Five Gods: Summit to Steppe

⚠️ 2027 SOLD OUT. Send me your Expression of Interest for departures in 2028 ⚠️

This Five Gods, Summit to Steppe Expedition is a unique exploration of the diverse landscapes of western Mongolia – a region renowned for its remoteness and nomad heritage.
The journey combines trekking over high passes on ancient herder trails, supported by camel and horse caravans, and paddling the Khovd River and the stunning Khoton–Khurgan lake system. Minimizing mechanical transport allows us to immerse more fully in the natural world and the cultures that have evolved here over untold millennia.

From the glaciers of Tavan Bogd to the river valleys below, we move through the heartlands of Kazakh, Tuvan, Uriankhai, and Oirat communities, where nomadic traditions stretch back thousands of years. Ancient burial mounds, Turkic stones, and petroglyphs found dotted throughout the valleys and slopes of the Khovd River basin remind visitors of the remarkable continuity of horseback, nomadic life that has been unbroken here for at least 5,000 years.

At this time of year as summer crosses into autumn, nomads migrate down from the mountains to the banks of the Khovd River giving us the opportunity to experience their daily realities and understand the intricate nature of their migratory cycle.

This is a challenging but accessible expedition, designed to cater for a range of abilities and interests. Watercraft experience is not mandatory or required. The most demanding trekking and paddling sections are optional. The entire trekking route (not the river section) is also possible by horse which can be arranged on request. For this journey we combine expedition style voyaging with the backup of a vehicle and from time to time a comprehensive camp set up including a dining tent and other facilities.

About Tim (trek leader)

The journey is offered to you by award-winning adventurer Tim Cope, whose experience on the Eurasian steppe is unmatched.

He is passionate about using adventure as a way to understand landscape, culture, and history. His most renowned expedition was a three-year, 10,000 km horseback journey from Mongolia to Hungary across the Eurasian Steppe. His book On the Trail of Genghis Khan is essential reading for anyone drawn to this world.

About me

Tim’s journey inspired my own 1,600 km solo trek with horse, camel and dog through the Altai in 2017. Since then, I’ve returned to Mongolia every year—building close friendships with eagle hunter families, starting an NGO supporting local nomadic communities, and developing unique immersive journeys shaped by long-term relationships on the ground, far from common tourist trails.

💰Price: starting from €7560

What’s Included:

• Airport transfers
• 3 nights in a 5-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar (UB)
• 2 nights in Ger Camp in Olgiy
• All meals
• 19 nights camping in provided 3-person, 4-season tents
• Fully Equipped & Catered Camp where noted – including woodfire heated mess tent, generator, and camp shower during paddling (not all nights)
• Domestic flights between UB and Olgiy
• All fees and permits
• Camel Caravan and local herders
• All Activities and Equipment as outlined in the itinerary (see pdf)
• Radios, Satellite Phone & Garmin Inreach
• First Aid Responder and Kit
• $75 (USD) donation to a local project

What’s Not Included:

• Flights to and from Ulaanbaatar
• Any required visa (most countries are visa-free)
• Travel Insurance
• lcohol, Soft Drinks, and Personal Items
• Gratuities

For more information, see: FiveGods2026 (please note dates for 2027 are 28.08 – 20.09)

For bookings: CLICK HERE