FAQs

A: Visiting a nomadic eagle hunter’s family in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in Western Mongolia is the most popular destination activity and can be combined with trekking, a glacier visit, horseback riding, and fishing.

The West is a vast, sparsely populated region also inhabited by some of Mongolia’s ethnic minorities such as the Kazakhs. Approximately 5,000 tourists, domestic and international, visit Western Mongolia a year. This is a beautiful and isolated place that rarely receives visitors.

Popular photography tours include following nomadic families’ winter migration or a visit to Northern Mongolia’s reindeer herder peoples.

A: We are very flexible with customizing your trip according to your interests and special requirements. We have a choice of vehicle/transport types, the option to bring extra types of food, and often we have a choice of accommodation type (at least Ger or tent).

A: Due to the remoteness of many of our destinations, part of most journeys involves the use of an off-road 4×4 vehicle as the countryside of Mongolia does not have many roads, nor are the existing roads usually well paved. We can opt for a more costly and stable Land Cruiser or use a classic Russian van model with slightly more space.

A: When you stay for a night in the city or towns, you will have the option to stay in a shared local hotel or in a tour camp, depending on your itinerary. Hotel and camps are clean, have a shower, bar, and restaurant. Single hotel rooms on tour aren’t included in our landed costs, but are sometimes available during transit stops for a night in the city or town.

On the road, we will sleep in a traditional Mongolian Ger, in a tent, a teepee (in the case of visiting the Reindeer Herder people of Northern Mongolia), or sometimes in a small town hotel.

A: The countryside of Mongolia has a lot of nice activities such as hiking, climbing and horseback riding in Altai national park, which will require some physical preparations.

Generally, you don’t need to be especially physically fit to travel Mongolia and when we have days of trekking or riding, we can be flexible on the duration and distances. That said, the more fit you are, the more physical activities you will be able to enjoy comfortably and for longer.

A: Almost every small village has a cell phone signal and 4G network in Mongolia. Though when we travel deep into national park remote areas connections will be unavailable or unstable. We can still try to get a cell phone connection from higher ground. Global satellite phones usually work fine throughout Mongolia.

A: We recommend bringing power banks or solar chargers for a trip to the Mongolian countryside. For gadgets compatible with 12V, we provide a car battery for charging during the trip. For larger group tours of 8+ guests we bring an electric generator with us.

A: Trekking limit per day is around 14km to 17km max, and we can choose routes or distances that are much shorter than that if desired by your group.

A: Fishing in western Mongolia is a great opportunity with all the freshwater lakes and rivers, and sometimes requires a permit which we can help you obtain. You can bring your fishing equipment with you.

A: Traditional hunting with golden eagles is what we do mostly. Although the local eagle hunters bring their guns during hunting with golden eagles to shoot bigger animals. Sayat Travel does not support tourism for big game trophy hunting or unsustainable hunting practices.

A: National park and protected area travel permits are required, which we help facilitate for each traveler so you need not worry.

A: During your tour you will visit small villages and local nomadic Yurt/Ger shops where nomadic families visit for common community supplies. Everything can be found in these small shops except fruits and vegetables.

A: During your tour you will visit small villages and local nomadic Yurt/Ger shops where nomadic families visit for common community supplies. Everything can be found in these small shops except fruits and vegetables.

We will make sure that your products/ fruit and vegetables/ will last until the end of tour.

A: In Ulaanbaatar, you will be dining at fine European and Asian cuisine restaurants. Mutton, beef, rice and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your basic meals on any tour will be based around these local staples. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! On some days there will be lunchboxes from camp as there are no camps or eating places on the journey to cook lunch.

It is good food for cold weather and long walks, and our experience has been that guests are happy with the choices and ingredients.

We are happy to amend the selection with locally available alternatives depending on your needs, and can cook most types of food you would like to bring with you (i.e. Mac n’ Cheese).

A: Different kinds of birds including golden eagles, wild horses, Yaks, Bactrian camels, Ibexes, Argali sheep, foxes, marmots, rabbits, and perhaps you might get a glimpse of a rare snow leopard

Mongolia is a land of breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural experiences. Here are some of the best things to see in Mongolia:

1. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
   Explore the majestic Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, home to the Potanin Glacier and the five sacred peaks. This remote area offers stunning views, alpine lakes, and opportunities for trekking or horseback riding. It's also a chance to meet nomadic eagle hunters, who maintain the ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles.

2. Gobi Desert
   The Gobi Desert is a must-see, known for its vast dunes, rugged cliffs, and unique wildlife. Key highlights include the towering Khongoryn Els sand dunes, the Flaming Cliffs where dinosaur fossils were discovered, and the Yol Valley, a dramatic ice-filled gorge.

3. Reindeer Herders
   In the northern Taiga region, you can visit the reindeer herders, a small community of Tsaatan people who live in harmony with their herds. Their traditional way of life, unique culture, and spiritual connection to the land make this an unforgettable experience.

4. Nomadic Eagle Hunters
   Witness the incredible skills of nomadic eagle hunters in Western Mongolia. These Kazakh nomads train golden eagles for hunting and demonstrate their mastery during the annual Eagle Festival. It’s a rare glimpse into a centuries-old tradition.

Whether you’re exploring the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, marveling at the vastness of the Gobi Desert, or experiencing the culture of reindeer herders and eagle hunters, Mongolia promises an adventure like no other.

A: Snow leopards are found in the remote mountainous regions of Mongolia, primarily in the Altai Mountains and the South Gobi Desert's rocky terrain. Protected areas like Tavan Bogd National Park and Gurvansaikhan National Park are hotspots for snow leopard conservation and sightings.