🏔️ Altai Mountains & Malchin Peak Hike 8 Days Tour
📍 Western Mongolia | Altai Mountains | Khoton Lake | Eagle Hunter Family | Malchin Peak
🏔️ An Epic High-Altitude Adventure in Western Mongolia
Journey deep into the heart of the Mongolian Altai on this unforgettable 8-day adventure, combining remote mountain trekking, glacier views, and a challenging hike to Malchin Peak (4,050 m). This tour takes you through Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, home to Mongolia’s highest mountains, vast glaciers, and ancient nomadic routes still used today.
From camel-supported treks to a high-altitude base camp, breathtaking views of Potanin Glacier and Khuiten Peak, to cultural encounters with Kazakh eagle hunters, this expedition is designed for adventurous travelers seeking raw nature, authentic culture, and true mountain exploration in one of Asia’s last great wilderness regions.
⭐ Highlights: Altai mountains 8 days tour
- 🏔️ Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains – Explore Mongolia’s highest peaks, including Khuiten Peak, and marvel at glaciers like Potanin Glacier.
- 🏕️ Base Camp Experience – Overnight at 3,000 m altitude, camping in traditional tents with camel-assisted luggage transport.
- 🥾 Hike to Malchin Peak (4,050 m) – Challenging 6–7 hour hike with panoramic views of the Altai mountain range.
- 🐪 Camel Trekking – Luggage and supplies transported by camels during base camp hike for an authentic nomadic experience.
- 🏞️ Khoton Lake Adventure – Scenic 160 km drive from Altai mountains gate, with stops at Turkic stone monuments, ancient tombs, and lakeside exploration.
- 🌊 Baga Turgen Waterfall – Hike 1.5 hours from the parking area to witness this stunning waterfall and surrounding alpine scenery.
- 🦅 Eagle Hunter Experience – Visit a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter family, enjoy meals with them, and observe their hunting techniques and lifestyle.
- 🏡 Nomadic Ger Stays – Sleep in traditional Kazakh ger/yurt camps throughout the journey, experiencing Mongolian nomadic hospitality.
- 🖼️ Petroglyphs & Ancient Monuments – Explore ancient rock carvings and Turkic stone statues near Khoton Lake.
- 📸 Photography Opportunities – Capture majestic eagles, snowy peaks, glaciers, lakes, and vibrant nomadic culture.
- 🍽️ Local Cuisine – Enjoy freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, featuring traditional Mongolian and Kazakh dishes.
- 🌄 Sunrise & Sunset Views – Experience breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the Altai mountains from base camp and Malchin Peak.
- ❄️ Seasonal Adventure – Summer (June–August) offers snow-free hikes; September–October brings autumn colors but snow may make Malchin Peak more challenging.
📅 Detailed Itinerary
- 🚙 Distance: 200 km | ⏱️ Driving: ~5 hours
- 🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Nomadic ger camp / yurt stay / tent camping
Upon arrival in Ulgii city, meet your guide and start the scenic drive to the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park gate. Enjoy vast steppe landscapes, rugged mountains, and untouched nature along the way.
Lunch is served en route. Upon arrival, settle into your camp and enjoy dinner under the stars.
- 🥾 Trekking: 16 km / ~5 hours (camel-supported)
- 🏔️ Base Camp Altitude: 3,000 m
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Camping at Base Camp (tent)
- 🍳 Meals: Breakfast: Ger camp breakfast | Lunch: Picnic lunch | Dinner: Camp-cooked dinner
Description: Trek to Base Camp supported by camels carrying luggage, camping equipment, and food. Along the trail, admire Potanin Glacier and Khuiten Peak, Mongolia’s highest mountain (4,374 m). Sunset over the Altai peaks provides amazing photography opportunities.
Tip: Local staff assist with setting up tents and camp logistics.
- 🥾 Trekking: 6–7 hours round trip / 1,050 m ascent
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Base Camp Camping
- 🍳 Meals: Breakfast: Camp breakfast | Lunch: Packed lunch | Dinner: Camp-cooked dinner
Description: Hike to Malchin Peak, a challenging yet rewarding climb offering panoramic views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and surrounding peaks. Return to Base Camp for rest and evening relaxation.
Tip: Weather can change rapidly; bring warm layers and trekking poles.
- 🥾 Trekking: Camel-supported descent
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Nomadic ger camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🍳 Meals: Breakfast: Camp breakfast | Lunch: Picnic along trail | Dinner: Ger camp dinner
Description: Follow camels down to the Mountains Gate, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. Experience different perspectives of valleys and peaks on the descent.
- 🚗 Distance / Duration: 160 km / ~4 hours
- 🌄 Highlights: Turkic stone monuments, ancient tombs
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Nomadic ger camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🍳 Meals: Breakfast: Ger camp breakfast | Lunch: Picnic lunch | Dinner: Camp-cooked dinner
Description: Drive to Khoton Lake, with stops at ancient Turkic stones and burial mounds along the way. Relax at the pristine alpine lake, perfect for photography, hiking, or birdwatching.
- 🥾 Hiking: 1.5 hours from parking to waterfall
- 🌄 Highlights: Waterfall, petroglyphs, eagle hunter culture
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Nomadic ger camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🍳 Meals: Breakfast: Ger camp breakfast | Lunch: Shared meal with eagle hunter family | Dinner: Camp-cooked dinner
Description: Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall, then visit a local eagle hunter family to learn about falconry and nomadic lifestyle. Explore petroglyphs around Khoton Lake and enjoy photography opportunities.
- 🚗 Distance / Duration: 60 km / 2 hours + 160 km / 4 hours
- 🌄 Highlights: Eagle hunting experience, Kazakh nomadic culture
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Hotel in Ulgii City
🍳 Meals: Breakfast: Eagle hunter family breakfast | Lunch: Packed lunch | Dinner: Local restaurant
Description: Morning with eagle hunter families, photographing eagles and learning traditional training techniques. Afternoon drive back to Ulgii City, with optional visits to local bazaars and museums.
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
- ✈️ Flight: Ulgii → Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to Ulgii Airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Depart with memories of high peaks, glacial lakes, and Kazakh nomadic culture.
⚠️ Important Notes: Altai mountains 8 days tour
- ✅ Portable shower and sitting toilet available on request
- ✅ Professional cook provides all meals
- ✅ Camels transport all luggage, camping equipment, and food
- ✅ Base Camp altitude: 3,000 m
- ✅ Moderate to challenging hikes; good fitness required
⭐ Why Choose: Altai mountains 8 days tour
- Immersive Adventure: Combines trekking, camping, lakes, waterfalls, and cultural experiences.
- Authentic Nomadic Life: Stay with Kazakh nomads and eagle hunter families.
- Stunning Scenery: Glaciers, Mongolia’s highest peaks, alpine lakes, and waterfalls.
- Cultural Heritage: Learn about ancient Turkic monuments, petroglyphs, and traditional falconry.
- Unique Experience: Camel-supported treks, high-altitude Base Camp, and Malchin Peak adventure.
- Photography Paradise: Ideal for landscapes, wildlife, and nomadic culture photography.
❓ FAQs: Altai mountains 8 days tour
- Q: Is previous trekking experience required?
- A: No, but a reasonable fitness level is recommended for Base Camp and Malchin Peak hikes.
- Q: Are the meals included?
- A: Yes, all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are provided, prepared by a professional cook.
- Q: How do we carry luggage on the trek?
- A: Camels transport all luggage, camping gear, and food to Base Camp.
- Q: Can we take photos with eagle hunters?
- A: Absolutely! Photography is encouraged, but please respect local customs.
- Q: Is this tour suitable for children?
- A: Children above 12 with good fitness can join, but high-altitude trekking may be challenging.