Altai Tavan Bogd National Park Tour

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Nature & culture of Altai Tavan Bogd NP

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia’s alpine crown jewel. In rugged 4x4s, discover crystal-clear lakes, towering peaks, and winding rivers, set against a living tapestry of semi-nomadic herder families. This itinerary blends camping beneath star-filled skies, guided non-technical hikes to sweeping viewpoints, and a non-technical ascent of Malchin Mountain for panoramic rewards. You’ll meet Kazakh and Tuvan communities and glimpse endangered wildlife—snow leopards, argali, ibex, and Altai snowcock—against the spectacular Tavan Bogd landscape. Conclude your adventure by paying a visit to an eagle-hunter family to glimpse enduring steppe traditions.

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Theme: NP, Camping
Available: mid-June-mid September
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Booking: open (seats available)

Khoton lake of Altai Tavan Bogd national park in western Mongolia

Kazakh herder man spending his summer in Altai Tavan Bogd national park, western Mongolia

itinerary

Take an early flight to Ulgii city, Western Mongolia. Tour crew will welcome you at the airport and your journey continues with a scenic drive over desert mountain landscapes to Altai Tavan Bogd national park. The destination is the beautiful Tsagaan Gol (Milk River) valley, the gateway to the Tavan Bogd mountains. Resided by the nomad Tuvan (ethnic group) herder people, the valley gives you the true picture of the nomadic life. The beauty of Tsagaan Gol fuels you for the trek that lies ahead. Overnight is at this valley.
#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: L+D
#Driving time: 6 hour

After a hearty breakfast we’ll start our hike with a steep uphill. The rest of the route is a gradual but continuous ascent across high mountain terrain with a couple bogs. Luggage and equipment will be carried by pack camels. After the 2 third of the route, we will be rewarded with the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Walking for around 5 hours, we’ll reach the base camp of mount Malchin which is by the Potanin glacier. Overnight at base camp.
#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Distance: 16km
#altitude: 3000m

We’ll be hiking along the Potanin glacier moraine for an hour before stepping on the mountain. Malchin (Herder) is the lowest of the five peaks and non-technical. Although clearly established, the trail is mostly in the scree. At the top spectacular view over the Potanin glacier and high alpine panorama await you. Descend in the afternoon to the base camp. Free time to explore the glacier. Overnight at the base camp.
#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Climbing time: Up 3-4, down 2-3 hour

In the late afternoon, after the festival day 1 is over, you will drive into the mountains to meet a true eagle hunter and his family. The family lives in 15km away from Altai village. Surrounded by mountains that are full of foxes and hares, the area is a perfect place for hunting with a golden eagle. You will be staying at this humble, hospitable nomad family during the falconry part of our tour and will be tasting their hospitality. The family will be living in their egg like white yurts in their Autumn camp.
#Accommodation: Yurt
#Meals: B+L+D
#Driving: 3 hour

After breakfast, drive to the southeast of Altai Tavan Bogd national park where the idyllic Khoton and Khurgan lakes are situated. The area is summer pasture for Kazakh herder people and wonderful place with forested towering mountains over the lakes. En route, you will see some ancient stone men and burial mounds. Arrive at a Kazakh nomad herder family. Be welcomed by these hospitable people who will enjoy having guests. Have local meals in the large, colorful Kazakh yurt. The host is a falconer which means the opportunity of seeing and photographing his golden eagle is in the pocket.
#Accommodation: Tent / Yurt (felt tent)
#Meals: B+L+D
#Driving time: 6 hour

After one hour drive, arrive Khairakhty hill and pitch camp on the shore of Khoton lake. The hill is an archaeological site. Enjoy your day exploring ancient rock carvings, swimming in the lake, fishing and taking a walk on the lakeshore. In short, enjoy the day and enjoy the trip. Overnight.
#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: B+L+D

Drive back to Ulgii along Khovd river. Check in your hotel. Have some rest and hot shower. Take leisurely stroll in the town center. Shop for colorfully embroidered Kazakh handicrafts. In the evening we’ll gather for a farewell dinner.
#Accommodation: Hotel
#Meals: B+L+D
#Driving time: 6 hour

We will transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. End of the tour.
#Driving time: 15min