Altai Mountain Trek

Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, meet your guide and other group members for a pre-tour briefing. This is generally followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.

The capital of Mongolia is also its largest city and home to one-third of its population. The name means ‘Red Hero’ and is shaped by the influences of the former Soviet Union in that most of the city is full of grey, Russian-style buildings. Enjoy a city tour which takes in the famous sights including Sukhbaatar Square, the important Gandan Monastery (please note that no photography is permitted inside the temples) and the Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan, a controversial figure and the last king of Mongolia. His death in 1924 ushered in over 65 years of communism for the country. The Museum of Natural History is also fascinating, particularly the Dinosaur Hall. In the evening, you may choose to enjoy a traditional performance by the Tumen Ekh.(optional).

Meals: Breakfast

Today you fly west from Ulaanbaatar to Olgii, the Kazakh provincial capital. Upon arrival in Olgii you’ll be met by your local guide and transfered to the village of Sagsay. Here you will check into the the Blue Wolf Ger Camp where you will overnight. Enjoy dinner and prepare yourself for the days ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Load up the vehicles and drive via Ulaanhuis over the desert mountain landscape. The snow capped Tsambagarav Mountains are a powerful backdrop as you travel towards the impressive Altai mountain range. Travel along areas which have had great discoveries by archaeologists of artifacts from 300 BC and the times of the Hun and Turkic invasions. Set up camp for the night near the Shiveet Hairhan Mountains in the Altai Tavanbogd National Park. These mountains are sacred to the nomads so there is no hunting in the area and the wildlife is abundant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day off by loading up the equipment onto pack camels and horses and begin the trek towards the base camp of the snow capped Tavanbogd massif. This is a 10 mile hike through some glorious countryside. Set up camp near the 13 mile long Potanina Glacier. The largest of the twenty glaciers in the Mongolian Altai, this is where you’ll stay for the next two nights. The following day enjoy a full day hike up Malchin Uul which offers amazing views of the 5 peaks that make up Tavanbogd massif. Tavanbogd means ''the Holy Five'' and refers to the five highest peaks, of which Huiten Uul is the highest in Mongolia, 14,000’ above sea level. The other peaks are named Nairamdal, Olgii, Burget and Naran. Also from this vantage point you can see Russia and China as you stand on the axis of the three countries. On day 7, trek out along the Tsaagan River until reaching your campsite. Along the way you may encounter the Siberian Ibex.

Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

You have two full days to cross the Altai mountain range. Although this crossing is only 20 miles long it provides you with breathtaking scenery. If you are lucky enough you may get a glimpse of a snow leopard, if not an Altai snowcock which is the highest living bird in Mongolia. Cross the Altai mountains at the highest peak of 11,800’ to have excellent views of the Altais. As you cross the Altai you’ll pass near the peak of Tsaagan Hairhun Uul (12,000’). Following this, hike down to the scenic valley named locally as Bear Valley. Upon arrival, set up camp where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Bear Valley is where small streams develop into rivers fed by the melting glaciers flowing down from the broad steep valleys. It is here, in Bear Valley, where you’ll set up camp. You’ll have the opportunity to venture out on a day hike amongst the forested hills through to the wooded and alluvial meadows.

Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Trek down the valley through forests and open steppes to reach Green Lake. As you hike you’ll gain a perspective of the remoteness of your location. This truly is a trek like no other as you blaze a trail though the Altai. Set up camp near Green Lake for your overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek for the day through some dramatic scenery down the valley, along the river that drains from the Altai Tavanbogd Massif creating a series of beautiful lakes. Your camel caravan comes out of the valley into the lake areas. Set up camp on the shores of Hoton Lake. This area is below the snow capped mountains of Ikh Turgen Uul and is a mere 6 miles from the China border. These pastures are used during the summer by the Kazakh herdsmen and nomads, who are very hospitable and happy to show off their crafts. Hoton Lake is also great for fishing, a pastime foreign to many Mongolians. The abundance of fish will be highlighted by the numerous cormorants in the vicinity.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day by trekking east along the southern shore of the lake towards the sacred mountain of Ikh Turgen. Subject to the border police you may have the chance to trek around the mountain towards the Chinese frontier. This evening you’ll camp in a wooded meadow at the beautiful Fish River. The following day, trek out onto the valley towards Horgon Lake. On this hike you’ll pass an old wooden mosque that was spared from the communist purges of the 1930’s. The vehicle to drive you back to Olgii will meet you at the campsite this evening, as your trekking in the Mongolian Altai comes to an end.

Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Make the journey back to Sagsay Village outside of Olgii where you’ll overnight in a ger camp. The drive takes you towards the Hargant Valley, below the Tsengel Hairhan Uul (10,000’). The following day you’ll drive a short way to Olgii were you’ll have the morning to explore this area on your own, from the bazaar to the refurbished mosque. Or you may wish to explore the back streets and handicraft shops. Alternatively the museum has some interesting artifacts. In the afternoon board your flight for Ulaanbaatar.

Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Enjoy a full day in Ulaanbaatar where you are free to do some shopping or further sightseeing. The National Museum of Mongolian History offers an excellent overview of the country’s past, while the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts is also worth a visit. The State Department Store (also known as the ‘big shop’) is an excellent place to look for souvenirs. Mongolia is a 'mecca' for stamp collectors and the best place for postcards, all of which can be obtained at the post office. Spend a final evening enjoying the long Mongolian summer twilight in one of the several cafés or outdoor beer-gardens located near the center of town. The tour ends after breakfast on Day 19. A transfer to the airport is not included, however, your guide will be on hand to advise you as to the options available.

Meals: 2 Breakfasts