rare natural phenomenon creates a surreal and enchanting landscape. We will enjoy a hike through the dunes to witness the hidden source of the Mukhart River and to take in the breathtaking scenery of this unique desert-oasis ecosystem.

Overnight: Canvas tent with camping beds and sanitary facilities, dining tent with kitchen support

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we set out on a scenic drive to Khyargas Lake, located in Mongolia’s far northwestern Uvs aimag.

Khyargas Lake itself is a striking natural wonder—a saltwater lake covering 543 square miles, with depths reaching 154 feet, and lying at an elevation of about 3,300 feet. Its vast, shimmering waters and remote setting create a dramatic landscape, especially during the evenings when the sunsets paint the sky in breathtaking colors. Tonight, we will set up camp on the lakeshore, falling asleep to the stillness and beauty of this untouched wilderness.

Overnight: Canvas tent with camping beds and sanitary facilities, dining tent with kitchen support

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, spend the full day enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Khyargas and its picturesque shores. This is an excellent setting for capturing striking nature photography, with sweeping lake views framed by the vast steppe and ever-changing skies. You may choose to swim in the clear waters, try your hand at fishing, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this remote wilderness. The slower pace of the day offers a welcome balance to the journey, giving you time to fully appreciate the serenity and landscapes of northwestern Mongolia. Throughout the day, your private chef will prepare freshly made meals, adding comfort and exclusivity to your wilderness experience.

Overnight: Canvas tent with camping beds and sanitary facilities, dining tent with kitchen support

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive towards Uureg Lake, passing through landscapes dotted with grazing herds of livestock and framed by the colorful backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Along the way, it is often possible to witness an age-old tradition: nomadic families moving back to their seasonal settlements. You may see families transporting their gers on camels, offering a rare glimpse into Mongolia’s enduring nomadic lifestyle.

By late afternoon, arrive at the gorgeous Uureg Lake, where we set up camp for the night. Nestled among tall mountains, this striking body of water spans 92 square miles and is a saltwater lake situated in an endorheic basin- a closed drainage system that retains water and allows no outflow to rivers or oceans, instead collecting into lakes. The surrounding mountain scenery and the lake’s tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect place to relax and take in the wilderness.

Overnight: Canvas with camping beds and sanitary facilities, dining tent with kitchen support

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed breakfast, drive toward Sagsai village, with a stop at the scenic Achit Lake, where we will enjoy lunch along its tranquil shores. Continuing the journey, we pass through the center of Bayan-Ölgii Province, Mongolia’s only Muslim-majority province, before arriving in Sagsai, a community well known as the home of many of the country’s renowned eagle hunters. Kazakh gers are typically larger than Mongolian gers and are richly adorned with brightly colored woven rugs that showcase their artistry. You will also notice distinctions in traditional attire: Kazakh men often wear large black dels (the traditional coat-dress) together with small, brightly decorated hats, reflecting a cultural identity that is distinct yet deeply rooted in Mongolia’s nomadic heritage.

Overnight: Canvas tent with camping beds and sanitary facilities, dining tent with kitchen support

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, visit Kazakh families, many of whom are eagle hunters. With your guide, you will have the chance to observe their traditional hunting equipment and even take a memorable photo while holding a majestic eagle.

This practice is one of the oldest and most spectacular traditions of Mongolia’s Kazakh people, carefully passed down through generations. Much like falconry, the eagle is trained to hunt, but here in western Mongolia, eagle hunting has a unique cultural depth and is considered by many to be the birthplace of this ancient tradition. In the late afternoon, continue the drive to Ölgii town and check into a local hotel for the night and explore the city by visiting the local mosque and vibrant markets with a chance to purchase renowned, handmade Kazakh crafts including their famous rugs.

Note: During this visit, there will be no live hunting demonstrations. Guests can see the eagles outside the gers and watch the Kazakh men with them. The full hunting season begins later, in October and November, when the first snow blankets the ground.

Overnight: Local Hotel/ Standard rooms

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will drive to the local airstrip of Ulgii town for the flight to Ulaanbaatar at 06:45-08:05 and directly drive to Baga Khentii Mountain on the way, we will stop at the imposing Genghiis Khan Equestrian Statue.  Scenically situated by the Tuul River this is the place where according to legend Genghiis Khan found a golden whip, traditionally considered an auspicious omen, that consequently inspired and helped him conquer half of the known world in the 13th century. Designed and built by Mongolian architects in 2008 and wrapped in 250 tons of gleaming stainless steel, the enormous horse and it’s gigantic rider stands 40 meters (131 feet) tall and they are facing south. The statue was placed on top of the visitor’s center which itself is a remarkable 10 meters high massive base. There are 36 columns representing the 36 Khans from Genghis to Ligdan Khan. There is a great panoramic view from the head of the horse that can be reached by taking an elevator from the main exhibit hall to the back of the horse and then climbing up a narrow and somewhat dark staircase inside the neck of the statue, (your guide will have a torch). After this fascinating visit drive to the Tuul Riverside Lodge. An intimate and fully sustainable traditional Mongolian ger camp on the foot of the Bayanzorik Mountain, the beautiful camp’s surrounding invites to be explored and discovered! Your gers are prepared by a dedicated team of people, giving you a warm welcome

Overnight: Tuul Riverside Lodge with en-suite bathroom

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Please feel free to channel your inner discoverer and explore the beautiful surroundings of our camp! We hope to give you an insight of Mongolia’s captivating culture through various activities. Enjoy the mini cooking lesson in the morning! Mongolian traditional cooking has been enriched with cooking traditions of many other nations which is tracked with history of 800 years ago, the time of conquest. This led to rapid culture exchange. We will cook “buuz “, which is cooked on special occasions and shall be fun for the kids to prepare! Following day, our nomadic neighbor will come with his ox and his card will take you on a ride! We will take also the Mongolian arrows and bows with us! Legendary for their prowess with the bow, Mongols perfected this ancient practice with bows constructed from wood, animal sinew, bone, and glue made from fish bladders in a process that could take up to a year.  A stone inscription dating from the 13th century claims that one of Genghis Khan’s generals hit a target from a distance of 1/3 of a mile! Late afternoon we will learn Mongolian traditional game using ankle bones like a shooting and horse racing etc. In the evening dine a traditional Mongolian barbecue food, known as Khorhog – demonstrating what an important ingredient stones can be: mutton will be cooked slowly in a huge, metal urn with vegetables, water and most importantly hot stones from the flame. The meat becomes soft and tasty and the water turns into a thick meaty broth. Quite a few Mongolian chefs affirm that they can taste the difference between river and lake stones. The day shall finish with a camp‘s bon-fire and star gazing..unforgettable on a clear night.

Overnight: Tuul Riverside Lodge with en-suite bathroom

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed breakfast, you will drive to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Distance: 60 km 1.5 hours driving