Adventures in Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains Tour

Discover the rooftop of Mongolia in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and beautiful lakes in Western Mongolia. The combination of high Altai Mountain trekking and Horseback riding adventure will be an unforgettable experience. We dedicate these two weeks for trekking trips to the devoted trekkers and mountaineers. The trip takes you to the most western point of Mongolia, the majestic Mongol Altai mountains – the country’s largest and highest mountain range with glacier topped peaks over 3000 meters, crystal clear mountain rivers, and glistening streams where inhabit the world’s largest wild sheep - Argali, ibex, snow leopard, wolves, eagles, and many other bird species.
The name Altai Tavan Bogd (Five Holy Peaks of Altai) was given to a cluster of 5 dramatic peaks that tower this extensive Mongol Altai mountain range. The climate is extreme with very little vegetation, giving the surrounding landscape a barren appearance. Trekking session leads us to the holy 5 peaks where the highest is Khuiten peak at 4374m. We trek through the snowy mountains, cross the longest glaciers of the country.
After a fascinating trek, we will make 3-day horse trekking through the colorful valleys towards the most beautiful lakes of the area. In this way long we will constantly visit local families of Kazakh, Tuva, and Khoton minority groups to take short breaks while exploring their lifestyle and customs as well as exchanging our friendly talks with them.
Highlights
- Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- 3 days of horse riding adventure
- Beautiful lakes of Altai region
- Eagle hunting family and culture of ethnic Kazakhs
- Snow-capped mountains
Tour Itinerary

Day 1.
Transfer to the hotel and relax. City tour including the Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from the Stone Age to the 21st century, and Buddhism, Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). In Gandan Monastery, you can take local prayers, monks, the biggest standing indoor Buddha statue, and temples' own figure. (L/D)

Day 2.
Take a flight to Ulgii - the central town of Bayan-Ulgii province where 90% of the population is Kazakhs who have their own language and unique culture. Kazakhs are famous for their Eagle hunting game tradition. Meet our vehicle and the local team. Visit the local museum to know more about Bayan-Ulgii province and its majority ethnic group - Kazakhs. Drive to Sagsay River to meet eagle hunter's family. In the evening, we come back to Ulgii town to stay overnight in a local hotel or ger camp (B/L/D)

Day 3.
Today we head to the Altai Mountain area and arrive at Shiveet Khairkhan mountain- the closest place to the Altai peaks reachable by car. We are traveling at the altitude of 2500-3000 m. We will visit a local Kazakh family to explore their lives as well as rent horses for our further trip. Here you can meet the local people and take portraits and the daily life of Kazakhs. They have a bigger Ger dwelling than the Khalkha majority group and they are characteristic. Prepare our luggage for the next 3 day-trekking trips to Altai peaks. (B/L/D)

Day 4.
Leave our vehicle and load our luggage to the horses and trek toward the Altai Tavan Bogd peaks of 4100-4374m. You can take photos of a horse or camel caravan which suites the Western Mongolian landscape, rocky and show-capped mountains. Arrive at the foot of the high peaks. (B/L/D)

Day 5.
Start our trekking towards Potanin Glacier and Mount Altai Tavan Bogd. The Tavan Bogd (means Holy Five Peaks) highest peaks in Mongolia - Khuiten Uul- 4374m, Peak Malchin, Peak Naran, Peak Burged, and Peak Olgii. Meaning the 5 Kings it comprises of five neighboring peaks. While trekking we will cross glaciers that connect those five peaks. You will capture all those 5 peaks including the Potanin glacier. Arrive at the base camp to spend an overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 6.
Head to Tsagaan Gol to change our horses or relax if you trek. Tsagaan Gol, or White river, owes its color to glacial milk, the suspended powder of rock eroded by the high glaciers. Here you have a chance to photograph both landscape and people. Tent near nomad family. Talking with nomads and sharing our experiences. (B/L/D)

Days 7-8.
Start 2-day trekking towards Khoton and Khurgan lakes. The lakes are the resource of Mongolian second largest Lake Khar Us (Black Water) and have crystal clear water and are fed by many rivers and streams originating in the Altai Mountains. The landscape around the lakes is very beautiful and picturesque with the snow-capped mountains surrounding them, green meadows at their foothills and larch forests in the middle, and sand dunes. This is a nice place to hiking, birdwatching. On the way, we will constantly visit local families. Our vehicle will be followed the trails with us loading our lugguge and camping gear. Have rest and lunch on the way and then trek towards our next camping spot. (B/L/D)

Day 9-10.
Arriving at the beautiful lakes and have a rest. Optional hiking and trekking activity. In the next morning we will reach to the closest spot to the Baga Turgen waterfall by car and start trekking to this magnificent waterfall. Enjoy the surroundings and have picnic lunch. Return to Khoton Khurgan lake and stay overnight in tent camp. (B/L/D)

Day 11.
Drive towards Khovd town and we will cross another beautiful lake. Visit local family. Overnight in tent near Lake Tolbo. (B/L/D)

Day 12.
Arrive back in Ulgii town. Transfer to the hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 13.
Take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Free activities in the city. Farewell dinner together. (B/L/D)

Day 14.
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)

Prices & Inclusions

Group size | Price/Per person |
2 PAX | 3180$ |
3-4 pax | 2880$ |
5-8 PAX | 2790$ |
Includes
Accommodation: Hotel****,* ger camp, tented camp
Guiding and interpreting service
Full board meals
Transport: 4x4 vehicle or minivan
Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar-Ulgii & Khovd-Ulaanbaatar)
Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
Horseback riding
Camping equipments
Not Includes
International airfare
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement
Alcoholic drinks
Travel Insurance
The extra cost for photography in museums
Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc
Map & Destinations

Customer Reviews

