Majestic Mountains of the Western Mongolia
Three great ranges-the Mongol Altai (plus Gobi Altai), Khangai and Hentii dominate the majority of Mongolian territory. Of these the most picturesque and largest is the Mongol Altai mountain range. The Mongol Altai has many summits reaching 4000 meters above sea level and stretches for 900 kilometers from the north-western part of the country to the south, through the territories of Bayan-Olgii and Khovd provinces. Over 20 peaks are capped with eternal snow in the Altai Mountain Range. These include Tavan Bogd, the highest peak of Mongolia measuring 4,374 meters above the sea level, Munkh Khairkhan (4,204 m), Sutai (4,226m) and Tsambagarav (4,195 m).
Heading southwards, the mountains get smaller and the range turns into Gobi Altai mountain range. The Gobi Altai sub-mountain range lies within the territory of Gobi-Altai and South Gobi provinces.
The Altai is mainly composed of Rocky Mountains and there are many glaciers along the high ridges. Altai region is dotted with hundreds of fresh water lakes and rivers. Some of the largest rivers in the country including Khovd river, Buyant river and Bulgan are made up of hundreds of small springs of Altai Range. Altai is the habitat of rare Argali sheep, ibex, different cats, including endangered species of snow leopard and lynx, as well as, popular animals like wolves, fox, and elks.
The region is separated from central Mongolian mountainous region by Mongol els sand stretch and the Great Lakes Depression. There are some of the most famous and beautiful lakes of the country located in this region including Khar-Us Nuur Lake, Durgun Lake, Khyargas Nuur, Uvs Lake, Tolbo Nuur and Dayan Nuur lakes. These lakes and rivers in Altai are ideal places for boating, fishing and bird-watching. The whole region of Altai is an ideal destination for a number of adventures including climbing, mountain trekking, horse riding and cultural journeys. In addition to the stunning beauty of its natural settings Altai is home to varied ethnic groups of Mongolia including Kazakhs residing most of Bayan-Olgii aimag occupying northern parts of the range.
THINGS DO IN WESTERN MONGOLIA
Photographing
Western Mongolia, especially Bayan Ulgii province is the ideal destination for the photographers. Mystical images of Kazak people and hunters with golden eagles will cheer your mind and push you to start journey to the most remote places in majestic Mountains of Altai. Beside portraits or life style photos, photographers my shoot images of stunning landscapes and natural settings of the region. To take most fascinating images that could be an identity of our photographing career, just pack your gears and head to western Altai of Mongolia.
Meet hunters with Golden eagle
Kazakhs living in Western Mongolia continue to hunt with eagles today. They use eagles to hunt foxes, corsac, wolf and hare during the cold winter months when it is easier to see the gold colored foxes against the snow.
Hunting with Golden eagle is the one of the most ancient traditions that passed down generations to generations of Kazakh people. As we know Kazakh people had hunted with eagles for their life for many years. In modern days hunting with Golden eagle is a sport and special aspect that identifies tradition of Kazakh people. Every year many Kazakh hunters gather with their especially trained eagle and challenge them with different ways.
Hiking and trekking
One of the most attractive and unusual tour type here in western Mongolia is Trekking. In this remote corner where a beautiful swath of untouched wilderness. And you will have opportunity to feel real nomadic life & tradition during this epic journey. With Bactrian camels and powerful horses to carry our luggage and team staff , we camp by alpine lakes, hike to glaciers, explore ancient burial mounds and petroglyphs that are haunting testaments to Mongolia's shamanic traditions, and experience a pristine mountain world where Kazakh nomads still hunt with golden eagles.
Mountaineering in Great Altai
The highest peak in Mongolia – Altai Tavan Bogd (sometimes known as Huiten Uul Mountain) towers 4,374 meters above sea level overlooking the borders of Mongolia, China and Russia. Eternal snow and glaciers in the peaks of Mt. Tavan Bogd make the mountain magnificent and require endurance and high level of physical capability from mountaineers. Altai Mountain range comprises of dozens snow-capped peaks of above 4000 meters including Mt. Nairamdal 4082m and Mt. Malchin 4050m, Tsambagarav 4202m and Mt. Munkhkhairkhan 4204 m are the summits for both professional and amateur climbers.
Horse trekking in Altai Tavan Bogd
Western Mongolia is one of the wondrous places yet to be polluted and trapped in modern technology. Nature and culture coexist valleys of majestic Altai Mountains may so it’s only fitting that the best way to truly encounter Western Mongolia is on the back of the hearty Mongolian horse – completely natural and native.
Off road driving among white water valley
For traveling between wonderful sites scattered across vast territory of Mongolia or most rugged routes in Altai Mountains, jeeps are definitely the best available transportation means. I suggest you to try self-driving off road tours among gorges between spire and lofty mountain of Altai. Mild breezes and sounds of fresh spring will add a comfort and pleasurableness to your adventure.
Archeological or petroglyphs expeditions
Many archeological founding including rock paintings, deer stones, ancient graves, and rock cemetery are make the western Mongolia dream land of archeologists and one who interested in ancient monuments. The largest Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai World Heritage Site along with The Upper Tsagaan Gol Complex, Gurvan Tsenkher cave and Uzuur Gylaaan Bural /founding of 10th century lady wearing boot looks like German brand Adidas/ are the famous in the world. They are important monuments of the art of the transition from ancient hunter-gatherer societies to livestock breeding and the beginning of the classic nomad economy in Mongolia. Beside larges ones, burial graves among the route, man stone monument from Bronze Age nearby your camping place will connect you with the part of ancient history
Wild life watching
The unique nature contrast of the great lakes and mountainous area creates spectacular scenery and habitat for a wide range of animals and plants. Wolf, fox, snow leopard, lynx, mountain weasel, steppe polecat, wild boar, musk deer, elk, roe deer, ibex, argali mountain sheep, Mongolian and black-tailed gazelle from rich wildlife of the Uvs lake area. Many rare and endangered species of birds including the Eurasian spoonbill, black stork, swan goose and white-tailed eagle are found here.