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Winter Migration: move with Kazakh nomads
Seven days in the Altai Mountains of Bayan-Ölgii: stay with a Kazakh herding family, help pack the ger and livestock, and travel with the caravan on foot, horseback or by camel across frozen rivers and snowy valleys.
7 Days / 6 Nights
Max 8 travellers
Stay with nomads
Flights UB ⇄ Ölgii included
DURATION
7 days / 6 nights
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TEMPERATURE
+5 to −20 °C
GROUP SIZE
Max 10
SEASON
Feb–Mar · Oct–Nov
PRICE FROM
$1,160 pp
OVERVIEW
Live the migration with a Kazakh family
Travel into one of the most isolated corners of Mongolia and see how Kazakh herders live through the Altai winter. You stay with a nomad family, share meals and daily work, then help pack the ger and move the herds to new pastures. It is a working migration, not a staged show.
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Stay with a Kazakh nomad family in their winter camp
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Help pack the ger and load the camels for the move
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Travel with the caravan on foot, on horseback or with camels
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Herd horses, yaks and sheep through snowy mountain valleys
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Meet trained golden eagles and hear eagle-hunting stories
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Kazakh cooking, evening storytelling and the bazaar in Ölgii
THE ROUTE
Ölgii to new pastures and back
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
Ölgii
Family camp
Migration
Valleys
New pastures
Ölgii
Ulaanbaatar
Fly in from UB
Drive 1–2 h
Trek 10–15 km
Trek 10–20 km
New camp
Drive 2–4 h
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 visit the museum and bazaar in Ölgii.
✈ 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
Visit the Bayan-Ölgii Museum to learn about Kazakh culture, history and wildlife
Explore the local bazaar for handicrafts and souvenirs
Welcome dinner with traditional Kazakh food
Accommodation: hotel or ger camp in Ölgii
DAY 2
Meet the nomad family
Drive to a Kazakh family’s winter camp and learn about daily life, livestock care and Kazakh cooking.
Drive 1–2 h
Family ger
Day details +
Morning drive to a Kazakh nomad family’s winter camp (about 1–2 hours)
Introduction to family life: setting up the ger, daily chores and livestock care
See the family’s eagle-hunting tradition and meet trained golden eagles
Short hike in the surrounding valleys and steppe
Evening: learn Kazakh cooking and share a traditional meal
Accommodation: ger with the nomad family
DAY 3
The migration begins
Help pack the ger and livestock, then set off with the caravan toward new pastures.
10–15 km
Ger
Day details +
Help the family pack livestock and ger materials for the migration
Set off toward new pastures (10–15 km depending on terrain)
Travel on foot, on horseback or with camels along frozen rivers and snowy plains
Photo stops for the Altai Mountains and nomadic life on the move
Evening: set up a temporary camp and have dinner around the fire
Accommodation: ger camp with the nomad family
DAY 4
Migration and cultural activities
Continue through mountain valleys and steppe, helping to herd horses, yaks and sheep.
10–20 km
Family ger
Day details +
Continue the migration through mountain valleys and steppe (10–20 km)
Watch and help with herding horses, yaks and sheep
Optional: short hikes, photography or ice fishing on a nearby frozen river or lake
Evening: storytelling about legends, eagle hunting and Kazakh traditions
Accommodation: ger camp with the nomad family
DAY 5
Arrive at the new pastures
Finish the migration and watch the family set up the new camp; join in with milking, cooking or crafts.
Short trek
Pasture ger
Day details +
Morning trek to the new pastures to complete the migration
Watch the family set up new gers and graze the livestock
Join daily nomadic work: milking animals, cooking or crafts
Optional: short hike to nearby hills for panoramic views
Accommodation: ger camp with the nomad family
DAY 6
Return to Ölgii
Drive back to Ölgii and shop the bazaar for felt crafts, Kazakh jewellery and souvenirs.
Drive 2–4 h
Hotel in Ölgii
Day details +
Breakfast and pack up camp
Drive back to Ölgii (2–4 hours depending on location)
Shop the bazaar for handicrafts, felt products, Kazakh jewellery and souvenirs
Optional visit to local museums or cultural centres
Accommodation: hotel in Ölgii
DAY 7
Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to the capital, transfer to your hotel and shop for souvenirs.
Flight ~2 h
Hotel in UB
Day details +
Transfer to Ölgii airport and fly to Ulaanbaatar (about 2 hours)
Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel
Visit the State Department Store for souvenirs
Optional dinner show with Mongolian throat singing and dance
Accommodation: hotel in Ulaanbaatar
PRICES
Price per person
How much does the winter migration tour cost? This 7-day tour costs from $1,160 per person for groups of 7–8, $1,900 per person for two travellers and $2,900 for a solo traveller. The price includes return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, ground transport with fuel, meals, an English-speaking guide, a cook and your stay with a Kazakh nomad family. International flights, travel insurance and a sleeping bag are not included.
TRAVELLERS
PER PERSON (USD)
1 traveller
$2,900
2 travellers
$1,900
3–4 travellers
$1,600
5–6 travellers
$1,300
7–8 travellers
$1,160
The more people travel together, the lower the price per person. All prices include domestic flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, ground transport with fuel, meals, guide, cook and your stay with the nomad family.
Departure dates
Private departures on your own dates in late February–March or late October–November.
Migration days depend on the weather and the family’s move, so we confirm the exact dates with you.
The tour runs for 7 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?
Moderate, cold weather, no experience needed
Difficulty: moderate
10–20 km
longest migration days
−20 °C
possible at night
7 days
Ulaanbaatar to Ulaanbaatar
4 nights
with the nomad family
A good fit if you…
Want to live with a Kazakh nomad family
Can walk 10–20 km a day in cold weather
Are happy with basic ger facilities
Love culture, animals and photography
Talk to us first if you…
Are travelling with children under 10
Have a heart or respiratory condition
Are very sensitive to cold
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
Best time
The migration happens in late February–March and late October–November, when families move between seasonal pastures. Sunny days reach about +5 °C, nights can drop to −20 °C and snowstorms on passes are possible, so dates stay flexible.
Accommodation
Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii, gers with the nomad family and temporary migration camps, and a hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Gers are heated with a wood-burning stove.
Meals
Fresh meals each day with local ingredients — mutton, beef, rice, noodles and vegetables — plus home-cooked Kazakh food with the family, such as beshbarmak and hot milk tea. Vegetarian meals on request.
Transport
Private 4WD vehicle with an experienced local driver to and from the family camp. During the migration you travel on foot, on horseback or with camels alongside the caravan.
What to bring
Insulated winter jacket, thermal layers, warm hat and gloves, waterproof winter boots, a winter-rated sleeping bag (not included), sunglasses, lip balm, personal medication and spare camera batteries (they drain fast in the cold). A full packing list is sent when you book.
Phone and internet
Mobile signal in Ölgii town (Days 1 and 6) and Ulaanbaatar; largely absent at the family camp and during the migration, with no Wi-Fi. Download offline maps before you go.
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
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
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Yes. No special skills are needed. You walk 10–20 km on migration days at the caravan’s pace, and horses or camels can be arranged. Good general fitness and tolerance for cold matter most.
When does the winter migration take place?
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Kazakh families move in late February–March and in late October–November, depending on the weather and pasture. We confirm the exact dates with the family before you travel.
Is travel insurance required?
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Yes. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation from remote areas is required for all travellers.
How do I get to Bayan-Ölgii from Ulaanbaatar?
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By domestic flight, about 2 hours. Return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii are included in the tour price.
Can I join the tour as a solo traveller?
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Yes. Solo travellers are welcome, and we can match you with others to bring the price per person down.
What is the maximum group size?
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Up to 8 travellers, so the group fits comfortably with one nomad family.
Can the tour dates be customised?
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Yes. This is a private tour on your own dates within the migration windows. The exact moving days depend on the family and the weather.
Can I photograph the nomads and the migration?
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Yes. Always ask before photographing people and follow your guide’s advice. The caravans, snow and Altai light make this a great photo trip.
Do I need to ride a horse or camel?
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No. You can walk with the caravan. Riding is optional, and local horse guides help beginners.
Is vegetarian or special diet food available?
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Yes. Vegetarian meals are available on request; tell us about any diet needs when you book.
Is there phone or internet connectivity during the tour?
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Mobile signal works in Ölgii and Ulaanbaatar but is largely absent at the family camp and during the migration. There is no Wi-Fi.
What should I pack for the winter migration?
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Insulated clothing, thermal layers, waterproof winter boots, warm gloves and hat, sunglasses and a winter-rated sleeping bag. We send a full packing list when you book.
How cold does it get?
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Sunny days can reach about +5 °C, while nights can drop to −20 °C. Gers are heated with a wood-burning stove.
How much does the tour cost?
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From $1,160 per person for groups of 7–8, $1,900 per person for two travellers and $2,900 for a solo traveller.
Where do we sleep?
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In a hotel or ger camp in Ölgii, in gers with the nomad family and at temporary migration camps, and in a hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
Will we see eagle hunters?
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Many Kazakh families keep golden eagles. On Day 2 you meet trained eagles and hear about the eagle-hunting tradition.
Is a sleeping bag included?
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No. Please bring a winter-rated sleeping bag.
What is this tour at a glance?
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7 days / 6 nights · Moderate · Late Feb–Mar or late Oct–Nov · Max 8 travellers · From $1,160 per person · Flights UB ⇄ 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 — Meet the nomad family · Drive: about 1–2 h · Night: ger with the family
Day 3 — The migration begins · Trek: 10–15 km · Night: ger camp
Day 4 — Migration and culture · Trek: 10–20 km · Night: ger camp
Day 5 — Arrive at the new pastures · Night: ger at the pastures
Day 6 — Return to Ölgii · Drive: about 2–4 h · Night: hotel in Ölgii
Day 7 — Fly to Ulaanbaatar · Flight: about 2 h · Night: hotel in Ulaanbaatar
PHOTOS
From the trip
MORE MIGRATION TOURS
You might also like
Which migration tour is right for you?
Winter Migration (this tour) — 7 days · Late Feb–Mar or late Oct–Nov · 4 nights with a nomad family on the move · From $1,160 per person
Spring Migration — follow the herds to spring pastures in Bayan-Ölgii · see the Spring Migration page for dates and prices
Autumn Migration — move with the herders before winter · see the Autumn Migration page for dates and prices
FROM THE BLOG
Read before you go
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● 5 min read
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● 7 min read
● 3 min read
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