International:

North America:

International:

North America:
Mongolia

NOMAD TREK

TREKKING ROUTE

16 Days

Embark on an extraordinary trek through the ALTAI MOUNTAINS with Tusker’s founding guide, Eddie Frank – a true authority in the world of adventure trekking, with his team of Nomads. This hidden paradise is one of the most magnificent mountain habitats on our planet, and Eddie will lead you through its lush tundra and open steppe with the confidence and expertise of someone who knows this terrain like the back of his hand.

Whether you choose to hike the trails or ride a horse with our nomadic horsemen, you’ll traverse broad river valleys and mountain passes, immersing yourself in the ancient nomadic culture of central Asia that still thrives on 1,000-year-old traditions. You’ll have the chance to meet nomads who still hunt with Golden Eagles, and attend exciting local ceremonies and traditional horse games.

And Eddie will teach you how to ride if you’ve always wanted to learn.

Trek Stats

“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.”

Mongolia Nomad Trek Video Series. Part 3 of 3.  Narrated by National Geographic’s Will Lyman.

TREKKING ROUTE

Day 1 

Ulaan Baatar

4,429-ft/1,350-m

Your Mongolia adventure begins when you land in the nation’s capital, Ulaan Baatar – often referred to simply as UB – and meet your Mongolian guide, who takes you to the Tuushin hotel. Ulaan Baatar 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. You will meet Eddie Frank at our first camp in a couple days.

•  All Meals •  Lodging at the Tuushin Hotel

Day 2/3

Fly To Bayan Ulgii

5,610-ft/1,710-m • 3 hour flight

A 3-hour flight west brings us to the captivating town of Bayan Ulgii. We spend the night at the Pamuk Ger Camp, evocative of the traditional nomadic lifestyle. The next morning our hearts race with anticipation as we set out to Lake Tolbo to visit a Kazakh eagle hunter and his majestic bird of prey. Come dusk, we shift our gear into the reliable Tusker duffels, primed for the expedition ahead, where it will be more easily lashed onto our sturdy camels.

•  All Meals •  Lodging: at the Pamuk Ger Camp

Day 4 

Khoton Nuur 

6,820-ft/2,079-m • 7-8 hours

With a full day’s drive to the southwest, we journey through the humble town of Tsengel en route to Khoton Nuur. After crossing the Khovd River, we pitch camp for two days on the sublime lake-shore, where our trek commences, and we meet our nomad trekking crew. As we savor a sumptuous camp dinner, we prepare ourselves for the extraordinary journey that awaits us.

•  All Meals •  Tusker Camp

Day 5 

Khoton Nuur

6,820-ft/2,079-m

After breakfast on the banks of the breathtaking Khoton Nuur, Eddie schools us in the art of riding a Mongolian horse. A leisurely ride through the verdant larch forest above the lake proves to be a serene experience. Immersing ourselves in the age-old traditions of the Kazakh nomads in their cozy Gers (nomad tents), we witness their thrilling nomadic horse games, the “Tusker Naadam,” now a beloved  tradition. As the games conclude, we are treated to a showcase of stunning handmade crafts by the local women, excellent souvenirs to treasure back home.

•  All Meals • Tusker Camp

Day 6 

Upper Khoton Nuur 

13-mi/22-km • 6,845-ft/2,086-m • 5-6 Hours

Our crew springs into action, loading up the camels as we begin our trek through the alpine forest, heading  northward. The glacial depression that cradles the magnificent lake,  Khoton Nuur,  bears witness to ancient secrets, its horizontal benches revealing ancient lake levels across the ages; probably the result of glacial dams, towering and imposing, that periodically built up and broke away.. The Tsaagan Us River is one of the three tributaries of Khoton Nuur Lake, carrying with it the wisdom of the ages, straight from the Tavn Bogd glaciers.

•  All Meals • Tusker Camp

Day 7  

Cheben Hill 

9-mi/15-km • 7,050ft/2,149-m • 4-5 Hours

As we cross over to the east side of the formidable Tsaagan Gol River, our journey takes us deep into the enchanting river valley. Our campsite for the night, up on Cheben Hill, affords us a spectacular view of the serene river-fed grassy plains below, where a handful of Ger camps and their grazing goats add to the pastoral charm. Up here on the hill, the cool breeze carries with it an undeniable tranquility.

•  All Meals •  Lodging at the Tusker Camp

Day 8 

Yak Milk Valley 

12-mi/20-km • 7,190-ft/2,192-m • 7-8 Hours

As we descend the slopes towards the mouth of the river gorge, we brace ourselves for the adventure that lies ahead. Our climb up the gorge on the eastern bank of the river is nothing short of breathtaking, as towering canyon walls surround us on all sides, commanding our attention with their sheer magnitude.  As we press on, our efforts are richly rewarded by the sight of our camp – a stunning location on the river banks, embraced by snow-capped peaks that seem to touch the heavens. The white Tsaagan River flows right past our camp.

•  All Meals • Tusker Camp

Day 9 

Sheveet Uul Gorge 

7-mi/11-km • 8,643-ft/2,634-m • 8-9 Hours

All geared up for the adventure that awaits, we leave the river gorge behind and embark on our journey towards the mountain pass. Our ascent to the pass,  at 10,350 ft, is nothing short of exhilarating, offering breathtaking views of the stunning Sheveet Uul gorge on the other side.We might find ourselves digging a path through the snow as we traverse the saddle. Finally, descending the scree slope , we reach our destination – camp in the Sheveet Uul Gorge – a sight to behold.

•  All Meals • Tusker Camp

Day 10/11  

Tolin Nuur

7-mi/12-km • 7,870-ft/2,399-m • 6-7 Hours

A small hike after breakfast brings us to a small Tuvan community that practices traditional shamanistic beliefs. Then an unexpected surprise. The ancient Petroglyphs of the Mongolian Altai are nothing short of breathtaking – some of the largest, oldest, and most well-preserved rock art in Asia. Dating back over 11,000 years, they offer a vivid glimpse into ancient cultural landscapes.Tracking the Tsaagan Gol river, we climb up to a glacial plateau, and camp at Mirror lake for two nights, spellbound by the  glaciers and peaks that crowd the horizon.

•  All Meals • Tusker Camp

Day 12  

Tavn Bogd

9-mi/15-km • 10,100-ft/3,078-m • 6-7 Hours

We embark on a challenging hike uphill towards the stunning Potanin Glacier, sitting majestically at the foot of Mongolia’s 5 highest Peaks, including Nairamdal, which marks the point where Mongolia, Russia, and China converge. The conditions above the tree line are  unforgiving, making it a challenging habitat for wildlife. The spectacular landscape, with tundra, lichen-covered rocks, alpine meadows, and high mountain swamps forms a breathtaking tapestry of natural beauty.

•  All Meals • Tusker Camp

Day 13  

Bayan Ulgii

5,610-ft/1,710-m • Drive 6-7 Hours

Leaving the Tavn Bogd peaks behind us, our last day on the trail takes us north and east to the Ranger Station gate to the national park. This is our final day of trekking, and your last chance to give your horse its head and have a nice run. We unload the camels, say a sad goodbye to our Nomad crew, and drive back to Bayan Ulgii, overnighting at the Ger camp.

•  All Meals •  Lodging at the Pamuk Ger Camp

Day 14/15  

Ulaan Baatar

4,429-ft/1,350-m

We set off on a short drive to the airport, ready to board our flight to Ulaan Baatar.  The next day, we immerse ourselves in city, led by our knowledgeable Mongolian guide. We explore the city’s sights and sounds, from the awe-inspiring Chinggis Khaan Museum to the luxurious Cashmere clothing stores. The pinnacle of our day is a visit to the National Theater and attend a captivation performance of traditional Mongolian music and dance performances. As the day draws to a close, we make our way to our favorite restaurant in the city, savoring the flavors and basking in the memories of our unforgettable journey.

•  Bed & Breakfast •  Lodging at the Tuushin Hotel

Day 16 
Onward Arrangements

On your final day you continue with onward arrangements or fly home.

• Breakfast at Hotel

MONGOLIAN NOMAD TREK • DATES AND PRICES

GUIDES – EDDIE & AMY FRANK

Tusker’s award-winning Mongolia Nomad Trek all began with a total Solar Eclipse that was to occur in Mongolia in 2008, which captured the imagination of Tusker’s founders Eddie and Amy Frank. Eddie’s family even had a legend about how they descended from an ancient Mongolian tribe, so the opportunity to explore this incredible region held a special significance for them.

In 2006, Eddie and Amy set out on an exploratory expedition to scout a route for the Eclipse trip, and what they discovered was truly eye-opening. They found an area so breathtaking and untamed that they knew they had to share it with the world. They partnered with a local guide and built a route that would become one of Tusker Trail’s most exciting and highly regarded treks.

Trekking Crew

 

This is an  extraordinary journey through Mongolia with Eddie Frank and Tusker Trail’s team of nomads, cooks, horses, and camels. 

This once-in-a-lifetime experience, crafted by Tusker’s head guides, Eddie and Amy Frank, unveils the untamed beauty of Mongolia. Since 2006, they have fostered a deep love for this land and its people, pioneering an unparalleled trekking adventure in collaboration with local nomads. 

Join them as they lead you across vast landscapes, immersing you in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery of Mongolia. With every step, you’ll encounter the true essence of adventure.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

PHOTO GALLERY

DATES AND PRICES
Limited Group Sizes