Adventurous Altai High Mountains
Duration
Minimum age
14 days
18 years old
Group size
Physical tating
1 to 12
4 out of 5
From
USD $3,100
Explore the heart of Mongolia:
Step into Mongolia’s wild west and trek among the snow-capped peaks of the Altai. This 14-day expedition combines rugged hiking, nomadic encounters, and the summit of Malchin Peak (4,050 m), one of Mongolia’s legendary “Five Holy Peaks.” With daily hikes, wild camping, and breathtaking views, this is the adventure of a lifetime for those who crave real wilderness and raw beauty.
Location:
Mongolia
Why youʼll love this trip?
Summit Malchin Peak (4,050 m) - one of Mongolia’s five sacred peaks
Trek across Altai Tavan Bogd National Park with daily 3 - 4 hour hikes
Explore Potanin Glacier and camp beside Khoton & Khurgan Lakes
Meet Kazakh eagle hunters and experience nomadic life
Sleep under the stars in pristine alpine wilderness
Experience the true wild west of Mongolia
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSIONS:
Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar ↔ Ulgii)
All ground transport
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Accommodation as listed
English-speaking guide + local trekking team
Pack horses and camels for luggage transport
All camping gear (tents, mats, kitchen equipment)
All meals as listed
National park and cultural site fees
Visa invitation fee
Museums and cultural performance
EXCLUSIONS:
International flights
Mongolia visa fee
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear
Alcoholic drinks or snacks
Tips for local crew
The extra cost for photography in museums
Essential Trip Information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
Tour dates & prices
TOUR DATES:
Private tours available from 15 June till 15 September
16 June 2026 till 29 June 2026
19 July 2026 till 01 August 2026
16 August till 29 August 2026
GROUP TOUR PRICES:
2 pax $3680
3-4 pax $ 3480
5-8 pax $ 3250
9-12 pax $3100 (Single supplement apply $430)
Important notes:
All per person pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Welcome to Mongolia! Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, explore the capital, visit Gandan Monastery or the National Museum for a quick dive into Mongolian culture.
Evening briefing and gear check for your Altai expedition.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Fly to Ulgii - Gateway to the Altai Mountains
Morning flight to Ulgii, the capital of Bayan-Ulgii province, home of the Kazakh people. Meet your local support team (drivers, cook, horsemen). A scenic drive (approx. 5 - 6 hours) across wide valleys and mountain passes to reach Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia’s most spectacular mountain region.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 3: Trek to Base Camp of Tavan Bogd Peaks
Hike 16 km (approx. 5 hours) gradually ascending along the White River toward the Tavan Bogd Base Camp (2,900 m), with views of the mighty Potanin Glacier and the snowcapped peaks of the “Five Saints” mountains.
Camels will carry your gear.
Accommodation: Tent camp
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 4: Glacier Exploration Day
Spend the day hiking along the Potanin Glacier, the largest in Mongolia. Traverse ice and moraine fields and get close to Khuiten Peak (4,374 m), Mongolia’s highest mountain. Prepare us for the big hike.
Accommodation: Tent camp
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 5: Summit Malchin Peak (4,050 m)
Today’s the big climb! After breakfast, begin your ascent of Malchin Peak, the only one of the “Five Holy Peaks” that can be climbed without technical gear.
The trail follows a rocky ridge dividing Mongolia and Russia, offering sweeping views of Potanin Glacier, Khuiten Peak, and the vast Siberian landscape beyond. Reaching the summit (4,050 m) rewards you with one of the most breathtaking panoramas in all of Mongolia.
Descend to Base Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Elevation gain: +1,150 m / -1,150 m
Accommodation: Tent camp
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 6: Trek back to Tsagaan Gol Valley
Hike back down the White River Valley to our previous campsite. The descent offers entirely new perspectives of the surrounding peaks and lush valleys.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the river.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 7: Hike to Khar Airag Valley
Begin your multi-day overland trek into deeper wilderness. We will hike through the sacred “Shivet Hairkhan” mountain. The mountain’s foothills contain over 400 ancient petroglyphs and Turkic stone monuments dating back thousands of years.
We will descend into the Khar Airag Valley, a peaceful area dotted with nomadic herder families.
Accommodation: Tent camp
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 8: Trek to Khoton Lake
Continue hiking toward Khoton Lake, surrounded by forests and snowcapped peaks. This area is one of the most scenic parts of western Mongolia.
Accommodation: Tent camp
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 9: Explore Around Khoton Lake
Enjoy a day of moderate hiking around Khoton Lake, visiting nearby petroglyph sites.
Accommodation: Tent camp
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 10: Hike to Khurgan Lake
Follow the connecting river to reach Khurgan Lake, famous for its turquoise waters and birdlife. Camp near the lake and enjoy sunset views over the mountains.
Accommodation: Tent camp
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 11: Drive to Sagsai Valley - Meet Eagle Hunters
Say goodbye to your trekking crew and drive to Sagsai Valley (approx. 4 hours). Visit a Kazakh eagle hunter’s family, learn about the ancient art of eagle hunting, and try holding a golden eagle yourself.
Accommodation: Nomadic family ger stay
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 12: Explore Sagsai & Surrounding Valleys
Spend the day hiking through Sagsai’s alpine valleys, visiting herders’ families, and immersing yourself in the high mountain culture.
Accommodation: Nomadic family ger stay
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 13: Drive to Ulgii and fly back to Ulaanbaatar
Morning flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Spend your final full day exploring, visit Zaisan Hill, the National Museum, or shop for quality cashmere. Optional traditional Tumen Enkh performance in the evening. Farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 14: Departure day
Transfer to the airport for your international flight back home.
Accommodation:
Meals included: Breakfast
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