Mongolia
August 30 - September 12, 2025
Trek with the eagle hunters
This adventure is rated 3 out of 5 difficulty level. This means that adventurers should be comfortable hiking 8+ miles with elevation gain/loss of 3k+ feet. This trip requires that you carry only a day pack and accommodations are in lodges, mountain huts and/or hotels. Highest elevation on the trail does not exceed 9k feet. Adventurers should be confident in their hiking abilities and moderate training is expected.
**Special note: This particular adventure is a cultural immersion. Guests should be fully invested in the experience and willing to adapt as necessary as the Mongolian culture requires flexibility and willingness to adapt itineraries and schedules as needed. While we have a few nights at a hotel booked, most nights will be spent in ger, or traditional Mongolian dwelling. The accommodations are not private and most likely a large shared space with the entire group. Showers may or may not be available at various households. Basic amenities may be limited.
Embark on a remarkable trekking adventure through Mongolia's formidable Altai Mountains, which proudly stand as guardians of the country's western frontiers and are located at the crossroads of Central Asia and Siberia. Our Altai Wilderness Trails experience invites you to savour the majesty of the Altai Mountains, slowing down to fully appreciate the diversity of the landscapes and the lives of the people who call this region home.
Rather than following the beaten path of standard trekking routes within Altai Tavan Bogd, our Altai Wilderness Trails offer a unique opportunity. You will be led by Mongol Kazakh eagle hunter Asker, with whom we there’s a long-term local community partnership. Asker will share his intimate knowledge of the area as he guides you on a captivating 5-day trek, beginning from his summer pasture nestled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains.
Our hosts are perfectly attuned to the land they inhabit, having lived and worked within these landscapes for generations. This enduring connection has helped shape the Mongol Kazakh Mongol personality, characterised by qualities such as rugged individualism, resilience, endurance, self-reliance, and tolerance. Our trekking experience will allow you to connect with nature, discover the wild beauty of this frontier area and immerse yourself in rich culture of the region. But most importantly, it will allow you to forge connections that transcend borders and cultures.
Day 1:
the land of eternal blue sky
When you arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capitol of Mongolia, a driver will be waiting at the airport to take everyone to our hotel for the next couple of days.
You will have some time to settle in and freshen up before taking a short walk across central Sukhbatar Square and heading to the Tumen Ekh Cultural Show, followed by a welcome drink.
For those already in the city, we’ll meet in the afternoon (time TBC) for a walk across central Sukhbatar Square before heading to the Tumen Ekh Cultural Show followed by an informal welcome drink.
If you are flying in a few days early and would like assistance in booking a hotel, just let us know!
Day 2
let’s discover ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar, home to nearly half of Mongolia's population, is undeniably the pulsating heart of the nation and the epicenter of modern Mongolian urban living. Today, we invite you to dive into the essence of Ulaanbaatar, exploring the very facets that define this remarkable city.
Your day begins at the revered Gandan, Mongolia's principal monastery, where you will have a blessing for your journey. Next, meet the inspiring women supported by the Made In Mongolia felting project, an endeavour by the Buddhist NGO Asral. Dive into the world of feltmaking during an informal and engaging workshop, gaining a firsthand glimpse into the project's invaluable work and the chance to practice traditional art forms.
Following a local lunch at a nearby eatery, we'll keep the afternoon flexible to accommodate the preferences of the group - we're always open to splitting into two if needed!
Our day culminates in a warm welcome dinner at one of Ulaanbaatar's restaurants.
Day 3:
let’s head to western mongolia
Today is a travel day! Visiting Mongolia requires a mindset of flexibility and going with the flow. Our flights for today will be booked 4-6 weeks prior to the start of this adventure and adjustments may need made to our trip to accommodate flights schedules. We see this as part of the adventure and embracing a new culture.
We will have up to 2 hours transfer time to the Chinggis Khan Airport and our driving time after arrival depends on which airport we fly into. This could be anywhere from 4-8 hours. The miles are not long, but we are traveling sometimes on dirt roads which adds to the driving time.
The travel time is an opportunity to view the new epic landscapes, get to know our local guides as well as your fellow travelers. This is all part of the adventure!
We will arrive at the summer encampment of Mongol Kazakh Asker and his family, our hosts for the next few days.
Day 4:
embracing mongolian culture
The Asker family migrates twice a year between their winter and summer pastures. During the summer months, they establish their encampment approximately 25 kilometers from the community of Altai. Like all herders, their summer dwelling is characterised by fluidity, as they reside in gers out in the pasture alongside their livestock. This proximity to nature allows them to maintain a deep connection with the land and their animals, embodying the essence of traditional nomadic culture.
What makes this family so special is that they have one son and five daughters. The oldest of which are all training to eagle hunters. This delightful family will be your host for the next few days.
As Kazakh culture dictates, they are warm and generous hosts and this image shows the incredible table that awaits visitors at each home. At some point during your time in western Mongolia, you will try 'Besbarmak', a dish consisting of boiled horse or mutton. This is one of the most popular Kazakh dishes and is also called 'five fingers' because of the way it is eaten - using your hands.
We leave the visit flexible as this leads to a more natural experience but you’ll spend time living alongside the family, experiencing their hospitality, and learning more about the traditions and culture of the Kazakh eagle hunters. There are relaxed options for horse treks, day hikes as well as informal cooking lessons as well.
Day 5-9:
the altai trek
Today we embark on our five-day off-grid trek, exploring with Asker the landscapes he calls home.
This trek is different than any other that we offer in that we leave the route entirely flexible and in the hands of Asker as this leads to a more natural and Mongolian style of exploration. So many trekking experiences offered in Mongolia have rigid routes and itineraries and that just seems wrong in a country of such freedom. Instead, Asker will use his deep knowledge of the area allowing you to leave behind established routes, discover lesser-explored areas, and experience the sheer freedom and rugged diverse terrain of Mongolia's Altai Mountains.
This trek is an immersive adventures that combine exploration and cultural encounters and allow you to appreciate Mongolia's vastness and natural beauty, and forge a deep connection with the land.
Kazakh herders of the region typically migrate two times per year according to grazing conditions and weather cycles. You will be following parts of the migration routes in the Altai Mountains as you head into the mountain forest steppe interior including the valleys that the local herders use for their summer pastures.
More about the trek
What to expect!
There will be challenges – maybe the weather or maybe some of the terrain at times. However, this trek is not meant to be a physical endurance event. The focus is on enjoying the wild, wide-open spaces and the feeling of freedom to be found when hiking and exploring the Mongolian landscapes.
The trek will be vehicle supported with the vehicle bringing the equipment and luggage. You are responsible just for your day-pack.
There isn’t a network of clearly defined trails. You have to be prepared for a mixture of terrain – everything from dry river beds to mountainous alpine routes with potentially some river crossings. The approximate distance per day is 10-20km. Be prepared that some days will be shorter or longer. Although we set the location in advance, the route is not set in stone as this allows us to be as flexible as possible in relation to the weather and ground conditions.
Sleeping in tents with also a kitchen tent and toilet tent at each camp. Although there are no showers, we provide heated water for washes en-route. If there is extended bad weather, you may sleep at the home of a family but this depends on the final route chosen by Asker. On the final day, you will finish at the home of Asker.
Days 10-11:
Tsengel Khairkhan
We now travel out to Tsengel Khairkhan in the Sagsai district of Bayan Ulgii Province. You’ll be hosted by the Kazakh eagle hunter Sailaukhan or his younger relatives - also eagle hunters - Aibolat and his brother Baibolat.
Together with their families, they move twice a year. In the summer months, their pasture is located within the region of the snow-capped Tsengel Khairkhan Mountain which has an elevation of 3,943m and is one of the highest glacier mountains in the Mongol-Altai mountain range.
This is another time we leave flexible as this leads to a more natural experience. You will spend time living alongside your host family, experiencing their hospitality, and learning more about the traditions and culture of the Kazakh eagle hunters. There are relaxed options for horse treks, day hikes as well as informal cooking lessons as well.
Day 12:
Drive to ulgii
Today we drive to Ulgii, the provincial capital of Bayan Ulgii Aimag. Here, we will have the privilege of being hosted by our Kazakh translator, Jako, and her welcoming family.
Ulgii is predominantly a Kazakh city, characterized by a prevalent Muslim influence that permeates various aspects of daily life, from street signs to clothing and cuisine. This cultural diversity contributes to the town's unique atmosphere.
During your stay, immerse yourself in local customs by visiting the bustling market, where you can explore and purchase locally crafted wool and embroidery items. Don't miss the opportunity to take in the scenic vistas from Ulgii's viewpoint, a popular spot frequented by local families. Additionally, consider paying a visit to the surprisingly intriguing local museum, which offers a glimpse into the region's rich history and heritage.
Day 13:
Back to ulaanbaatar
Once we arrive back in Ulaanbaatar, our transfer will take us to our accommodations for the night. We have a casual farewell dinner scheduled, but the rest of the day is yours! Take a nice hot shower, get your bags packed, and maybe take a little nap to help recover from all the traveling we have done.
Day 14:
Sain Yavaarai
We will wake up this morning and proceed with our travel plans! Whether it’s time for you to go home or continue on another adventure, our time together has come to an end! Our transfer will take us to the Ulaanbaatar Airport.
We hope you have enjoyed this immersive experience and leave Mongolia with a broader understanding of their rich culture.
Safe travels and we hope to see you again soon either in one of our local communities or on another epic adventure!
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$4,895 double occupancy in hotels and group/shared accommodations in family yurts.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
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• 3 nights stay in a hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Double occupancy room.
• 4 nights fully supported remote tent camping that includes kitchen tent and portable toilet
• 7 nights in traditional family owned gers (similar to a yurt). Showers are not available in family homes, but are taken at the local town shower house. Toilets are outside short drops.
• Private group airport transfer from Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) to and from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and back to UBN Airport
• Minimum of two vehicles for all transportation throughout duration of the trip
• One local female guide and one Kazakh translator for entire trip
• Welcome drinks on day 1 of trip
• All breakfast, lunches and dinners starting on day 2, aside from 2 lunches on domestic flight days
• Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group
• Activities while staying with the local families that may include cooking classes, local hiking, and horseback riding
• All tours mentioned in Ulaanbaatar including the Gandan Monestary, Made in Mongolia Felting Project, and the Tumen Ekh Cultural Show
• Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions
• WWE Swag to sport on the trial!
• Small group; maximum of 12 women + your trip host, local guide, and translator
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• International Flights to/from Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)
• Domestic flights mentioned in the itinerary. These flights are on average $350 round trip per person and require booking 4-6 weeks in advance. We will help facilitate the bookings.
• Tips and gratuities for guides (at the discretion of the client)
• Airport transfers outside of designated times and meeting location
• Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above; meals not included - 1 dinner and 2 lunches
• Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary
• Visa if applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing
• Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad (proof of insurance required)
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.
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All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
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This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).
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Please see our Terms of Service.
*Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description.
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Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.
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Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
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Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.