This fantastic trekking adventure takes place in Western Mongolia, in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park among the snow-capped peaks of the High Altai Mountains, one of the longest mountain chains in Central Asia. In this remote corner where Mongolia, China, and Russia meet, we discover a beautiful swath of untouched wilderness, topped by the 14,000-foot peaks of Tavan Bogd National Park. With Bactrian camels and horses to carry our gear, we camp at alpine lakes, hike to a glacier, explore ancient burial mounds and petroglyphs that are haunting testaments to Mongolia’s shamanic traditions, and experience a pristine mountain world where Kazakh nomads still hunt with golden eagles. Join us for a true expedition across trackless terrain – a singular experience for adventurous trekkers.
Altai Trekking Tour in Western Mongolia
ABOUT TRIP
Days 1-4
Get picked up from Ulaanbaatar airport and get transferred to hotel. Spend the evening getting some rest and dealing with jetlag.
Tour the city, visit Bogd khaan palace museum, Dashchoilin monastery, Sukhbaatar’s main square. Have lunch according to time allowance and shopping at State department store.
We arrive to Ulgii city and get transferred to the hotel. We’ll visit the local town museum which is the best museum among the Western provinces. Then we’ll have time to explore exciting places among the city such as the town center, black market etc.
In the far western corner of Mongolia lie the Altai Mountains, a stunningly beautiful region of snow capped peaks, immense glaciers and large alpine lakes. We would start our trip heading West by 4×4 jeeps. On the way you have chance to see remote mountain country, when crossing big passes. Along the way we marvel at the Yamaat petroglyphs, a recently uncovered site in remote terrain featuring more than 1O thousand images of hunting and combat scenes, mythological figures, and symbolic sacred art. Overnight in tent.
Days 5-7
This is where our trek begins. After a big western style breakfast, you will get prepared for the trek while our camel crew loads up our camels. We would cross a few rivers as we follow a trail to Altai Tavan Bogd (ATB) Base camp. In this remote corner where Mongolia, China, and Russia meet, we discover a beautiful swath of untouched wilderness, topped by the 14,000-foot peaks of Tavan Bogd National Park. We trek for 12 km today to the National Park Base camp at the foot of the magnificent Altai Tavan Bogd Glaciers. The glacier is at the foot of Khuiten Peak (4374m) the highest point in Mongolia. Nearby, Nairamdal Peak marks the triple border point common to Mongolia, Russia and China. Overnight in tent
Heading downhill we will trek to Tsagaan gol valley following the white glacier river and beautiful deep canyons, Near the tuvan gers we will cross the glacier Tsagaan gol river trough bridge. Until 2011, we had to cross the river by horse; Actually that was an exciting river crossing with horses and camels. We then head downriver and set up camp in a lush green pasture at the foot of glacial bowls. In the evening we would visit a local Tuvan family. This very little population of Tuvan people are keeping their old tradition as it was. They believe on Shamanism. According to situation we would have chance to meet a Tuvan Khomii throat singer.
Heading downhill, we stop in to visit some of the local Tuvan people, who follow traditional Shamanistic beliefs. Tuvan language is different than both Kazakh and Mongolian languages. Their tradional clothes and gers looks like Mongolian ones. We continue on and ascend up into the Khar sala valley. The scene of Khara sala valley is very beautiful with snow caped high peaks. We would set up our camp right in to this valley.
Days 8-9
We head away from the Khar sala valley, and trek over the 3100m mountain pass. We start with steep pass, mostly until late June there would be snow on the pass. After the pass we will move downhill a long way to the bottom of Ak su valley. On the way you will have chance to see some waterfalls . We’re at the halfway point of our trek. So the next day is gonna be a rest day. It’s a beautiful spot, in a wide valley, shouldered by high snowcapped mountains, the white Tsagaan river and tributaries nearby. The next day you would have a rest day. You can ride horse in the beautifull Aksu valley or climb up to the peaks nearby or just relax.
Days 10-12
We will trek trough forest heading down to the mouth of the Ak su valley. After trekking not far from mouth of Ak su valley we will set up camp on Asker Tove which is one of the beautiful spot and is the junction of the Arshaani and Ak su rivers.
We cross over to the east side of the Tsagaan Gol river, and continue down through the river valley and on horseback we cross a few rivers as we follow the lakeshore to Hulindi. We would set up our camp in a very beautiful spot on khoton lake shore. It is possible to fish here. This evening we would meet our horse guides and tomorrow we are going to ride horse. it is optional, if you prefer trekking instead of riding, just let us know.
Today we gonna ride horse, after a little riding lesson you would saddle up on your horses and we would be riding through the Alpine forest, heading eastwards. On the way we will have to pass some bigger rivers, stop on some Kazakh families. The Kazakh culture and language is different than Mongolian and Tuvans. Nomadic Kazakh families are very friendly and hospitable people. We will camp on the magnificent lake shore. Today we would have Kazakh traditional dinner in one of local families.
Days 13-15
Today we will be heading to Ulgii following the Khovd river downhill. On the way we will stop in Tsengel Soum where we could meet a local Shaman throat singer. Near to Sagsai village we would visit an eagle hunter.We would get explained how the eagle hunter trains his eagle and we would get informed about how he hunts. You would have chance to hold the eagle on your arms and get taken your picture. After driving a full day we will get to Ulgii camp. In the evening we will make a small celebration at the camp.
Today, we’ll transfer to Ulgii airport. It takes approximately 3 hours to get to UB. Once we arrive, we’ll be transferred to Hotel and have some time to settle in.
Get transferred to Ulaanbaatar airport to catch your flight to home.
Note: Altai Mount Travel can change the tour itinerary at the last minute for your comfort according to weather conditions and local limitations
Tour cost includes:
English speaking local guide
Accommodations (including ger camps and tents)
All meals included
Military permit & National Park fees
All camping gear, including Dinning tent, Camping tents, tables and chairs etc.
Horses for riding.
Transport including pack horses and camels to carry gear
Airport transfers to and from group flights
Camp Crew
Tour cost doesn’t include:
International airfare, domestic airfare, airport departure taxes, any meals not specified in full itinerary, optional tipping or gratuities to camp crew and leader, any additional hotel/ ger camp nights that may be necessary due to domestic airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations, visa fees, travel insurance, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc)
It is designed for those who are experienced in mountain hiking and enjoy camping. On trek, we typically hike a total of 5-8 hours a day (8-10 miles), with a stop for a trailside lunch, at altitudes ranging between 6,000 and a maximum of 10,000 feet. In general, the hiking is over relatively flat or rolling terrain, but we do cover a number of miles each day and the trip is expeditionary in nature, even though most of the hikes are not that difficult. Make sure you have properly fitted, broken-in shoes and a good blister kit. Sturdy waterproof boots and gaiters are essential for potential snowy conditions atop Takhilt Pass. For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking, jogging, or staircase walking is an excellent preparatory exercise. Would recommend to use sleeping bags rated to -15 Celcius. Our staff cooks and serves the meals, and there is a shared toilet at camp. Treated drinking water is distributed each day on trek.
On Days 3-10, our trek gear is transported between camps by camel and pack horses, and on other days by a 4×4 russian van. We will have a few local horses with us on this hike, for those interested, an occasional short horseback ride to take a break from hiking may be possible, but not guaranteed.
Our overland travel is by 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers and these Japanese jeeps make you feel comfortable across rough roads, bumpy tracks, and open country.
Our crew will consist of up to 8 people, depending on size of group. Our cook prepares Western style meals and we garuantee that you will gain weight. (kidding, but enough food)
Mountain weather is always unpredictable. Come prepared for at least some rain, wind, and some very cold nights and mornings and also dry hot days. Night time temperatures can drop to 30ºF! A dusting of snow is not uncommon here at this northern latitude, even in the summer, and atop Takhilt Pass, we do expect to hike through snowy terrain. That said, there are also many beautifully clear and sunny days with bright blue skies.
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