🏔️ Altai Mountains Trek, Khoton Lake, Waterfalls & Eagle Hunters 7-Day tour
📍 Western Mongolia | Altai Tavan Bogd National park | Altai Tavan Bogd mountain view point | Khoton Lake | Baga Trgen Waterfall | Eagle Hunter Experience
🏔️ Altai Mountains & Khoton Lake Trekking Adventure – 7 Days
Experience one of Mongolia’s most spectacular and remote regions on this 7-day fully supported trekking adventure through the heart of the Altai Mountains. Journey into Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, home to towering snow-capped peaks, vast glaciers, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and ancient nomadic culture.
This tour combines easy to moderate trekking with breathtaking highlights including Potanin Glacier, views of Khüiten Peak (Mongolia’s highest mountain), trekking along the pristine shores of Khoton Lake, and a cultural stay with a Kazakh Eagle Hunter family. Thanks to a support vehicle carrying all luggage and equipment, you hike comfortably with just a small daypack.
Perfect for travelers seeking a balance of adventure, comfort, and authentic cultural immersion, this journey offers unforgettable wilderness scenery, traditional hospitality, and nights under the vast Altai sky.
⭐ Tour Highlights – Altai Trekking Tour
- 🏔️ Altai Tavan Bogd National Park Explore Mongolia’s most dramatic mountain region, known for glaciers, high peaks, alpine lakes, and untouched wilderness.
- 🧊 Potanin Glacier Viewpoint Hike to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Potanin Glacier, the largest glacier in Mongolia.
- ⛰️ Khüiten Peak – Mongolia’s Highest Mountain Witness Khüiten Peak (4,374 m), rising majestically above the Altai range.
- 🥾 Easy–Moderate Supported Trekking Enjoy comfortable trekking with a support vehicle carrying luggage, food, and camping equipment—walk with just a daypack.
- 💎 Khoton Lake Upper & Middle Sections Trek along the crystal-clear shores of Khoton Lake, surrounded by forests and snow-capped peaks.
- 🌊 Baga Turgen Waterfall Visit one of western Mongolia’s most beautiful waterfalls hidden in a scenic mountain gorge.
- 🦅 Eagle Hunter Family Experience Stay overnight with a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter family and learn about ancient hunting traditions.
- 🍽️ Authentic Kazakh Cuisine Enjoy traditional meals, including Beshbarmak, prepared by local families.
- 🔥 Bonfire Night in the Wild Spend a memorable evening around a campfire under the vast Altai night sky.
- 🌌 True Remote Wilderness Experience silence, star-filled skies, wildlife encounters, and life far from modern civilization.
Detailed Itinerary:
- 🚙 Drive: ~200 km | ⏱️ ~5 hours
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Ger camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Upon arrival in Ölgii city, we drive toward the Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains gate.
Enjoy vast Altai landscapes, wild steppe scenery, and remote mountain views along the way.
Arrive at camp in the afternoon and relax in nature. Overnight at a nomadic ger camp, yurt stay, or tent.
- 🥾 Hiking Distance: ~12 km (one way)
- ⏱️ Hiking Time: ~3 hours one way
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Ger camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, hike along a traditional horse trail to a spectacular Altai Tavan Bogd viewpoint.
🏔️ Highlights:
- View of Potanin Glacier
- Sight of Khüiten Peak (4,374 m)
- Panoramic alpine scenery
Picnic lunch on the trail. Return hike to camp in the afternoon. Overnight at camp.
- 🚙 Drive: Scenic off-road route
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Tent camping
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, we drive deeper into Altai Tavan Bogd National Park toward the upper Khoton Lake area.
🌄 On the way:
- Wild mountain landscapes
- Rivers and valleys
- Wildlife sightings
- Traditional wooden bridges
Arrive at the lakeside campsite and prepare for trekking days ahead. Overnight in tents.
- 🥾 Trekking Distance: ~20 km
- ⏱️ Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Tent camping
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Start trekking along the beautiful shores of Khoton Lake.
🌲 Trekking highlights:
- Forest paths and open valleys
- Passing local nomadic families
- Livestock grazing near the lake
🔥 Enjoy a bonfire in the evening under the Altai night sky. Overnight in tents.
- 🥾 Trekking Distance: ~15 km
- ⏱️ Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
- 🏠 Accommodation: Eagle Hunter Family Homestay
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue trekking to the scenic Baga Turgen Waterfall, hidden within a mountain gorge.
🦅 Afternoon Cultural Experience:
- Visit a Kazakh Eagle Hunter family
- Learn about eagle hunting traditions
- Explore authentic nomadic life
🍽️ Dinner with the family includes traditional Beshbarmak. Overnight at the homestay.
- 🚙 Drive: Altai region → Ölgii
- 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
After breakfast, drive back to Ölgii city through dramatic Altai landscapes.
Free time in the city upon arrival.
- ✈️ Flight: Ölgii → Ulaanbaatar
- 🚐 Transfer: Early-morning airport transfer
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
Early morning transfer to the airport for your domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar.
🌟 End of Tour – Thank you for choosing us!
📝 Tour Notes – Altai Trekking Tour
- 🥾 Trekking Level Easy to Moderate, with daily hikes of approximately 12–20 km on natural mountain terrain. Suitable for active beginners and intermediate trekkers.
- 🚙 Fully Supported Trek A support vehicle follows the route, carrying all luggage, food, and camping equipment. You trek with only a small daypack.
- 🏕️ Accommodation Combination of ger/yurt camps or tent camping in remote areas and one night with a Kazakh Eagle Hunter family.
- 🍽️ Meals & Cooking All meals are included as per itinerary and prepared by a professional cook. Picnic lunches are provided on trekking days; traditional Kazakh meals are served at the homestay.
- 🚿 Camping Comfort (On Request) Portable shower and sitting toilet can be arranged upon request during camping days.
- 🌦️ Weather Conditions Mountain weather can change quickly. Expect mild days and cool evenings; flexibility is essential.
- 🦅 Cultural Etiquette Please respect local customs when visiting nomadic families. Always ask before taking photos, especially of people and eagles.
- 🛣️ Road Conditions Travel includes long off-road sections. Roads can be rough, but this is part of the authentic Altai experience.
- 📶 Connectivity Mobile signal is limited or unavailable in most parts of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
- ✈️ Flights The tour starts in Ölgii and ends with a domestic flight to Ulaanbaatar. Flight schedules may change due to weather.
🎒 What to Bring – Altai Trekking Tour
- 🥾 Trekking shoes / hiking boots (well broken-in)
- 👕 Layered clothing (warm layer + wind/waterproof jacket)
- 🎒 Small daypack
- 💧 Water bottle
- 🧢 Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- 🧴 Personal toiletries & medications
- 🔦 Headlamp or flashlight
- 💵 Personal cash
- 📌 Note: Main luggage, food, and camping equipment are transported by the support vehicle.
⭐ Why Choose This Tour – Altai Trekking Adventure
- 🥾 Easy–Moderate, Walk-Light Trekking Enjoy real mountain trekking without carrying heavy backpacks. A support vehicle transports all luggage, food, and camping equipment.
- 🏔️ Mongolia’s Most Spectacular Mountains Explore Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, home to glaciers, alpine lakes, and Mongolia’s highest peaks.
- 🧊 Potanin Glacier & Khüiten Peak Views Hike to viewpoints overlooking Potanin Glacier and Khüiten Peak, the highest point in Mongolia.
- 💎 Khoton Lake Upper & Middle Sections Trek along the pristine shores of Khoton Lake, famous for its turquoise water and forested landscapes.
- 🌊 Baga Turgen Waterfall Visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in western Mongolia, hidden in a dramatic mountain gorge.
- 🦅 Authentic Eagle Hunter Experience Stay with a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter family and learn about their ancient hunting culture.
- 🍽️ Professional Cook & Quality Meals Enjoy freshly prepared meals throughout the journey, including traditional Kazakh dishes.
- 🚿 Extra Comfort Options Portable shower and sitting toilet available upon request during camping days.
- 🌌 True Wilderness & Cultural Immersion Remote landscapes, nomadic encounters, star-filled nights, and deep cultural experiences far from crowds.
This tour offers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and cultural discovery in Mongolia’s wild Altai region.
❓ FAQs Altai Trekking Tour
- Q: What is the trekking difficulty?
- A: Easy to Moderate, with daily hikes of about 12–20 km on natural mountain terrain.
- Q: Do I need to carry my luggage while trekking?
- A: No. A support vehicle carries all luggage, food, and camping equipment. You trek with only a small daypack.
- Q: Where will we stay during the tour?
- A: A mix of ger/yurt camps or tent camping and one night with a Kazakh Eagle Hunter family.
- Q: Are meals included?
- A: Yes. All meals are included and prepared by a professional cook. Picnic lunches are provided on trekking days.
- Q: Is camping comfortable?
- A: Yes. A portable shower and sitting toilet are available on request during camping days.
- Q: Is this tour suitable for beginners?
- A: Yes. It’s suitable for active beginners and intermediate trekkers who enjoy walking and nature.
- Q: What kind of weather should I expect?
- A: Mountain weather can change quickly. Expect mild days and cool evenings; flexibility is important.
- Q: Will we meet local people?
- A: Yes. You’ll pass nomadic families and stay with a traditional eagle hunter family.
- Q: Is there mobile or internet coverage?
- A: Coverage is limited or unavailable in most areas of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
- Q: How do we start and end the tour?
- A: The tour starts in Ölgii and ends with a domestic flight to Ulaanbaatar (weather-dependent).
- Q: Is this a private or group tour?
- A: Available as private or small group tours.