Home / Mongolia Tours / Jeep Tour in Altai Tavan Bogd
Altai Jeep Tour: glaciers, lakes and eagle hunters
Eight days by 4×4 jeep in Bayan-Ölgii. Visit Altai Tavan Bogd and the Potanin Glacier, ride through Oigor Valley, camp by Khoton and Khurgan lakes and spend a day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family.
8 Days / 7 Nights
Max 8 travellers
4×4 jeep with driver
Flights UB ⇄ Ölgii included
DURATION
8 days / 7 nights
DIFFICULTY
Easy to moderate
VEHICLE
4×4 jeep
GROUP SIZE
Max 10
SEASON
May – September
PRICE FROM
$1,120 pp
OVERVIEW
See the high Altai by 4×4 jeep
Travel across western Mongolia by 4×4 jeep, through quiet valleys, high mountain passes and wide open steppe, with an experienced driver and an English-speaking guide. Perfect for travellers who want nature, culture and adventure.
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Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and the Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s largest
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Horse riding through Oigor Valley and the mountain steppe
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Khoton and Khurgan lakes, with lakeside campfires and stargazing
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Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall in the mountains
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A full day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family and their golden eagles
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Ancient rock carvings in Bayan-Ölgii and a Kazakh cultural evening
THE ROUTE
Ölgii to Altai Tavan Bogd and back
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
8
Ölgii
Oigor Valley
Base Camp
Khoton Lake
Baga Turgen
Eagle hunters
Ölgii
Ulaanbaatar
Fly in from UB
Drive, ride
Walk 4–6 h
Drive 4–5 h
Waterfall hike
Family day
Cultural evening
Fly back
ITINERARY
Day by day
Open all days
DAY 1
Fly to Bayan-Ölgii
Fly from Ulaanbaatar, meet your driver and Kazakh guide and get to know Ölgii town.
✈ Domestic flight
Flight ~2 h
Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day details +
Morning domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Bayan-Ölgii (about 2 hours)
Meet your driver and local Kazakh guide at Ölgii airport
Bayan-Ölgii Museum: Kazakh culture, history and wildlife
Local bazaar (open market) for handicrafts and souvenirs
Welcome dinner with traditional Kazakh cuisine
DAY 2
Drive to Oigor Valley and ride
Drive over mountain passes to Oigor Valley, meet your horse guides and ride for the first time.
Drive 4–5 h
Tent or ger
Day details +
Morning departure from Ölgii through mountain passes and river valleys (about 4–5 hours)
Picnic lunch with views of the snow-capped Altai Mountains
Meet your local horse guides and get matched with your horse
First horse ride through the scenic Oigor Valley
DAY 3
Altai Tavan Bogd base camp to White River Valley
Walk from base camp through alpine meadows and glacial streams to White River Valley.
Walk 4–6 h
Tent
Day details +
Morning departure from Altai Tavan Bogd base camp (about 4–6 hours)
Alpine meadows, rivers and glacial streams
Learn about the Tavan Bogd massif (“Five Saint Peaks”) and its significance
Optional Side trek to the Potanin Glacier if weather and trail conditions allow
DAY 4
Drive to Khoton & Khurgan lakes
Drive deeper into the park to the lakes, with a campfire and stargazing in the evening.
Drive 4–5 h
Lakeside ger or tent
Day details +
Drive deeper into the park (about 4–5 hours)
Optional Short lakeshore walks and photo stops
Picnic or packed lunch on the way or at the lakes
Evening campfire by the lake with dinner and hot drinks
Optional Stargazing in the clear Altai sky
DAY 5
Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall
A round-trip hike to the waterfall through forested slopes, back to camp for a campfire.
Hike 3–4 h
Lakeside ger or tent
Day details +
Morning hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall (about 3–4 hours round trip)
Picnic lunch at the waterfall, surrounded by forested slopes and streams
Optional Alpine meadows and wildlife spotting (marmots, eagles)
Evening campfire with dinner and hot drinks
Optional Visit a nearby nomad family
DAY 6
Life with the eagle hunter family
Spend the day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family and see how they care for and train their golden eagles.
Eagle hunters
Camp or ger
Day details +
A day with a Kazakh eagle hunter and his family in their ger camp
Watch the golden eagle being fed, groomed and trained
Help herd goats, sheep and yaks across the open steppe
Visit neighbouring families for felt-making, embroidery and saddle craft
Help prepare traditional Kazakh dishes such as beshbarmak, with tea and homemade dairy
DAY 7
Return to Ölgii and Kazakh cultural evening
Drive back to Ölgii, shop for crafts and end the day with Kazakh music and dance.
Drive back
Camp or ger
Day details +
Drive back to Ölgii through mountain and steppe landscapes
Local bazaar and craft shops for souvenirs
Stroll through town and see everyday local life
Evening cultural show with traditional Kazakh music and dance
DAY 8
Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to the capital, transfer to your hotel and shop for souvenirs.
✈ Domestic flight
Flight ~2 h
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Day details +
Transfer to Ölgii airport
Return flight to Ulaanbaatar (about 2 hours)
Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel
State Department Store for souvenirs
Optional Dinner show with Mongolian throat singing and dance
PRICES
Price per person
How much does the Altai jeep tour cost? This 8-day tour costs from $1,120 per person for groups of 7–8, $1,600 per person for two travellers and $2,358 for a solo traveller. The price includes return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, the jeep with driver and fuel, meals, an English-speaking guide, a cook and park permits. International flights, travel insurance and a sleeping bag are not included.
TRAVELLERS
PER PERSON (USD)
1 traveller
$2,358
2 travellers
$1,600
3–4 travellers
$1,258
5–6 travellers
$1,213
7–8 travellers
$1,120
The more people travel together, the lower the price per person. All prices include domestic flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, the jeep with driver and fuel, meals, guide, cook and park permits.
Departure dates
Private departures on your own dates, May to September.
Start any day the Ölgii flight runs; we confirm flights for you.
The tour runs for 8 days. Up to 8 travellers per group.
Contact us to check availability.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included and not included
Included
✓ Accommodation throughout the journey, including camping tents and traditional gers
✓ Round-trip domestic flights Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar
✓ All ground transportation with fuel
✓ Arrival and departure airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
✓ Professional English-speaking tour guide
✓ Experienced local driver
✓ Dedicated expedition cook
✓ Full-board meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
✓ Bottled drinking water and snacks
✓ All necessary camping and cooking equipment
✓ Camel support with professional camel handlers
✓ Visit to a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter family
✓ National park permits and local fees
✓ All sightseeing activities and entrance fees
✓ Visa support with an official invitation letter
Not included
✕ International airfare
✕ Visa fees
✕ Travel insurance
✕ Personal expenses and individual equipment
✕ Sleeping bag
✕ Excess baggage on domestic flights (over 15 kg allowance)
✕ Airport taxes (if applicable)
✕ Alcoholic beverages
✕ Drinks and additional charges at hotels, inns or restaurants
✕ Any services not listed under Included
✕ Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and staff
IS IT FOR ME?
Easy to moderate, no experience needed
Difficulty: easy to moderate
200–250 km
typical driving day
8 days
Ölgii to Ölgii
4×4 jeep
with driver and guide
6 nights
in tents or gers
A good fit if you…
Want to see the Altai without long treks
Are happy camping with basic facilities
Want to meet Kazakh eagle hunters and nomad families
Love photography, nature and wildlife
Talk to us first if you…
Have a heart or respiratory condition
Have limited mobility
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
Best time
May to September; July is the peak season, during the Naadam Festival. July and August bring occasional rain, but you can still expect many bright, sunny days.
Accommodation
Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii, tents and lakeside gers in the national park, a ger camp with the eagle hunter family and a hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Tourist ger camps sleep 2–4 people per ger, with 220 V electricity, showers and basic amenities.
Meals
Hearty meals based on traditional ingredients — mutton, beef, rice, noodles and fresh vegetables — plus home-cooked Kazakh food with the eagle hunter family. Vegetarian options on request. Alcohol is not included, but you are free to bring your own.
Transport
Sturdy 4×4 Russian vans (UAZ) and Japanese jeeps with an experienced local driver. Daily drives cover around 200–250 km on rugged mountain tracks.
What to bring
Warm, thin layers and a waterproof jacket, a hat and headscarf for sun and wind, insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, water-purifying tablets, a personal first-aid kit and camera gear. A sleeping bag is not included.
Phone and internet
Mobile signal in Ölgii town. Coverage is very limited in remote areas, so expect to be mostly offline.
REVIEWS
What our guests say
★ 5.0 on TripAdvisor (8 reviews, October 2026)
What reviewers mention (summary, not quotes):
Ritvik S (July 2026, travelled with a friend): a one-week expedition in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, including hiking Malchin Peak. Praised the guide, driver, host families, food and smooth organisation.
matej l (August 2026, solo): camped at Khoton Lake and describes it as remote, quiet and worth the long 4x4 drive. Notes basic conditions and no facilities at the lake.
Guille C, Spain (September 2026, solo): a great adventure with local guides; would recommend it.
Marina F, United Arab Emirates (June 2026, with a friend): the route was changed to avoid areas under quarantine; thanked the driver and guide for difficult mountain roads. Says to expect a very basic level of comfort.
Vacations Mongolia is listed on TripAdvisor as Vacations in Mongolia.
Read honest reviews from our guests on our reviews page, TripAdvisor and Google. Read all reviews →
FAQ
Questions travellers ask
What kind of vehicles are used during the jeep tour?
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We use sturdy 4x4 Russian vans (UAZ) and Japanese jeeps, designed for Mongolia’s rugged off-road terrain.
Who does the driving?
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An experienced local driver. You travel by 4×4 jeep with a driver and an English-speaking guide, so you can relax and enjoy the views.
What type of accommodation can I expect?
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A mix of traditional ger (yurt) camps, stays with local Kazakh families and tent camping in remote areas, with a hotel or ger camp in Ölgii and a hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
Are meals included and what kind of food is served?
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Yes, all meals are included. You’ll enjoy a mix of Mongolian and Kazakh cuisine, with vegetarian options on request.
Will there be access to showers and toilets?
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Basic facilities are available at ger camps, but in remote areas conditions may be simple and limited.
How physically demanding is the tour?
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The tour is easy to moderate. Some light hiking and horse riding are included, and it suits most fitness levels.
Can I meet eagle hunters during the tour?
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Yes. Day 6 is spent with a Kazakh eagle hunter family: you watch how they feed, groom and train their golden eagles and share their daily life.
Is it safe to travel in Bayan-Ölgii?
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Yes. It is a very safe and welcoming region with low crime and friendly local communities.
What should I pack for the trip?
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Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a sleeping bag and personal essentials.
Is there internet or mobile signal during the tour?
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Coverage is very limited in remote areas, so expect to be mostly offline. There is mobile signal in Ölgii town.
Can the itinerary be customised?
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Yes. We can tailor the itinerary to your interests, time and budget.
When is the best time to go?
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May to September. July is the peak season, during the Naadam Festival.
Are domestic flights included?
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Yes. Round-trip domestic flights between Ulaanbaatar and Bayan-Ölgii are included in the tour price. International flights are not.
Is there horse riding on the tour?
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Yes. On Day 2 you meet local horse guides and ride through the scenic Oigor Valley.
Can I see the Potanin Glacier?
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Yes, as an optional side trek on Day 3 if mountain weather and trail conditions allow.
How much does the tour cost?
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From $1,120 per person for groups of 7–8, $1,213 for 5–6, $1,258 for 3–4, $1,600 for two travellers and $2,358 for a solo traveller.
Is travel insurance required?
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Yes. Travel insurance is not included in the price; please arrange cover that includes medical evacuation, as the route is remote.
What is this tour at a glance?
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8 days / 7 nights · Easy to moderate · From $1,120 per person · Up to 8 travellers · May to September. 4×4 jeep with driver and guide · Potanin Glacier, Khoton and Khurgan lakes and an eagle hunter family · Return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii included.
What does each day of the tour look like?
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Day 1 — Fly to Ölgii · Flight: about 2 h · Night: Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii
Day 2 — Drive to Oigor Valley, first horse ride · Drive: about 4–5 h · Night: Tent or ger
Day 3 — Altai Tavan Bogd base camp to White River Valley · Walking: about 4–6 h · Night: Tent
Day 4 — Drive to Khoton and Khurgan lakes · Drive: about 4–5 h · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 5 — Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall · Hiking: about 3–4 h · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 6 — Life with the eagle hunter family · Night: Camp or ger
Day 7 — Return to Ölgii, Kazakh cultural evening · Night: Camp or ger
Day 8 — Fly to Ulaanbaatar · Flight: about 2 h · Night: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
PHOTOS
On the road
MORE IN THE ALTAI
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Which Altai tour is right for you?
Jeep Tour in Altai Tavan Bogd (this tour) — 8 days · Easy to moderate, by 4×4 jeep with a driver · Potanin Glacier (optional), lakes and a waterfall · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 6 · From $1,120 per person
Altai Tavan Bogd Hiking — 6 days · Moderate fitness, optional summit day · Highest point: Malchin Peak, 4,051 m (optional) · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 5 · From $992 per person
Eagle Hunter & Nomadic Life — 8 days · Moderate trekking sections, no technical climbing · Highest point: Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, about 2,400 m (no summit) · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 6 · From $1,120 per person
FROM THE BLOG
Read before you go
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BOOK OR ASK A QUESTION
Talk to our team in Bayan-Ölgii
Flat 606, Happy Town 3, Bayan-Ölgii 18700, Mongolia
Written by the Vacations Mongolia team · Updated October 2026