Overview

Far beyond Mongolia's endless steppe lies a land few travelers ever reach. Framed by the snow-capped Altai Mountains and bordered by Russia and China, the country's western frontier is home to a remarkable blend of breathtaking wilderness and enduring Kazakh traditions. This journey ventures deep into Bayan-Ölgii Province, where Golden Eagle hunters continue an ancient practice passed down through generations, Tuvan communities live beneath Mongolia's highest peaks, and crystal-clear lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and broad alpine valleys remain largely untouched by modern development. Days are spent exploring some of the country's most spectacular mountain scenery on foot, discovering remote valleys accessible only by rough tracks, and gaining a genuine appreciation of life in one of the most isolated corners of Central Asia. Accommodation throughout much of the journey reflects the remoteness of the region, with several nights spent in traditional Kazakh yurts offering a rare opportunity to experience authentic frontier hospitality, albeit with very simple facilities, including the absence of showers and only traditional long-drop toilets. The expedition concludes in Ulaanbaatar, where Mongolia's imperial heritage, Buddhist revival, and modern democracy provide a fitting perspective on a country whose western frontier remains one of Asia's last great wildernesses.