The rugged beauty of Bayan-Olgii aimag with its pointed mountain points reaching for the sky and vast valleys crisscrossed with meandering streams has always stood out of the western provinces of Mongolia. Bayan-Olgiiis the home to the second largest ethnic group-the Khazakhs with their unique culture who continue to hunt with trained golden eagles besides herding goats. The Altai region is abundant with significant archaeological sites dating back to Palaeolithic era, evidences of human habitation as far back as 40,000 and 12,000 years ago. The Altai Mongolian mountain range stretching for 900 km across Russia, Mongolia and China and the Tavan Bogd National Park have always stood out from any other part of Mongolia. The highest mountain peak, the Khuiten Uul at 4374 meters flanked by four other peaks along with the Potanian river, the source of a massive glacier, are commonly known as Tavan Bogd or the Five Saints.

Surrounded by extinct volcanoes the Terkhiin Tsagaan lake altitude of 2060 m covers an area of 61 sq.km. the spectacular geology of Khorgo Volcano lying east of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake certainly adds to the pleasure of visiting Arkhangai aimag. Near the crater there are dozens of small caverns with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and walls. In the middle of the lake there is a volcanic island covered with bird nests made of the fragrant grass Samkhan.

Khuvsgul Lake– The Dark Blue Pearl of Mongolia is surrounded by lush green hills, mountains reaching for the sky, and dense alpine forests of taiga. 96 rivers and streams empty into the lake that was created 2.5-3 million years ago by tectonic activities. The majestic clear-watered lake contains 65 % of all the fresh water of Mongolia and furthermore, 1% of the world’s fresh water supply. Khuvsgul is the land of the Tsaatan reindeer herdsmen, a branch of the Turkic-speaking Tuvinian or Dukha ethnic group. This small group of 42 families possesses a social and material culture which has remained unchanged since the Ice Age. Shamanistic or totemic rituals and symbolism are central to the social organisation of the Tsaatan.

“Travel Buddies” is an expert team of professional and dynamic individuals which ensures that your trip to Mongolia is unique and renders you a lifetime experience. Have all the opportunities to explore the country using different tour packages available on the site. You may also opt for tailor-made tours of Mongolia.