The Schedule
Around 13 days plus transfers. Example: tour from 05.06 to 17.06.2026.
| Arrival day | Latest arrival in Ulaanbaatar |
| Transfer day | Night bus Ulaanbaatar → Ulaangom |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Ulaangom, onward to camp |
| Day 2 | Training day |
| Day 3 | We set off on horseback |
| Day 4–11 | On the move in the middle of nowhere |
| Day 12 | By jeep to Ölgii, night in gers |
| Day 13–15 | Return flight from Ölgii or 24-hour bus to Ulaanbaatar |
Getting There
Discord Group
About two months before departure, Wandermut opens a private group. There you can coordinate travel, flights, and accommodation with the team, and get to know your team leader and fellow travelers.
Flight
Your destination airport is Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), usually with a layover (some direct flights from Frankfurt). The bus from Ulaanbaatar to Ulaangom (and Ölgii to Ulaanbaatar) costs around €80 per way, paid in cash in MNT.
Accommodation
Arrange your own accommodation until the start of the tour. Affordable and central: Danista Nomads Hostel; a bit pricier: Ramada Hotel.
On Site
The bus is organized for the whole team so you travel together. The team leader will confirm the exact cost shortly beforehand.
Area and Route
The route leads right through the Altai Mountains — over barren passes, steep slopes, and across rushing rivers. Weather, terrain, and local conditions determine the way.
Detours, adjustments, and changes of course are part of everyday life on this tour.
Special Notes
Physical Preparation
We'll spend several days in the saddle. A confident feel, stability, and mental resilience matter. No riding experience? No problem — 5–10 riding lessons beforehand are well worth it.
Storing Your Gear
Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, and most of the food are carried by pack camels. Your daypack goes into the saddlebags — you won't need a hiking backpack on the trail.
Next Steps
Invitation to the Discord group
About 2 months beforehand you'll meet the team and team leader.
Gear up
Go through the packing list, get anything you're missing, and share tips in the group.
Cover yourself
Read the safety briefing and take out insurance.
Book your flights
With 1–2 buffer days before and after the tour.
Packing List
Less is more. Below is the gear that has proven itself. Brands are recommendations based on experience, not requirements — links are affiliate recommendations.
What Wandermut Takes Care Of
- Tentsincluded
- Local guidesincluded
- Horse and saddleincluded
- Pack camels and feedincluded
- First-aid kitincluded
- Satellite phoneincluded
- Meals in the Altaiincluded
- Cooking utensilsincluded
- Saddlebags + helmetincluded
Basic Gear
- Sleeping bag, comfort rating −15 °C (−20 in autumn)
- Dry bag(s), 70–90 l total
- Sleeping pad, R-value 4–5
- Small backpack just for travel days
- Headlamp + 2 sets of batteries
Clothing
- 2 pairs of pants (hiking or riding)
- Rain jacket + rain pants (no rain poncho!)
- 2–3 merino shirts
- 2 fleeces + down jacket
- 4 × socks
Footwear & Riding
- Waterproof riding boots (Western style)
- Alternatively, hiking boots with a heel
- Extra sturdy shoes for camp
- Riding gloves (winter gloves in autumn)
Water & Extras
- 2 water bottles (1 l)
- Filter bottle or purification tablets
- Lip balm (important!)
- Mosquito spray (summer only)
- Camp stool for cold autumn evenings
Safety Briefing
These rules are based on experience from many tours and the knowledge of local guides. The team leader will go over them at the start of the trip. Stick to them — they protect the whole group.