We would like to travel to western Mongolia (Altai Tavan Bogd National Park / Olgii etc.) and stay with a local family for a few days (in a Ger) and go the the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park for a trekking. Who has done such a trip?
We are particularly interested in: how do we reach Olgii and how do we organize our accommodation / trekking?
Thanks
welovetotravel_1
1
tomongolia
Hi welovetotravel_1
I like your nickname "we love to travel"
Your choice of going all the way to the west shows you really love to travel.
The majority of tourists go to the Gobi in the south and north to Khovsgol.
You asked - how do we reach Olgii
You have several options, I listed them from the most expensive to the cheapest.
Organized tour - the advantage is that you leave all the organizing to the tour operator, and you can relax and enjoy the tour. Try Blue wolf , Back to Bek , and there are several others .
Cost $2500 - $4000
Flight - this summer we will see 3 domestic airlines going west. Eznis , Aero-Mongolia and the new company Mongolian-airlines . Hopefully this will bring some competition and increase the number of seats.
It is not easy to book ahead of time. If you are arriving after the Naadam peak season you can try and book once you get there.
Cost $300-$400 one way.
Self organized van - Try and make some contacts ahead of time, but once you get to UB, (in the summer) you will find others looking to share costs like you
Cost $60 to $100 per day, all inclusive, depending mainly on the number of tourists sharing the cost.
Public transport - This is the cheapest, but more demanding. See the public transport page for details.
cost $60 one way.
Accommodation
There are about ten guest houses, you can arrange once you get there. Ask at the tourist information in Olgii.
Trekking
Depends on your navigation skills, some do it on there own. See the Tavan Bogd page for maps and details, and the Khoton Nuur trek page . If you plan to walk over the Potaniin glacier I made a 3D easy to understand map you can print out. The tourist information will match you with a local guide.
Ger stay - Ger to Ger have a few local families that cater for tourists. The ranger at the entrance to the park, takes in guests. And some herders near the lake will also accept you.
Have a great time in one of the most beautiful regions, the highest in Mongolia.
Dan
2
lakers6902
Do the public transport method to Olgii from UlaanBaatar. As the preceeding post mentioned, its the most demanding... And speaking from experience, I 100% agree with that. However though your ass will be hurting like no other after the experience is awesome since youll get to see more than enough gers and villagers. Youll also get to try out new foods fresh from the backyard.
Just thinking of this makes me want to do the bus ride again.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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