Shared Lives In The Altai | Small Group Tour | 8 Days | Oct 24 2026

• Spend time in the wild winter beauty of western Mongolia, under some of the clearest winter skies on earth.
• Live alongside Kazakh families sharing everyday winter life, shaped by their family routines and the season.
• Observe the deep connection between Kazakh herders and their eagles as it naturally exists, woven into everyday routines.
• Experience Kazakh culture and community as you share in their traditions and contemporary life, on the steppe and in Ölgii.
• Enjoy a local people-centred approach with an experience built on genuine connections through long-term local partnership
• Discover Ulaanbaatar through a local lens, gaining a real perspective of Mongolia’s capital.
• True micro-group travel with a maximum of six guests for a personal, flexible experience.

In our modern rush for social media moments and the fear of missing out, it’s easy to think we already know what we’ll experience. Say “eagle hunters,” and most people imagine dramatic scenes of men on horseback, eagles poised for the hunt. But that’s not daily life.

Our time in Western Mongolia isn’t about chasing that image — and if that’s what you’re after, we’re not the right fit. This experience is about slowing down and sharing everyday moments with Kazakh families who continue the tradition of eagle falconry: helping with daily tasks, sharing food, and simply being part of the rhythm of winter life. It’s also about being present in the monumental landscapes of western Mongolia and experiencing aspects of Kazakh culture that give context and connection.

This isn’t a performance for tourism. It’s real life — shaped by landscape, weather, family, and season. For those who can pause under an immense winter sky and find meaning in the small, ordinary moments that make a life, this experience quietly stays with you.

• Dates: October 24 - 31, 2026

• Duration: 8 Days 

• Group Size : 2-6

• Trip Style: Small group, winter adventure, immersive cultural journey

• Altitude: Approx 1,350m - 2,300m

• Start Of Trip: Final arrival day October 24th with our complimentary  ''Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch

• End of Trip: Trip finishes on October 31st on transfer to your hotel  in Ulaanbaatar although we provide a free departure transfer

• Deposit: US$ 600 pp . Flexible payment instalments are available for the remaining balance.

• Included:: arrival and departure transfers

• Who it’s for: This journey is for curious, open-minded travellers of all ages — whether you come solo, as a couple, or with friends. No special fitness is required, but you should feel at ease with simple conditions, time in nature, and Mongolia’s winter cold. What matters most is a flexible mindset and a willingness to engage with local communities and everyday life — including outside squat or long-drop toilets and showers every 2–4 days.

• 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.

Map Of Route

Click on the link below for access to the map

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 accommodation during this experience is hosted by Kazakh families with whom we’ve built long-term, community-based partnerships.

You’ll stay in their traditional, hand-built adobe brick homes located at their winter encampments. Unlike Mongolian herders, Kazakh families do not use gers during the winter, 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.

As a guest, you’ll likely share a private room with other group members within the family home, although sleeping arrangements are simple and in line with local customs. Like most Mongol Kazakhs, the families sleep on the floor, and you’ll probably be provided with a mat on the floor as well.

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 January 30th and February 7th  is not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

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.

Winter In Mongolia

Winter is a defining season in Mongolia—yes, it’s cold, sometimes very cold, but that’s part of what makes the landscape so striking and the experience so unforgettable. The predicted temperatures may seem daunting at first glance, but Mongolia’s cold is dry and often feels less harsh than it sounds. With the right preparation—including proper thermal layers—-25°C in Mongolia can feel comparable to -5°C in Europe. We take your comfort seriously and will provide a comprehensive packing list upon booking to help you prepare.

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

• Final group size of 2 guests: US$ 3,875 pp
• Final group size of 3 guests: US$ 3,385 pp
• Final group size of 4 guests: US$ 2,840 pp
• Final group size of 5 guests: US$ 2,610 pp

• Our journeys are designed for small groups of 2–6 travellers with trips guaranteed with two bookings.
• US$ 600 pp deposit . Flexible payment instalments are available for the remaining balance.

Included in the price

• All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar: 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 great teams of a Mongolian driver and a female English-speaking trip assistant, ensuring an immersive experience. Jess and Tuya are available throughout via WhatsApp.
• Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch and welcome drink
• A complimentary day visit to the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and Terelj National Park, including entrance fees and a local lunch
• Transportation to and from the airport or train station on arrival and departure days
• Domestic flight
• 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.

Not included in the price

• 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!
• Excess luggage fee for domestic flight
• 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.
• Personal Expenses: We provide detailed guidance 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.