Trekking Adventure in the Altai Mountains of Western Mongolia

5.0 (4)
11 days 10 nights
Mongolia
Photo Akhjol K.
5.0
Akhjol K.
Tour Provider
View Akhjol’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic
Upscale

Trekking in western Mongolia is an unparalleled adventure, presenting stunning vistas of some of the planet's most isolated and rugged terrains. This region is defined by majestic mountain ranges, deep valleys, and expansive grasslands that seem to extend endlessly. 

Among the most sought-after trekking routes in western Mongolia is this Altai Mountains trek. The journey leads you through the breathtaking Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, which boasts some of Mongolia's tallest peaks. As you trek, you will come across pristine alpine lakes, glaciers, and ancient petroglyphs created by earlier civilizations.

$2,185
per tourist for 11 days
Departing from
Bayan-Olgiy Province, Ulgii Airport
Available dates
Only in the Hiking Trekking Club
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Photo Akhjol K.
Akhjol K. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
I’m Akhjol, but you can call me Aka. I was born and raised in Ulgii, and during my childhood I had the privilege of living with my nomadic grandparents in the Altai mountains. This upbringing had a profound influence on me, sparking my passion for working in tourism in Mongolia and allowing me to connect with people from all walks of life, sharing our unique lifestyle and culture. I pursued my education in Thailand, where I graduated with a degree. In 2014, I began my career in tourism as an English-speaking guide. With fluency in Mongolian, Kazakh, English and Japanese, I’ve been able to effectively communicate and connect with travelers from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they have a memorable and fulfilling travel experience in Mongolia.

Tour highlights

On the tour
Breathtaking Landscapes
Trekking in western Mongolia offers stunning vistas, featuring majestic mountain ranges, deep valleys, and expansive grasslands
Local landscape
Mongolia's Tallest Peaks
This trek is a highlight, guiding adventurers through the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, home to some of Mongolia's tallest peaks
Eagle hunter
Natural and Cultural Wonders
The journey includes pristine alpine lakes, glaciers, and ancient petroglyphs, showcasing both the natural beauty and historical significance

Route details

Day 1
Reach the Holy Five Peaks and Meet the Tuvan Nomads

Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii, where we will greet you at the airport.

We will begin with a brief introduction to the town before enjoying brunch at a Halal restaurant or at our ger camp. After our meal, we will set off from Ulgii and drive to the Ranger Station of Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain, also known as the Holy Five Peaks. The journey will take approximately 5-6 hours.

Upon arrival at the Ranger Station, situated at around 2700 meters above sea level, you will have the chance to experience the lifestyle of the Tuvan nomads, a small ethnic group in Mongolia. This cultural experience will provide you with valuable insights into their distinct way of life.

For your overnight accommodation, you can choose between staying in a traditional ger or a tent, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the Altai Mountains.

Local landscape
Day 2
Base Camp of Tavan Bogd Mountain
Day 3
Ascent of Malchin Peak
Day 4
Descent Toward the Ranger Station
Day 5
Explore the Black Valley
Day 6
Bear Valley Pass - Takhilt Pass
Day 7
Visit the Aksu Valley And the Heart Lake
Day 8
Discover Hoton Hurgan Nuur and Meet a Kazakh Nomadic Family
Day 9
Hike to the Ih Turgen Valley and Meet Kazakh Eagle Hunters
Day 10
Back to Ulgii and Visit a Traditional Kazakh Wedding Ceremony
Day 11
Depart to Ulaanbaatar
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

This tour is of an intense difficulty level. 

Participants should be in good physical shape and have some hiking experience.

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Upscale
Tent
9 nights
Tent / Hotel
1 night
  • 1st night - choose between a traditional ger or a tent; 
  • 2nd night - stay at the Base camp;
  • 3rd night - stay at the Base camp;
  • 4th night - stay in either tents or gers (traditional Mongolian dwellings);
  • 5th night - stay in comfortable tents;
  • 6th night - spend the night in cozy tents nestled by the White River;
  • 7th night - spend the night in comfortable tents under the starry night sky;
  • 8th night - sleep in a traditional Kazakh ger;
  • 9th night - sleep in a traditional Kazakh ger of the Kazakh nomadic family;
  • 10th night - choose between a camp or a hotel in Ulgii.
2 nights
Base camp
2 nights
Traditional ger
Another option
2 nights
Tent
3 nights
Comfortable tents
2 nights
Traditional Kazakh ger
1 night
Camp
Another option
1 night
Hotel in Ulgii

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Bayan-Olgiy Province, Ulgii Airport
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included
  • Round-trip tickets between Ulaanbaatar and Ölgii; 
  • All meals indicated in the itinerary; 
  • 4×4 van with driver; 
  • Fuel;
  • English-speaking guide;
  • Cook;
  • Wranglers;
  • Camels and horses;
  • Accommodation during the tour; 
  • Border area permits and National Park fees;
  • All camping and cooking equipment;
  • Drinks and toiletries (water, juice, toilet paper, etc);  
  • Eagle hunter’s entertainment fees (including wearing traditional clothes, holding eagles for photos, etc); 
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free meal options; 
  • Other administrative costs. 
Extras
  • International airfare;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Excess baggage fee on domestic air travel;
  • Drinks & alcohol;
  • Meals not indicated;
  • Emergency and personal expenses;
  • Tips, gratuities and personal expenses; 
  • All expenses in Ulaanbaatar. 
Group size
From 2 to 20 tourists
Duration
11 days
10 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Essential Packing List for Your Trek

Documents:

  • Passport – We require a copy of your passport before your arrival in Mongolia. This is necessary for obtaining border area permits, which we prepare in advance, and for booking domestic flights.

Sleeping Gear:

  • Sleeping bag – You will need a warm, four-season sleeping bag rated for at least -10°C (15°F) or below. This temperature rating is a guideline, as warmth depends on individual sensitivity to cold;
  • Sleeping mat – Roll mats are provided on the trek. However, for greater comfort and warmth, we recommend bringing a Therm-a-Rest-style mattress. Please let us know if you will bring your own, otherwise, we can provide one if needed.

Footwear:

  • Waterproof, well-worn-in walking boots – Comfortable, high-quality footwear is essential. Ensure your boots are well broken-in and lightweight;
  • Ankle support and waterproof material are recommended, but if you already have comfortable boots with good grip on rocks, you don’t need to buy new ones.

Clothing:

  • Waterproof clothing – A plastic poncho or any kind of waterproof jacket and trousers are recommended. A poncho is usually sufficient if it covers your bag, body, and most of your legs;
  • Warm clothing for nighttime – Fleece, long pants, woolen hat, gloves;
  • Layered clothing for walking – Zip-off trousers, fleece, T-shirts.

Other Essentials:

  • Plastic bags – To keep your belongings and clothes dry. Wrap everything in plastic bags;
  • Small towel and basic personal toiletries – There will be opportunities for cold showers at the campsite. Bring travel-size shampoo and shower gel if you’d like, and wet wipes for the rest of the trek (these can also be purchased in Ölgii);
  • Water bottle – Bring one large (1.5L) bottle or two to three small bottles that can be refilled with boiled water, which will be supplied every morning at the campsite;
  • Personal medication and basic first aid kit – Bandaids, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration sachets. (Note: our trek leader will carry a first aid kit);
  • Snacks – Chocolates, chips, biscuits, energy bars. Snacks are provided during the trek, but you may want to bring some extras;
  • Torch (flashlight) and spare batteries – Very important;
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhat;
  • Mosquito repellent;
  • Antiseptic hand gel. 
What is the best time to join this tour?
Whats is so unique about a Mongolian trekking way?
What meal options will be provided during the tour? Will there be vegetarian meals?
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

5.0
Based on 4 reviews
  • M
    Marta
    about provider
    21 Aug, 2024
    We had an incredible time! The guides were generous, intelligent, and their knowledge of the area's history made our trip even more special. We've stayed connected with some of them and will hopefully return again later!
  • D
    Dunga
    about provider
    10 Jul, 2024
    My adventure was seamless. The guides were so knowledgeable, kind, and welcoming. It felt like we were traveling with friends, and we still chat with some of them!
  • H
    Halil
    about provider
    26 Oct, 2023
    My Mongolian experience was absolutely great. I would like to thank Aka and his team. They helped us a lot both before and during the tour. I would recommend it to everyone!

Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Jun – 15 Sep
    Request to book

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