Home / Mongolia Tours / Self-Driving Altai Adventure
Altai Self-Drive: lakes, glaciers and eagle hunters
Ten days at the wheel of your own 4WD in Bayan-Ölgii. Drive past Dayan, Khoton and Khurgan lakes, see ancient petroglyphs, hike towards the Potanin Glacier and meet a Kazakh eagle hunter family.
10 Days / 9 Nights
Max 8 travellers
Drive your own 4WD
Flights UB ⇄ Ölgii included
DURATION
10 days / 9 nights
DIFFICULTY
Easy to moderate
VEHICLE
Self-drive 4WD
GROUP SIZE
Max 10
SEASON
May – September
PRICE FROM
$1,120 pp
OVERVIEW
Drive yourself through the wild Altai
Drive rugged mountain passes, river valleys and borderlands in your own 4WD. Some areas need local support because of the terrain and regulations, so our guide helps with permits, navigation and safety. Perfect for adventurers and photographers.
✓
Your own rental 4WD, with a local guide for permits, navigation and safety
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Dayan, Khoton and Khurgan lakes, with lakeshore walks and starry nights
✓
UNESCO-listed Tsagaan Salaa and Baga Oigor petroglyphs
✓
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and a hike to the Potanin Glacier, weather permitting
✓
Kazakh and Tuvan nomad families, wildlife and birdwatching along the way
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Golden eagle demonstration with a Kazakh eagle hunter family in Sagsai
THE ROUTE
A loop from Ölgii through the Altai
1
2
3
8
4
5
6
7
10
9
Ölgii
Dayan Lake
Dayan Lake
Khoton Lake
Baga Turgen
White River
Oigor Valley
Tavan Bogd
Sagsai
Ulaanbaatar
Fly in, pick up 4WD
Self-drive
Lake drive
Self-drive
Petroglyphs
Self-drive
Self-drive
Glacier hike
Eagle hunters
Fly back
ITINERARY
Day by day
Open all days
DAY 1
Fly to Bayan-Ölgii and collect your 4WD
Fly from Ulaanbaatar, meet your local guide for a route briefing and pick up your rental 4WD.
✈ 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 local guide: tour briefing, maps, permits and route information
Collect your rental 4WD vehicle and driving equipment
Local bazaar for handicrafts, embroidery and souvenirs
DAY 2
Self-drive to Dayan Lake
Start driving through the Altai via Buyant and remote Kazakh settlements to Dayan Lake.
Self-drive
Tent or ger
Day details +
Begin your self-driving adventure through the Altai Mountains
Drive via Buyant sum and remote Kazakh nomad settlements
Stop at scenic viewpoints for photography
Arrive at Dayan Lake
Visit a Kazakh nomad family and experience traditional hospitality
DAY 3
Self-drive around Dayan Lake
Drive around Dayan and Khurgan lakes, walk the lakeshore and visit seasonal nomad camps.
Lake drive
Tent
Day details +
Drive around Dayan and Khurgan lakes
Short hikes along the lakeshore
Visit seasonal nomad camps and learn about traditional Kazakh life
DAY 4
Self-drive to Khoton and Khurgan lakes
Drive on through the Altai to the twin alpine lakes of Khoton and Khurgan.
Self-drive
Tent or ger
Day details +
Drive through the Altai Mountains to Khoton and Khurgan lakes
Stop at scenic viewpoints for photography
Lakeshore walks in the evening
DAY 5
Baga Turgen Waterfall and petroglyphs
See the Baga Turgen Waterfall and the UNESCO-listed Tsagaan Salaa and Baga Oigor rock art.
Self-drive
Lakeside ger or tent
Day details +
Drive to Baga Turgen Waterfall
Relax by the waterfall or take a short hike
Tsagaan Salaa and Baga Oigor Petroglyph Complex (UNESCO World Heritage)
Bronze Age and Turkic rock art
Mountain and valley scenery for photography
DAY 6
Self-drive to the White River (Tsagaan Gol)
Cross mountain rivers to Tsagaan Gol, the gateway to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
Self-drive
Lakeside ger or tent
Day details +
Drive towards Tsagaan Gol, the gateway to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Cross mountain rivers and remote valleys
Visit a Tuvan nomad family
Views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks
DAY 7
Self-drive through Oigor Valley
Alpine meadows, historical sites and a chance to spot argali, ibex and golden eagles.
Self-drive
Tent
Day details +
Drive through the scenic Oigor Valley
Alpine meadows and dramatic mountain landscapes
Archaeological and historical sites
Look for Altai argali sheep, ibex, marmots and golden eagles
DAY 8
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Drive with your guide to base camp below the Five Sacred Peaks and hike towards the Potanin Glacier.
Guide support
Camp or ger
Day details +
Drive with local guide support to Altai Tavan Bogd base camp
Explore the Five Sacred Peaks region
Optional Hike to the Potanin Glacier (weather permitting)
Panoramic views of Mongolia’s highest mountains
DAY 9
Eagle hunter family in Sagsai and back to Ölgii
Meet a Kazakh eagle hunter family in Sagsai, then drive back to Ölgii and return your 4WD.
Return the 4WD
Eagle hunters
Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day details +
Drive to Sagsai Valley
Meet a renowned Kazakh eagle hunter and his family
Traditional eagle hunting demonstration
Hold a trained golden eagle under supervision
Kazakh cuisine and hospitality
Drive back to Ölgii and return your rental vehicle
Local handicraft shops and markets
DAY 10
Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to Ölgii airport and fly back to the capital at the end of your self-drive adventure.
✈ Domestic flight
Flight ~2 h
Day details +
Transfer to Ölgii airport
Morning flight back to Ulaanbaatar (about 2 hours)
End of the self-driving adventure
PRICES
Price per person
How much does the self-driving Altai adventure cost? This 10-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, ground transport with fuel, meals, an English-speaking guide 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, ground transport with fuel, meals, guide 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 10 days. Up to 8 travellers per group.
Contact us to check availability and plan your route.
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, light hikes only
Difficulty: easy to moderate
200–250 km
typical driving day
10 days
Ölgii to Ölgii
4WD
fuel included
7 nights
in tents or gers
A good fit if you…
Enjoy driving on rough mountain tracks
Are happy camping with basic facilities
Want lakes, glaciers and petroglyphs at your own pace
Love photography, wildlife and birdwatching
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, then tents, tented camps and gers by the lakes and in the national park. 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. Vegetarian options on request. Alcohol is not included, but you are free to bring your own.
Transport
You drive a rental 4WD, collected in Ölgii on Day 1 and returned on Day 9. Daily drives cover around 200–250 km on rugged mountain tracks; our guide helps with permits, navigation and safety.
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?
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We use sturdy 4x4 Russian vans (UAZ) and Japanese jeeps, designed for Mongolia’s rugged off-road terrain.
Do I drive the whole way myself?
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Yes, it is a self-drive tour. Some areas need local support because of the terrain and regulations, so our guide helps with permits, navigation and safety, and drives with you to Altai Tavan Bogd base camp on Day 8.
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.
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 is included, and it suits most fitness levels.
Can I meet eagle hunters during the tour?
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Yes. On Day 9 you visit a renowned Kazakh eagle hunter family in Sagsai, watch an eagle hunting demonstration and can hold a trained golden eagle under supervision.
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 fuel included?
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Yes. All ground transportation with fuel is included in the tour price.
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 a sleeping bag included?
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No. A sleeping bag is not included, so please bring a warm one.
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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10 days / 9 nights · Easy to moderate · From $1,120 per person · Up to 8 travellers · May to September. Self-drive 4WD with fuel · Lakes, petroglyphs, Potanin Glacier 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, collect your 4WD · Flight: about 2 h · Night: Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii
Day 2 — Self-drive to Dayan Lake · Visit a Kazakh nomad family · Night: Tent or ger
Day 3 — Around Dayan and Khurgan lakes · Lakeshore hikes · Night: Tent
Day 4 — Self-drive to Khoton and Khurgan lakes · Night: Tent or ger
Day 5 — Baga Turgen Waterfall and the Tsagaan Salaa and Baga Oigor petroglyphs · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 6 — Self-drive to the White River (Tsagaan Gol) · Visit a Tuvan nomad family · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 7 — Self-drive through Oigor Valley · Night: Tent
Day 8 — Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, hike to the Potanin Glacier · Night: Camp or ger
Day 9 — Eagle hunter family in Sagsai, back to Ölgii · Night: Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii
Day 10 — Fly to Ulaanbaatar · Flight: about 2 h
PHOTOS
On the road
MORE IN THE ALTAI
You might also like
Which Altai tour is right for you?
Self-Driving Altai Adventure (this tour) — 10 days · Easy to moderate, you drive your own 4WD · Lakes, petroglyphs and Potanin Glacier · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 9 · 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