6 Days
Cultural / 4x4 Overland
Projected Route
The Gateway to the Altai
Depart Ulaanbaatar via domestic flight, landing in the capital of Bayan-Ölgii. Explore the distinct, Turkish-influenced culture of Ölgii city: climb Nairamdal Hill for a panoramic view and visit the Open-Air Bazaar for authentic Kazakh embroidery and felt boots. Savor traditional beshbarmak for dinner.
Terrain: Urban / Airport Transfer
Festival Awakening: Day 1
Witness the Grand Opening Parade in Sagsai Valley as dozens of eagle hunters (berkutchi) march in on horseback. Watch intense agility competitions where hunters are scored on traditional attire, horse gear, and the flawless recall of their eagles from the mountaintops.
Terrain: Gravel / Open Steppe
Nomadic Games: Day 2
Spend an exhilarating day at the hunting games. Marvel at the 'Chasing the Fox Skin' test of instinct and witness daring nomadic sports: Kyz Kuar (girl-chasing race) and Kukbar (horseback tug-of-war over a goat skin). Celebrate the crowning of the grand champion.
Terrain: Festival Grounds
Deep Journey into Tsengel Sum
Traverse rugged tracks into remote Tsengel Sum, bordering Russia and China. Arrive at the encampment of the ancient Tsagaan Sayan Tuvan tribe. Experience legendary hospitality in a traditional felt ger and immediately get hands-on with nomadic life: herding and tending horses.
Terrain: Rugged Mountain Track
High Mountain Traverse
Dedicate the day to authentic mountain riding on sturdy Mongolian horses. Navigate steep alpine passes, glacial rivers, and high-altitude ridges with your Tuvan hosts. Enjoy a rustic picnic lunch by an alpine stream followed by a farewell feast under the unpolluted night sky.
Terrain: Alpine / Forested
Extraction Vector
Bid farewell to your hosts and make a swift overland dash back across the valleys to Ölgii. Capture final views of the changing autumn landscapes during the drive before catching your domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar by day's end.
Terrain: Return Piste
