🏔️ Grand Altai Trekking Expedition 11 Days Tour
📍 Western Mongolia | Altai Tavan Bogd mountain | Altai Tavan Bogd National park | Baga Turgen waterfall | Eagle hunter family
🧭 Expedition Concept & Experience in Altai Trekking
This 11-day Altai Tavan Bogd Grand Expedition is a true wilderness crossing designed for adventurous travelers seeking long trekking days, high mountains, and deep cultural immersion. The route moves gradually from high glacial zones to historic nomadic corridors and finally to alpine lakes and waterfalls, offering one of the most complete trekking experiences in western Mongolia.
The expedition takes place entirely inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, home to Mongolia’s highest peaks, largest glaciers, and some of the most isolated landscapes in Central Asia.
- 8 full trekking days
- Summit ascent of Malchin Peak (4,050 m)
- Fully camel-supported logistics
- Professional cook & full board meals
- Nomadic culture & Eagle Hunter experiences
⭐ Tour Highlights – Altai Trekking Tour
- 🏔️ Trek Mongolia’s Highest & Wildest Mountains Explore the heart of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, home to vast glaciers, rugged peaks, and untouched alpine valleys.
- ⛰️ Summit Malchin Peak (4,050 m) Reach one of the most accessible 4,000 m peaks in the Altai, with panoramic views across Mongolia, Russia, and China.
- 🧊 Potanin Glacier Base Camp Experience Camp beside Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s largest glacier, with dramatic ice fields and views of Khüiten Peak.
- 🥾 8 Days of True Long-Distance Trekking Enjoy a real expedition challenge with daily hikes of 16–25 km, crossing glaciers, valleys, rivers, and high mountain terrain.
- 🐫 Fully Camel-Supported Trek All luggage, food, and camping equipment are carried by camels—trek comfortably with only a daypack.
- 🪨 Ancient Turkic Petroglyph Valleys Walk through historic corridors such as Khar Salaa Valley, discovering rock art and archaeological sites thousands of years old.
- 🌊 Bear Valley’s Waterfalls & Glacial Rivers Trek through one of the Altai’s most scenic valleys, known for cascading waterfalls and milky-white glacial rivers.
- 🐎 Kazakh Nomadic Life in Akhsu Valley Visit summer pastures and meet Kazakh nomadic families living a traditional lifestyle in the high mountains.
- 🏞️ Khoton Lake – Alpine Jewel of the Altai Finish the trek at the turquoise waters of Khoton Lake, one of western Mongolia’s most beautiful lakes.
- 🦅 Eagle Hunter Family Experience Stay with and learn from a Kazakh Eagle Hunter family, discovering the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles.
- 🌊 Baga Turgen Waterfall Visit Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall, a powerful cascade hidden deep in the Altai landscape.
- 🍽️ Professional Cook & Full Board Enjoy freshly prepared hot meals every day, even at remote glacier and mountain camps.
- 🌌 Remote Wilderness & Star-Filled Nights Camp far from roads and towns under some of the darkest night skies in Central Asia.
Detailed Itinerary:
- 🚙 Distance: ~200 km | ⏱️ ~5 hours
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Ger camp / yurt / tent
- 🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in Ölgii, the cultural heart of western Mongolia’s Kazakh community. Meet your expedition team—trekking guide, driver, professional cook, camel handlers, and local support staff. After equipment checks and final preparations, begin the drive toward the Altai Mountains.
The journey gradually leaves paved roads behind, crossing open steppe, braided rivers, and wide valleys framed by snow-capped peaks. Herds of yaks, camels, horses, and sheep roam freely, offering a first glimpse into the nomadic world.
Arrive near the Altai Tavan Bogd park gate in the late afternoon. Settle into camp, enjoy a hot dinner, and attend a detailed expedition briefing covering trekking distances, altitude considerations, weather patterns, and safety protocols.
- 🥾 Trekking: ~16 km | ⏱️ ~5 hours
- 🏔️ Camp Altitude: ~3,000 m
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Expedition tent camping
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Begin trekking into the heart of the Altai Mountains. Camels carry all luggage, food, and camping equipment, allowing trekkers to walk with only a light daypack.
The trail follows a broad glacial valley, gradually ascending toward towering ice fields. Along the way, enjoy uninterrupted views of:
- Potanin Glacier
- Khüiten Peak (4,374 m)
By afternoon, reach a dramatic high-altitude campsite beside the glacier. The evening is spent resting, photographing the glacier, and enjoying freshly cooked meals in one of Mongolia’s most powerful mountain environments.
- 🥾 Elevation Gain: ~1,050 m
- ⏱️ Hiking Time: 6–7 hours (round trip)
- 🏕️ Overnight: Base Camp
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
An early start marks the most challenging and rewarding day of the expedition. After breakfast, begin the ascent of Malchin Peak (4,050 m).
The route is non-technical but physically demanding due to altitude and terrain. As you climb, the landscape opens into a vast panorama of glaciers and jagged peaks stretching toward Mongolia, Russia, and China.
After celebrating at the summit, descend carefully back to base camp in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest and recovery.
- 🥾 Trekking: ~16 km
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Ger camp / yurt / tent
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Pack camp and begin the return trek, following the camels back down the valley. Changing light and perspective reveal new angles of the glacier and surrounding peaks.
Arrive near the park gate by afternoon. Relax at camp and prepare for the next long trekking phase into the southern valleys.
- 🥾 Trekking: ~20–23 km
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Tent camping
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Today marks a transition from glacial landscapes into deep cultural territory. Trek south into Khar Salaa Valley, a historic migration corridor used by Turkic and Mongolic peoples for centuries.
Along the route, encounter ancient petroglyphs, burial mounds, and ritual stone markers—silent evidence of thousands of years of nomadic life. Camp in a remote valley surrounded by rugged ridges and open skies.
- 🥾 Trekking: ~20–25 km
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Riverside tent camping
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Enter the dramatic Bear Valley, one of the most scenic sections of the expedition. The trail weaves through narrow corridors where waterfalls spill from high cliffs and milky-white glacial rivers cut through the valley floor.
Camp beside a flowing river, where the sound of water and crisp mountain air create a deeply immersive wilderness experience.
- 🥾 Trekking: ~20–22 km
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Tent camping
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
The terrain softens as you approach Akhsu Valley, a fertile high-altitude valley where Kazakh nomads establish their summer camps.
Visit nomadic families, observe herding activities, and learn how traditional knowledge allows people to thrive in extreme mountain conditions. This day provides one of the expedition’s richest cultural encounters.
- 🥾 Trekking: ~22–25 km
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Tent camping
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
On the final long trekking day, hike toward the turquoise waters of Khoton Lake. Forests begin to appear, wildlife becomes more abundant, and the atmosphere gradually shifts as the trekking section concludes.
Meet your drivers near the lake and enjoy a peaceful evening beside calm waters.
- 🚙🥾 Distance: ~45 km total (partly by vehicle, partly hiking)
- 🏡 Overnight: Eagle hunter family homestay
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel and hike toward Baga Turgen Waterfall, a powerful cascade hidden deep in the Altai landscape. En route, visit the Khairakh Tolgoi petroglyphs, an important archaeological site.
In the afternoon, arrive at a Kazakh Eagle Hunter family, learn about the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles, and share a traditional dinner. Overnight with the family.
- 🚙 Distance: ~180 km | ⏱️ ~5 hours
- 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive back to Ölgii through mountain valleys and open steppe. Check into your hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest.
- ✈️ Flight: Ölgii → Ulaanbaatar
- 🚐 Transfer: Morning airport transfer
- 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
End of expedition. Depart western Mongolia carrying unforgettable memories of glaciers, valleys, nomads, and one of the most remote trekking routes in Central Asia.
📝 Tour Notes
- 🥾 Trekking Level: Moderate to Challenging Designed for fit travelers. The itinerary includes 8 trekking days, with daily distances of 16–25 km, plus a 4,050 m summit day.
- 🐫 Camel-Supported Expedition All luggage, food, and camping equipment are transported by camels with experienced local handlers. Guests trek with daypack only.
- 🏔️ Altitude & Acclimatization High camps reach around 3,000 m near Potanin Glacier. The route is paced to support acclimatization, but good physical condition is essential.
- 🍽️ Meals & Cooking A professional expedition cook travels with the group and prepares all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), including packed lunches on trekking days.
- 🏕️ Accommodation Style Expedition tent camping throughout the trek, homestay with an Eagle Hunter family, and 1 hotel night in Ölgii. There are no hotels or restaurants inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
- 🚿 Comfort in Remote Areas Portable shower and portable sitting toilet are available on request, ensuring comfort in wilderness camps.
- 🌦️ Weather & Flexibility Mountain weather can change rapidly (wind, cold nights, occasional rain). The guide may adjust trekking hours or routes for safety.
- 📡 Connectivity Very limited or no mobile signal during trekking days—this is a true wilderness experience.
- 🛡️ Safety & Responsibility Led by an experienced trekking guide with local support crew. Comprehensive travel insurance, including evacuation coverage, is strongly recommended.
- 🗓️ Best Season: July – September Outside this period, snow and weather conditions make routes inaccessible.
🎒 What to Bring – Grand Altai Trekking Expedition (11 Days)
This is a remote, camel-supported high-altitude expedition. You will trek with a daypack only – all main luggage is carried by camels.
🥾 Clothing & Footwear
- Well broken-in hiking boots (ankle support recommended)
- Lightweight trekking shoes / sandals (camp use)
- Trekking pants (quick-dry)
- Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
- Warm fleece or insulated jacket
- Windproof & waterproof jacket
- Warm hat, sun hat & gloves
- Extra socks (wool or thermal)
🎒 Daypack Essentials (20–30L)
- Reusable water bottle / hydration bladder
- Snacks / energy bars
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Light rain cover
- Camera / phone
🏕️ Camping & Personal Items
- Sleeping bag (warm, cold-night rated – can be rented)
- Headlamp / flashlight (with spare batteries)
- Quick-dry towel
- Wet wipes
- Personal toiletries
- Power bank (no electricity in the park)
- Earplugs (optional, windy nights)
🧴 Health & Safety
- Personal medications
- Basic first-aid kit (blister care, pain relief, bandages)
- Hand sanitizer
- Altitude medication (if prescribed by doctor)
📄 Documents & Money
- Passport (copy recommended)
- Travel insurance documents
- Cash (no ATMs in remote areas)
❌ Not Needed
- Heavy backpack
- Cooking equipment
- Food supplies
- Tents, mats, or camping gear (All provided and transported by camels)
📌 Packing Tip: Bring a soft duffel bag (not a hard suitcase) for easy camel transport.
⭐ Why Choose This Tour – Altai Tavan Bogd & Malchin Peak Expedition
- 🏔️ Summit a 4,000 m Peak in Mongolia’s Highest Mountains This expedition includes a summit ascent of Malchin Peak (4,050 m), offering a true high-altitude achievement with incredible panoramic views.
- 🧊 Glacier Camp at Potanin Glacier Camp beside Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s largest glacier, with views of Khüiten Peak—an experience few travelers ever have.
- 🥾 7 Days of Real Expedition Trekking Designed for adventurers, not casual hikers. Expect long, rewarding trekking days (16–25 km) across untouched terrain.
- 🐫 Fully Camel-Supported Comfort All luggage, food, and camping equipment are carried by camels, allowing you to focus on the trek without heavy packs.
- 🪨 Walk Through Ancient Nomadic History Trek through valleys filled with ancient Turkic petroglyphs, burial sites, and historic migration routes.
- 🐎 Authentic Kazakh Nomadic Encounters Visit summer pastures and meet Kazakh families living traditional nomadic lives in the Altai Mountains.
- 🏞️ Finish at the Iconic Khoton Lake Conclude the trek at Khoton Lake, one of western Mongolia’s most beautiful alpine lakes.
- 🦅 Eagle Hunter Family Experience Learn about the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles during a personal visit to a local eagle hunter family.
- 🍽️ Professional Cook & Strong Logistics Enjoy freshly prepared meals every day, even at high-altitude camps, with experienced guides and support staff.
- 🌌 True Wilderness, Far From Crowds Trek through one of the least-visited mountain regions in Central Asia, with pristine landscapes and star-filled night skies.
- This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a serious mountain expedition, deep cultural insight, and one of Mongolia’s most rewarding trekking experiences.
❓ FAQs – Wild Altai Trek, Waterfalls & Eagle Hunter Expedition
- Q: How difficult is this trek?
- A: The tour is Moderate to Challenging. It includes 8 trekking days with daily distances of 16–25 km and a summit day to Malchin Peak (4,050 m). Good fitness and stamina are required.
- Q: Do I need technical mountaineering experience?
- A: No. The ascent of Malchin Peak is non-technical, but altitude and long distances make it physically demanding.
- Q: Will I carry my luggage?
- A: No. This is a fully camel-supported expedition. All luggage, food, and camping equipment are carried by camels. You trek with a daypack only.
- Q: What is the highest sleeping altitude?
- A: Around 3,000 m, near Potanin Glacier. The itinerary is paced for acclimatization.
- Q: Where do we sleep during the trek?
- A: Expedition tent camping during trekking days, one homestay with an Eagle Hunter family, and one hotel night in Ölgii.
- Q: Are meals included?
- A: Yes. A professional cook prepares all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), including packed lunches on trekking days.
- Q: Are showers and toilets available?
- A: There are no permanent facilities inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
- Portable shower and portable sitting toilet are available on request.
- Q: What is the best time to go?
- A: July to September. This period offers the most stable weather and accessible trails.
- Q: What weather should I expect?
- A: Variable mountain conditions—sunny days, cold nights, wind, and occasional rain. Be prepared for rapid changes.
- Q: Is there mobile signal or Wi-Fi?
- A: Very limited or no signal during trekking days. This is a remote wilderness experience.
- Q: Is travel insurance required?
- A: Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation, is strongly recommended.
- Q: How do we get to and from the tour?
- A: The tour starts in Ölgii and ends with a domestic flight to Ulaanbaatar (flight typically excluded unless requested).
- Q: Is this suitable for beginners?
- A: No. This expedition is best for experienced hikers or very fit travelers seeking a true expedition-style trek.