Islay's Travel to Western Mongolia across the Gobi to Altai

The operator’s longest route, published as a twenty-one plus three day expedition of about 4,300 kilometres. It crosses the Gobi to the Altai in the far west, stays with Kazakh eagle hunting families, and loops back east. You drive yourself in a Land Cruiser they provide.

The way west is a slow accumulation of the Gobi’s best. Gazelles and antelope on the Tuv steppe, the granite formations and hidden lake at Baga Gazriin Chuluu, the White Stupa cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga at sunset, then Yolyn Am and the Gobi museum at Dalanzadgad. Snow leopard territory follows, then dune hiking and sandboarding at Khongoryn Els, then the lakes at Orog and Buuntsagaan for birdwatching.

The Altai is what the first fortnight buys. Beyond Sutai Mountain and the Khushuut Canyon the route reaches Khovd and then the eagle hunters, Kazakh families who still hunt with trained golden eagles from horseback, a tradition that survives in very few places. There is a second family further west, so the trip gives it real time rather than a photo stop.

Explorer.Company supply the Land Cruiser for up to four travellers, camping equipment, airport transfers, the prearranged route with navigation support, and the accommodation and activities along it. They publish no nights count, departure dates or formal inclusions list, so those need settling at enquiry, and custom extensions into the Altai are offered. For drivers who want the far west of the country rather than the obvious Gobi circuit, this is the serious option in their range.