Journey Information

Trip Highlights

About Your Destination: Bayan-Ölgii

Experience
Eagle hunting traditions and nomadic life
Location
The Mongolian Altai
Ethnicity
Kazakh (90%)
Getting There
From Ulaanbaatar, flight or roadtrip
Best Time
June-October

Geography

Welcome to Mongolia's westernmost frontier. Bayan-Ölgii lies in the heart of Altai Mountains, bordering Russia, China, and Kazakhstan.
Here, majestic snow-capped peaks, serene alpine lakes such as Khoton, and vast open steppes unfold into a pristine and epic wilderness.

Demographics & History

The Altai Mountains form a vital cradle of Eurasian steppe nomadism.
Shaped by 19th-century Central Asia turmoil, Qing Dynasty’s decline, and Soviet era geopolitical shifts, the region now spans four countries: Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii Province, China's Altai Prefecture in Xinjiang, Russia's Altai Republic, and Kazakhstan's East Region.
In the heart of Altai, Bayan-Ölgii is home to Kazakhs, Dörbet Mongols, and Khalkha Mongols, forming a unique cultural tapestry.
This land is known for its eagle masters, skilled horsemanship, soulful music, and hospitality that flows from the heart.

Seasons & Climate

Classic continental climate with distinct seasons and wide daily swings. Springs (Apr-May) are dry and windy, with occasional sandstorms; winters (Oct-Mar) are long and harsh. Best time to visit is summer and autumn.
Summer | Jun-Aug
Grasslands awaken in vibrant green, carpeted with wildflowers and bathed in pleasant warmth. Ideal time for all outdoor adventures.
Autumn | Sep-Oct
The steppe dons its golden attire under crisp air and exceptional clarity. Hosts annual Golden Eagle Festival. Photographer’s paradise.

Culinary Character

Local cuisine is humble yet profound, much like the steppe itself. Mutton, beef, and dairy products are the heroes of the table — protein-rich and deeply nourishing. Cooking honors natural flavor over heavy seasoning, offering you a taste of the land’s most sincere gifts.
Taste to Savor

Boiled Mutton

Dairy Assortment

Baursak

Khüüree

Signature Drinks

Salted Milk Tea

Airag (1.5-3% ABV)

Vodka (40% ABV)

Arkhi (12-15% ABV)

Travel Itinerary

Day1 The Gathering Storm

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, where the crisp, cold air is the first gift of your adventure. Our team will meet you at the airport for a direct transfer to your hotel.
At the welcome dinner, you'll meet your fellow adventurers. Your guide will outline the ten-day winter journey ahead, and let you gather strength in warm, quiet anticipation.

Day2 Hoofbeats Beneath the Giant

Travel to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Hike through crystal-clear -15°C air to the foot of the towering stainless-steel Genghis Khan statue.
In the afternoon, mount a Mongolian horse for a 5km ride along the frozen Tuul River—the sound of hooves cracking thin ice mingles with distant snow peaks in a winter duet.

Day3 Westward: Crossing the Gobi Line

An 8-hour off-road drive skirts the edge of central Mongolia’s Gobi. Stop at a herder’s winter camp to drink salted milk tea and hand-feed sheep huddled in their pen.
Spend the night at a Gobi-Altai hotel, gazing through frosted windows at a wilderness without lights.

Day4 Arrival in the Eagle Hunter's Homeland

After a thousand-kilometer dash, the silhouettes of the Altai Mountains finally emerge. We arrive in Ölgii to rendezvous with the local masters. The air is sharper here, the people’s gaze more resolute.
Tonight, by the warmth of a hunter’s stove, your initiation begins.

Day5 First Encounter: Eagle on the Snowfield

Enter a frozen hunting valley. Watch as the hunter calls with a throaty cry, prompting a 6kg golden eagle to dive from a cliff onto his arm.
You’ll learn to fit the leather hood, stroke its speckled breast feathers, and track fresh lynx prints through knee-deep snow.

Day6 Tracking: Becoming Part of the Hunt

Spend the full day participating in the hunt. Learn to scan distant rock crevices with binoculars and assist on horseback to flush game into open ground. Feel the snowfield’s absolute silence and your own racing heartbeat the moment the eagle strikes.
At dusk, witness the ancient ritual of the hunter rewarding his partner with fresh meat.

Day7 The Final Hunt & Ice Fishing

We embark on one final hunt this morning. Regardless of the outcome, the process itself is the ultimate reward.
In the afternoon, we shift our focus to the frozen expanse of Tolbo Lake, drilling through meter-thick ice for an ancient ice-fishing experience. It is a moment of profound tranquility after the intensity of the chase.

Day8 Eastward: Recrossing the Storm Corridor

Bid farewell to the masters and start the drive east. The Altai peaks recede, but the memory of the eagle’s dive remains vivid.
Pass through Khovd and arrive in Gobi-Altai. This drive serves as a vital decompression period to process your incredible memories.

Day9 Eastward: Recrossing the Storm Corridor

Continue through the Gobi and steppe. Stop in small towns to witness the quietest, most authentic side of Mongolian winter life.
Arrive in Arvaikheer. Tonight is our final night in the wild; we will share the glory and reflections of the journey under the stars.

Day10 Returning with the Storm

After the final leg of our drive, we arrive back in Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon, where the expedition officially concludes.
You can choose to transfer directly to the airport or enjoy a brief stop in the city. You return home not just with dust on your boots, but with the power and echoes of the Altai's frozen frontier—a force that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Common Questions

Q:How cold will it actually be? Is it dangerous?

A:Daytime temperatures range from -20°C to -30°C. While an extreme challenge, it is manageable through thorough preparation and expert judgment. We provide professional gear lists, and safety is always our primary rule of engagement.

Q:I've never hunted before. Can I join?

A:Yes, no prior experience is required. Your role is that of a "learner" and "participant." You will learn to track and work with the hounds, experiencing an ancient system of survival wisdom rather than just the moment of pulling a trigger.

Q:What if we don't catch anything?

A:Our measure of success is the "process," not the "result." The essence lies in tracking skills, teamwork, and the bond with the eagle. Even if we return empty-handed, you gain a new understanding of yourself and nature.

Q:Im traveling alone. How will I be accommodated?

A:Solo travelers are welcome. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement, we will do our best to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If matching is not possible, or if you prefer guaranteed private accommodation throughout, a single supplement of HKD 6,800 will apply.

Fees & Details

What's Included

Our commitment is a "frictionless exploration." Beyond the journey itself, we handle the complex administrative details for you.Our commitment is a "frictionless exploration." Beyond the journey itself, we handle the complex administrative details for you.
  • Visa Services  Includes Mongolian tourist visa fees and full application service. You provide the documents; we handle the rest.
  • Expert Leadership  Full-journey guidance from our professional bilingual photographer-guide and local logistical team.
  • Premium Stays  All accommodations as listed, including 5-star hotels in UB and premium homestays or ger camps.
  • Full Board  Includes all meals and bottled water as specified. We prioritize hygiene and balanced nutrition in the wild.
  • All Activities  All entrance fees, cultural visits, and required horse/camel riding with wrangler fees.
  • Seamless Logistics  Includes all domestic flights, airport transfers, city transport, and private 4x4 vehicles.
  • Signature Touches  Includes the Altai Echoes Welcome Kit, pre-departure guide, and a professional photo gallery.

What's Not Included

To maintain flexibility and personal protection, the following items are not included in the base fare:
  • International Flights  International airfare to and from Ulaanbaatar (UBN).
  • Travel Insurance  Personal travel insurance. It is mandatory for all guests to purchase their own insurance with emergency medical coverage.
  • Personal Expenses  Personal shopping, alcoholic beverages, and telecommunication fees.
  • Gratuities  Gratuities for local staff and guides as a token of appreciation.

Booking & Cancellation

Pricing & Deposit

  • Trip Price: HKD 34,800 | USD 4,500 / person
  • Single Supp: HKD 6,800 (For Single Occupancy)
  • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required to secure your spot.

Refund Policy

  • Cancellation 90+ days before: Full refund minus deposit.
  • Cancellation 61-90 days before: 50% refund of total trip cost.
  • Cancellation within 60 days: Non-refundable.

Transferability

Spots are transferable up to 30 days before departure, subject to administrative fees for flight/visa changes.

From Our Past Guests

“Much better than myself”

Many shooting locations can't be found without them, and the timing card is very accurate.

“Much deeper than I thought”

It's not the kind of trip to see flowers on horseback; you can get in touch with real local people and life, and the team's execution is very strong.

“If you really want to go to Mongolia, I would recommend them”

If you just check in, you don't need to look for team members, but if you want to really understand Mongolian stories, it's really worth getting along with them.

“Professional but not pompous”

No routine, no excessive commercialization, just the right pace, a very comfortable trip to Mongolia

“Very reliable and professional”

It's important to find a reliable companion when traveling in undeveloped areas. The team is very experienced and very reassuring.

“Don't worry at all”

Transportation, accommodation, and meals are all arranged very well, and they are also very professional in handling emergencies.

“A raw, unfiltered masterpiece”

My wife found them on XHS, and it was the highlight of our year. As an architect, I'm obsessed with landscapes; the Altai is nature's greatest blueprint. Erkhem's local knowledge is helpful. it didn't feel like a tour; it felt like an expedition with an old friend who knows every secret of the mountains

“Rugged yet professional”

Seamless logistics and professional grace. The 'soft luxury' offers a level of comfort I didn't think possible in such a remote landscape.

“Much better than myself”

Many shooting locations can't be found without them, and the timing card is very accurate.

“Much deeper than I thought”

It's not the kind of trip to see flowers on horseback; you can get in touch with real local people and life, and the team's execution is very strong.

“If you really want to go to Mongolia, I would recommend them”

If you just check in, you don't need to look for team members, but if you want to really understand Mongolian stories, it's really worth getting along with them.

“Professional but not pompous”

No routine, no excessive commercialization, just the right pace, a very comfortable trip to Mongolia

“Very reliable and professional”

It's important to find a reliable companion when traveling in undeveloped areas. The team is very experienced and very reassuring.

“Don't worry at all”

Transportation, accommodation, and meals are all arranged very well, and they are also very professional in handling emergencies.

“A raw, unfiltered masterpiece”

My wife found them on XHS, and it was the highlight of our year. As an architect, I'm obsessed with landscapes; the Altai is nature's greatest blueprint. Erkhem's local knowledge is helpful. it didn't feel like a tour; it felt like an expedition with an old friend who knows every secret of the mountains

“Rugged yet professional”

Seamless logistics and professional grace. The 'soft luxury' offers a level of comfort I didn't think possible in such a remote landscape.

“Much better than myself”

Many shooting locations can't be found without them, and the timing card is very accurate.

“Much deeper than I thought”

It's not the kind of trip to see flowers on horseback; you can get in touch with real local people and life, and the team's execution is very strong.

“If you really want to go to Mongolia, I would recommend them”

If you just check in, you don't need to look for team members, but if you want to really understand Mongolian stories, it's really worth getting along with them.

“Professional but not pompous”

No routine, no excessive commercialization, just the right pace, a very comfortable trip to Mongolia

“Very reliable and professional”

It's important to find a reliable companion when traveling in undeveloped areas. The team is very experienced and very reassuring.

“Don't worry at all”

Transportation, accommodation, and meals are all arranged very well, and they are also very professional in handling emergencies.

“A raw, unfiltered masterpiece”

My wife found them on XHS, and it was the highlight of our year. As an architect, I'm obsessed with landscapes; the Altai is nature's greatest blueprint. Erkhem's local knowledge is helpful. it didn't feel like a tour; it felt like an expedition with an old friend who knows every secret of the mountains

“Rugged yet professional”

Seamless logistics and professional grace. The 'soft luxury' offers a level of comfort I didn't think possible in such a remote landscape.