ULTIMATE KHUITEN MOUNTAINEERING TOUR
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TOUR
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PRICE
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TOUR DESCRIPTION:
14 days fully supported mountaineering tour. Explore phenomenally scenic viewpoints
of the Mongolian Altai range. The tour allows maximum altitude acclimatization
and plenty of leeway days, topped by an ascent to 4374m Khuiten peak. Experienced
climbing guide and quality outdoor equipment are provided. Comfortable camping,
good food throughout the trek. The expedition is led by Gangaamaa Badamgarav, the leader of the Women's Team of Mongolia to climb Mt.Everest in 2006.
PRICE INCLUDES:
All accommodation (twin shared), internal transportation, internal flights,
arrival & departure transfers, meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch,
D-dinner), sightseeing & environmental fees, camping equipment, English
speaking guide, mountaineering guide, expedition chef, camel support.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Travel insurance, departure taxes, excess luggage fees on internal flights,
items of personal nature, personal climbing equipment such as crampons, ice-axes
and carabiners, meals not indicated, gratuities.
TOUR GALLERY:
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TOUR INTRUDUCTION:
The Altai Tavan Bogd mountain range lies in the far western corner of Mongolia
and comprises of the highest peaks of the country, all above 4000 meters: Khuiten,
Nairamdal, Malchin, Snowchurch and Cradle. Mongolia’s longest glacier
the Potanin Glacier stretches for 19km from the eastern face of Mt. Khuiten.
The area is inhabited by the elusive Snow leopard, Wild mountain goat – Ibex, Argali Sheep and wolf.
Explore phenomenally scenic viewpoints of the Mongolian Altai. The tour is designed to allow you maximum altitude acclimatization topped by an ascent to 4374m Khuiten peak. Located at the border of 3 countries it will reward you with tremendous views over China and Russia. Plus a company of one of the most authentic ethnic tribes of Mongolia - the Tuvans, makes this journey an unforgettable cultural experience.
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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival to Ulaanbaatar
You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to a cozy hotel within
easy walking distance of downtown. After a short briefing we explore the
vibrant city of Ulaanbaatar, the Palace of the Last Mongolian Buddhist King
followed by an hour of Folk Dance and Song performance. (L,D).
Day 2: Flight to Bayan-Ulgy, the only Muslim
province in Mongolia
Early this morning you’ll be transferred to local airport for a 4 hours
flight to Ulgy, the westernmost airstrip of Mongolia. Your guide accompanies
you on the twin engine propeller aircraft. 90% of the area’s inhabitants
are Turkish-like speaking Kazak people who practice Islam. At the desert airstrip
we’ll have picnic and hop into our jeeps and start off towards the Tavan
Bogd range. At the end of 2 hours drive through desert we set up our camp in
the green valley of the Deer stream. Here we make our first contact with friendly
locals. (B,L,D).
Day 3: Drive to approaches of Tavan Bogd
Driving further we reach the “gateway” of the Five Kings by early
afternoon. Here is the magnificent valley of the glacial green White River
overlooked by the Protector mountain, a rich cradle of human habitation history.
Hundreds of ancient graves and rock carvings lie around it. En route we visit
a Kazak yurt, or as it is locally called “ger”. This hospitable
people have ancient traditions of falconry. Kazaks employ Golden Eagles which
are kept for hunting foxes, hares and other small animals. (B,L,D).
Day 4: Hike to Tavan Bogd base camp
After a hearty breakfast we’ll hike to base camp of the Tavan Bogd. This
gradual ascent takes us through a high mountain terrain of rocks and wetlands.
Not needing luck you will see some of the wildlife that inhabits the area including
marmots, hares and a number of birds such us Golden Eagles, Black Vultures
and Falcons.
Our entire luggage will be transported by camels driven by Tuvan hunters. Upon completing two thirds’ of the way there open majestic perspectives of Potanin and Alexander glaciers backed by icy peaks of Khuiten (4374m), Nairamdal (4082m), Snowchurch (4071m), Malchin (4050m), and Cradle (4113m). This evening we camp at 2900m. (B,L,D).
Day 5: Acclimatization climb onto Malchin Peak
The 4051m Malchin is the lowest of the Five Peaks. We hike along Potanin glacier
moraine for an hour to start climbing the scree. Malchin’s ridgeline
overlaps with the borderline of Mongolia and Russia and provides a spectacular
bird's eye view of Potanin glacier, glaciated peaks and Russia. Over to the
north, weather permitting, you will see the massif of Mt.Belukha (4500m)
lying in Russia. That is the absolute top of Altai mountain range. Back in
base camp we reward ourselves with steaming coffee and decent dinner. (B,L,D).
Day 6-8: Climb Khuiten Peak
Our challenge for the following 3 days is the Khuiten peak. To reach its foothill
we need to cross the Potanin glacier, which lies in between. A middle camp
will be made below the eastern face of Khuiten. Though technically moderate
we traverse a number of crevasses before the climb. Khuiten, the highest
peak of the Mongolian Altai affords tremendous views over China and Russia.
The evening of the 8th day we pass in warmth of the base camp. (B,L,D).
Day 9: Leeway day
Day 10: Return hike to White River
Today we hike back to our camp in the White River valley. This time it is a
gradual descent along the White river which takes its source from the Potanin
glacier. It is a chance to glance into every single valley of the icy massif
and witness how the initial stream of glacial dust transforms into the mighty
White river. Back to our vehicles we celebrate our ascent with a delicacy
of Kazakh cuisine - "besbarmak". Literally meaning "five fingers" this is
a delicious assortment of stewed meat, vegetables and flour eaten with hands. (B,L,D).
Day 11: Return to Ulgy, overnight in a
ger
Saying “good bye” to our Tuvan friends we take a 7 hour drive back
to desert airstrip. Tonight is your chance to sleep in a Kazak ger. Hot shower
and a cold beer will highlight the day. (B,L,D).
Day 12: Return flight to Ulaanbaatar
In the morning we’ll catch our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. We arrive
in early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this
vibrant city, renowned as a city of contrasts. We will meet for a dinner in
one of local multinational restaurants. (B,D).
Day 13: Leisure day in Ulaanbaatar
This is a spare day to be spend for shopping and self-exploration. You may
refer to recommendations of our team in order to make most out of it. (B).
Day 14: Departure
Transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B).
