Western Mongolia Cultural Excursions - Home for Minorities

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Western Mongolia Cultural Excursions

Our western Mongolia cultural excursions takes you to Khovd province in the Mongol Altai Mountain Range in the far West of Mongolia. Our purpose is to visit several nomadic camel-herding minority groups still living their traditional nomadic lifestyle. Generally the nomadic families of the west of Mongolia live on the steppe area in the winter months when it is cold and then move into the mountains for the warm summer months. Our western Mongolia cultural excursions are specifically planned for the end of the summer season when most people are busy with preparations for the long winter months ahead.

Day One in Mongolia

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

We Start Our Western Mongolia Cultural Excursions Via A Domestic Flight

You will be picked up by your guide from your hotel and taken to the airport for your direct flight to Khovd. After a flight of about three and a half hours you will arrive in the provincial capital where you will be met by our local staff. You will later drive to a scenic spot on the Buyant River where a camp will be set up for the night. Enjoy your evening meal on the banks of the river, but don’t forget to take mosquito repellent in the summer months.

Day Two in Mongolia

Western Mongolia Cultural Excursions – Overland by Jeep to Namarjin Valley

After breakfast at the river we will pack up camp and head towards the beautiful Namarjin Valley. The valley is located between Erdeneburen Soum in Khovd Province and Tolbo Soum in Bayan Ulgii Province. This area of high snow capped mountains became a National Park in 2000 and is a great place to hike and horse ride.

You will drive for about five hours, having lunch en route, before we reach our final destination for the night. You will be able to enjoy the views of the snow capped Mount Tsambagarav (4202m). Enjoy the vast openness of the landscape and take photographs of one of Mongolia’s highest mountains. Camp overnight.

Day Three in Mongolia

Today Along our Western Mongolia Cultural Excursions – You’ll have the Opportunity for Horse Riding and Meet the Local Nomadic Families

Today you will have the opportunity to horse ride in this beautiful setting. You will be accompanied by your guide and a local wrangler and will feel free like the nomads as you explore the surrounding area. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of the local families. Many different ethnic minorities live in the area and you will be able to see how the nomads spend their time on the steppe. You are free to take a packed lunch with you if you wish to ride all day. Camp Overnight.

Day Four in Mongolia

Western Mongolia Cultural Excursions – Horse Riding, Visit Local Kazakhs and/or Hike the Area

Today you are free to ride horses, hike and/or visit some of the local families in the area. Many Kazaks live in the region and they are famed for their eagle hunting prowess. Eagles are taken at the young age of two and are trained to hunt foxes, marmots and even small wolves. The eagles are kept for up to 15 years and are then released back to the wild. Camp overnight.

Day Five in Mongolia

Today We Wrap Up Our Western Mongolia Cultural Excursions with a Visit to Khovd to Explore the Local Town

We will drive back to Khovd after a relaxing breakfast. You will be able to spend the afternoon exploring the town. Sights you may want to see include the local museum, the Sangiin Kherem Manchu Ruins, the local Buddhist temple, and the local market. We will once again camp along the banks of the River Buyant.

Day Six in Mongolia

Return Flight to Ulaanbaatar

Today you will fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Depending on flight times you may have some time for a nearby hike or another look around Khovd. On your return to Ulanbaatar you will be transferred to your hotel.