Flower Watching Tour
Michael Kohn, Lonely Planet contributor"Mongolia is an unspoiled wonder, a land where sand dunes sing, horses roam wild and nomadic herders greet strangers with open doors.
Keep your itinerary flexible and expect the unexpected".
The name Altai means “Golden Mountains”—from the Turkic “Al” (gold) and “Tau” (mountain); in Mongolian, Altain Uul also translates as “Mountains of Gold.” These majestic ranges form the highest elevation in northern Asia and are a biodiversity hotspot within the globally recognized Altai-Sayan Ecoregion, one of the world’s 200 most biologically outstanding habitats.
The Mongolian Altai is a stunning mosaic of coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and intermontane steppe, supporting an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna. Nearly half of Siberia’s plant species occur here, including over 300 endemic plants—many of which are valued for their medicinal and nutritional uses.
Though the Altai’s flora remains underexplored—with new species still being discovered—this tour will take you to one of the region’s most renowned wildflower-watching destinations. With over 3,100 species of vascular plants found in Mongolia, this experience offers rich opportunities for nature lovers, photographers, and botany enthusiasts alike. This is a gently-paced journey, focusing not only on flowers but also on birdwatching, potential wildlife sightings, and fascinating cultural and historical landmarks.
TOUR ITINERARY DOWNLOAD
See more detailsTour Highlights
- Encounter iconic wildlife: Argali Sheep, Siberian Ibex, Altai Marmot, Altai Snowcock, and more
- Discover rare endemic and sub-endemic wildflowers in their natural habitat
- Experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Mongolian herders
- Explore ancient archaeological monuments scattered across the landscape
- Admire vast systems of mountain ranges, valleys, and glacial depressions
- Visit pristine lakes, rivers, and high-mountain streams
- Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and dramatic natural scenery
Tour Dates & Seasonal Highlights
The growing season in the Altai Mountains is brief but spectacular, lasting only from May to August. Each month offers unique botanical and scenic experiences depending on elevation and location:
May
The season begins with flowering bulbs and early vernal plants, especially in forests and lower slopes. This is an excellent time to enjoy spring ephemerals, though higher elevations may still be snowbound. Please note that May is the peak season for encephalitis-carrying ticks, particularly in forested areas.
June
A prime month for exploring steppe habitats, where feather grasses (Stipa), milk vetch (Astragalus), and wild roses (Rosa) are in full bloom. Forest meadows also burst into color with a rich diversity of herbs and wildflowers.
July
The best month to explore high alpine and subalpine meadows is when the snow has melted and the upper slopes are at their most vibrant. Expect brilliant floral displays across tundra-like pastures and glacial valleys.
August
While the flowering season begins to taper off, late-summer species can still be seen. This is also a beautiful time for scenic landscapes, clear mountain weather, and excellent photography conditions.
Price Information
| Groups Size | Tour Duration | Price per Person | Notes |
| 1-3 | 7 to 10 days | From $2,950 | Private tour with full services |
| 4-6 | 7 to 10 days | From $2,450 | Small group, semi-private guide |
(Prices in USD – subject to change based on availability and group size)
Single Supplement
$150 (for those requesting a private room)
Price includes:
- Expert local guide (botany/nature specialist)
- All ground transportation in a 4WD or minivan
- Domestic flights (if applicable)
- Accommodation in local guesthouses, eco-lodges, or comfortable tents
- All meals during the tour
- Entry fees to national parks and protected areas
- Border permits and local taxes
- Bottled drinking water
Price does not include:
- International airfare
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Optional gratuities to staff and guides
- Medical and evacuation insurance
You may extend this tour with visits to some of the most extraordinary destinations in Mongolia, each offering unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences.
- Onon-Balj National Park – Siberian taiga, steppe, and peatland habitats (2–3 days): from $500
- Khar Yamaat Nature Reserve – Temperate grasslands and forest-steppe (2–3 days): from $400
- Hustai National Park – Home of the reintroduced Przewalski’s Horse (1–2 days): from $250
- Bogdkhan Mountain – Ancient protected forest near Ulaanbaatar (1–2 days): from $250
- Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (Aryapala Meditation & Initiation Center) – Alpine meadows and larch forests (1–2 days): from $250
- Nagalkhaan Nature Reserve – Steppe and forest-steppe (1–2 days): from $250
BOOK NOW
We would love to share this exceptional adventure with you!
The vast territory of the country of Mongolia is rich in plant resources. It is home to more than 3120 species and subspecies of vascular plants, representing a mixture of species Altai Mountains in the west, Siberian Taiga in the north, Mongolian-Manchurian Grassland in the east, and Central Asian Desert to the south.Investigation of the flora of the country has not been comprehensive.
New species are still being found!