Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Guided City Tour

Genghis Khan Square - Upon arriving in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia, you will be transferred to a centrally located 4-star hotel. In the afternoon, a guided city tour will showcase the city’s highlights: the Gandan Temple, the main Buddhist center, the central city square featuring a grand statue of Genghis Khan, and the Zaisan Memorial, an elevated hill on the city’s edge offering a panoramic view of UB.

Flight to Altai Region and Drive to Baga Oigor Petroglyph Gallery

Bayan-Olgii Province - Transfer to UB airport for a flight to Ulgy town in Western Mongolia. Upon arrival, meet with your support team and drive to Tavan Bogd NP. Travel across mountainous desert for 5 hours to reach Baga Oigor valley, home to an extensive petroglyph gallery included in the UNESCO “World Cultural Heritage List.” Stone and Bronze Age rock carvings are scattered across a 15km long and 500m wide area, depicting wild and domestic animals and scenes of human life such as hunting, handling domestic animals, and worship. Set up a tented camp and spend the rest of the day leisurely exploring the rock art gallery before returning to camp for dinner and overnight.

Travel to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park - Travel along vast V-shaped mountain valleys with small rivers flowing from glaciers that cover the mountain tops. Mountain slopes covered in lush grass alternate with steep mountainsides covered in scree. Large mushroom-like yurts of Kazakh herders and their massive flocks of yaks and goats are often encountered, as well as numerous marmots. Shortly after lunch, arrive at the Altai Tavan Bogd NP gate, a few yurts - home of local rangers at the foothill of even larger mountains. This is the starting point of the trek. Until dinner, you may walk and explore the surrounding foothills. This evening, local herders will arrive with their pack camels that will carry our camp, luggage, and food in the coming days.

Trek to Tavan Bogd Base Camp

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park - After a hearty breakfast, trek to Tavan Bogd base camp (BC), the launch pad for climbing the highest peaks of Tavan Bogd. Watch Bactrian camels being loaded and set off for the BC. Most of the route is a gradual ascent on high mountain terrain with occasional bogs and a few shallow streams to cross, and just two steep but short sections. Halfway through the route, magnificent views of snow-capped peaks and vast glaciers come into view. Around lunchtime, the camel caravan overtakes trekkers who typically reach BC in the late afternoon. Our campsite at just over 3000 meters offers impressive views of Mongolia’s highest peaks and largest glaciers.

Climb Malchin Peak (4051m) or to the Russia-Mongolia Borderline

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park - Today’s goal is to climb one of the lower and easier peaks of the area. Although non-technical, a return trip requires 7-9 hours depending on trekkers’ fitness and weather conditions. Hike along the Potanin glacier moraine for an hour before stepping on the mountain. Although entirely on scree, the trail is well established and marked, requiring just trekking poles. Once at the top, enjoy spectacular bird’s-eye views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and the Russian territory. There is also a less demanding option of climbing to a lower ridge that marks the borderline between the two countries. Off the mountainside, enjoy a leisurely stroll back to the camp.

Trek Out to Lower Gate of Tavan Bogd NP

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park - Heading to the lower gate of the NP is an easy downhill stroll, although some marshy sections and streams need to be negotiated. At two-thirds of the way, reach the edge of a deep V-shaped valley at the bottom of which rumbles a torrential river full of glacial silt. This is the Tsagaan Gol river. Its lush valley is the summer pastureland of Tuvan camel herders accompanying us. A steep descent to the riverside leads to our campsite beside the rumbling river. Enjoy a well-earned rest and socialize with other travelers who might be camping at the designated campground.

Trek to Holy Shiveet Mountain, Spot Wild Goats or See Rock Carvings

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park - Enjoy an easy morning hike to visit a Tuvan family, most likely that of one of the camel herders who accompanied us during the previous days of trekking. Tuvans, also known as Uriankhai, are an ethnic group of Turkic origin that has historically moved around southern Siberia. Traditionally, these cattle-herding nomads practiced shamanism - a worship of ancestral and natural spirits, but today their belief is a strong blend with Tibetan Buddhism. Use the invitation to learn about their way of life and taste food and drinks offered by the unwritten local rules. After the visit, hike to Mt. Shiveet and climb to its wide top with the goal of spotting wild mountain goats (Capra Sibirica). Seeing them is almost guaranteed but requires a bit of tracking and hiding. A less demanding hike around the base of the Holy mountain will allow you to see more ancient rock art displaying fascinating scenes of hunting by distant residents of the Altai region. Return to our camp beside the mountain.

Return Trip to Ulgy

Bayan-Olgii Province - The return trip to Ulgy takes about 7 hours. Along the way, stop at a Kazakh family that practices the ancient craft of hunting with Golden Eagles. This once nearly forgotten tradition has been preserved by Mongolia’s Kazakh minority and is now actively revived, with even women participating in training eagles. Although actual hunting is done in winter, you will have the chance to learn about the craft and feel the weight of these magnificent birds by holding them on your arm. Upon arriving in Ulgy, a traditional Kazakh dinner accompanied by music and songs will provide a fitting finale to your travels.

Return Flight to Ulaanbaatar and Farewell Dinner

The State Department Store - After breakfast, transfer to Ulgy Airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You may consider additional city visits or souvenir shopping, as your guide will still be available on standby. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

Free Day in Ulaanbaatar

Genghis Khan Square - Enjoy a free day in Ulaanbaatar, a perfect chance to unwind after your trekking adventure. Discover the city’s vibrant mix of traditional culture and modern life at your own pace. You might want to visit a local market or participate in optional excursions within or outside the city.

Departure

Chinggis Khaan International Airport - Arrangements will be made for your transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

• Private transportation
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Complete camping & cooking equipment
• Pack animals

• Excess baggage fee on domestic air travel
• Travel insurance

“Tavan Bogd,” translating to “The Five Holy,” consists of snow-covered peaks and represents the tallest mountains in Mongolia, forming part of the expansive Altai Mountain range. This area is Mongolia’s most secluded, featuring untouched nature, diverse wildlife, and a captivating cultural legacy. Visitors can discover vast glaciers, swift mountain rivers, and verdant alpine meadows where yaks, goats, and sheep graze. The traditional nomadic herding lifestyle flourishes here, remaining vibrant and genuine. Renowned as a repository of human history, the region also includes ancient burial sites and rock art ready for exploration. This trekking tour covers all these extraordinary attractions, offering a truly memorable adventure.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.