Ditch the tropical vacation; join our Epic adventure to K2 Base Camp this summer!
Ditch the tropical vacation; join our Epic adventure to K2 Base Camp this summer!
DIFFICULTY: Easy
MAX ALTITUDE: 2000 meters
TOUR DURATION: 7 days
LODGING: Hotels and Yurts
GROUP SIZE: 10-15 people
Welcome to Western Mongolia. This is the home of the legendary Kazakh Eagle Hunters, the Altai Mountains, and the rich cultural heritage of modern-day nomads.
Designed for photographers, world travelers, and lovers of raw, wild adventures, this brand new Mongolia itinerary drops you right in to experience a side of Mongolia few get to see.
Experience daily life with a local Kazakh family who keep the tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles alive. Attend a special Golden Eagle Festival and Nauryz, the spring equinox celebration that marks the Persian New Year as it is observed in this remote part of Mongolia.
Sleep in Kazakh-style hurts, try local food, and get the real Mongolia experience, Epic Style.
This Mongolia tour is for you if you want to experience…
Dates | Places | Deposit | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 18th - 24th, 2026 | $600 | $2975 |
Whether you’re just curious about this trip or are ready to make a deposit, we’re here for you.
To submit an inquiry or make a trip deposit, please fill out and submit the form below. Or send us an email to arrange a call with our adventure staff to join and learn more about this Epic adventure in Mongolia.
Since 2018, Chris has been traveling to remote corners of the world leading Epic Expeditions. Every year he leads group trips to K2 Base Camp, the Everest region in Nepal, the mountains of Mongolia, and other destinations in Central, East Asia and South America. He is the director and founder of Epic Expeditions.
Chris wanted to take the concept of an adventure holiday a step further by combining his passion for travel, photography, trekking, and alpine environments into one-of-a-kind curated adventures for people who are as stoked on challenging adventures and discovering new cultures as he is – thus this trip was born.
Upon arriving in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia, we will immediately transfer to our hotel.
After checking in, we have our first team briefing and introductions.
Following our team meeting, we will drive to the Genghis Khan Complex and Terelj National Park, which offers us a chance to see the world’s largest equestrian statue and experience Mongolia’s natural beauty and culture. The scenic drive takes approximately one hour each way.
Ulgii is the highest aimag (province) in Mongolia and is primarily located in the Mongolian Altai mountain region. The aimag is famous for its traditional hunting method using trained golden eagles, and an estimated 80% of the world’s eagle hunters reside here.
At the local airport, we will be greeted by one of our representatives, including a driver, an English-speaking guide, and a cook. We will drive from the airport to the small community of Ulaankhus.
In this river valley, our host, Kazakh eagle hunter Bashakhan, and his family have their cozy winter house, where you will be warmly welcomed. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner with the family.
After having breakfast, our host will show us his magnificent golden eagle and provide some information about the ancient eagle hunting traditions in the western part of the Mongolian Altai. After that, we meet with our loyal steeds (Mongolian horses), saddle up, and ride into the mountains, following the eagle hunter.
Once we reach the top of the mountain, the eagle hunter will begin a demonstration. Another team member will try to flush out the eagle’s prey by chasing it toward the hill where we and the eagle hunter will be located. The eagle will be released once it sees its prey, and the hunter will then let the eagle swoop down the mountain to catch it.
Early in the morning, we head to Sagsai village where the festival takes place just a 10 km drive from the our eagle hunters home. It begins with an opening parade featuring 40 to 50 well-dressed eagle hunters riding horses and holding their eagles on their right arms. Many of the eagle hunters travel from far away, bringing their eagles with them on horseback.
The Eagle Hunters compete in the following events: bonding, clothing, ornaments, archery, agility, recognition, coin grabbing, Kyz Kuar, Kykbar, and music.
While Nauryz is not exclusively a Mongolian festival, it is celebrated by certain ethnic groups within the country, particularly the Kazakh and Tuvan communities. The festival provides a unique opportunity to experience their vibrant traditions, cultural performances, and joyful celebrations.
To experience the Nauryz Festival in Mongolia, it is advisable to visit areas with a significant Kazakh or Tuvan population and participate in local events and festivities. The event takes place in the central square.
Morning flight back to Ulaanbaatar. We check into the hotel and have free time in the afternoon.
Back to the comforts of the capital! Team dinner in a local restaurant and perhaps even a tour of a local bar or two.
Sadly, our Epic experience has come to an end! Time to catch your international flight home.
Check out of the hotel is around noon on this day. If you would like to stay on longer in UB, Epic staff can extend your hotel reservation for you.
Mongolian is the main language spoken throughout the country.
That said, where this trip takes place, Mongolian in not the primary language!
In Western Mongolia they mostly speak Kazakh (they even teach school in Kazak there) – the national language of Kazakstan. Deep with the national park we visit, the nomads there speak a Tuvan language, but also understand Kazakh.
English is not widely spoken in Mongolia, but our local guides are here to translate for you every step of the way.
Most western nationalities do not need to obtain a visa in advance to visit Mongolia, including the USA, EU countries, the UK, Australia, and Canada, etc.
A 30 day visa on arrival is pretty standard for the nationalities mentioned above.
A mix of hotels, Ger camps (yurts) stays, and homestays. Prices are based on shared accommodation (2 people in one room). For the yurts, expect 4-5 people per yurt.
Apart from light hiking when we are hanging out with the Eagle Hunter family, there is not much hours-long hiking during this trip.
Also, spring time in Western Mongolia can be pretty cold, so we are not doing any camping in tents either.
The horse riding aspect of this trip is optional. If horses are not your thing, no worries, it is not mandatory to ride.
Late March in Ölgii (Bayan-Ölgii Province), Western Mongolia is still very much winter—so think crisp, cold, and snowy, though the first signs of spring are just beginning to stir.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Weather in Ölgii, Western Mongolia – Late March
Temperature:
Daytime: -5°C to 3°C (23°F to 37°F)
Nighttime: -15°C to -8°C (5°F to 17°F)
General Conditions:
Things can still feel like winter, but the transition into spring can also be felt. Snow can be still on the ground and light snowfall is possible.
Expect a dry climate, with a lot of sunny, clear days.
Overall: Late March in Ölgii is cold but beautiful, with snowy landscapes and clear skies. With the right gear and planning, it’s a great time to experience the Nauryz festival and nomadic culture in a more raw, wintery setting.
Please check out our full gear checklist. Expect to pack warm, winter jackets and the appropriate layers needed to stay warm in Western Mongolia during spring time.
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Western Mongolia—especially the Bayan-Ölgii Province—is home to a majority Kazakh population, setting it apart culturally and ethnically from much of the rest of the country. Though they live within Mongolia’s borders, these Kazakh communities have held onto their unique heritage with impressive tenacity.
For generations, Kazakh people have lived in the Altai region, blending traditional nomadic practices with dashes of modern lifestyle. Their nomadic roots stretch back centuries, defined by seasonal migrations across the steppe in search of better grazing lands for their livestock. Shaped by the harsh mountains and unforgiving climate, the nomads of this area are as resourceful as they are resilient—toughened by both their environment and their way of life. The skills and values honed through centuries of nomadism continue to influence their daily lives, even as many have settled into their contemporary existences.
These days, most Kazakhs—including eagle hunters—live in permanent homes, but it’s still very common to see a Ger (or yurt) standing in their yards. These traditional felt-covered dwellings are often used seasonally or as extra space, and they serve as a link to their nomadic past.
The Ger remains a powerful symbol throughout Mongolia, and in the Altai region, it continues to be the primary home for those who still follow a nomadic way of life. More than just a shelter, it represents endurance, adaptability, and a culture that’s very much alive.
Chat with us now!
Chat with us now!
Trip Leader
Pema is a woman of many talents. The things she has achieved by the age of 30, most people can’t even imagine doing in a lifetime.
Born in Kathmandu, Nepal to Tibetan Parents, Pema moved to the USA at a young age.
A keen interest in mountains, photography, and free diving launched a career of full-time world travel and big-time adventures.
Pema is one of the most experienced members of our trip leader staff. She has summited multiple 8000-meter peaks and completed countless multi-day treks in the Himalayas and Karakoram.
Throw on top of all of that a bright personality who brings out the best in people, and you have the recipe for an excellent trip leader. That’s Pema.
General Manager for Pakistan Operations
“Our man in Pakistan” is one way to describe the legend and our dear friend, Nisar Hussein.
Nisar grew up on the outskirts of Karakoram National Park in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Northern Pakistan. His village, Kanday, is literally at the foot of some of the world’s highest mountain ranges.
He has a deep passion and love for the Pakistani mountains and truly believes in the potential for tourism in Pakistan to be a force for good in local communities.
These days he helps run our Pakistani field operations from his dual bases in Islamabad and Skardu.
Nisar possesses a work ethic beyond compare and is likely behind all of the little details that make our trips in Pakistan so special.
Trip Leader
Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.
In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to.
When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer.
Meet him during : K2 Base Camp Trek
Trip Leader
Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.
She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos.
Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team!
Meet her during : Discover the Celestial Mountains | Island Peak Climbing Expedition
Adventure Guide
As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…
for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry.
He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world!
“
He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi…
The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)
– Coastal
Head of canine operations
Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight.
She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.
These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen.
Trip Leader
An experienced trek leader and
IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.
Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka.
A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.
“
We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!
– Monika Steinlechner
Meet him during : Trekking in the Fann Mountains
Adventure Guide
Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.
His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.
Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens.
His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.
“
We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations!
– Alexandra Ruth
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Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour. Road trip with some hiking and cultural immersion.
A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.
Trip Leader
João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare.
With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.
João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions.
After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.
João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none
When not in Pakistan, João is guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails – discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.
“
João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!
– Jeffery
Meet him during : Lost World of Europe | Discover the Hunza Valley | K2 Base Camp Trek
Adventure Guide
Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains.
Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles
in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.
“
Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!
– Borgan
Meet him during : Discover the Hunza Valley
Trip Leader
Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects.
Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.
Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro lead his 11th tour in Iran with Epic in spring 2020
When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Expeditions, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.
“
I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!
– Coastal
Adventure Admin / Marketing
After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe
She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Expeditions and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements.
Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.
Head of Operations
A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations.
Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.
Together with Epic Expeditions, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.
“
Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge.
– Calvin
“
Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.
– Katrina
Meet him during : Trekking Amongst Giants | Discover the Celestial Mountains | K2 Base Camp Trek
Founder | Trip Leader | Director
Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way.
Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in South America, Pakistan, and Nepal.
A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to found Epic Expeditions at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 65 expeditions to various corners of the earth (and counting).
Chris believes in using community and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe.
For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.
Although he is originally a native of Southern California, he now lives in Madeira Island, Portugal, when he is not leading expeditions in far-flung lands.
Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas – an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.
Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!
“
Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”
– Will De Villers
“
Pakistan is a magical country! Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]
Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.
– Clark Tyler
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