Trekking Adventure in Tavan Bogd

Transfer to UB airport for your flight to Ulgy town in Western Mongolia.

Upon arrival, you'll meet your support team and embark on a drive to Tavan Bogd National Park. We will traverse the mountainous desert for approximately five hours until we reach the Baga Oigor Valley, home to an extensive petroglyph gallery recognized on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The rock carvings from the Stone and Bronze Ages are spread over an area measuring 15 kilometers long and 500 meters wide. These images depict both wild and domestic animals, as well as scenes from human life, including hunting, tending to animals, and various forms of worship.

Here, we will set up our tented camp and spend the remainder of the day leisurely exploring the rock art gallery. Later, we will return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

We journey through vast V-shaped mountain valleys where small rivers flow from glaciers perched atop the peaks. The mountain slopes, adorned with vibrant green grass, alternate with steep cliffs blanketed in scree.

Along the way, we encounter the large, mushroom-shaped yurts of Kazakh herders, accompanied by their extensive flocks of yaks and goats, as well as numerous marmots.

Shortly after lunch, we reach the entrance to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, where a few yurts serve as the home for local rangers nestled at the base of even taller mountains. This marks the beginning of our trek. You’ll have the opportunity to wander and explore the nearby foothills until dinner.

In the evening, local herders will arrive with their pack camels, which will transport our camp, luggage, and food for the coming days.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we set off on our trek to the Tavan Bogd base camp (BC), the starting point for ascending the region's tallest peaks.

Along the way, observe Bactrian camels being loaded up as they begin their journey to the BC. The majority of the trail features a gradual ascent through high mountain terrain, with occasional bogs and a few shallow streams to navigate, alongside two brief but steep sections. As we progress, stunning views of snow-capped peaks and expansive glaciers will unfold before us.

Around lunchtime, the camel caravan will pass us, as trekkers typically arrive at the BC in the late afternoon. Our campsite, situated just over 3,000 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking vistas of Mongolia's highest peaks and largest glaciers.

Today, our objective is to ascend one of the region's lower and more accessible peaks. While the trek is non-technical, a round trip will take approximately 7-9 hours, depending on the fitness levels of the trekkers and the prevailing weather conditions.

We will hike along the moraine of the Potanin Glacier for an hour before we begin our ascent. The trail, though completely on scree, is well established and marked, requiring only trekking poles for support. Once we reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and the expanse of Russian territory. For those seeking a less strenuous option, there is the possibility of climbing to a lower ridge that serves as the border between the two countries.

After our time in the mountains, we’ll enjoy a leisurely walk back to camp.

The journey to the lower gate of the national park is an easy downhill walk, though you'll encounter some marshy areas and streams along the way.

About two-thirds of the way down, we reach the edge of a deep V-shaped valley, where a roaring river filled with glacial silt flows below. This river is the Tsagaan Gol. Its verdant valley serves as summer pasture for Tuvan camel herders, who are accompanying us on our adventure.

After a steep descent to the riverbank, we arrive at our campsite next to the rushing waters. Take this opportunity to relax and mingle with fellow travelers who may also be staying at the designated campground.

Join us for an easy morning hike to visit a Tuvan family, likely one of the camel herders who accompanied us during our recent trekking days. The Tuvans, also known as Uriankhai, are a Turkic ethnic group with a history of nomadic movement throughout southern Siberia. Traditionally, these cattle-herding nomads practiced shamanism, honoring ancestral and natural spirits; however, today their beliefs are deeply intertwined with Tibetan Buddhism. This visit offers us a chance to immerse ourselves in their way of life and sample the food and drinks offered according to local customs.

After our visit, we’ll hike to Mt. Shiveet and ascend to its broad summit, hoping to catch a glimpse of wild mountain goats (Capra Sibirica). While spotting them is nearly guaranteed, it does require some stealth and tracking. Alternatively, a less strenuous hike around the base of this sacred mountain will reveal ancient rock art, showcasing captivating scenes of hunting from the distant past of the Altai region.

We’ll return to our camp situated beside the mountain for the evening.

The journey back to Ulgy takes approximately 7 hours.

Along the way, we visit a Kazakh family renowned for their ancient practice of hunting with Golden Eagles. This nearly lost tradition has been preserved by Mongolia's Kazakh minority and is currently experiencing a revival, with women now actively involved in training eagles. While actual hunting occurs in the winter, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about this art and experience the weight of these magnificent birds by holding them on your arm.

Once we arrive in Ulgi, a traditional Kazakh dinner, enriched with music and songs, will serve as a perfect conclusion to your journey.

Following breakfast, we will head to Ulgy Airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar.

Once you arrive, we'll take you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore as you wish. Feel free to consider extra city tours or souvenir shopping, as your guide will be on standby for assistance.

In the evening, we will come together for a farewell dinner.

Take a leisurely day to explore Ulaanbaatar, an ideal opportunity to relax after your trekking adventure.

Immerse yourself in the city's lively blend of traditional culture and contemporary life at your own pace. Consider visiting a local market or joining optional excursions, either in the city or beyond.

We will arrange your transfer to the airport for your return flight home.