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Women’s Solo Group Tour: Altai lakes and eagle hunters in Bayan-Ölgii
Eight days in Bayan-Ölgii for women travelling solo. Trek from Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, camp by Khoton & Khurgan lakes, hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall and spend a full day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family.
8 Days / 7 Nights
Max 10 travellers
Camels carry the gear
Flights UB ⇄ Ölgii included
DURATION
8 days / 7 nights
DIFFICULTY
Moderate, 4–6 h/day
BASE CAMP
~2,400 m
GROUP SIZE
Max 10
SEASON
May – September
PRICE FROM
$1,120 pp
OVERVIEW
A women’s group journey through the high Altai
Travel with a small group of women through the Altai Mountains of Western Mongolia, with a local Kazakh guide, an expedition cook and camels carrying the gear. Walk from Altai Tavan Bogd base camp across meadows and glacial valleys, camp by clear lakes under the stars and share daily life with a Kazakh eagle hunter family.
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Trek from Altai Tavan Bogd base camp to White River Valley
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Optional side trek to Potanin Glacier, weather permitting
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Two lakeside nights at Khoton & Khurgan with campfires and stargazing
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Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall and look out for marmots and eagles
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A full day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family: eagles, herding and crafts
✓
Kazakh music and dance evening back in Ölgii
THE ROUTE
Ölgii to the Altai lakes and back
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Ölgii
Oigor Valley
White River
Khoton Lake
Baga Turgen
Eagle hunters
Ölgii
Ulaanbaatar
Fly in from UB
Drive, start trek
Trek 4–6 h
Drive 4–5 h
Waterfall hike
Full day
Back to Ölgii
Fly back
ITINERARY
Day by day
Open all days
DAY 1
Fly to Bayan-Ölgii
Fly from Ulaanbaatar, meet your 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 (about 2 hours)
Airport pickup by your driver and Kazakh guide
Bayan-Ölgii Museum: Kazakh culture, history and wildlife
Local bazaar for handicrafts and souvenirs
Welcome dinner with traditional Kazakh food
DAY 2
Drive to Oigor Valley and start trekking
Cross mountain passes towards the Altai, meet your horse guides and set off through Oigor Valley.
Drive 4–5 h
Tent or ger
Day details +
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Drive through mountain passes and river valleys
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Picnic lunch with views of the snow-capped Altai
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Meet your local horse guides and get matched with your horse
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First afternoon of horse riding through Oigor Valley
DAY 3
Trek from base camp to White River Valley
Leave Altai Tavan Bogd base camp and walk through alpine meadows and glacial streams to White River Valley.
Trek 4–6 h
Tent
Day details +
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Morning departure from Altai Tavan Bogd base camp
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Alpine meadows, rivers and glacial streams
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Learn about the Tavan Bogd massif (“Five Saint Peaks”) and its meaning to locals
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Optional Side trek to Potanin Glacier, weather permitting
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Camp in White River Valley
DAY 4
Drive to Khoton & Khurgan lakes
Drive deeper into the national park to the lakes, with a campfire and stargazing in the evening.
⛺ Lakeside
Drive 4–5 h
Lakeside ger or tent
Day details +
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Drive deeper into the park
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Lakeshore walks and photo stops
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Picnic lunch on the way
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Campfire dinner by the lake
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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 the lake for the evening.
Hike 3–4 h
Lakeside ger or tent
Day details +
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Morning hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall
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Picnic lunch by the waterfall
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Optional Alpine meadow walk and wildlife spotting (marmots, eagles)
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Campfire dinner
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Optional Visit a nearby nomad family
DAY 6
Life with the eagle hunter family
A full day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family: golden eagles, herding, crafts and home cooking.
Full day
Camp or ger
Day details +
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Watch the golden eagle being fed, groomed and trained
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Help herd goats, sheep and yaks across the open steppe
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See felt-making, embroidery and saddle craft with neighbouring families
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Optional Try the crafts yourself
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Cook and share beshbarmak, tea and homemade dairy products
DAY 7
Return to Ölgii and a Kazakh cultural evening
Drive back to Ölgii through mountain and steppe landscapes, then an evening of Kazakh music and dance.
Drive day
Camp or ger
Day details +
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Drive back through mountain and steppe landscapes
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Local bazaar and craft shops for souvenirs
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Walk through town and see everyday local life
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Evening 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.
Flight ~2 h
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Day details +
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Transfer to Ölgii airport
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Return flight to Ulaanbaatar (about 2 hours)
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Hotel transfer
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State Department Store for souvenirs
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Optional: Mongolian throat-singing and dance show
PRICES
Price per person
How much does the women’s solo group 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, meals, an English-speaking guide, a cook and camel support. 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, meals, guide, cook and camel support.
Group departures
[[2027 departure dates for the women’s tour – confirm with team]]
Every departure starts on a flight day from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii and runs for 8 days. Up to 10 travellers per group. Private departures are possible on other dates from May to October.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included and not included
Included
✓ Return domestic flights Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar
✓ Airport pickup and drop-off
✓ Hotel, ger and tent accommodation
✓ All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
✓ Bottled water and snacks
✓ English-speaking tour guide
✓ Experienced local driver, vehicle and fuel
✓ Expedition cook
✓ Camping and cooking equipment
✓ Camel support with handlers
✓ Visit to a Kazakh eagle hunter family
✓ National park permits, local fees and entrance tickets
✓ Visa support with an official invitation letter
Not included
✕ International flights
✕ Visa fees
✕ Travel insurance
✕ Sleeping bag
✕ Excess baggage on domestic flights (over 15 kg)
✕ Airport taxes (if applicable)
✕ Alcoholic drinks
✕ Extra drinks at hotels and restaurants
✕ Personal expenses and equipment
✕ Tips for guide, driver and staff
✕ Anything not listed under Included
IS IT FOR ME?
Moderate trip, no experience needed
Difficulty: moderate
4–6 h
longest walking or riding days
Max 10
travellers per group
~2,400 m
base camp altitude
6 nights
in tents, camps or gers
A good fit if you…
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Can walk or ride 4–6 hours a day
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Are happy camping with basic facilities
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Want to travel solo, but in a small group of women
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Don’t mind a week without phone signal
Talk to us first if you…
Have a heart or respiratory condition
Have had altitude sickness before
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
Best time
May to September. July is the peak season, with the Naadam Festival. July and August bring occasional rain, but still plenty of bright, sunny days.
Accommodation
Traditional ger camps (2–4 people per ger) with 220 V electricity, showers and basic amenities, tents in the mountains and a hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
Meals
In Ulaanbaatar, selected restaurants with European and Asian food. In the countryside, hearty meals of mutton, beef, rice, noodles and fresh vegetables, often packed as lunchboxes. Vegetarian on request. Alcohol is not included; bring your own if you like.
Transport
Air-conditioned vans or modern 4WD vehicles. Driving days cover about 200–250 km.
What to bring
Warm thin layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag (not included), a hat and headscarf for sun and wind, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, water-purifying tablets, a personal first-aid kit and camera gear. We send a full packing list when you book.
Phone and internet
Mobile signal in Ölgii town only (Day 1 and Days 7–8). No signal or Wi-Fi in the mountains or ger camps. Download offline maps before you go.
REVIEWS
What travellers 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. The trekking sections are moderate and no technical climbing is needed. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, as some days involve 4–6 hours of walking or horse riding.
What is the best time to do this tour?
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May to September has the best weather. September and early October are especially rewarding: the Golden Eagle Festival takes place in early October in Bayan-Ölgii.
Is travel insurance required?
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Yes. All guests need valid travel insurance with medical evacuation cover, as the tour takes place in a remote mountain region.
How do I get to Bayan-Ölgii from Ulaanbaatar?
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Return domestic flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii (about 2 hours each way, Hunnu Air or Mongolian Airlines) are included. We book them for you; just arrive in Ulaanbaatar the evening before departure.
Can I join the tour as a solo traveller?
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Yes, solo travellers are very welcome. There is a solo price (1 traveller), and we can match you with others on the same dates to share costs. Just tell us your preference when booking.
What is the maximum group size?
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Up to 10 people, for a more personal experience with the eagle hunter family. Private departures for individuals, couples or families can be arranged on any date.
Can the tour dates be customised?
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Yes. We run flexible private departures from May to October. Tell us your dates, or if you want to combine this tour with the Golden Eagle Festival or another Mongolia trip, and we will build a custom itinerary.
Can I photograph the eagle hunters?
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Yes, photography is warmly welcomed. Bring a telephoto lens for eagles in flight and a wide-angle lens for landscapes and ger interiors.
Do I need horse riding experience?
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No. Mongolian horses are calm and suit beginners. Your local horse guide gives you a short introduction and rides alongside you. If you are not comfortable on horseback, jeep transport is always available.
Is vegetarian or special diet food available?
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Yes. Vegetarian meals are available on request; please tell us when you book. Our expedition cook prepares fresh meals every day with local ingredients. For other diets (gluten-free, halal, etc.), contact us in advance.
Is there phone or internet during the tour?
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Mobile signal in Ölgii town only (Day 1 and Days 7–8). There is no signal in the Altai mountains and no Wi-Fi in the ger camps or at camp sites. Download offline maps and let family and friends know before you leave.
What should I pack?
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Warm layers (nights are cold, even in summer), a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag (not included), sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, personal medication and a camera. We send a full packing list when you book.
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
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Yes, for children aged 10 and over, as some hiking sections are long. Younger children can travel by jeep instead of trekking, and kids often get to hold a golden eagle. Contact us to arrange a family-friendly version.
How cold is it at night in the mountains?
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Cold, even in summer. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least −5 °C / 23 °F. At base camp, July and August nights are typically around −2 °C to +5 °C and can drop below freezing.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
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Mild headaches or tiredness are possible at altitude. Day 1 in Ölgii helps you acclimatise. [[What the guide does if symptoms get worse – confirm with team]]
Is it safe to travel in Western Mongolia?
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The route is remote, with no phone signal from Day 2 to Day 6, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is required. [[Emergency plan – confirm with team]]
Do I need a border zone permit for Altai Tavan Bogd, and do you arrange it?
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[[ANSWER – confirm with team]]
What is this tour at a glance?
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8 days · Moderate · From $1,120 per person · Up to 8 travellers · May–September. Base camp about 2,400 m · Longest days 4–6 h walking or riding · No technical gear needed · Return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii included.
What does each day of the tour look like?
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Day 1 — Fly to Ölgii · Museum and local bazaar · Night: Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day 2 — Drive to Oigor Valley (about 4–5 h), first horse ride · Night: Tent or ger near the park
Day 3 — Trek from base camp to White River Valley · Walking: 4–6 h · Night: Tent
Day 4 — Drive to Khoton & Khurgan lakes (about 4–5 h) · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 5 — Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall · Walking: 3–4 h round trip · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 6 — Full day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family · Night: Camp or ger
Day 7 — Drive back to Ölgii, Kazakh cultural evening · Night: Camp or ger
Day 8 — Fly to Ulaanbaatar (about 2 h) · Night: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
PHOTOS
On the trip
MORE IN THE ALTAI
