FAQs

Domestic Flights

Ulgii city is situated in the far west corner of Mongolia and about 1700 km far from Ulaanbaatar. The easiest and fastest way to reach Western Mongolia is, of course, catching a flight from Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Last a couple years, only one airline is serving flights to Ulgii regularly (Aero Mongolia). 

To support tourism, the government assigned another airline to serve domestic flights. Between July 4- September 19, 2023 Miat will be serving flights twice a week. 

The third airline (Hunnu air) will serve flights to Ulgii in late September till early October for Eagle Festival time.

We can book the air tickets for you upon request.

Bus

You can get to Ulgii by bus and it takes about 36 hours. If you don’t mind taking about two day long drive spending and want to spend less money this is the option for you. The buses leave daily.

Place deposit of 400 USD per person to secure your tour, seat and email the receipt taking the photo of it. 

Pay the remaining balance at least 30 days prior to your arrival.

Payments will be made by bank wire transfer via SWIFT in USD. 

Two months (60 calendar days) or more prior to the tour start date: $100 for administration charge

Between 31-59 days prior to the tour start date: tour deposit ($400 per person)

Between 8-30 days prior to the tour start date: 60% of the total tour price

7 days or less before the tour start date or no show:  80% of the total tour cost

After you land in Ulgii airport, look out for your name on a placard held by Trekmates Travel representative.

Mainly 4WD Russian minivans (UAZ) are provided on our tours since they are very powerful, reliable and easy to fix vehicles in case of breakdown, unlike Jeeps. With its spacious cabin and big trunk allowing to travel up to 7 parties, they are the most suitable vehicles to bumpy, unpaved mountain roads.

Japanese 4WD jeeps (Land cruiser, Prado) are also provided for those who want to travel in comfort and with speed for some extra money. Unlike Russian minivans, they allow only 3-4 people to travel.

Mongolia has four seasons, yet colder months outnumber the warmer ones in the Altai mountains region due to the high elevation. Summer months start by the arrival of June and around Ulgii town and lower elevations, the weather gets considerably warm, and tours start to the mountains and national parks. However, early June is still colder for long day trekking tours. After 10 of June, the weather is much warmer and suitable for all types of trips to the Altai mountains. The best time for trekking, hiking, and mountain climbing tours is from mid-June to early September.

Summer months in the Altai mountains region starts from June and continue until September. The summer months are hot and dry with occasional rain mainly in August. It fluctuates between 10C to 25C degrees and it can drop below zero at nights in the mountains. Strong winds can also be experienced. Due to the high elevation the weather in Altai mountains are unpredictable and it is advised to be prepared for all weather conditions. 

A variety of Mongolian and Western meals are provided during our tours. Vegetarian meals are provided as well upon request.

Despite being a small town Ulgii has several good hotels and we’ll book your room at the best ones. During your trip around the country, you will be camping and staying at traditional yurt (felt tent).  You will be provided with three people tent if you are two people and two people tent if you are a solo traveler.

You can exchange following currencies (EUR, USD, RUB, YUAN) at money exchange places and banks in Ulgii. There are ATMs that accept visa and master cards as well.

White River valley is at an altitude of 2400 metres.
The base camp of Tavan Bogd peaks is at an altitude of 2400 metre 3000 metres.
Khoton and Khurgan lakes are at an altitude of 2100 metres.