Western Altai Tours
Western Altai Tours
5
Multi-day Tours4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursHiking & Camping ToursNature & Wildlife ToursHorseback Riding Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
We are Western Mongolian local company based in the heart of Altai Mountains. Our team is consist of experienced local guides, drivers and cooks as well as we work with local nomads. Experience truly nomadic hospitality and wild nature of Western Altai in the Altai Mountains. We offer: Trekking tours Horse riding tours Cultural tours Golden Eagle Hunting tours 4x4 adventure tours
Olgiy, Mongolia
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Western Altai Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
16 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
sonia f
Rome, Italy35 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
My husband and I have just returned from a great 13-day driving-trip with Western Altai Tours.
Many thanks to Taskhyn and his team for their availability, kindness and organization!
While organizing our trip, I contacted 18 different Tour Operators in Ulgii submitting our idea for the itinerary; eventually Taskhyn turned out to be the one that impressed me with most thanks to the promptness of his response and the accuracy of his suggestions. Also their price turned out to be the best offer we received. He also helped us to buy Miat tickets for our international and domestic flights.
During the trip, we had an English-speaking guide, a cook and a driver who took care of all our needs. Our guide, Sofia, was so good in paying attention to any possible need of ours, our cook provided such delicious traditional food, our driver was always smiling, efficient and incredibly good at driving. The tent was excellent, proving to be very sturdy in a couple of rainy/windy nights, and the kitchen tent was pleasant and spacious. We had some long driving days, and, although our UAZ-452 4x4 Van was at times a bit uncomfortable, it made us feel very safe and in tune with the places we visited.
The two nights we stayed in a hotel, in Ulgii, Taskhyn booked for us a very good accommodation and he personally took us out to dinner at the best restaurants in town, showing sincere pleasure in spending time with us. On the day of departure, he personally took us to the airport and even gave us a farewell gift.
The tour was really a positive experience for us, it gave us the opportunity to cross the majestic landscapes of Mongolia, to have great hikes and horse rides, to socialize with local Kazak families who invited us to have a tea in their own gers while they were playing their traditional music instrument.
We definitely recommend this tour company for a trip in Western Mongolia.
Many thanks to Taskhyn and his team for their availability, kindness and organization!
While organizing our trip, I contacted 18 different Tour Operators in Ulgii submitting our idea for the itinerary; eventually Taskhyn turned out to be the one that impressed me with most thanks to the promptness of his response and the accuracy of his suggestions. Also their price turned out to be the best offer we received. He also helped us to buy Miat tickets for our international and domestic flights.
During the trip, we had an English-speaking guide, a cook and a driver who took care of all our needs. Our guide, Sofia, was so good in paying attention to any possible need of ours, our cook provided such delicious traditional food, our driver was always smiling, efficient and incredibly good at driving. The tent was excellent, proving to be very sturdy in a couple of rainy/windy nights, and the kitchen tent was pleasant and spacious. We had some long driving days, and, although our UAZ-452 4x4 Van was at times a bit uncomfortable, it made us feel very safe and in tune with the places we visited.
The two nights we stayed in a hotel, in Ulgii, Taskhyn booked for us a very good accommodation and he personally took us out to dinner at the best restaurants in town, showing sincere pleasure in spending time with us. On the day of departure, he personally took us to the airport and even gave us a farewell gift.
The tour was really a positive experience for us, it gave us the opportunity to cross the majestic landscapes of Mongolia, to have great hikes and horse rides, to socialize with local Kazak families who invited us to have a tea in their own gers while they were playing their traditional music instrument.
We definitely recommend this tour company for a trip in Western Mongolia.
Written July 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis R
Anchorage, AK12 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip we booked with Taskhyn. His itinerary was challenging but doable at a slow pace for us 69 & 70 years olds. His preparations included an excellent Kazakh cook who provided traditional foods, and always had hot tea to deal with some cold windy weather. The tents he provided were excellent in some wet and windy nights, and the kitchen tent always a happy place for conversations. His uncle Beket has a PhD in botany and greatly enriched our understanding of the Altai flora, and his many stories about life in Mongolia from a local perspective. The camel drivers were pros of trekking through the mountains, and our jeep driver very skilled too. I’m glad we booked with Taskhyn since the Altai are his home, and a guide from Ulaanbaatar would not know the region, Kazakh culture, mountain herding people, local camel drivers as well as what we got with Western Altai Tours.
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth R
Krabi12 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We have just returned from a truly excellent 11 day trekking trip with Taskhyn of Western Altai Tours. He provided exceptional service before, during and after the tour answering all our queries before arrival and helping to arrange transport. From the minute we met him until he saw us off onto our flight back to UB, he was attentive, informative and attuned to our safety and comfort, including managing dietary requirements. Taskhyn is extremely personable and speaks excellent English. He was able to expound on all aspects of Mongolian history, culture, flora and fauna. I travelled with my 15 year old son and we both enjoyed our time immensely. For an absolutely authentic, off-the-tourist-trail experience, but with none of the uncertainty, we couldn't recommend this company more highly.
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
badaclava
London, UK8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I arrived in Khovd without any plans over land. I got in touch and they were able to put together a three day visit for me that made sense for my schedule and my budget. I was solo and it was off season, so I was impressed we were able to do as much as we did.
I met the driver in Oglii, and he helped with onward transport after the tour. They also were able to help with adding cell phone credit and other necessities, which can be challenging in Mongolia without the language. My driver didn't speak English (a translator is definitely available) but he spoke enough Russian that we got by. I also used WhatsApp to speak to the owner of the tour company who was in Ulaanbaatar.
I stayed with a host family about 50 kilometers west of the city. It was a total immersion experience, I had a room in a winter house and ate with the family. I got to see how they took care of their hunting eagle and did a nice long horse ride through the territory. The surroundeds are beautiful and I spent much time just walking around.
You can add on chefs, translators, guides and other services, along with of course longer trips into the national park. But I was pleased with what was arranged and definitely would recommend these guys.
I met the driver in Oglii, and he helped with onward transport after the tour. They also were able to help with adding cell phone credit and other necessities, which can be challenging in Mongolia without the language. My driver didn't speak English (a translator is definitely available) but he spoke enough Russian that we got by. I also used WhatsApp to speak to the owner of the tour company who was in Ulaanbaatar.
I stayed with a host family about 50 kilometers west of the city. It was a total immersion experience, I had a room in a winter house and ate with the family. I got to see how they took care of their hunting eagle and did a nice long horse ride through the territory. The surroundeds are beautiful and I spent much time just walking around.
You can add on chefs, translators, guides and other services, along with of course longer trips into the national park. But I was pleased with what was arranged and definitely would recommend these guys.
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohazmi M
4 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Exploring Western Mongolia with Western Altai Tours was a perfect choice. Their warm hospitality was felt from the very first day we step into Ulgii. We were able to experience the nomadic living staying in the ger, horse riding, hiking up the Altai mountain range and attending the eagle festival! We were surprised with the different traditional food served everyday! Thanks to Taskhyn and his team for the great adventure. Will sure to come back to this scenic and peaceful land!!
Written October 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
harvmart
Calgary, Canada1 contribution
Nov 2017 • Solo
I was one of eight participants in a Kevin Pepper Photographic Workshop. Taskhyn joined the group in Ulgii, as a local guide, for three days while we were in Western Mongolia. We photographed eagles with their masters in a variety of settings, posing and in flight, horse shoeing, tug of war, making aaruul as well as other everyday life activity as it unfolded around us. Tashkyn's input was very much appreciated by the group facilitating these activities and explaining to us what was going on. He also accompanied us for a morning in the Ulgii market, serving as interpreter and guide. He has a good command of English, a pleasant, engaging manner, forthcoming with a wide range of local knowledge from livestock practices to religion.
Written October 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you dear Harvey! It was a pleasure working with you.
Written November 5, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alban N
Paris, France8 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We contact Tashkyn from Western Altai and he organized us a very nice 11 days trip in the Altai region. We shared the nomad family life and attended the Golden Eagle hunter festival in Olgii with an excellent team that included driver, amazing cooker and English speaking guide. Thanks to the team, we lived the perfect combination of cultural experience, trek, horse riding and we really experienced the legendary nomad hospitality.
We totally recommend Western Altay Tours as they were very attentive to our questions, well organised and provided us a very authentic experience.
We totally recommend Western Altay Tours as they were very attentive to our questions, well organised and provided us a very authentic experience.
Written October 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your support and advice Alban. I hope you had a great time in Mongolia and please visit again after few years not just you and Fiorella come with your children :).
Written November 5, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mrsgunflint
Windsor, CO10 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
In September of 2018 my husband and I took a 15-day private tour in western Mongolia with Western Altai Tours guided by the owner, Taskhyn Khalamkhan. He had planned an excellent customized itinerary for us which took us to the homes of several Eagle Hunters, camping in the Altai mountains, and to the Eagle Festival near Olgii. We were impressed with his intimate knowledge of the area, since he and his staff personally knew (or were related to!) almost everyone we met. Our driver, Ascar, was extremely good at his job, and constantly worked hard as the camp assistant, mechanic, cook’s helper, and overall go-to guy. We had a private cook, Makpal, the whole time also, who prepared three delicious hot meals daily, with a wide variety of recipes and ingredients. Taskhyn had requested our dietary preferences ahead of time, and we also had all the snacks and hot beverages we wanted.
The primary purpose of the trip was photography of the nomadic and eagle hunters’ way of life, along with the incredible Mongolian scenery. This tour gave us everything we dreamed of in the way of photographic opportunities, along with the ability to socialize with the locals and actually live their lifestyle by staying in their own yurts/gers and in their homes. We met champion eagle hunters, including Aisholpan Nurgaiv, and the oldest eagle hunter, and we were welcomed into all their homes with various yak tea ceremonies and cultural rites. Much of our driving followed the beautiful Khovd river valley, even up into the Altai Mountains.
The few nights we stayed in hotels, in Olgii and Khovd, Taskhyn booked us the best rooms with the best service, and for our rural nights (gers or tents) he and his staff made every accommodation to keep us comfortable and pampered. Taskhyn also arranged some unique experiences, such as a “private concert” by two local musicians, playing a Kazakh string instrument, the dombra, and a unique Russian accordion-style instrument called a garmon. He also showed us archaeological treasures few have seen, the balbal stones, ancient petroglyphs, stone circles, and eerie old cemeteries. We had a private photo shoot of five Kazakh eagle hunters, mounted on their beautiful horses, dressed in full regalia, in the warm late afternoon sun which we will never forget.
There were some long driving days, but the time seemed to fly as we gazed at the vistas of the steppe, at the yak and camel herds, and as Taskhyn educated us about the nomadic way of life and Mongolian history. He was very knowledgable and easy to talk to, and very accommodating of our “tourist” questions and concerns. We got thousands of wonderful photos, and immensely enjoyed the two-day Eagle Festival with photo ops of eagle performances, goat-pulling, camel-racing, and various other rodeo-type events.
Travel in western Mongolia lacks the niceties of luxury travel, but if you seek a unique and customized western Mongolian adventure, we highly recommend traveling with Western Altai Tours since they did such an excellent job for us, and were very dependable and helpful in every way.
David and Deborah George, Colorado
The primary purpose of the trip was photography of the nomadic and eagle hunters’ way of life, along with the incredible Mongolian scenery. This tour gave us everything we dreamed of in the way of photographic opportunities, along with the ability to socialize with the locals and actually live their lifestyle by staying in their own yurts/gers and in their homes. We met champion eagle hunters, including Aisholpan Nurgaiv, and the oldest eagle hunter, and we were welcomed into all their homes with various yak tea ceremonies and cultural rites. Much of our driving followed the beautiful Khovd river valley, even up into the Altai Mountains.
The few nights we stayed in hotels, in Olgii and Khovd, Taskhyn booked us the best rooms with the best service, and for our rural nights (gers or tents) he and his staff made every accommodation to keep us comfortable and pampered. Taskhyn also arranged some unique experiences, such as a “private concert” by two local musicians, playing a Kazakh string instrument, the dombra, and a unique Russian accordion-style instrument called a garmon. He also showed us archaeological treasures few have seen, the balbal stones, ancient petroglyphs, stone circles, and eerie old cemeteries. We had a private photo shoot of five Kazakh eagle hunters, mounted on their beautiful horses, dressed in full regalia, in the warm late afternoon sun which we will never forget.
There were some long driving days, but the time seemed to fly as we gazed at the vistas of the steppe, at the yak and camel herds, and as Taskhyn educated us about the nomadic way of life and Mongolian history. He was very knowledgable and easy to talk to, and very accommodating of our “tourist” questions and concerns. We got thousands of wonderful photos, and immensely enjoyed the two-day Eagle Festival with photo ops of eagle performances, goat-pulling, camel-racing, and various other rodeo-type events.
Travel in western Mongolia lacks the niceties of luxury travel, but if you seek a unique and customized western Mongolian adventure, we highly recommend traveling with Western Altai Tours since they did such an excellent job for us, and were very dependable and helpful in every way.
David and Deborah George, Colorado
Written November 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ati T
5 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
Taskhyn is a reliable, experienced and trustworthy tour provider in Western Mongolia. You'll have a great trip!
Written October 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Ati!
Written November 5, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ben M
Sydney, Australia14 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
We visited Altai Tavan Bogd National Park with Taskhyn for a trekking and camping trip in August and September 2019 and had an amazing time. Taskhyn is a great guide and he runs a well organised outfit. The park is beautiful and a must do if you’re heading to Mongolia. Would definitely recommend going with Western Altai Tours - you will likely also save quite a bit compared to booking with a UB based company.
Written September 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience