Altai Eagle Hunter Trek: Western Mongolia
August 16 to 29, 2025 | USD 5900 PP
A trip of a lifetime: Five words that arguably make up the most over-hyped tagline in adventure travel. But, imagine if you will, joining a pioneering expedition that will explore a spectacular and unexplored corner of the Altai mountains (that until a few years ago was completely off-limits to outsiders), all the while supported by a bactrian camel train, and exclusively guided by one of the region's fabled eagle hunters. Well, now you're talking.
And there's more. Our team will trek deep into the larch-forested valleys, crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped peaks that straddle the wild border with China - home to snow leopard, brown bears, golden eagles and ibex - and tackle a final trip challenge by summiting a 3500m peak near sacred Ongon Khairikhan mountain that offers a stupendous panorama over the Altai. Finally, at the eagle hunter family ger camp of our trusted friend and guide, we will experience warmhearted Kazakh hospitality and witness an authentic eagle training session as Shohan prepares his young raptor for the winter hunts.
* Please note that this trip will be lead by our trusted (and highy experienced) local guide, who we have worked with for more than 10 years now, and who has accompanied Adrian on this expedition on three previous occasions.*
Why Join Our Team?
Participate in an expedition that will explore a remote corner of the Altai, only recently opened to trekkers.
Challenge yourself on a remote and intrepid adventure that is equally bold, awe-inspiring, pioneering and unique.
Gain immersive access to one of the fabled eagle hunters as our good friend, Shohan, guides our team through the Altai.
The Eagle Hunters of Western Mongolia - Training a Young Eagle.
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Expedition Plan
This route was pioneered by Whistling Arrow in 2017 and travels through a remote region of western Mongolia that requires a reasonable degree of flexibility and self-reliance from the team. The following is only the outline daily plan.
August 16, 2025
Fly to Ulan Bator (IATA: ULN). Transfer to our comfortable hotel near Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy an introductory team dinner and drinks.
August 17, 2025
Catch the early morning flight to Ulgii. Drive for 6 hours to rendezvouz with our camels and our guide, Shohan, the eagle hunter on the shores of 'Black' Lake.
August 18, 2025
Trek for 7 hours over the first panoramic pass and descend to our second campsite on the shores of the spectacular Shergaty Lake.
August 19, 2025
Trek for 6 hours along the valley and over Yolt Pass. Descend to our campsite by a stream at the foot of a large escarpment.
August 20, 2025
Trek for 6 hours down the valley, before climbing up through larch forest to a lookout point. Descend and trek up to our riverside campsite.
August 21, 2025
Trek for 6 hours, over another mountain pass before descending to our next campsite alongside a family of nomads. This area is notable for it's wild eagles and ibex.
August 22, 2025
A spare day to trek further into this restricted mountain sanctuary to explore areas never before trekked by outsiders.
August 23, 2025
Trek an exploratory route for 6 hours, first heading south before heading into 'Dead Goat' Valley and our campsite by a small stream.
August 24, 2025
Trek for 7 hours, first up the valley and over another pass before descending to the shores of Dayan Lake. The views from the pass are breathtaking.
August 25, 2025
Trek for 6 hours, through a local village and then onwards towards Shohan's summer ger camp at the foot of sacred Mt Ongon Khairakhan.
August 26, 2025
Exploratory 7 hour trek down the valley, before our final challenge of the trip - the summiting of a 3500m peak (home to snow leopard) overlooking the Chinese border.
August 27, 2025
A spectacular 6 hour drive back to Ulgii. Overnight in a comfortable new hotel and enjoy dinner, drinks and traditional Kazakh music and dance.
August 28, 2025
Catch the morning flight back to Ulan Bator. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy a final team dinner on a verandah overlooking the Chojin Lama Temple.
August 29, 2025
Transfer to the airport and fly home. Hope to see you again next time.
Expedition Location
Practical Information
Rest assured we will be here to advise you on all aspects of preparing for, and participating in, this trip. Here are a few obvious places to start.
Accomodation
Will be in good quality hotels in Ulan Bator and Ulgii. On the trek we will be camping in large, high-quality tents. On the final evening of the trek we will stay in gers.
Altitude
The maximum altitude en route will be approximately 3500m when we embark on the trip's final summit challenge.
Communication
On the trek there will be no phone coverage but we carry a two-way satellite email and texting device for emergency communication.
Difficulty
The trip will be relatively challenging so everyone needs to be properly prepared, both mentally and physically.
Equipment
We will supply all (rigourously cleaned) camping equipment, although we recommend that you bring your own sleeping bag. Please refer to our typical kit list for a guide as to what else to bring.
First Aid
We carry a comprehensive medical kit, including Diamox to treat any signs of altitude sickness, although this is not expected to be an issue on the trek. As standard we also have a group search & rescue membership with GEOS.
Food
A good variety of food will be prepared by our expedition cooks. Lunches will be picnic style. Breakfast & dinner will be served in our large dining tent.
Flights
The trip begins and ends in Ulan Bator (IATA: ULN). All guests to arrive in Ulan Bator by the evening of August 16. Domestic flights are included.
Insurance
All guests must have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Support
The expedition will have a full support crew. On the trek your large rucksacks will be transported by camels. You only need to carry a day pack while hiking.
Temperatures
Typically will range between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day, but may fall to as low as zero degrees at night. In August the weather should be fine.
Toilets & Washing
On the trek itself we will be camping, but basic washing facilities and toilet tents will be provided.
Visas
Certain nationalities will require a valid Mongolia visa to join this trip. Whistling Arrow will send you an 'invite letter' in due course to include with your application.
We couldn't do it without them - during the adventure trek we will be supported by a team of (occasionally grumpy) bactrian camels.
A Final Word From A Previous Guest
Our two weeks in Mongolia's Altai Highlands were truly spectacular. The landscape, the nature and the people together made this a trip of a lifetime. Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without Adrian and his team at Whistling Arrow. Both planning and execution were spot on. Our route had been carefully thought through and as we trekked over some of the most stunning landscape we were well looked after at all times.
Adrian's own hands-on approach also made the trip special. He was a great guide and companion over our days together. Of course the key question is "would you do it again or a similar trip (with Whistling Arrow) and the emphatic answer is YES.
Simon