Trekking Tour
Adventure trek in the Altai mountains
Embark on an immersive trekking odyssey through the untamed wilderness of the Altai mountains in western Mongolia. Our carefully designed journey threads you through the heart of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, where snow-capped summits crown glacier-carved valleys, and sapphire lakes mirror an endless, star-filled sky. Beyond the iconic vistas, you’ll follow hidden trails that few travelers ever tread, unveiling a true sense of Mongolia’s wild interior. Along the way, you’ll meet Kazakh and Tuvan nomads, share stories over tea in gers, and learn to read the land from guides who treat the mountains as a living classroom.
This is a trip for explorers who crave authenticity and connection with nature. You’ll camp beneath a canopy of constellations, traverse alpine passes on foot, and weave through remote landscapes that reward patience and curiosity with intimate wildlife encounters and timeless landscapes. Expect rugged beauty, demanding days, and the kind of wilderness that changes you—quiet, expansive, and profoundly alive.
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.
#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.
Fixed departure
20th July
Booking: open (seats available)
Price
1pax – $
2pax – $
3-4pax – $
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
What are our clients say about this trekking adventure
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.
