MONGOLIA NOMAD TREK
THE ITINERARY
15 Days - $6,340
Tusker's founding guide, Eddie Frank leads you on this extraordinary trek through the ALTAI MOUNTAINS that lie on Mongolia's western border with China. This hidden paradise is truly one of the most magnificent mountain habitats on our planet. You can hike the trails, ride a horse with our nomadic horsemen, or accomplish both - as we traverse broad river valleys, mountain passes, lush tundra and open steppe.
On this remarkable trek, you Immerse yourself in the ancient nomadic culture of central Asia that still thrives on 1,000-year old traditions; nomads still hunt with Golden Eagles. On our journey encounter centuries-old hospitality and attend exciting local ceremonies and traditional games on horseback.
And if you've always wanted to ride but don't know how, Eddie will put you in the "rider's seat" with his regular riding clinics.
TREK STATS
- Trekking Distance: 68 miles or 110 km
- Duration of Trek: 15 Days
- Daily trekking time: 5 to 8 hours - Depending on distance
- Trek Season: Summer
DIFFICULTY RATING - LEVEL 4 - CHALLENGING • This is a trek that has full days of activity and a high level of physical challenge. You can choose to hike, or ride a horse as often as you like. Hiking is more challenging, as you trek up to 14 miles a day for up to 8 hours in remote mountainous environment. You are hiking to 10,200 ft. on two of the days. The terrain is very uneven in many areas. Weather at night drops below freezing in some places. Riders should have some experience on horseback and be firm in the saddle. Your guide, EDDIE FRANK is an expert rider who runs riding clinics at the end of most days. We may ask you to get a signed Physician certificate.
DAILY ITINERARY
4,429-ft/1,350-m
Ulaan Bataar is a bustling city of old and new. Once at the hotel, you are free to relax and wander around the city on your own, or with some fellow trek members, exploring everything the capital has to offer.
Lodging: Tuushin Hotel
4,429-ft/1,350-m
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Tuushin Hotel
3-hour flight • 5,610-ft/1,710-m
At the end of the day you shift all of your gear and clothing into the waterproof Tusker duffels, which are more easily packed onto our camels for the expedition.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Ger Camp
7-8 hours • 6,820-ft/2,079-m
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
strong>Lodging: Tusker Camp
6,820-ft/2,079-m
We visit the local Kazakh nomads in their Gers (tents), learn about their age-old traditions and attend exciting nomadic horse games, which has become a Tusker tradition, called the "Tusker Nadaam." After the games, the local women bring out some of their beautiful handmade crafts which make great gifts back at home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Tusker Camp
5-6 Hours • 13-mi/22-km • 6,845-ft/2,086-m
The glacial depression that contains Khoton Lake is marked by horizontal benches that reveal ancient lake levels; probably the result of glacial dams that periodically built up and broke away.
The Tsagaan Us River is one of three tributaries to Khoton Lake, flowing south from the Tavn Bogd glaciers through the heart of the Altai Mountains.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Tusker Camp
4-5 Hours • 9-mi/15-km • 7,050ft/2,149-m
It is very cool and tranquil up here on the hill.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Tusker Camp
7-8 Hours • 12-mi/20-km • 7,190-ft/2,192-m
Spectacularly located in a wide valley, shouldered by high snow-capped mountains, the white Tsagaan River flows right in front of our camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Tusker Camp
8-9 Hours • 7-mi/11-km • 8,643-ft/2,634-m
If there has been any precipitation, we might be hiking part of the day through snow, and will have to dig a path through. We set up camp at Sheveed Uul Gorge after descending a steep incline on foot.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Tusker Camp
6-7 Hours • 7-mi/12-km • 7,870-ft/2,399-m
After a steep descent into the Tsagaan Gol river valley, we spend two nights camping here with an extraordinary view of the magnificent glaciers and peaks in the distance.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Tusker Camp
7,870-ft/2,399-m
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Tusker Camp
6-7 Hours • 9-mi/15-km • 10,100-ft/3,078-m
Nairamdal Peak (13,392 ft.) marks the triple border point common to Mongolia, Russia and China. Very few animal species have adapted to the harsh conditions in this area above the treeline. The area is characterized by tundra, lichen-covered rocks, alpine meadows and high mountain swamps.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Tusker Camp
Drive 6-7 hours • 5,610-ft/1,710-m
We unload the camels, and meet our vehicles, heading back to Bayan Ulgii, overnighting at the Ger camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Ger Camp
3-hour flight • 4,429-ft/1,350-m
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Tuushin Hotel
Onward plans.
MONGOLIAN NOMAD TREK • DATES AND PRICES
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Question? Ask Us Anything • +1.775.833.9700 • 1.800.231.1919
"A wonderful trip. Well organized, good food, an opportunity to meet and begin to understand the nomadic people of Western Mongolia. Loved the horse riding, would go back in a heartbeat. e whole trip was very special, but trying to describe it to family and friends is a challenge. The photographs help, but it is difficult to explain just how remote the area is." - 5-Star Review by "Linda G."
GUIDES • EDDIE and AMY FRANK
The Mongolia trek started when Eddie and Amy learned about a total Solar Eclipse that was to occur in Mongolia in 2008. They each dreamed of exploring Mongolia for years. In fact, Eddie’s family had a legend about how they descended from an ancient Mongolian tribe. Amy, who has been guiding for most of her life, also had a burning desire to explore Mongolia. So, in 2006 Amy and Eddie set out on an exploratory expedition to scout a route for the Eclipse trip. Once there, they discovered an area so breathtaking, that they partnered with a local guide to build what is now one of Tusker Trail’s most exciting and award winning treks.
CREW ON THE TREK
Your guides and nomad crew are the heart and soul of your successful journey through Mongolia. Eddie Frank and his team of nomads, cooks, horses and camels take you on this extraordinary journey on a once in a lifetime experience.
Tusker’s founding guides, Eddie and Amy Frank have a deep love for Mongolia. They pioneered this incredible trekking experience together with the local nomads back in 2006.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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- Professional guides & dedicated crew
- Lodging as per daily itinerary
- 4-season tents
- All-weather dining tent
- Dining tables & fold-up chairs
- Waterproof duffel bags
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- Purified drinking water
- A horse for every trip member
- Free riding lessons
- Australian saddles
- Private toilet with the world's best view