Altai Migration Trails | Small Group Tour | August 18th 2026

• ​​Live alongside Kazakh herders and eagle hunters –long-term partners who warmly share their homes and way of life, offering a genuine and respectful exchange.
• Experience the culture of western Mongolia  – a land of dramatic beauty and living tradition shaped by the Altai Mountains.
• Explore the local side of Ölgii — the cultural heart of Mongolia’s Kazakh community — through archery, embroidery, and the Eagle Hunter Cultural Centre.
• Gain cultural insight – discover rural and urban heritage through genuine connection, shared daily rhythms, and lived experience.
• Travel with one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams — a skilled male driver and a female trip assistant — who feel less like guides and more like friends you’re joining for an adventure.
• Travel in an intimate small group of a maximum of six  – fostering genuine encounters and meaningful connection.
• Discover Ulaanbaatar through a local lens - gaining a real perspective of Mongolia’s capital.
• Enjoy a complimentary day trip - to the iconic Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and the dramatic landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
• Time to Pause – Find stillness and space for reflection in Mongolia’s vast landscapes, beneath some of the clearest night skies on earth.

Step into the world of Mongolia’s Kazakh herders and eagle hunters, where ancient traditions meet the realities of a changing climate. In the Altai Mountains, families still follow the centuries-old rhythm of migration, moving from summer gers on open pastures to winter adobe homes. By joining them during this season, you’ll experience their cultural heritage while gaining insight into their resilience, adaptability, and deep connection to the land, and how climate change is reshaping nomadic life.

Key Facts

• Tour Dates: August 18–26, 2026 (earliest departure August 27)
• Duration: 9 days
• Group Size: 2–6 (larger private groups possible)
• Maximum Altitude: Approximately 2200m
• Trip Style: Small group, immersive, community-based, cultural
• Who it’s for: This experience is designed for curious, open-minded travellers of all ages—whether you’re joining solo, with a partner, or alongside friends. You don’t need to be especially fit; the trip isn’t physically demanding. What matters most is a willingness to embrace flexibility - there is no set plan during the migration days - and step into daily life as it unfolds. Accommodation is simple and shared by the group, with outside squat/long-drop toilets and showers available every 2–4 days. If you’re comfortable living without everyday conveniences, and excited to connect meaningfully with local families in a genuine  way, this journey is for you.
• Your Local Team: Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by one of our inter-generational Mongolian teams—a male driver and a female trip assistant—who not only handle the logistics but also offer genuine warmth and insight along the way. Founder Jess and office manager Tuya are available throughout your trip via WhatsApp for any questions or additional support.

Altai Migration Trails In Detail 

Western Mongolia is defined—both physically and culturally—by the Altai Mountains. For thousands of years, these peaks have sheltered the nomadic cultures of Eurasia, including the Kazakhs, Mongolia’s largest ethnic minority group. Within Mongolia’s borders, Kazakh communities have held onto their heritage with remarkable tenacity including  moving with their livestock between seasonal pastures.

Altai Migration Trails experience invites you to live alongside two Kazakh herding families and eagle hunters, with whom we have built long-term partnerships. Depending on the timing of your journey, you may help prepare for their annual autumn migration, take part in its aftermath, or witness elements of the move itself. Whatever the season brings, the experience is never staged or adapted for convenience—it unfolds according to the families’ own rhythm, offering a genuine glimpse into their lives.

By spending time with them, you’ll discover the beauty of their traditions while gaining a deeper respect for their resilience and adaptability. Their way of life has endured for centuries, yet now faces the uncertainties of a changing climate—shaping not only when and how they move, but how their traditions continue to evolve.

Itinerary Overview

Ulaanbaatar

• August 18 – Final arrival day in Ulaanbaatar | 'Intro to Ulaanbaatar’

Welcome to Mongolia! A complimentary transfer will take you from the airport to your chosen accommodation. For those already arrived, join us for our informal 'Introduction to Ulaanbaatar' experience, complete with a local-style lunch and a welcome drink. If you’d like extra time to explore the city’s museums or art galleries, we recommend arriving a day or two earlier—you’ll still enjoy the benefit of a complimentary transfer.

Your own choice of accommodation / Local lunch

Western Mongolia

• August 19 - 25 – Flight to Ölgii & Migration With Kazakh Eagle Hunter Families

Catch a domestic flight to Ölgii, the heart of Mongolia’s Kazakh region. On arrival, meet our local team who will welcome you into the culture and landscapes of the west as you settle in alongside two of our partnering Kazakh eagle hunter families. Life here follows the families’ own rhythm—there is no fixed itinerary, only the authenticity of lived experience. Stay in their traditional homes and witness firsthand their enduring bond with the land and the traditions that sustain them.

Basic accommodation at home of Kazakh eagle hunting family  | showers every 2-4 days | outside squat toilet | Driving times based on location | B/L/D

• August 25: Drive to & explore Ölgii

Drive to Ölgii, the cultural heart of Mongolia’s Kazakh community, and spend the day exploring its mix of tradition and modern life, getting a feel for daily life in this remote yet dynamic town.

At the home of our Kazakh fixers | Outside toilet | Warm shower at local town shower house | Approx 4-5 hours driving time |  B/L/D

Ulaanbaatar

• August 26 – Return to Ulaanbaatar

Fly back to Ulaanbaatar, with a transfer to your chosen accommodation and a complimentary transfer on your departure date.

Your own choice of accommodation / Breakfast / Lunch depending on flight time

• Day To Suit You - Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

As part of your welcome to Mongolia, we include a complimentary day trip with lunch to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and to Turtle Rock and Aryabal Temple in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, either before or after your journey to western Mongolia.

Your own choice of accommodation / Local lunch / Approx 1-1.5 hours driving time each way

During this journey, you’ll experience a variety of accommodation styles, each offering insight into daily life in Mongolia and shaped by the season and setting:

Kazakh Family Homes

Your accommodation during this experience is hosted by Kazakh families with whom we’ve built long-term, community-based partnerships. Your style of accommodation will depend on the month in which you travel.

Because the families are migrating, the accommodation situation will be fluid and will vary for each family.

You might stay in the family's  traditional, hand-built adobe brick homes located at their winter encampment. Unlike Mongolian herders, Kazakh families do not use gers during the low season, as Kazakh gers are too large to heat effectively. Instead, they live in low, single-storey homes they’ve constructed themselves, typically set in their winter pastures alongside their livestock.

Or, you will will stay in Mongolian or Kazakh gers, shared as a group.

As a guest, you’ll likely share a private ger or room with fellow group members. Sleeping arrangements are simple and culturally authentic—most families sleep on the floor, and you’ll likely be provided with a comfortable floor mat, in keeping with local traditions.

Facilities are basic: showers are taken at the local public shower house every 2-3 days, and toilets are traditional outdoor short-drop latrines.

Ölgii

In Ölgii, you’ll be hosted by our trusted Kazakh partners, Jako and Bovka, at their family home. Again, this is a shared space, and sleeping arrangements will be on floor mats. Shower access is at the town shower house, and toilets are outdoor sit-down long drops.

If you would prefer a private en-suite hotel room for your final night in Ölgii, this can be arranged subject to availability and at an additional cost. You would still spend the day with the group and transfer to the hotel in the evening. Please let us know if you’d like to explore this option.

Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar on August 18 and 26  are not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

Your Local Team

Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams — a male driver and a female trip assistant — who not only manage the logistics but also bring genuine warmth, insight, and companionship along the way.

Unlike many companies, we don’t bring in freelancers just for the high season. Instead, we invest in our team year-round, building a strong culture of trust and collaboration that we share with you on the road.

You’ll also be welcomed by the local families with whom we’ve built long-standing partnerships — their hospitality and friendship are at the heart of this experience.

And behind the scenes, Jess (founder) and Tuya (office manager) are always just a WhatsApp message away for any questions or additional support.

Meals

Each EL team travels with a simple kitchen, and most meals are prepared by your trip assistant. We don’t ask rural families—with limited access to shops—to provide meals, especially given the number of travellers with dietary needs. However, during each trip you’ll also share some meals with host families, stop at guanz (roadside cafés), and eat in local restaurants.

Our trip assistants are not trained chefs, but they know how to keep you well-fed. Meals are based around local, seasonal produce with a focus on food miles. You won’t find elaborate international dishes, but you can rely on hearty, filling food that sustains you. If five portions of fruit a day are a must, you may find this challenging in remote Mongolia.

We can cater for vegetarians, some dietary restrictions, and food allergies—but only with advance notice. Please share your requirements when booking so we can advise what’s possible and set realistic expectations.

Drinks

We provide filtered drinking water, tea, and coffee throughout. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased en route. Choice is limited in the countryside, so if you enjoy a good bottle of wine or whisky, we recommend stocking up in Ulaanbaatar before departure.

Since rural areas lack running water and recycling is minimal, we avoid bottled water. Each team carries large containers and filters water from town stations. Please bring a reusable bottle (a filter bottle is even better). A detailed packing list is provided on booking.

Showers

Running water is rare in rural Mongolia, so showers are limited. On this itinerary we use town shower houses—simple cubicles with plenty of hot water, which many travellers describe as a highlight! You will need to bring a towel.

We also provide bowls and soap powder for hand-washing clothes if needed. Just to be clear: there are no washing machines.

Toilets

Think: a loo with a view!

Mongolia has very few public toilets, so on drives it’s a case of finding a private spot in nature (your trip assistant will give what we call “the toilet talk”).

At host family homes, expect Asian-style squat or long-drop toilets.If squatting isn’t second nature, you may want to practice before travelling—several of our guests recommend it.

These toilets aren’t designed to shock you; they’re simply part of everyday rural life. We provide toilet paper (though not the aloe vera variety!).

Transport

Our driving team is made up of men we know personally and have worked with for years. Their English is limited, but their road skills are unmatched—whether navigating tough terrain or practicing mongolchlokh (improvising the Mongolian way) when a tyre bursts or a vehicle breaks down. And yes, breakdowns do happen—this is Mongolia, after all. By travelling with us, you’re supporting the long-term employment of experienced, traditional men who use their income to provide for extended families.

Each driver owns their own vehicle, which may include Furgon 4×4 vans, Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus models, Hyundai Starex, or Mitsubishi Delicas. Because they’re driver-owned, interiors and seating layouts vary, and each vehicle is fitted with either lap or seat belts.

We assist with maintenance fees, and all vehicles undergo:

• Annual assessments by the Mongolian Government for tourism standards
• Standard MOT checks
• Licensing for tourism use

Map Of Route 

Click on the link below for access to the map

Group Size & Pricing

Our journeys are designed for small groups of 2–6 travellers. Solo travellers are always welcome, with a surcharge to cover the costs of private travel.

Sliding Price Scale

The more people who travel together, the lower the cost per person — so everyone benefits:

• Final group size of 2 guests: US$ 4595 pp + domestic flight of approx US$ 285 pp
• Final group size of 3-4 guests: US$ 3675 pp + domestic flight of approxi US$ 285 pp
• Final group size of 5 guests: US$ 3385 pp + domestic flight of approx US$ 285 pp
• Final group size of 6 guests: US$ 3030 pp + domestic flight of approx US$ 285 pp

We know your holiday funds are precious. This sliding scale keeps our trips personal and immersive, while making them more affordable when shared — so if you know someone who might like to join, invite them along and take advantage of our friends & family discounts.

Why Travel with Us?

We know budget is personal, and every traveller has different priorities. Our prices may be higher than those of larger or budget-focused operators, but here’s what your payment supports:

• Small-scale, ethical tourism – we welcome just 100–150 travellers a year, keeping experiences personal and meaningful.
• Fair group sizes – groups of 2–6, giving you the flexibility of a private trip with the social feel of a small group.
• Thoughtfully designed itineraries – crafted by our founder, Jess, with an emphasis on flow, balance, and season rather than profit.
• Long-term partnerships – we invest in our local team and host families, rather than hiring freelancers seasonally or arriving unannounced.
• Positive impact – your payment supports local employment, community initiatives, and responsible travel practices.
• Not luxury, but genuine – we prioritise authenticity, fairness, and connection over fancy extras.

Curious where your money goes? See the breakdown on our Positive Impact tab.

Included in the experience

• All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar unless otherwise stated: These are mainly prepared and cooked by your local team so they are fresh and it means we offer more flexibility for any dietary requirements. We also provide filtered drinking water (not bottled), tea, and instant coffee.
• You’ll be supported by one of our experienced intergenerational teams—made up of a male Mongolian driver and one of our English-speaking female trip assistants—helping create an immersive and well-supported experience. Jess and Tuya are also available throughout your journey via WhatsApp.
• Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch and welcome drink
• Transportation to and from the airport or train station on arrival and departure days
• Entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and museums are included when you are with the local team. Please note this excludes camera tickets.
• Festival tickets are provided if listed in the itinerary.
• Camel or horseback rides (please note, riding helmets are not provided)
• Thoughtful Extras – We add a few gentle surprises—small touches that express our thanks for choosing to travel with us.

Not included in the experience

International airfare to and from Mongolia

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar: Our trip pricing excludes the price of accommodation in UB though. Why?  Everyone is different is the standard of accommodation they prefer at the start and end of a trip. As there is now such a variety of hotels in UB it is easier to exclude this cost. I provide a list of ideas covering varying standards and budgets and I can also help with booking. There’s everything from a homestay through to Airbnb, US$10 guesthouses and the Shangri-La!

Domestic flight where/if applicable including any fees for excess luggage

Passport and visa fees: Let us know your nationality at the time of booking and we’ll confirm whether you need to apply for a Mongolian visa. It is a relatively easy process depending on your nationality and we can help with some of the formalities.

Travel insurance (mandatory)

Gratuities: Each member of the local team receives a responsible but fair salary and none have to rely on receiving gratuities to supplement their income.  In addition, we make sure that everyone who works with us or helps us is fairly rewarded for their work and the service they provide. At the end of the tour, if you wish to make a gratuity to the local team then thank you – it is not compulsory but it is appreciated when given. We give detailed information on booking.

Alcohol: Alcohol is available to buy in shops and supermarkets throughout your trip, and your team will make regular stops.

We have a detailed FAQ page covering everything from packing lists to payments, but here are answers to the most common immediate questions:

Visa

Requirements vary depending on your nationality. You can check the most up-to-date information at evisa.mn. If you need assistance, we’ll help once your booking is confirmed.

International Flights

All international flights arrive at Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). We don’t book flights, but we can advise on routes and airlines. Most travellers fly via Korea, Turkey, China, or Japan. Airport transfers are included in your trip unless your journey begins in Ölgii, Mörön, or the Gobi.

Domestic Flights

Some of our experiences include internal flights within Mongolia, operated by MIAT and Hunnu Air. These are small aircraft, and schedules are subject to weather and operational changes, so flexibility is key. Tickets are excluded unless stated otherwise, but we handle all bookings on your behalf.

• Standard allowance: 15kg check-in + 5kg hand luggage

• Excess baggage: usually $1–3 per kilo (often not applied)

Packing List

We provide a detailed, tailored packing list when you book your trip. This ensures you bring everything you need for Mongolia’s varied weather and rural conditions, without overpacking.

Booking Conditions

Our booking terms and conditions cover payments, cancellations, and other key details. You can read them here.

If you decide to cancel your trip, by choice or necessity, up to 10 weeks before departure, we will fully refund your deposit (and balance if paid). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.

If you decide to cancel between 10 and 31 days before departure, we will fully refund your balance (if paid), and your deposit will be held as credit to be used on a different trip instead (with no cut off date. This can be transferred to a friend or family member). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.

If you cancel within 30 days of departure, we will retain the following percentage of your deposit and balance.

30 days before departure - 50% of holiday cost

29 – 15 days before departure - 90% of holiday cost

Less than 15 days before departure - 100% of holiday cost

Notes

There is no time limit on when you may use your deposit credit, but it is non-refundable if you decide to cancel in future.

Failure to join the tour will also mean you forfeit the tour cost. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.