Altai Mountain Trekking tour

Overview

The beauty of the Altai Mountains, the highest peaks of Mongolia located in the country’s far west, and its rugged terrain scattered with various vegetation and wildlife are best enjoyed on foot. We have carefully prepared a trekking tour that will immerse you into this unique and remote part of our world.

Hiking in the Altai region is a bit physical but experience has shown us that nearly anyone who is well-prepared and with a pair of proper walking shoes can partake on this journey. Join as an individual and make new friends, or come as a small group, and share memorable experiences together!

Tour Gallery

Itinerary

• 2 overnights in 4 star hotel in UB 
• 1 overnight in local hotel or ger camp in Bayan-Ulgii 
• 10 tented overnights

• Hotel
  Day 1

  Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

  Upon your arrival in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, you will be met by our representative and transferred to a centrally located hotel. After checking into your hotel, we will take you on a city sightseeing tour. Ulaanbaatar reveals traces of its past transitions through its blend of modern glass buildings, Soviet-era architecture, TIbetan Buddhist monasteries, and the ger (yurt) districts spread out on the outskirts.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 2

  Fly to western Mongolia

  Take a flight to Ulgii, capital of Mongolia’s westernmost province of Bayan-Ulgii. The majority of the population of this province are Kazakhs, with their own culture and language. Upon landing at the airport, you’ll be greeted by your English-speaking local guide, driver, and expedition cook. Today we’ll drive to the region of Khoton and Khurgan Lakes, stopping for lunch on the way, and stay overnight at a camping site on Biluut Hill. Here you can see ancient rock carvings of Turkic origin dating from 1,500-2,000 years ago. Total driving time is approximately 6-7 hours.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 3

  Hike to Khoton-Khurgan Lakes

  Start trekking this morning and reach Khoton and Khurgan Lakes. Situated at the foot of the Altai Mountains within the Tavan Bogd National Park, these picturesque lakes are connected by a natural channel and are amongst the freshest of all lakes in Mongolia. Seated at an elevation of about 2,000 meters above sea level, Khoton-Khurgan is home to a number of fish. Support car(s) will follow nearby. Total hiking time is approximately 6 hours.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 4

  Hike up Bear Valley via Whitewater River

  The group will trek through Bear Valley, ascending along the Whitewater River. There are two white rivers originating from two sides of Mongolia’s highest mountain range called Altai Tavan Bogd, meaning the “Five Holy Peaks” of the Altai. This particular river originates from south of the Altai Mountains and eventually drains into Khoton Lake. It is one of the most beautiful rivers in Mongolia, known for its stunning scenery. 

  The Bear Valley is virtually untouched by livestock or human activities, thus retaining its pristine nature. While ascending through Bear Valley, we will come across freshwater rivers flowing down from the mountains, a high waterfall, beautiful heart-shaped lake, steep cliffs, and perhaps some wildlife.

  There will be camel support from today onwards. Cars will head back to Ulgii. Total hiking time is approximately 5 hours.

  
  

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 5

  Cross the highest pass

  Today is the most interesting and difficult day of our trekking trip. We will traverse our highest pass, which is steep and craggy on both sides. We will walk one after another in a single file on a camel caravan trail during both the ascent and descent. Named Takhilt Pass, it stands 3,600 meters above sea level and is the best and highest viewpoint to behold the Altai Mountains. Some people have spotted wildlife such as ibex (mountain goat) and gray wolf while crossing this pass. Total hiking time is approximately 7 hours.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 6

  Hike to Shiveet Mountain

  Shiveet Mountain is sacred for the local Tuvan people, who forbid the act of hunting around this mountain. Due to this, there has been growth in the number of ibexes and sometimes it is possible to see 50-100 of them at once. There are three large petroglyphic complexes in the Mongolian Altai, which are inscribed on the World Heritage List. One of them is here at Shiveet Mountain. The petroglyphs here date from pre-Bronze Age to the Turkic period, and display an array of interesting and rare images. Total hiking time is approximately 6 hours.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 7

  Hike to White River Valley

  The locals who live near the upper White River are Tuvans, who have their own culture and language. Tuvans are nomadic livestock herders, who are surmounting nature's challenges of living on highlands of the Altai Mountains. They live in gers (yurts) and their clothing style is similar to that of the Mongolian nomads. They have a heritage of practicing shamanism. Total hiking time is approximately 5 hours.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 8

  Hike to basecamp of Tavan Bogd

  Today’s trek is about 18 km to the basecamp of Tavan Bogd, translated as “Holy Five,” which are the five highest peaks of Mongolia. These peaks are part of the Altai Mountain range, where four countries of Mongolia, Kazakhstan, China, and Russia converge. En route, you will see Potanin and Alexander Glaciers. Potanin is Mongolia’s longest glacier, stretching about 14 km. Camp is located at around 3,000 m ASL.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 9

  Leisure day

  Today is a free day at the basecamp. This is an opportunity to explore the nearby glaciers and capture nature photos. Potanin and Alexander are Mongolia’s largest glaciers. Initially, a Russian scholar named Potanin, whom the Potanin Glacier is named after, had written in a book that this glacier is 20 km long. Since then due to climate change, the glaciers have shrunk year by year. 

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 10

  Climbing Malchin Peak

  Climb to Malchin Peak (4,050 m), which is the lowest of the Holy Five Peaks. It is located on the Mongolian-Russian border. You do not need specialized mountain climbing equipment for this climb. Reward yourself with a panoramic view on top of Malchin Peak before heading back to basecamp.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 11

  Hike to Oigor River

  There are two entrances on either side of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Not to repeat the same way, we will head to the entrance located at the Oigor River and camp there overnight. Only Kazakh people live on this side. The drivers with their cars will meet us here. Today’s hike is approximately 16 km.

• B/L/DGer camp / Hotel
  Day 12

  Drive back to Ulgii

  On the drive back to Ulgii, we’ll visit a Kazakh family who are also Eagle Hunters. This province has the most number of eagle hunters compared to anywhere else in the world, due to the Kazakh people who keep alive the ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles. Back in Ulgii, we’ll have some time to do arts and handicrafts shopping. The handicraft shop here helps create jobs and support local women to earn income from home while looking after their children. Tonight you can stay either at our own-run Ger Camp or at our small hotel named the Eagle’s Nest. Enjoy a well-deserved, relaxing hot shower this evening!

• B/L/DHotel
  Day 13

  Fly to Ulaanbaatar

  Take a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival and meet up later for farewell dinner.

• Breakfast
  Day 14

  Departure day

  Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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