Riding to the Five Gods
Quick Reference Itinerary
Day 1Today you will arrive in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. On arrival you will be transferred to the Bayangol Hotel to check-in and freshen up. In the afternoon we will have a leisurely program of sightseeing including the National History Museum and the Fine Arts Museum. Both museums house impressive displays of Mongolian National and Religious history. In the evening you will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 2After early breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to the early morning flight to the far western province of Bayan Olgii. The flight will land about 4 hours later in the capital, Olgii. Here we will meet our local drivers and drive out of the town to have lunch by the Khovd riverbank. In the afternoon we will continue driving to Tsengel Khairkhan Mountain. This is one of the highest peaks in the Altai Mountain Range and is elevated to 3943m above sea level. We will camp at the foothills of the snow-capped mountain. There are Tuvan families living at the foothills of the mountain, we will visit them in the afternoon and explore their nomadic lifestyle. Day 3Today we will continue driving to Hoton Lake and camp by the lake. There are two lakes in the area Hoton and Hurgan. These are fresh water lakes formed in the depression between the high mountains of Altai. The surrounding countryside has captivating scenery with snow peaked mountains and glaciers and white water Rivers flowing down the mountains into the lakes. Green meadows littered with wild flowers and forested hills surround the lakes. Tonight our local horsemen will come to join us with our horses
Day 4Today is the first day of our horse riding. We will take a day ride to Tsagaan Us valley and return to our camp for overnight. The terrain of the day's riding will be open meadows. On the way we will visit the ancient burial sites and stone monument and in the afternoon ride back to the camp by the lake. Day 5Today we will start our linear riding. The jeep drivers will leave us while on our horse ride; however, the kitchen vehicle will stay with us during the journey to carry all the trekking equipment and food. Today we will be riding along the shore of Hoton lake and then cross the river that connects Hoton and Hurgan lakes. Different species of birds inhabit on the lakes, however there is only one species of fish that is an endemic Mongolian grayling. The kitchen vehicle will drive ahead and move the camp everyday. Day 6Today we leave the area of the lakes and ride into the mountainous valleys of the Altai. We will make camp by Mogoin River where many Kazakh families spend their summer months.
Day 7Today we will spend a full day with the Kazakh families. The Kazakh peoples live a similar herding lifestyle to the Mongols. However, the Kazakh people are Moslems and speak the Kazakh language. They came to Mongolia during the 18th century and were given land in the west where they could live and tend their herds. The Kazakh people are famous for their intricate handicrafts and amazing needlework. Their yurts, which are larger than the Mongolians, are elaborately decorated with brightly coloured wall hangings and floor rugs. We will visit some families and share their hospitality. The Kazakh men spend a great deal of time hunting with eagles in the winter months. These great birds are caught at a young age and trained to catch small prey. We will have a chance to see these magnificent birds. Day 8-10These days will again be in the saddle making a linear path through the mountains to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, which is the final destination of our trip. Everyday we will be riding for 25-35kms and will be able to visit more families along the way. The campsite will be at Baga Hag Lake and Shiveet Mountain. Our base camp will be at a small lake in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Day 11Today is the last day of riding. It will be a day ride to the glacier at the foothills of the highest peaks of Altai Mountain Range - Tavan Bogd. The name literally means Five Gods, as there are five peaks in the range itself. The highest peak is Huiten, which is elevated to 4350m above sea level. There is Potanin's glacier, which is 20 kilometres long and flows along the foothills of the highest peaks. We can reach the edge of the glacier on horseback and in the afternoon ride back to the base camp. Tonight there will be a farewell dinner with horsemen.
Day 12Today we will rejoin our jeeps and drivers and make the journey in the vehicles back to Olgii. We will make camp at the edge of the town. Day 13Drive to Olgii town and take the flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to Bayangol hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 14We will enjoy a full day of guided sightseeing within the city of Ulaanbaatar. In the morning, we will visit Gandan Monastery which is the largest in the country. Additionally, it was the only monastery functioning during Socialist times and is now the religious center of the country. Afterwards, we will visit the National history museum and Fine art museum. Both museums house impressive displays of Mongolian National and Religious history. Time will be provided in the afternoon to shop for Mongolian cashmere products and souvenirs. Our evening program will be a local concert featuring national music and dancing followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight accommodations will be at the Bayangol Hotel. Day 15This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure. |
Departure date: Available from 15 June to 1 SeptemberPrices per person: Tour prices include:
Tour prices do not include: Alcohol drinks, all items of personal nature, airport taxes and international transportation to and from Mongolia |
