This Altai Trekking Tour is a remarkable adventure through the rugged terrain and stunning landscapes of the Altai Mountains in Western Mongolia. It’s an 9-day trek that combines high-altitude hiking with cultural immersion in remote nomadic communities.
Day 1: Arrival in Ulgii and Journey to the Ranger Station - Fly from Ulaanbaatar (UB) to Ulgii. Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the airport. - Short introduction to Ulgii, a town known for its Kazakh culture and vibrant markets. - Lunch at a Halal restaurant or at your ger camp. - After lunch, drive 5-6 hours towards the Ranger Station at the base of Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain (Holy Five Peaks). - The Ranger Station is located 2700 meters above sea level, and it is home to the Tuvan nomads, a small Mongolian ethnic group. You will learn about their unique lifestyle. - Overnight in a ger or tents at the Ranger Station. Meals: Brunch, Dinner
Day 2: Trek to Base Camp - Trek to the base camp of Tavan Bogd Mountain (about 17 kilometers or 6-7 hours walk). - Camels will be loaded with food and equipment to support the journey. - Along the way, enjoy lunch by rivers and in the mountainous area. - Arrive at the Base Camp of Tavan Bogd Mountain, which is located at the highest point in Mongolia, where the borders of Mongolia, China, and Russia converge. - Overnight in tents at Base Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Climb Malchin Peak - Early morning climb to Malchin Peak, located 4050 meters high, on the border between Mongolia and Russia. - This is one of the few mountains in the region where it is possible to climb without special equipment, just hiking boots. - Your guide will lead the trek as high as possible, depending on the weather. - Return to Base Camp for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Trek Back to Ranger Station - Trek back down to the Ranger Station, retracing your steps and enjoying the changing landscapes. - The hike will take most of the day, and you will arrive back at the Ranger Station. - Overnight in tents or a ger at the Ranger Station. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Trek to Black Valley - After breakfast, continue your trek towards Black Valley, where your camels will again be loaded with food and supplies. - The trek takes you through beautiful mountain scenery, with towering snow-capped peaks and river valleys. - Arrive at Black Valley, located by a river with stunning views of snow-covered mountains. - Overnight in tents at Black Valley. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Bear Valley and the Dead Pass - Today’s trek takes you towards Bear Valley, passing through Takhilt Pass, also known as the Dead Pass, which is one of the highest and steepest passes on the route. - Continue your journey to Bear Valley, where you'll camp by the White River surrounded by forests and snow-capped mountains. - Overnight in tents. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Trek to Aksu Valley - Continue your trek towards Aksu Valley, where the three rivers converge. - On the way, stop at Heart Lake, nestled in a valley surrounded by trees and snow-covered mountains. - As you approach Aksu Valley, your driver will be waiting for you there. - Say goodbye to your camel and horse guides and enjoy the evening at your campsite in Aksu Valley. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Hoton-Hurgan Lakes and Kazakh Nomadic Family - Drive to Hoton Hurgan Nuur and Baga Turgen Valley. - On the way, you will stop by lakes and explore petroglyphs (rock art) from the Bronze Age. - Arrive at a Kazakh nomadic family and enjoy a traditional Kazakh meal called the Five Finger Feast, where everyone shares food from a large communal dish. - After dinner, the family may sing songs and tell stories about their traditions. - Overnight in a Kazakh ger.
Day 9: Hike to Ih Turgen Valley and Waterfall - Morning hike to Ih Turgen Valley to see the waterfall fed by glaciers from the surrounding mountains. - After visiting the waterfall, hike back to the Kazakh family’s ger. - On your way back, you may have the opportunity to stop and explore more of the local Kazakh culture. - Overnight with the Kazakh family in their ger. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Domestic tickets, 3 meals of day, accommodations , eagle hunter homestay, national park tickets, horses, camels, wranglers Everything included in western Mongolia.
Everything excluded in Ulaanbaatar. International airline tickets visaItems of personal use International travel Alcoholic drinks & beverages Travel & medical insurance Visa fee Single supplements Gratuity for guides & drivers/optional
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Ölgii, Mongolia