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Wild Altai Trails | Mongolia Horse/Trekking Tour | 7 Days | Adaptable

Price: US $ 3,425 pp (2 people) | US$ 2,615 pp (3-4 people) | US$ 2,365 (5 people) | US$ 2,155 pp (6 people)
Available on request
Length: 7 days
Places left: Private Journey | Adaptable
Enquire about this tour:
Altai horse trek | Wild Altai Trails
Wild Altai Trails is a slow-travel trekking or horseback journey through a remote corner of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. It’s about absorbing the scale of the landscape, experiencing the raw beauty of Mongolia’s western frontier, and rediscovering the joy of the great outdoors—alongside eagle hunter Asker, travelling through the valleys he calls home.
At a Glance

Dates: June  – August 

Group Size: Priced from 2-6 but we can accommodate larger groups

Duration: 7 Days if start/finish in Ölgii | 9 days if start/finish in Ulaanbaatar

Trip Style: Tailor made, immersive, trekking or horse trekking, cultural

Locations: Ölgii and Yolt Valley in Bayan Ölgii Province 

Price: Starting Ölgii: US$ 3,425 pp (2 people) | US$ 2615 (3-4 people) | US$ 2,365 (5 people) | US$ 2,165 (6 people)

Key Experiences

  • Travel on foot or horseback through a wildly beautiful region of the Altai Mountains.

  • Journey with Asker, an eagle hunter whose family has lived in these valleys for generations

  • Spend time alongside Asker’s family, sharing in the rhythms of everyday life

  • Embrace a slower form of adventure

  • Experience Kazakh culture and traditions in homes, on the steppe, and in Ölgii, the region’s provincial centre.

  • Travel with purpose, knowing your journey supports local people, livelihoods, and long-term partnerships across Mongolia

  • Complimentary ‘Intro To Ulaanbaatar’ experience on day to suit you

‘The landscapes! And the culture. The remoteness. The lack of other westerners. The variety of scenery in different types of weather ... Sunsets ... Spending time with families.'

EL guest Kestrel Henry, Altai Trails

Wild Altai Trails Journey Details

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The Altai Mountains rise at the far edge of Mongolia as a natural boundary. Our Wild Altai Trails brings you to this edge on foot or horseback, on a journey shaped by the simple pleasure of travelling through the wild beatify of mountain landscapes of river valleys and wildflower meadows under big sky horizons.

Unlike the more familiar Altai Tavan Bogd National Park treks, the journey follows places known deeply by eagle hunter Asker, whose life has unfolded in these valleys, as did those of his parents and grandparents. This is a working landscape—where animals are grazed and eagles are flown. Travelling with Asker is about sharing his sense of freedom in these wide, open landscapes he calls home.

Life out here is simple and demanding in equal measure. Comfort is basic. Plans remain flexible. Some days feel expansive and effortless; others call for patience and resilience.

Wild Altai Trails is an invitation to move slowly through a vast landscape—alongside someone who knows it as home.

  • 2 guests: US$ 3,425 pp
  • 3-4 guests: US$ 2,615 pp
  • 5 guests: US$ 2,365 pp
  • 6 guests: US$ 2,155 pp

During this journey, you’ll experience a variety of accommodation styles, each offering insight into daily life in Mongolia and shaped by the season and setting:

Mongolian | Kazakh Gers

Throughout the experience you’ll stay in a traditional Mongolian gers provided by our partnering families. Each family typically sets up 4–5 guest gers, thoughtfully adapted for the season. While the setup is simple, you’ll always have your own bed and a comfortable personal space.

Facilities: Showers are available every 2–3 days at the local public shower house. Toilets are traditional outdoor short-drop latrines.

Tent Camp

During the trek, you’ll sleep in camping tents These camps are intentionally simple—offering a minimalist and close-to-nature experience in the heart of the wild.

Ölgii

In Ölgii, you’ll be hosted by our trusted Kazakh partners, Jako and Bovka, at their family home. Again, this is a shared space, and sleeping arrangements will be on floor mats. Shower access is at the town shower house, and toilets are outdoor sit-down long drops.

If you would prefer a private en-suite hotel room for your final night in Ölgii, this can be arranged subject to availability.

Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar  is not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

A sleeping bag is required: We provide a free rental service but our bags are not temperate rated.

Showers

Running water is rare in rural Mongolia, so showers are limited. On this itinerary we use town shower houses—simple cubicles with plenty of hot water, which many travellers describe as a highlight! You will need to bring a towel.

We also provide bowls and soap powder for hand-washing clothes if needed. Just to be clear: there are no washing machines.

Toilets

Think: a loo with a view!

Mongolia has very few public toilets, so on drives it’s a case of finding a private spot in nature (your trip assistant will give what we call “the toilet talk”).

At host family homes, expect Asian-style squat or long-drop toilets.If squatting isn’t second nature, you may want to practice before travelling—several of our guests recommend it.

These toilets aren’t designed to shock you; they’re simply part of everyday rural life. We provide toilet paper (though not the aloe vera variety!).

arrangements are simple and culturally authentic—as is common in Mongolian households, most people sleep on the floor, and you’ll likely be provided with a comfortable floor mat.

Facilities: Similar to the ger stays, showers are at the local public shower house, and toilets are basic outdoor latrines.

Meals

Each EL team travels with a simple kitchen, and most meals are prepared by your trip assistant. We don’t ask rural families—with limited access to shops—to provide meals, especially given the number of travellers with dietary needs. However, during each trip you’ll also share some meals with host families, stop at guanz (roadside cafés), and eat in local restaurants.

Our trip assistants are not trained chefs, but they know how to keep you well-fed. Meals are based around local, seasonal produce with a focus on food miles. You won’t find elaborate international dishes, but you can rely on hearty, filling food that sustains you. If five portions of fruit a day are a must, you may find this challenging in remote Mongolia.

We can cater for vegetarians, some dietary restrictions, and food allergies—but only with advance notice. Please share your requirements when booking so we can advise what’s possible and set realistic expectations.

Drinks

We provide filtered drinking water, tea, and coffee throughout. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased en route. Choice is limited in the countryside, so if you enjoy a good bottle of wine or whisky, we recommend stocking up in Ulaanbaatar before departure.

Since rural areas lack running water and recycling is minimal, we avoid bottled water. Each team carries large containers and filters water from town stations. Please bring a reusable bottle (a filter bottle is even better). A detailed packing list is provided on booking.

Transport

Our driving team is made up of men we know personally and have worked with for years. Their English is limited, but their road skills are unmatched—whether navigating tough terrain or practicing mongolchlokh (improvising the Mongolian way) when a tyre bursts or a vehicle breaks down. And yes, breakdowns do happen—this is Mongolia, after all. By travelling with us, you’re supporting the long-term employment of experienced, traditional men who use their income to provide for extended families.

Each driver owns their own vehicle, which may include Furgon 4×4 vans, Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus models, Hyundai Starex, or Mitsubishi Delicas. Because they’re driver-owned, interiors and seating layouts vary, and each vehicle is fitted with either lap or seat belts.

We assist with maintenance fees, and all vehicles undergo:

- Annual assessments by the Mongolian Government for tourism standards

- Standard MOT checks

- Licensing for tourism use. 

Learn more about our drivers and their tour vehicles here.

Travel Times

Road travel is a central part of journeying through Mongolia, one of the world’s largest countries. Daily travel times are provided as a guide rather than a promise, and we deliberately allow generous estimates to help set realistic expectations.

Average speeds typically range from 30–65 km/h, depending on road and weather conditions. Where routes include dirt roads, this can mean anything from smooth gravel to corrugated tracks, rocky sections, tree roots, or mud, varying with location and season.

Included in the price

  • All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar unless otherwise stated: These are mainly prepared and cooked by your local team so they are fresh and it means we offer more flexibility for any dietary requirements. We also provide filtered drinking water (not bottled), tea, and instant coffee.
  • You’ll be supported by one of our experienced intergenerational teams—made up of a male Mongolian driver and one of our English-speaking female trip assistants—helping create an immersive and well-supported experience. Jess and Tuya are also available throughout your journey via WhatsApp.
  • Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch and welcome drink
  • Entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and museums are included when you are with the local team. Please note this excludes camera tickets.
  • Festival tickets are provided if listed in the itinerary.
  • Camel or horseback rides (please note, riding helmets are not provided)
  • Thoughtful Extras – We add a few gentle surprises—small touches that express our thanks for choosing to travel with us.

Not included in the price

  • International airfare to and from Mongolia
  • Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar: Our trip pricing excludes the price of accommodation in UB though. Why?  Everyone is different is the standard of accommodation they prefer at the start and end of a trip. As there is now such a variety of hotels in UB it is easier to exclude this cost. I provide a list of ideas covering varying standards and budgets and I can also help with booking. There’s everything from a homestay through to Airbnb, US$10 guesthouses and the Shangri-La!
  • Domestic flight where/if applicable including any fees for excess luggage
  • Transfers to/from the airport 
  • Passport and visa fees: Let us know your nationality at the time of booking and we’ll confirm whether you need to apply for a Mongolian visa. It is a relatively easy process depending on your nationality and we can help with some of the formalities.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Gratuities: Each member of the local team receives a responsible but fair salary and none have to rely on receiving gratuities to supplement their income.  In addition, we make sure that everyone who works with us or helps us is fairly rewarded for their work and the service they provide. At the end of the tour, if you wish to make a gratuity to the local team then thank you – it is not compulsory but it is appreciated when given. We give detailed information on booking.
  • Personal Expenses: We provide detailed guidance on booking
  • Alcohol: Alcohol is available to buy in shops and supermarkets throughout your trip, and your team will make regular stops.

Travelling With Our Team

Every journey you take with us is guided by one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams — a female trip assistant and a male driver — who support the day-to-day flow of the trip while sharing insight, conversation, and good company along the way. Our teams use tourism to build more secure, confident futures for themselves and their families, and our female trip assistants — women from backgrounds often overlooked by mainstream tourism — sit at the heart of this work. As our guest, you become part of their personal and professional growth, not just a bystander to it.

Throughout your journey, you’ll be accompanied by one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams, where different ages and life experiences come together. This structure helps navigate social and cultural barriers — from gender roles to expectations around age and authority — softening social boundaries, encouraging shared decision-making, and creating a more open, supportive environment.

We work with and support our team year-round, rather than through short-term or seasonal contracts. These long-standing relationships are built on trust, shared experience, and mutual care. That continuity matters — and it shapes how your journey unfolds on the road.

Our female trip assistants are central to this approach. For many, tourism provides an opportunity to support their families while developing confidence and professional skills over time. They are not performing a role; they are growing into it, alongside us, and shaping their own futures through the work they do.

You’ll also be welcomed by local families with whom we’ve built enduring community partnerships. Their hospitality comes from familiarity and friendship, forming a quiet but meaningful part of your experience.

Behind the scenes, Jess & Turuu (Founders) and Tuya (Office Manager) remain closely involved throughout your journey, offering coordination and support — so even in Mongolia’s most remote places, you are never far from help.

FAQs

We have a detailed FAQ page covering everything from packing lists to payments. Below are answers to the most common questions our guests tend to have at this stage.

Deposit

  • Deposit of US$ 600 pp with flexible payment options for the remaining balance

Booking Conditions

Our booking terms and conditions cover payments, cancellations, and other key details. You can read them here.

  • If you decide to cancel your trip, by choice or necessity, up to 10 weeks before departure, we will fully refund your deposit (and balance if paid). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.
  • If you decide to cancel between 10 and 31 days before departure, we will fully refund your balance (if paid), and your deposit will be held as credit to be used on a different trip instead (with no cut off date. This can be transferred to a friend or family member). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.
  • If you cancel within 30 days of departure, we will retain the following percentage of your deposit and balance.
  • 30 days before departure – 50% of holiday cost
  • 29 – 15 days before departure – 90% of holiday cost
  • Less than 15 days before departure – 100% of holiday cost

Notes

  • There is no time limit on when you may use your deposit credit, but it is non-refundable if you decide to cancel in future.
  • Failure to join the tour will also mean you forfeit the tour cost. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

Riding here is a mix of wide-open country and more demanding terrain that rewards patience and presence. You should feel confident on horseback — able to mount and dismount, control your horse at different paces, and remain comfortable during long hours in the saddle. If you are a beginner and keen to join this trek, we recommend checking with your travel insurance provider to ensure you are fully covered.

The horses

The horses are as much part of the journey as the landscape. Small but powerful, they live semi-wild for much of the year and are independent, tough, and responsive rather than polished. They take time to understand, but that relationship often becomes one of the highlights of the experience.

Tack & equipment

You’ll ride in Russian or Mongolian saddles with felt pads for support. Stirrups are basic but wide-set, with no safety release, and bridles are simple and functional. This is everyday working equipment used by herders — practical, reliable, and very different from what most riders are used to.

What To Expect

This journey suits travellers who are comfortable trading convenience for experience. You’ll sleep in simple tents, sit on the ground, eat straightforward meals prepared by the team (there are no chefs), and spend time dealing with horses, equipment, and the practicalities of travel. Days can bring heat, rain, or strong winds, and plans may shift. If you’re patient, adaptable, and happy with a hands-on, lived-in kind of adventure, you’ll feel at home here.

Altitude & terrain

The Yolt Valley in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park sits at a moderate alpine elevation, typically between 2,000 and 3,000 metres above sea level. Most days you’ll be travelling along the valley floor at around 2,500 metres, with nearby ridges and passes reaching up to 3,250 metres. You’ll feel the effects of altitude, but without the extremes of other areas in the national park.

You should be comfortable walking 15–20km on most days, though some will be shorter. This is an unstructured environment with few marked trails or maps — it’s you, the horsemen, and their pasture land. Expect mixed terrain including gravel, grassland, uneven ground, shallow stream crossings, and, depending on the weather, dust or mud. If you prefer tightly controlled itineraries with fixed timings and distances, this style of trekking may feel challenging.

What To Expect

This journey suits travellers who are comfortable trading convenience for experience. You’ll sleep in simple tents, sit on the ground, eat straightforward meals prepared by the team (there are no chefs), and spend time dealing with horses, equipment, and the practicalities of travel. Days can bring heat, rain, or strong winds, and plans may shift. If you’re patient, adaptable, and happy with a hands-on, lived-in kind of adventure, you’ll feel at home here.

Altitude & terrain

The Yolt Valley in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park sits at a moderate alpine elevation, typically between 2,000 and 3,000 metres above sea level. Most days you’ll be travelling along the valley floor at around 2,500 metres, with nearby ridges and passes reaching up to 3,250 metres. You’ll feel the effects of altitude, but without the extremes of other areas in the national park.

This Is Right For You If…
  • You’re curious, adaptable, and interested in Mongolia as it is — including the occasional bumps along the way
  • You’re comfortable travelling with real people and adapting to change, understanding that plans may shift (with thoughtful alternatives in place)
  • You enjoy unstructured time — space to read, wander, or share a mug of tea, letting the day unfold naturally
  • You value travel that supports more equitable tourism, using travel as a force for positive social impact
     
This May Not Be Right For You If…
  • You prefer luxury accommodation or frequent hot showers
  • You’re uncomfortable with basic rural facilities, including occasional shared accommodation
  • You expect fixed schedules and tightly planned days
  • You’re looking for staged cultural performances or highly curated moments for social media
  • You approach travel with a checklist mindset rather than an interest in everyday life
Accessibility Considerations

Our small-group journeys are shaped around traditional celebrations, rural environments, and specific travel routes. As a result, experiences may or may not be suitable depending on individual accessibility needs. We encourage travellers to review our Accessibility Information page for further detail and to get in touch with us directly with any questions — we’re always happy to talk through what’s possible and help you decide whether a particular trip is the right fit.

Tailor-Made Journey

As a tailor made journey, this allows you some flexibility around the itinerary, we can tailor elements of our Wild Altai Trails to suit your needs. This might include upgrading some accommodation, adjusting travel dates, or extending or shortening the journey. Get in touch to talk through the options and see what’s possible.

 

Visas

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend checking evisa.mn. If you need guidance, we’re happy to help once your booking is confirmed.

International Flights

All international flights arrive at Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). We don’t book international flights, but we can advise on routes and airlines. Most travellers connect via Korea, Turkey, China, or Japan.

Airport transfers are typically included unless your journey begins in Ölgii, Mörön, or the Gobi but do check with Jess. 

Domestic Flights

Some experiences include domestic flights within Mongolia, typically operated by MIAT or Hunnu Air. These are small aircraft, and schedules are subject to weather and operational changes, so flexibility is essential.

Domestic flights are excluded unless stated otherwise, as fares fluctuate. Keeping flights separate helps keep overall trip costs lower for you, but we handle all domestic flight bookings on your behalf.

Baggage allowance on domestic flights:

  • 15kg checked luggage

  • 5kg hand luggage

Excess baggage on domestic flights:

Usually USD $1–3 per kilo paid at check-in  (not always applied)

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for all travellers. While emergencies are rare, your insurance needs to work if something does go wrong. Arranging appropriate coverage is your responsibility.

What this means in practice

If you travel without insurance, you will be personally responsible for any costs arising while you’re away — including medical treatment, evacuation, delays, or other unexpected issues. You may also lose money if you need to cancel your trip and are unable to recover costs.

We provide guidance and links to suitable insurance options once you book.

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 debsi0108 
 
 
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Absolutely best trip ever That was one of my best trips ever. I went on a 19 days tour to the northern part of Mongolia and everything was so well organized. We were only 2 in the group and had an awesome guide plus a driver only for us. The tour gave me very deep and authentic insights to the country and I loved every part of it. Jess the owner of the company is super lovely and very helpful. I can recommend this company 100% to everyone!!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 LavenderFive 
 
 
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Amazing October trip We traveled to Mongolia in October with a group of friends and had an incredible experience with Jess and her team at Eternal Landscapes. Jess's suggested itinerary was perfect for us, and we felt we really got off the beaten path. Staying with local families in ghers, biking and riding horses and camels, being outside and exploring the local countryside and culture: all days were incredible. Our drivers and guides were friendly, helpful and wonderful, as were our host families. We felt so welcome throughout our time. We were lucky to meet Jess one night at a homestay and she is absolutely delightful with a vision for offering authentic experiences in Mongolia. I highly, highly recommend connecting with Jess if you'd like a unique and exciting itinerary for your time in Mongolia.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Dr Jeanette Aditi Holden 
 
 
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I have travelled my entire life, and when I was younger, always on a shoestring. I have always avoided ‘tours’, unless I was volunteering or directly connected with a local organization. I was so deeply grateful to find Eternal Landscapes Mongolia, and so proud to be a part of what they are doing… which is everything right with regards to healthy and ethical ‘tourism’. It is a relief to know how much care and awareness they put into their work. I highly recommend this experience, that allows you to be a part of Mongolian families lives, in a way that is reciprocal & authentic, and based on all the beautiful relationships Eternal Landscapes has created over the years, and work to maintain ! Thank you so much!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Zoe C 
 
 
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Amazing experience I DEEPLY recommend Eternal Landscape to all people willing to explore Mongolia. They accompanied me and other four friends in a 6 days tour in the Gobi desert in August 2017. The thing I appreciated the most was to feel treated as a valuable PERSON, not as a mere source of money, as it happened very often in the tourist sector. I've always felt Eternal Landscape staff’s first objective was to let us get to know and appreciate beautiful Mongolia and have very good vibes about it. I could really feel their love and passion for this country since the very beginning. That impression was proved by little gestures during our stay in Mongolia, such as a free tour in Ulaanbaatar after the tour and some nice souvenirs we received from them. I was impressed by how the director of the agency, Jessica Brook, was responsive to all our requests and needs during the organisational phase before our departure. We had very specific requests about the itinerary and a quite complicated logistics, since part of our group came from China and the other from Ulaanbaatar. All the other agencies we contacted told us they were not able to deal with it, while Eternal Landscapes was and managed to organise a tailor made tour. Before our departure we were able to communicate with Jessica almost on a daily basis to organise the tour in details and ask all the questions we had in mind about operative details and Mongolia more in general. She even helped us booking our train tickets from China to Mongolia and from Mongolia to Russia (two of us went to the Baikal lake after Mongolia). During the tour everything went just perfect. Since everything had been arranged in details, we complied with the planning. Our guides were experienced, so we always felt safe. And this is very important in the desolate lands of Mongolia! They were also friendly, responsive to our requests and sensitive about our needs (including food requirements). To sum up I could not recommend Eternal Landscape enough. You can contact me, should you are not convinced and want to know more about our experience with Eternal Landscapes!!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 PortlyPenguin 
 
 
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Expect the Unexpected and Leave your world behind Favorite part(s)... first and foremost meeting the people of Mongolia. They are happy to see you and say 'hello'... I got to hold an eagle!!! I got to eat horsemeat!! (HIGHLY recommend!!)... clean air.. wide open spaces.. 2 Eagle festivals were both uniquely different and such an experience!Recommendations- they will provide you with a "suggested" list of things to bring. READ IT! Highly highly recommend 2 things- earplugs and a good inflatable mattress for back support. Also leave your "that's not how we do it where i'm from" attitude at home.. immerse yourself and just take a deep breath and, like my group did when we hit a moment of "irritations and difficulties on the tour" and say to yourself, "i'm in f**king Mongolia!!!!"
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Maiju V 
 
 
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Experiencing the authentic Mongolia I joined the amazing Khovsgol trails tour by Eternal Landscapes, and it was definitely worth it. The trip was well organized, and the trip assistants, guides and drivers were professional, warm and knowledgeable. It was clear that they love their country and culture, and always walk the extra mile to ensure that the guests are happy. Their impressive cooking, driving and organizational skills as well as brilliant sense of humour elevate the whole experience to a new level. Many thanks! 😊 The trip itself was nicely paced – it was not too rushed, but during these two weeks we got to experience a lot. In some occasions, the original plans had to be changed, but the team always managed to rearrange the schedules and make everything work.  Mongolia might not be an easy destination, but it is a fascinating country to visit. There will be long drives, changes in plans and waiting around, but that’s how the country works – in return, we got to see the authentic herder lifestyle, untouched nature and amazing landscapes and experience the friendly and welcoming Mongolian culture. It was magical to stand on top of a hill in the morning sun, observe the serene view to a valley and hear a shaman drum from the distance. In the bigger picture, getting to know the Mongolian way of life gave me new perspectives to our western society and values. I warmly recommend to experience this unique country with a reliable, professional company with strong ethical principles. Eternal Landscapes is definitely a five star partner for the adventure in Mongolia and I can wholeheartedly recommend them.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Kelly G 
 
 
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Superb Staff Travelled to Ulaanbattar and onto the Gobi and back. Jess helped the group of five plan a great ten day trip. Weather turned bad on the way to the Gobi and one of the vans got stuck in the snow. This was no problem for the drivers and the the Russian vans. The guides surprised me with a no bake bday cake on the last night. Excellent!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Cherilyn M 
 
 
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Amazing window onto life in Mongolia. This is a review of my two trips with EL, in June 2015 and March 2017.Our first trip with Eternal Landscapes was the first time I had ever travelled outside North America or Europe. I considered a number of travel companies, but Jess’s promptness of response and warmth at the outset, answering all my questions and putting together a plan that made sense for our family (parents and two teenagers) was quickly the deciding factor in favor of going with Eternal Landscapes. Our actual trip was about two weeks long, featuring lots of walking, driving, camping, and a bit of horseback riding. We had a guide and driver, and our family travelled in a Russian furgon, which is kind of like a 4WD VW bus on steroids. Highlights included visiting with a local family in the Orkhon river valley, finding wild peonies, riding camels in the Gobi desert, and the amazing feeling of being able to walk cross country without a path and camping in beautiful spots. Jess even set up a private concert for us featuring local folk musicians. I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience that even now I have a hard time putting it into words. At the same time, the price tag was moderate compared to other choices. The style of travel was very basic, but this certainly wasn’t an issue, and allowed us to get a taste of life more similar to what people who live there experience.Two years later, I went back alone, and joined a small group travelling to Western Mongolia. This trip was led by Jess directly, and was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. For one thing it was in the winter (spring really, encompassing the Nauryz festival in Ulgii), and we stayed almost exclusively in people’s homes. We stayed in the homes of several eagle hunters, met their families, shared meals, played games. This involved lots of sleeping on the floor, sometimes in a room containing all of us plus the entire family, but the privilege of having this kind of a window onto people’s daily lives is still astonishing to me. Also on this trip, I was able to spend a bit more time in Ulaan Baatar, visiting a family in a ger district and a felt-making workshop, and these were also highlights of the trip. Both trips were well organized and we were comfortable and well fed. The activities tended to be low key and unscheduled -- walking, driving, visiting, having tea, waiting around for a parade to start, but this felt natural, and by the same token it was easy to find time to explore on our own a little, which generally took the form of walking up the nearest hillside. The guides, aka “trip advisors” were kind, helpful, and responsible, and although occasionally language issues emerged, they would be on the phone to Jess sorting things out satisfactorily. There is very little good that can be said about driving in Mongolia, but the drivers were experienced and responsible and we felt safe. They were also excellent ad hoc mechanics, constantly taking care of the beast (and fixing a flat on the way to the Gobi, where not a single car came by during the two hours we were stopped on the road).Anyway I can’t say enough good things about Jess and Eternal Landscapes, if you are looking for a window onto real life in Mongolia. This is not a luxury outfit, and you’ll go longer than you ever thought possible without indoor plumbing, but you gain far more than you give up travelling with EL.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Dunja R profile picture 
 
 
 Dunja R 
 
 
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Amazing Mongolia Amazing snapshot of Mongolia ! Amarra and Nyemka were best team and went above and beyond for all of us.Can’t fault this trip.Amarra , our tour leader was great and made everything so easy and enjoyable!The itinerary was spot on, we enjoyed every stop, and all activities were amazing too. This trip provides the most authentic Experience possible! I would highly recommend if you Are someone who loves am adventure. I especially loved the geir home stay and my tour group .
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 David Salmanowitz profile picture 
 
 
 David Salmanowitz 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
A top notch extremely well run operation, had the trip of a lifetime on so many levels. Highly recommended!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 craj11_11 profile picture 
 
 
 craj11_11 
 
 
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Small personalised perfect tours for travellers I found Jess on Tripadvisor Forum and I am so grateful to travellers who post there, as the recommendations were found to be spot on. I was looking for a small private tour rather than joining a large group organised by large international tourist companies, and especially I did not want to share a ger or tent with 5 strangers. Having found Jess I set about inviting friends to join me. I had a ger to myself and the other three couples had a ger each. Jess was organised and sufficiently prompt in responding to queries for me to have complete faith in her suggestions. And the tour was very good value. The trip assistants, who were also our wonderful cooks learned on our first trip to the supermarket (also fascinating) that everyone wanted healthy food, and so rather than the predicted daily boiled mutton we had lots of salads, vegetable and noodle soup (with some mutton), pesto pasta as well as traditional Mongolian foods. Whilst in the early days we offered to help chopping vegetables, the assistants were so amazingly efficient that we found we were more likely to get in their way. And we also had restaurant meals when we were in a town or city. Every day of the tour provided new surprises; one of the benefits of a private tour is that the keen photographers on our tour could ask the driver to stop the vehicles to capture the special moments. Our two drivers were great and also very handy, able to fix any car issue as well as stopping to help other stranded tour groups!Eternal Landscapes also has a social responsibility approach to travel which was admirable. The big highlight was of course Naadam, which provided extraordinary photographic opportunities.Other hightlights: - We had a wonderful unmissable and unforgettable night with a goat herder nomad family – a priceless experience that was completely Mongolian. (The seven of us shared one of the family’s gers on this occasion).- We covered a large variety of landscapes and Jess incorporated walks into the tour on many days so that we could be IN the landscape. - And we were able to interact with Mongolian people who came to visit us at our lunch stops, teach us archery and about archery competition, play musical instruments/ throat sing, in the arena at Naadam as well as to our times shopping for our meals.I have no hesitation in recommending Eternal Landscapes. We had a truly wonderful trip.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 alex d profile picture 
 
 
 alex d 
 
 
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Phenomenal Trip of a Lifetime I was lucky enough to spend a week with the Eternal landscapes team, more specifically with Khisgee my trip assistant and Sandag our driver as I cycled through parts of the Gobi desert and Western Mongolia. I can honestly say, I've never met a team who are so passionate and caring about what they do, but also who believe so strongly in the principles of real authentic tourism. Both Sandag and Khisgee were great entertainment as I worked on my Mongolian throughout the trip, but also chuckled at me several times hurtling on my bicycle through the desert. The eternal landscapes team have a great reputation amongst the Mongolian countryside and the people here, which is such an important aspect of choosing a tour group, as they'll drive you deep into remote areas of Mongolia and you'll be welcome with open arms to catch and sheer sheep, ride camels and horses and use slingshots with the kids. I couldn't recommend this team any more, and don't hesistate in using them.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 livinglifetothefull1 profile picture 
 
 
 livinglifetothefull1 
 
 
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Attention to Detail was Amazing I found Jess and Eternal Landscapes through a search on tripAdvisor. I wanted a tour that incorporated Nadaam as well as the Gobi desert for myself and my husband. Jess was very prompt to reply and gave us a personal touch in putting together a plan that suited us. I have never received such a high level of personal service when dealing with a travel company.Once in Mongolia everyone that we met from the company were fantastic.Our guide Amaraa couldn't do enough for us and her cooking skills were great - we even had pizza in the Gobi dessert! Bayarra our driver didn't speak much English but that didn't matter as we still played cards and felt very safe with him at all times.The ethics of the company were what really stood out for me - you know that the employees are treated well and I felt I was giving back to the country rather than some large tour group run overseas.Book with this company - you will not regret it!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Peter M profile picture 
 
 
 Peter M 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Amazing Mongolia with the amazing Eternal Landscapes We travelled with Eternal Landscapes on their 23 day Untamed Mongolia trip. Wow, what a trip!Let's be honest. It's Mongolia, first and foremost, that is the star. Wonderful scenery, fascinating history, a living, breathing culture and big skies. Astounding. Go. You'll love it. And it's uncrowded. But who to go with? Well, in most instances, my wife and I prefer to organise our own itinerary. But Mongolia is big, largely devoid of road signs in its vast landscapes and we felt local knowledge would add greatly to our travel experience. An organised trip seemed to be the best option. We initially chose Eternal Landscapes for their sustainable credentials. We got so much more. Their group size is maximum of 6 (4 guests on our tour), so we never overwhelmed anywhere we stopped. Jess and Turuu, the owners of EL, have searched for the less visited, and rarely visited locations (as well as the big highlights). The mix of private Ger accommodation, camping and regional hotel stays was good. When we camped (my favourite) we were always by ourselves and always in a stunning location. And there were no tourist Ger camps for us, just family run and authentic. Our guides and drivers were knowledgable, enthusiastic and great fun. We visited places other tour groups didn't go, we walked to amazing vistas and historic monasteries. But it was never hurried and there was always time. We laughed, we celebrated and we had, perhaps, our best trip ever. We loved Mongolia and our time with Eternal Landscapes so much we're going back. This time in winter.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 IvanaParty profile picture 
 
 
 IvanaParty 
 
 
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Well organised and interactive small group tour to Western Mongolia I joined the Eternal Landscape small group tour Altai and Eagles in September 2018, and it was an amazing experience. The highlight of the tour was the Eagle festival where we had the opportunity to see Eagle hunters we had met and stayed with en route show off their skills, as well as to observe some other local sports (wrestling, archery, wife catching races....).The trip offered the unique experience of traveling through Mongolia in the famous Furgon - each furgon is different and personalised but all are extremely safe and far more reliable than the western 4x4s of which we encountered a number stuck in rivers and on rough dirt roads. The accommodation was mixed - sometimes we stayed in separate visitor gers, other times on the floor of the family ger with the family. However the experience was always wonderful - the families were busy but welcoming, and we had up close encounters with the eagles and hunters we later saw in action at the festival.The EL employees were also very good - diligent in working with the tourists to experience the best of Mongolia, and always respectful and pleasant to the host families.Food was mixed - generally meat heavy so if you’re a vegetarian bring some supplements - but meal times were social and enjoyable. The team even produced a birthday cake one day for one of the group! And there were always tea and biscuits with the host families.This isn’t a luxury holiday so if long drops and sleeping bags on the ground aren’t your thing, this holiday isn’t for you. However if you want to experience the real Mongolia in a unique and respectful way, it is highly recommended.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Jeanne W profile picture 
 
 
 Jeanne W 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Extremely helpful Jess at Eternal Landscapes was so helpful and patient with all of my questions over email - even though my dates didn't work out and I didn't actually get to go on an EL trip, I would highly recommend EL as a tour group. They were so considerate and supportive and took the time to listen to all my concerns!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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