Trekking Tour

Adventure trek in the Altai mountains

Our carefully designed trekking tour takes you into the wilderness of Altai mountains of Mongolia and gives you the adventure that you look for. The tour covers beautiful Altai Tavan Bogd national park, one of the largest parks in Western Mongolia. The park is home to snow-capped mountains, glaciers, beautiful lakes, ancient archaeological sites and nomad Kazakh and Tuvan tribes as well as some endangered animals (such as snow leopard, wild sheep, ibex and Altai Snowcock). 

Theme: Walking tour

Available: mid June till September

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

trekkers from Australia
white stream valley in Altai tavan bogd national park in western Mongolia

Tour itinerary

Day 1. Western Mongolia & Altai Tavan Bogd NP

Catch an early flight to Ulgii town of Bayan-Ulgii province of Western Mongolia. The tour crew (guide, driver, and cook) will meet you at the airport. The destination is the south east of Altai Tavan Bogd national park where our trekking tour begins. Unpaved mountain dirt roads take us through mountain valleys and villages until we reach at Khairakhty hill by Khoton lake and meet our horsemen who will support the trek with their pack camels. Overnight on the shore of Khoton lake.

#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: L+D
#Driving time: 5-6 hour

Day 2. Trekking begins

After the good breakfast in mountain fresh air, we will start our trip exploring ancient rock carvings on this hill. The landscape is stunning with towering forested mountains. The trek continues along beautiful Khoton lake towards Ak Su valley (white stream) to the west of the NP.

#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Trekking time: 5-6 hour

Day 3. Bear valley

Enjoy your hike into the wilderness of beautiful Altai mountains. Hike through the dramatic steppe valley with patches of larch forests along the white stream that drains from Tavan Bogd massif. On the way, you will view the so-called Green Lake and stay for the overnight in a scenic valley which is called the Bear Valley.

#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Trekking time: 5-6 hour

Day 4. Cross the Altai

Today, we will cross the Altai at the highest elevation of some 3060m. During the crossing we might catch a glimpse of wild mountain goats (Ibex). Bear and wolf footprints can be encountered on the snow.  After crossing the pass, you’ll trek down mountain valley of Khar Salaa where some local Tuvan families live. Tuvans are an ethnic group living a nomadic life and practicing Shamanism. Overnight is in this valley.

#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Driving time: 5-6 hour

Day 5. Gateway to Tavan Bogd peaks

Trek continues towards the high elevated corner of the Altai mountains where glaciers and snow-capped are situated. Tavan Bogd mountains, stands tall and majestic, are the highest mountains in Mongolia and called as Five Saints. After some short and easy down hill walk, you will stop in Milk River valley for overnight. Tent
#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Trekking time: 4-5 hour

Day 6. Basecamp of Tavan Bogd mountains

Continue the trek into a world of snow and glacier. Enjoy the extraordinary view of Mongolian highest mountains and glaciers. You’ll pitch camp at the base camp close to 12km Potanin glacier. 
#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Trekking time: 4-5 hour

Day 7. Malchin mount summit

Early morning hike to climb the Malchin Peak which is the lowest of the five peaks and non-technical. At the top a spectacular view over the Potanin glacier and high alpine panorama await you. Descend in the late afternoon for your hike back to the base camp. Overnight is at the base camp. 
#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Climbing time: Up 3-4, down 2 hour

Day 8. Back to Milk River

Walk back to Tsagaan Gol valley and have time to enjoy short horseback hike to small crystal clear blue lake on a neighboring hill and view the landscape around the lake. Overnight. 
#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Hiking time: 3-4 hour

Day 9. Return drive to civilization

On the way back to Ulgii, stop by an Eagle Hunter’s family to see and photograph his majestic bird. In the evening we’ll gather for a farewell dinner.
#Accommodation: Hotel
#Meals: B+L+D
#Driving time: 5-6 hour

Day 10. Flight back

We’ll transfer you to the airport. Fly out of Ulgii to Ulaanbaatar.
#Meals: B
#Driving time: 15 min.

Why this tour

  • Trekking in Altai mountains
  • Twin lakes
  • Stunning mountain nature
  • Cross high mountain pass
  • Hike into Tavan Bogd
  • Wildlife
  • Climb Mt Malchin
  • Glacier exploration
  • Visit Tuvan family

Tours we offer

Golden Eagle festival

Hiking & climbing tour

Altai Tavan Bogd NP tour

Nomad homestay tour

Fishing tour

Naadam festival tour

Spring photography tour

Eagle falconry tour

Jeep tour

Horseback trekking tour

Mountain biking tour


Services provided

-English speaking tour guide
-Russian 4×4 van(s) + gasoline
-All airport transfers
-Tour cook 
-Meals (B+L+D) + snacks
-Hotel stay ( 1 overnight)
-Camping and cooking equipment (tent, kitchen tent, table, chairs, mattress etc.)
-Pack camels
-Camel drivers
-Entry fee (national park)
-Border area permit
-Drinking water

Services not provided

-Everything in Ulaanbaatar
-Domestic flight tickets (we can book your tickets for you upon request)
-Travel insurance
-Alcoholic drinks
-Gratuities

What are our clients say about this trekking adventure

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
An absolutely wild journey. We contacted Erka from trekmates travel looking for a more adventurous experience in Mongolia. With a small group of four, Erka took us on an epic 18 day trek (foot, horse, and camel) through the unending blue sky and into the Altai mountains and valleys. This is an adventure for the experience collectors, and I can’t thank Erka enough.
Doug P
Australia