Altai Mountains, the great migration

10 - 19 October 2026

The nomadic herders of the Altai Mountains of Western Mongolia migrate throughout the year to reach the best pastures for their livestock.

In October they move all their belongings; their gers, the round tents covered with skins or felt, and travel over 160 kilometers with almost 1000 heads of livestock including camels, yaks, horses, sheep and goats to their autumn camp. Crossing steppes, lakes and mountain passes, the Kazakh nomads of Western Mongolia make an epic journey with their livestock every autumn. We will follow the herders on board of 4x4 cars or 4x4 minivans and, when they have reached their destination, we will have the opportunity to participate in an exciting hunt with eagles in the mountains. Exclusive trip for our group of 15 people maximum.

Migration, Nomad, Herders, Eagle hunter, Altai

Program

10 October
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar.
Visit the city, the large Sukhbaatar square and the center before transferring to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel***.

11 October
Flight Ulaanbaatar – Olgii.
Olgii is the highest province in Mongolia. It is mostly located in the Altai mountains region and is known for its traditional hunting with golden eagles, as many as 80% of the world’s eagle hunters live here.
We will immediately head towards a river valley where the small community of Ulaankhus is located. Our host will be a Kazakh eagle hunter who will welcome us into his home with his family. A typical dinner with the family will follow.
Overnight in Ger.

12 October
Full day to prepare the migration, dismantling the summer camp, the herders, with our help, have to organize and store all the belongings so they can leave the next day.
Overnight in Ger.

13-14 October
For the next 2 days we will travel with the family on their epic migration through the Altai mountain range. The work begins early on the days of the migration. Not only is the family Ger dismantled, but the animals also need to be rounded up, even though they often migrate in separate herds. The animals seem to know the process instinctively; after all, it is a cyclical event.
Traditionally, men traveled on horseback, women on horseback or pack animals, and camels were commonly used to move goods.
All their belongings are taken on the migration: Ger, carpets, pots and pans, shelves, stoves. Nowadays, if the family has one, a truck is used to move the house.
Following the nomads means having the opportunity to take photos of livestock, shepherds, landscapes, lakes, and snow-capped mountains. Families still rely on the sun, the shape of hills and mountains, and landmarks to orient themselves.
Overnight in Ger.

15 October
After leaving the shepherds and having breakfast, the eagle hunters will show us their magnificent golden eagle and give us some information about the very ancient traditions of eagle hunting in the western part of the Mongolian Altai. We will then follow the hunters into the mountains where the eagle’s hood will be removed. The “Khaguchi”, another member of the team, will try to flush out the eagle’s prey, chasing it towards the hill where the eagle hunter will be located. The eagle, having spotted the prey, will scream to be released, and then the hunter will let it swoop down the mountain to catch it.
Overnight in Ger.

16 October
After breakfast we will return to Olgii town, on the way we will stop to see Dear Stones or Bal Bals, stone figures believed to be Turkish tombstones.
In Olgii we will visit the local Bazaar and the central museum of the province. We will have time for shopping for local art and souvenirs.
In the evening we will enjoy a wonderful short musical concert including Kazakh folk songs, traditional Kazakh dances, we will also be able to listen to the fantastic sound of “dombra”, the main traditional Kazakh musical instrument.
Overnight at Hotel***.
* IT IS POSSIBLE TO LEAVE THE GROUP TODAY AND FLY HOME FROM OLGII, INFORMATION ON REQUEST.

17-18 October
Driving from Bayan-Ulgii to Murun is a memorable and unique experience that will allow us to admire the natural beauty and diverse cultures of Mongolia.
After breakfast, we will depart for Khuvsgul province in the far northwest of Mongolia, a real adventure, through remote regions with difficult road conditions. Paved and dirt roads alternate, many rural roads can be rough, with potholes, gravel or mud, especially if there has been recent rain. The journey will take us through a variety of terrains, including mountains, valleys and river crossings.
Overnight in tents on the 13th and in a *** Hotel on the 14th.

19 October
Transfer to the airport in time for the flight to Ulaanbaatar.
* FOR THOSE WHO ALSO JOIN THE EXPEDITION TO THE TSAATAN REINDEER HERDERS, SEE THE RELEVANT PROGRAM.

* This is a real expedition in poorly explored areas so the program could be carried out differently due to weather conditions or animal sightings; it is essential to be flexible.

Program

DOWNLOAD

Contact us

Included in the price:

  • All overnight stays in a double room and tent with breakfast included. During the migration 4 people will share a Ger ( a double Ger may also be available but confirmation is not possible at the moment).
  • All meals from Ulaanbaatar to Murun.
  • All transfers.
  • All mentioned excursions.
  • English speaking guide.

Not Included:

  • Not mentioned meals.
  • Alchoolic drinks.
  • Flights.
  • Any unexpected additional costs due to delays and/or forced stops due to flight connections, including flight changes, hotels and additional meals.

Price:

Euro 4500,00
(Single Supplement Euro 700)
THE GRTEAT MIGRATION + TSAATAN REDUCTION Euro 500,00