Mongolia Expeditions And Tours
About this tour
Mountaineering expeditions for the highest mountains of Mongolia
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia and transfer to a centrally located 4 star hotel. Afternoon guided walking city tour will introduce you to the highlights of the city: The central city square with a grand statue of Genghis Khan and Sukhbaatar statue placed at the center as well. Museum of National History is located right next to the square will introducing Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era. Then choose to visit one or two museums from the following: 1. Choijin Lama or State Oracle Residence-museum displaying best samples of Buddhist artwork and religious masks. 2 The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum displays old arts including Buddhist arts, painting, folk arts and crafts, sculptures, carvings and embroideries. A show of traditional music, throat singing and contortion at 6PM will be followed by a welcome dinner. (Hotel/D)
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Ulgii, Mongolia
Day 2: Flight to Bayan-Ulgy, the Muslim province of Mongolia Early this morning take a 3 hour flight to Ulgy town in Western Mongolia. The Kazakhs living in the area are the largest national minority and practice Sunni Islam. A number of other ethnic groups also reside in the province in the region. Upon arrival meet with a support team of driver(s), cook(s) and a guide and head westward to Tavan Bogd national park. At the end of a 3 hours travel across mountainous desert we camp in the valley of Sogoot river. In general rivers in Mongolia are small and shallow occasionally drying up but during the rainy season they rapidly rise and at times burst their banks. Upon arrival we erect our tented camp. It is guaranteed that curious locals on horse or foot will appear out of nowhere to greet you. Dinner and overnight in tented camp. (tent/B,L,D)
Day 3: Ulgii, Mongolia to Altai Mountains, Mongolia
Travel further west and by early afternoon reach the Oigor river valley, the gateway to the Tavan Bogd peaks. En route we try to visit a Kazakh family, male members of which practice falconry. They employ Golden Eagles for hunting foxes, hares and other small animals. (tent/B,L,D)
Day 4: Altai Mountains, Mongolia
Today we trek to base camp of the Tavan Bogd. This gradual ascent takes us through a high mountain terrain of rock outcroppings and of wetlands. With a bit of luck you will see some of the wildlife that inhabit the area including marmots, hares and a number of birds such us Golden Eagles, Black Vultures and Falcons. Our entire luggage will be transported by camels handled by Tuvan herders. Upon completing two thirds' of the way there open majestic perspectives of Potanin and Alexander glaciers with the icy peaks of Khuiten (4374m), Nairamdal (4082m), Snowchurch (4071m), Malchin (4050m), and Ulgii (4113m) on their far side. This evening we camp at 2900m. (tent/B,L,D)
Day 5: Altai Mountains, Mongolia
After breakfast we hike over the moraine and reach the Potanin glacier which is the largest one in Mongolia with it’s length of 19 km and width of 6 km. Then climbing gears on and start glacier training lead by your guide for few hours and walk back to the BC in the afternoon. After that we have leisure time for next challenging days and an alternate you may hike shortly around the BC.(tent/B,L,D)
Day 6: Altai Mountains, Mongolia to Altai Tavan Bogd, Mongolia
Our challenge for the following 4 days (including one leeway day) is the Khuiten peak. To reach its base we need to cross the Potanin glacier, which lies in between. An advanced base camp will be set up below the eastern face of Khuiten. A number of crevasses is to be traversed before reaching the Khuiten's foothill. The actual ascent, although technically moderate takes 4 hours. From the summit there opens a tremendous bird eye view over China, Russia and the neighboring snowcapped ridges and snow fields. Weather permitting we should be back to the base camp in the evening of the eighth day. In such case you can use the following day either for rest or for optional cultural activities upon return to the White river valley. (tent/B,L,D)
Day 7: Altai Mountains, Mongolia to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia
Our challenge for the following 4 days (including one leeway day) is the Khuiten peak. To reach its base we need to cross the Potanin glacier, which lies in between. An advanced base camp will be set up below the eastern face of Khuiten. A number of crevasses is to be traversed before reaching the Khuiten's foothill. The actual ascent, although technically moderate takes 4 hours. From the summit there opens a tremendous bird eye view over China, Russia and the neighboring snowcapped ridges and snow fields. Weather permitting we should be back to the base camp in the evening of the eighth day. In such case you can use the following day either for rest or for optional cultural activities upon return to the White river valley. (tent/B,L,D)
Day 8: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia to Altai Tavan Bogd, Mongolia
Our challenge for the following 4 days (including one leeway day) is the Khuiten peak. To reach its base we need to cross the Potanin glacier, which lies in between. An advanced base camp will be set up below the eastern face of Khuiten. A number of crevasses is to be traversed before reaching the Khuiten's foothill. The actual ascent, although technically moderate takes 4 hours. From the summit there opens a tremendous bird eye view over China, Russia and the neighboring snowcapped ridges and snow fields. Weather permitting we should be back to the base camp in the evening of the eighth day. In such case you can use the following day either for rest or for optional cultural activities upon return to the White river valley. (tent/B,L,D)
Day 9: Altai Tavan Bogd, Mongolia to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia
Our challenge for the following 4 days (including one leeway day) is the Khuiten peak. To reach its base we need to cross the Potanin glacier, which lies in between. An advanced base camp will be set up below the eastern face of Khuiten. A number of crevasses is to be traversed before reaching the Khuiten's foothill. The actual ascent, although technically moderate takes 4 hours. From the summit there opens a tremendous bird eye view over China, Russia and the neighboring snowcapped ridges and snow fields. Weather permitting we should be back to the base camp in the evening of the eighth day. In such case you can use the following day either for rest or for optional cultural activities upon return to the White river valley. (tent/B,L,D)
Day 10: Altai Mountains, Mongolia to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia
Today we hike back to our camp in the White River valley. This time it is a gradual descent along the White river which takes its source from the Potanin glacier. It is a chance to glance into every single valley of the icy massif and witness how the initial stream of glacial dust transforms into the mighty White river. Back to our vehicles to we celebrate our ascent. (B,L,D).
Day 11: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia to Ulgii, Mongolia
We say "goodbye" to our Tuvan friends and take a 7 hour drive back to Ulgy. Tonight is your chance to sleep in a local hotel. Hot shower and cold beers will highlight the day. (Local hotel/B,L,D)
Day 12: Ulgii, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
This morning we catch a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon for shopping and else. Farewell dinner. (hotel/B,D)
Day 13: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
This is a spare day to spend for shopping and self-exploration. You may refer to our recommendations in order to make most out of it. (hotel/B)
Day 14: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)
What's included
All accommodation (twin shared), All transfers including arrival & departure, Internal flights, Indicated meals (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), Visits & national park fees, Camping equipment, Mountain guide, English speaking guide, Expedition cook, Local guides, Loading camel hire Drinking water
Travel insurance, Excess luggage fees on internal flights, Optional activities, Meals not indicated, Personal climbing equipment, Sleeping bags and pads, Drinks, Gratuities Also single supplement extra is 178 USD
What to know
Mongolia's western frontiers with Russia and China are guarded by the snow capped peaks of the Altai Tavan Bogd mountain range, highest in the country. Its highest and most interesting peaks are Khuiten (4374m ASL), Nairamdal, Malchin, Snowchurch and Ulgii. The longest glacier of Mongolia, the Potanin glacier stretches for 19km from the eastern face of Mt. Khuiten. On the summit day, when on the top of Khuiten, you will be able to glance into Russia and China. The local Tuvan herders acting as your camel caravan handlers and as porters will make an unforgettable company and share their culture and traditions with you. Aso you are going to visit Kazakh family with Golden eagle is one of highlight of this incredible trip.
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia