Altai Lakes Express: 5-Day Expedition to Khoton & Khurgan Nuur
A Journey to the Alpine Mirror of Mongolia
$1950.00
Designed for the time-sensitive traveler, this 5-day express expedition takes you deep into the Altai Mountains to witness the crystal-clear twin lakes of Khoton and Khurgan. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and nomadic Kazakh families, this is the ultimate Altai photography experience in a compact timeframe.
Day 1: Flight to the Wild West (Ulaanbaatar – Ulgii) Take the morning flight to Ulgii. Meet Baka and the team, then drive straight toward the Altai Mountains. We reach our first camp near the entrance of the National Park.
Stay: Expedition Tents / Local Ger.
Day 2: The Twin Lakes (Khurgan & Khoton Nuur) We drive through the rugged mountain passes to reach the shoreline of Khurgan Nuur. This area is famous for its ancient petroglyphs and dramatic alpine scenery.
Experience: Sunset photography by the lake, where the mountains reflect perfectly in the still water.
Stay: Boutique Lakeside Camp.
Day 3: The Nomadic Heart (Kazakh Eagle Hunter Family) A full day dedicated to cultural immersion. We visit a nomadic Kazakh family living by the lake.
Experience: Portrait sessions with Eagle Hunters and documenting the daily life of lake-side nomads. Optional horse riding along the shore.
Stay: Authentic Kazakh Family (Private Ger).
Day 4: The High Pass & Return to Ulgii A scenic drive back toward Ulgii, stopping at the Biluu Hill for a panoramic view of the entire Altai range. Farewell dinner with traditional Kazakh "Besbarmak" music.
Stay: Boutique Hotel, Ulgii.
Day 5: Return to the Capital (Ulgii – Ulaanbaatar) Final breakfast in the Altai. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Expedition concludes.
Group Size | Investment per Guest | Total Experience Includes |
Solo Explorer (1 Person) | $1,950 | Private 4x4, Baka as Personal Guide, Full Flexibility |
Duo (2 Persons) | $1,450 | Shared 4x4, Boutique Ulgii Stay, Internal Flights |
Trio (3 Persons) | $1,250 | Shared 4x4, Eagle Hunter Visit, Cultural Access |
Small Group (4 Persons) | $1,080 | Shared 4x4, Authentic Kazakh Family Stay |
Expedition Team (5 Persons) | $980 | Larger 4x4 or Extra Comfort, Full Logistics |
Adventure Group (6+ Persons) | $895 | Multiple 4x4s, Enhanced Support Crew |
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Quick Details
What’s Included: Round-trip internal flights (UB-Ulgii-UB), professional 4x4 Land Cruiser transport, Baka as lead photographer/guide, all meals (B/L/D), high-quality camping gear, and National Park permits.
Accommodations: A curated mix of a Boutique Hotel in Ulgii, private Expedition Tents by the lakes, and an authentic stay with a Kazakh Eagle Hunter family.
The "Express" Advantage: This route is specifically optimized to reach the stunning Khoton & Khurgan Lakesquickly, maximizing your time at the most photogenic alpine spots in the Altai.
Booking Policy: 20% deposit required due to internal flight reservations; 70% balance payable in cash (USD) upon arrival in Ulgii.