🏔️ Ultimate Altai Trekking Journey From Glaciers to Eagle Hunters 8-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 & Eagle Hunter Trekking Adventure – 8 Days
This 8-day fully supported trekking adventure takes you deep into the heart of western Mongolia’s most dramatic mountain region — Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Designed for travelers seeking a perfect balance of nature, adventure, and comfort, the journey combines breathtaking alpine scenery with rich Kazakh nomadic culture.
Beginning in Ölgii, you explore remote valleys and high-altitude viewpoints with panoramic views of the mighty Potanin Glacier and Khüiten Peak, the highest mountain in Mongolia. The route then leads to the pristine Khoton Lake region, where you trek along turquoise lakeshores, forests, and open valleys rich with wildlife and nomadic life.
The trekking pace is easy to moderate, and thanks to a support vehicle carrying all luggage, food, and camping equipment, you hike comfortably with only a small daypack. Cultural highlights include visiting ancient petroglyphs, enjoying bonfire nights under star-filled skies, and an unforgettable overnight stay with a Kazakh Eagle Hunter family, where you experience traditional hospitality and cuisine.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Mongolia’s wild Altai Mountains in depth—without extreme physical difficulty—while enjoying genuine cultural encounters, stunning landscapes, and well-organized support throughout the journey.
⭐ Tour Highlights – Altai Trekking Tour
- 🏔️ Altai Tavan Bogd National Park Journey through one of Mongolia’s wildest regions inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, famed for glaciers, high peaks, and pristine wilderness.
- 🧊 Potanin Glacier Viewpoint Hike to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Potanin Glacier, the country’s largest glacier.
- ⛰️ Khüiten Peak (4,374 m) Witness Khüiten Peak, Mongolia’s highest summit, rising above the Altai range.
- 💎 Khoton Lake – Upper & Middle Sections Trek along the turquoise shores of Khoton Lake, surrounded by forests and snow-capped mountains.
- 🪨 Ancient Petroglyphs Discover prehistoric rock carvings that reveal the deep history of Altai’s early nomads.
- 🌊 Baga Turgen Waterfall Visit one of western Mongolia’s most scenic waterfalls hidden in a dramatic mountain gorge.
- 🦅 Eagle Hunter Family Experience Overnight stay with a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter family and learn about ancient hunting traditions.
- 🥾 Easy–Moderate, Fully Supported Trekking Walk light with a support vehicle carrying luggage, food, and camping equipment—ideal for comfort-focused trekkers.
- 🔥 Bonfire Nights & Wilderness Camping Enjoy evenings by the fire under star-filled skies in remote alpine settings.
- 🌌 Authentic Nomadic & Nature Immersion Wildlife sightings, nomadic encounters, vast silence, and landscapes far from modern civilization.
Detailed Itinerary:
- 🚙 Driving Distance: ~200 km | ⏱️ ~5 hours
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Ger camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Upon arrival in Ölgii city, the gateway to western Mongolia’s Kazakh region, you meet your local team and begin a scenic drive toward the Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains gate. As you leave the town behind, the landscape quickly transforms into vast open steppe, rolling hills, and dramatic mountain silhouettes.
Along the way, enjoy views of wild Altai nature, open valleys, rivers, and distant snow-capped peaks. This drive offers your first real sense of the region’s remoteness and raw beauty. In the late afternoon, arrive at your camp set against the mountains. After settling in, enjoy dinner and a peaceful night under the wide Altai sky.
- 🥾 Hiking Distance: ~12 km (one way)
- ⏱️ Hiking Time: ~3 hours (one way)
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Ger camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin a rewarding hike along a traditional horse trail leading toward a spectacular mountain viewpoint. The trail gradually climbs through alpine terrain, offering increasingly dramatic views of the surrounding Altai ranges.
From the viewpoint, witness breathtaking panoramas of the Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s largest glacier, and the towering Khüiten Peak (4,374 m), the highest point in the country. This is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring vistas in Mongolia.
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by mountain silence before hiking back to camp in the afternoon. The evening is free to relax, reflect, and enjoy dinner in this pristine alpine setting.
- 🚙 Driving: Scenic off-road route
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Tent camping
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you travel deeper into Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, heading toward the remote and beautiful Khoton Lake region. The drive takes you across wild mountain terrain, river crossings, and rough tracks rarely traveled by outsiders.
On the way, you may spot wildlife, grazing yaks, horses, and nomadic herders moving with the seasons. Several traditional wooden bridges mark the journey as you approach the lake basin. Arrive at the campsite near the upper Khoton Lake area and prepare for the trekking days ahead. Overnight in tents surrounded by untouched nature.
- 🥾 Trekking Distance: ~15 km
- ⏱️ Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Tent camping
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin trekking toward the upper section of Khoton Lake. The trail passes through open valleys and along lakeshores, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains.
One of today’s highlights is visiting ancient petroglyphs, rock carvings created thousands of years ago by early inhabitants of the Altai. These carvings provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s deep human history and spiritual traditions.
After lunch on the trail, continue hiking to the upper lakeside campsite. The evening is peaceful, with time to relax, enjoy the silence, and take in the beauty of this alpine environment.
- 🥾 Trekking Distance: ~20 km
- ⏱️ Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Tent camping
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek follows the long, scenic shoreline of Khoton Lake, moving from the upper section toward the middle lake area. This is a full trekking day through some of the most photogenic landscapes in the Altai.
You’ll pass forested sections, open grasslands, and seasonal nomadic camps where local families herd livestock. Picnic lunch is enjoyed along the lakeshore. In the evening, arrive at camp and enjoy a bonfire, sharing stories beneath a vast, star-filled sky.
- 🥾 Trekking Distance: ~15 km
- ⏱️ Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
- 🏠 Accommodation: Eagle Hunter Family Homestay
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue trekking toward the scenic Baga Turgen Waterfall, hidden within a dramatic mountain gorge. The sound of cascading water and lush surroundings make this a refreshing highlight of the journey.
In the afternoon, visit a traditional Kazakh Eagle Hunter family. Learn about the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles, observe daily nomadic life, and gain insight into local customs and traditions.
Dinner is shared with the family and features Beshbarmak, a traditional Kazakh dish. Overnight stay in a warm and welcoming homestay.
- 🚙 Driving: Altai region → Ölgii
- 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Ölgii city. Enjoy final views of the Altai Mountains, river valleys, and open steppe landscapes during the drive.
Arrive in Ölgii in the afternoon with time to relax, explore local markets, or simply rest after the adventure.
- ✈️ 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 This tour is rated Easy to Moderate. Daily hikes range from 12–20 km on natural terrain, suitable for active beginners and intermediate trekkers.
- 🚙 Fully Supported Trekking A support vehicle follows the route, transporting all luggage, food, and camping equipment. You only carry a small daypack during hikes.
- 🏕️ Accommodation Style Accommodation includes ger/yurt camps or tent camping in remote areas and one night with a Kazakh Eagle Hunter family.
- 🍽️ Meals & Cooking All meals are included and prepared by a professional cook. Trekking days feature picnic lunches, and traditional Kazakh meals (including Beshbarmak) are served at the homestay.
- 🚿 Camping Comfort (On Request) A portable shower and sitting toilet can be arranged upon request to improve comfort during camping days.
- 🌦️ Weather Conditions Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Days are generally mild, while evenings and nights can be cold. Weather-related itinerary adjustments may occur.
- 🦅 Cultural Respect When visiting nomadic and eagle hunter families, please respect local customs and ask permission before taking photos.
- 🛣️ Road & Travel Conditions Long-distance travel includes off-road driving over rough terrain. This is part of the authentic Altai wilderness experience.
- 📶 Connectivity Mobile phone signal and internet access are 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 conditions.
- 🌍 Responsible Travel This is a remote wilderness area—guests are expected to minimize environmental impact and follow Leave No Trace principles.
🎒 What to Bring – Altai Trekking Tour
- 🥾 Trekking shoes / hiking boots (well broken-in)
- 👕 Layered clothing (warm layer + wind/waterproof jacket)
- 🎒 Small daypack (for daily hiking)
- 💧 Water bottle
- 🧢 Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- 🧴 Personal toiletries & medications
- 🔦 Headlamp or flashlight
- 💵 Personal cash (for small purchases or tips)
- 📌 Note: All main luggage, food, and camping equipment are carried by the support vehicle—you hike with only essentials.
⭐ Why Choose This Tour – Altai Trekking Adventure
- 🏔️ Explore Mongolia’s Wildest Mountain Region Travel deep into Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, home to glaciers, snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and untouched wilderness rarely visited by tourists.
- 🥾 Easy–Moderate Trekking, Walk Light Designed for comfort-focused adventurers. A support vehicle carries all luggage, food, and camping gear, so you trek with only a small daypack.
- 🧊 Potanin Glacier & Khüiten Peak Views Hike to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking Potanin Glacier and Khüiten Peak, Mongolia’s highest mountain.
- 💎 Khoton Lake Upper & Middle Sections Trek along the pristine shores of Khoton Lake, famous for its turquoise water, forests, and dramatic reflections.
- 🪨 Ancient History & Living Culture Discover prehistoric petroglyphs and experience authentic nomadic life with local herder families.
- 🌊 Baga Turgen Waterfall Visit one of western Mongolia’s most scenic waterfalls, hidden in a dramatic mountain gorge.
- 🦅 Authentic Eagle Hunter Family Stay Overnight with a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter family and learn about ancient hunting traditions passed down through generations.
- 🍽️ Professional Cook & Quality Meals Enjoy freshly prepared meals throughout the journey, including traditional Kazakh cuisine such as Beshbarmak.
- 🚿 Extra Comfort Options Portable shower and sitting toilet available upon request during camping days.
- 🌌 True Wilderness Experience Bonfire nights, star-filled skies, wildlife encounters, and complete escape from modern life.
✨ This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and deep cultural immersion in Mongolia’s most spectacular mountain landscape.
❓ FAQs Altai Trekking Tour
- Q: What is the trekking difficulty?
- A: Easy to Moderate. Daily hikes range from 12–20 km on natural trails. Suitable for active beginners and intermediate trekkers.
- Q: Do I need to carry my luggage?
- A: No. A support vehicle carries all main luggage, food, and camping equipment. You hike with only a small daypack.
- Q: Where do we stay during the tour?
- A: A mix of ger/yurt camps or tent camping, plus 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 can be arranged upon request.
- Q: Is this tour suitable for beginners?
- A: Yes, for travelers in good health who enjoy walking and outdoor activities.
- Q: What weather should I expect?
- A: Mountain weather can change quickly. Expect mild days and cool evenings; occasional wind or rain is possible.
- Q: Will we meet local people?
- A: Yes. You’ll encounter 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 does the tour start and end?
- A: It 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.