Altai Tavan Bogd national park

Mongolia’s most iconic mountain wilderness, home to the Five Sacred Peaks, dramatic glaciers, alpine tundra, and ancient petroglyphs. This is the heart of the Mongolian Altai.

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park – The Heart of the Mongolian Altai

Complete Visitor Guide: Located at the westernmost point of Mongolia, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park lies along the borders of Russia and China, with sweeping views into Kazakhstan from its highest summits. Covering 630,000 hectares, this vast protected area is the crown jewel of the Mongolian Altai.

🏔️ Five Sacred Peaks (Tavan Bogd)

The park is dominated by the legendary Tavan Bogd Mountains, meaning “Five Sacred” in Mongolian. These peaks include the five highest mountains in Mongolia, revered as sacred by local Tuvan and Kazakh communities.

🥾 Malchin Uul (Herder Peak) – 4,025 m, accessible to fit beginners

🏔️ Khuiten Uul (Cold Peak) – 4,374 m (14,201 ft), Mongolia’s highest point

🧗 Four peaks require full mountaineering skills and equipment

❄️ Glaciers, Lakes & Waterfalls

In the shadow of the Tavan Bogd massif lie some of Mongolia’s most dramatic high-altitude landscapes:

  • 🏞️ Several large alpine lakes, especially in the scenic lakes region, a favorite summer pasture for nomadic herders and a popular visitor area
  • 🧊 Potanin (Pontuninii) Glacier – covering 23 km², the largest glacier in Mongolia
  • 🧊 34 smaller glaciers scattered across the massif
  • 💧 A 10-meter waterfall to the south

🪨 Archaeology & UNESCO Heritage

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park contains the full spectrum of archaeology in Bayan-Ölgii Province, making it one of Mongolia’s richest cultural landscapes.

  • 🗿 Petroglyph Complexes of the Mongolian Altai – UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 🪨 Over 10,000 petroglyphs
  • 🏺 Standing stones, burial mounds, and ancient Kazakh cemeteries

📍 The most famous site, Tsagaan Salaa, stretches along a 15 km river valley, forming the largest concentration of petroglyphs in Mongolia, dating back thousands of years.

🦅 Living Nomadic & Eagle Hunting Culture

Many Kazakh eagle hunters live within the park, practicing the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles, especially during winter months.

  • 🦊 Traditional hunting of Corsac foxes and rabbits
  • 🏕️ Seasonal nomadic migration within the park
  • 🦅 Unique opportunity to join eagle hunters with a local guide in winter

This living heritage makes the park culturally as significant as it is scenic.

🐾 Wildlife & Endangered Species

Altai Tavan Bogd is home to an impressive range of wildlife, including many endangered species:

  • 🐆 Snow leopard
  • 🐏 Argali sheep
  • 🐐 Siberian ibex
  • 🐺 Grey wolf
  • 🦌 Red deer & elk
  • 🦅 Golden eagle & black vulture
  • 🐦 Altai snowcock

Wildlife sightings are best in remote valleys and early mornings.

🏕️ Activities & Adventure Options

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is the most visited park in western Mongolia, offering diverse activities year-round:

🌞 Summer & Autumn

  • 🥾 Hiking & trekking (best around lakes & Tavan Bogd Base Camp – 3,092 m)
  • 🧊 Glacier hiking (Potanin Glacier)
  • 🐎 Horse & camel riding
  • 🎣 Fishing (permitted mid-June to April)
  • 🚵 Mountain biking
  • 🚣 Whitewater rafting
  • 📸 Landscape & cultural photography

❄️ Winter & Spring

  • 🦅 Eagle hunting experiences (with guide)
  • ⛷️ Backcountry skiing (April–May, growing in popularity)
  • 🏔️ Winter trekking & cultural visits

⚠️ Mountain climbing is best in late summer, when weather conditions are most stable.

⭐ Why Visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park?

✔ Mongolia’s highest and most sacred mountains

✔ Largest glaciers and alpine lakes

✔ UNESCO-listed archaeology & petroglyphs

✔ Authentic Kazakh nomadic & eagle hunting culture

✔ One of Asia’s last true wilderness regions

Traveler Reviews: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park Experience