Home / About Mongolia / Western Mongolia

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Western Mongolia, where unspoiled landscapes and a vibrant nomadic culture await. This article serves as your guide to the must-visit places in Western Mongolia, showcasing its remarkable beauty and ensuring your travel experience is truly unforgettable. Discover ancient traditions, awe-inspiring vistas, and unique encounters with nomadic communities as you explore this captivating region.

Western Mongolia offers a captivating blend of untouched landscapes, nomadic traditions, and unparalleled natural beauty. From the majestic Altai Mountains to the serene Khovsgol Lake and the cultural riches of Bayan-Ulgii, this region promises a truly immersive and unforgettable travel experience. Plan your journey, explore the hidden gems of Western Mongolia, and create lifelong memories in this captivating corner of the world.

Altai Mountain Range in Western Mongolia

Altai Mountain Range is located in the west and southwestern part of Mongolia stretching through the territories of 5 provinces. This majestic mountain range consists of two huge separate mountain ranges, Mongol Altai Mountain Range that stretches for 900 km and Gobi Altai Mountain Range that extends for about 700 km. The ranges have heights of 3500 – 4374 meters above sea level. The highest peaks, many over 4000 meters, are permanently covered with glaciers and snow while the valleys have green pastures, that support millions of livestock as well as diverse species of wild animals like wild Argali sheep, Siberian ibex, snow leopard, saiga antelope, gazelle, white and black-tailed antelope, wolf, fox, and marmot. These valleys are dotted with small communities of nomadic families and there are hundreds of astonishingly freshwater lakes and streams. Mountain climbing, hiking, relaxing in untouched nature and exploring the variety of nomadic cultural heritages are great activities to be enjoyed in western Mongolia.

​​​​Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in the Western Mongolia

Called “The Roof of Mongolia”, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is in the far west of Mongolia near the borders of Russia and China. The park has an area of 636200 hectares and the highest point is the peak of Khuiten Uul reaching 4374 meters above sea level. Altai Tavan Bogd means Five Holy Peaks of Altai, Khuiten, Naran, Ulgii, Burged and Malchin. The park includes Mongolia’s highest peaks, perpetually snow-capped with beautiful glaciers including the 20 km long Potanin Glacier, the longest in Mongolia. The stunning freshwater lakes of Khoton, Khurgan, and Dayan are there in the park. Fauna includes Argali sheep, ibex, maral (Asiatic red deer), stone marten, deer, elk, Altai snow cock and eagles. There are many archeological sites with many balbal - Turkic stone figures, deer stone monuments, burial mounds, and petroglyphs.

Kharkhiraa Turgen Mountain Range of Western Mongolia

The mountains of Kharkhiraa Uul and Turgen Uul are perpetually snowcapped. Kharkhiraa Mountain reaches 4038 meters above sea level and Turgen Mountain reaches 3965 meters. Here there are many kinds of rare plants and animals such as snow leopard and wild Argali sheep. The mountain range is a great place for hiking. ​​​

​Ethnic Groups in Western Mongolia

Western Mongolia is Mongolia’s most heterogeneous area with a Khalkh majority and minorities of Kazakh, Bayad, Durvud, Uriankhai, Zakhchin, Myangad, Oold, Torguud, Khoton, Tuvan ethnic groups.

Kazakh – Eagle Hunters of Western Mongolia

About 90% of Bayan-Ulgii Province population is Kazakh and almost all of them are Muslim. They speak both Kazakh and Mongolian languages. The Kazakh is a minority that has a different culture from the Mongols, herding goats and hunting with trained eagles. Kazakh people hunt with specially trained eagles, the real pride of the Kazakhs. In Bayan-Ulgii you may visit Kazakh eagle hunter’s family and learn about the Kazakh people’s unique lifestyle, traditions and how they train the eagles for hunting.​

​Gurvan Tsenkher Cave

This cave is 25 km west of the center of Mankhan Sum in Khovd Province. The cave is about 220 meters long and 20 meters high. Inside are ancient rock paintings are drawn 40,000 – 12,000 years ago in the Paleolithic Era. The paint pigment is composed of red and brown earth. Soot from smoke also covers the walls and roof of the cave. Among the paintings are mountain goats, buffalo, and birds that appear to be ostriches and elephant, both long extinct in Mongolia. The cave became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Uvs Lake Basin Strictly Protected Area

This strictly protected area consists of Uvs Lake, Turgen Mountain, Torkhlog River, Tes River, Tsagaan Shuvuut Mountain and the Golden Sand Dunes that covers an area of 7125 square km. The protected area contains everything from desert sand dunes to snowfields and marsh to mountain forest. This area has enjoyed state protection since 1993 and was designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Site in 1997. Uvs Nuur is the largest lake in Mongolia. The lake surface covers 3351 square km and is 80 km wide and 80 km long. The surrounding area of the lake becomes the coldest part of Mongolia in the winter time. Ornithologists have documented over 220 species of birds around Uvs Lake including osprey, white-tailed eagle, black stork, swan goose, bar-headed goose, Eurasian spoonbill, great white heron, whooper swan, great black-headed gull, white-headed gull, and cranes.​

​Khyargas Nuur National Park

Khyargas Nuur is one of the Mongolia’s largest lakes, covering 1406 square kilometers. It is 75 km long, 31 km wide and 80 m deep. The lake surface is at 1028 m above sea level. Khyargas Nuur, a salt lake amid desert and scrub grass, provides an attractive summer home for birds. The Zavkhan river feeds lake Airag Nuur, which is connected to Khyargas Nuur by a channel. The water is brackish and has rare fish such as Mongolian Grayling. The lake is one of the essential fantastic parts of this tour. There you will feel a kind of relaxing paradise.​

​Khar Lake - wonder of Western Mongolia

Khar Lake or Khar Nuur was not a common destination for Mongolian tourism until last few years because of its hidden remote location. But it is now a truly worthy natural attraction for Western Mongolian travelers. The lake is surrounded by massive extensive sand dunes and among sand dunes the looks like an Azure Lopez. Visiting the joint part of sand dunes and lake is an unforgettable wonderful experience. Do not see it in your dream, see this wonder in reality with us!

Enza Tours LLC: Your Gateway to Authentic Western Mongolia Experiences

Welcome to Enza Tours LLC, your premier Mongolian travel agency dedicated to creating unique and unforgettable trips in Mongolia. With a wealth of experience and a passion for exploration, we specialize in crafting personalized tours that cater to your specific interests and desires. Whether you're seeking an adventure at Khuvsgul Lake, a journey through the vast Gobi desert, or a horseback riding trail, we have a wide range of Mongolia tours to choose from. Immerse yourself in the local nomadic culture, interact with welcoming nomadic families, and witness the mesmerizing beauty of Mongolia's landscapes.

Planning your dream tour is simple. Just send us an email, and our dedicated team will work closely with you to design a customized itinerary that brings your vision to life. Let's embark on this journey together and create lasting memories of happiness and fulfillment.

Our tour offerings include:

1. Khuvsgul Lake Tour (including Tsaatan community): Explore the pristine Khuvsgul Lake and engage with the unique Tsaatan reindeer herders, experiencing their traditional way of life.

2. Discover the Vast Gobi Desert and Sand Dunes: Venture into the dramatic landscapes of the Gobi desert, where towering sand dunes and ancient rock formations await your exploration.

3. Horseback Riding Trail: Saddle up and embark on an unforgettable horseback riding adventure, traversing Mongolia's stunning terrain and experiencing the nomadic lifestyle up close.

4. Visit National Parks: Discover Mongolia's diverse national parks, teeming with rich flora and fauna, and delve into the country's natural wonders.

5. Immersive Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Mongolian culture, visiting ancient Mongolian capitals, engaging in local customs, and savoring traditional Mongolian cuisine.

6. Horse or Camel Tour: Choose your preferred mode of transport and embark on a remarkable journey, traversing Mongolia's picturesque landscapes and connecting with its nomadic heritage.

At Enza Tours LLC, we also collaborate with local travel agencies to offer unique experiences such as eagle hunting shows, providing you with an authentic taste of Mongolian traditions.

Our team consists of experienced tour guides who are fluent in English, German, and Spanish. With extensive knowledge of Mongolia's customs, history, and culture, our guides ensure seamless communication and a deeper understanding of the destinations you visit. Rest assured, our professional drivers prioritize your safety and enjoyment, boasting ten to over twenty years of experience and utilizing comfortable and reliable vehicles.

Choose Enza Tours LLC as your trusted partner, and let us create an extraordinary Mongolia tour that leaves you enchanted by the nomadic Mongolian people, captivated by the breathtaking landscapes, and immersed in the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable country.