Tour Description
Majestic Altai Mountains guard the western frontiers with China and Russia. Its spectacular peaks, covered in vast glaciers, are home to Argali sheep, Ibex, Lynx and the elusive Snow Leopard. The area is inhabited by Kazakh and Tuvan hunters whose ways of life have not changed since times unmemorable. Kazakhs have ancient traditions of falconry. They employ Golden Eagles which are kept for hunting foxes, hares and other small animals. Start off from the alpine lakes of Khoton and Khurgan, trek along glacial rivers, across lush meadows and icy gorges. Myriads of flowers entertain eyes of those traveling in June. Hundreds of stone mounds marking burials of various ancient tribes lie alongside our trail. Finally reach the base of the Tavan Bogd mountain range, the highest in Mongolia. Here, facing cold glaciated peaks and vast moraines beneath them time stands still. The tour allows a wealth of cultural experience in the caring company of local nomads and hunters.
- Trekking in Majestic Altai mountain range area
- See authentic culture of Kazakh people with golden eagle and Tuva nomadic people
- Camel supported trek between NP gates and Tavan bogd mountain’s base camp
- See highest peak Mt. Khuiten and the largest glacier Potanin,
- Ascent to the Malchin peak 4050m ASL
- Petroglyphs and Twin lake.
Price includes
- 1 Overnight in a hostel in Ulgii town (Twin/B)
- 2 Overnights in 4 star hotel (Twin/B)
- 8 Tented overnights (Twin)
- Flight ticket UB – Ulgy - UB
- Camping & cooking equipment
- All indicated meals
- Drinking water
- All visits and sightseeing fees
- NP and border area permit fees
- Overland transport: Russian 4*4 van(s) including gasoline
- All airport transfers
- English speaking guide
- Expedition cook
- Pack camels and camel drivers
- Satellite phone for emergencies
Price excludes
- Sleeping bag and mat
- Travel insurance
- Excess baggage fee on local flights
- Meals not indicated
- Drinks
- Gratuities
Tour dates:
- 28 June - 9 July 2024 OPEN
- 14 July - 25 July 2024 Guaranteed
- 26 July - 6 Aug 2024 OPEN
- 7 Aug - 18 Aug 2024 Fully booked
- 18 Aug - 29 Aug 2024 OPEN
Price per person
- 2 pax: 3,205 USD
- 3-4 pax: 2,975 USD
- 5-6 pax: 2,675 USD
- 7-8 pax: 2,525 USD
- 9-10 pax: 2,300 USD
- 11-12 pax: 2,195 USD
- Single supplement: 325 USD
Day-1 Arrival
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia and transfer to a centrally located 4 star hotel. Afternoon guided walking city tour will introduce you to the highlights of the city: The central city square with a grand statue of Genghis Khan and Sukhbaatar statue placed at the center as well. Museum of National History is located right next to the square will introducing Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era. Then choose to visit one or two museums from the following: 1. Choijin Lama or State Oracle Residence-museum displaying best samples of Buddhist artwork and religious masks. 2 The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum displays old arts including Buddhist arts, painting, folk arts and crafts, sculptures, carvings and embroideries. A show of traditional music, throat singing and contortion at 6PM will be followed by a welcome dinner. (Hotel/D)
Day-2 Flight to Ulgy
Early this morning take a 3 hour flight to Ulgy town in Western Mongolia. The Kazakhs living in the area are the largest national minority and practice Sunni Islam. A number of other ethnic groups also reside in the province in the region. Upon arrival meet with a support team of driver(s), cook(s) and a guide and head westward. At the end of a 5 - 6 hours travel across mountainous desert we camp in the valley of Oigor river. Upon arrival we erect our tented camp. Dinner and overnight in tents. (Tent/B,L,D)
Day-3 Trek to Tavan Bogd peaks base camp (BC)
Trek for 15km to Tavan Bogd peaks base camp (BC). 2 thirds of the way is a gradual but continuous ascent across high mountain terrain with some marshes and a couple of streams to cross. Camel drivers load up camels and start later but soon overtake and arrive at camp earlier allowing the cook set up his operations. Trekkers carry their lunch boxes. (Tent/B,L,D)
Day-4 Climb to Malchin peak (4051-m)
Climb to 4051m Malchin peak. A return trip takes at least 7 hours. We will need to hike along the Potanin glacier moraine for an hour before stepping on the mountain. Although clearly established the trail is mostly on the scree. Once at the top you can enjoy spectacular bird's eye views of glaciers beneath and of the Russian territory as the ridge overlaps with the border line. Only trekking poles are required for the Malchin climb. Alternatively, you can take a less demanding option of hiking up to a lower ridge and glance into Russia too.(Tent/B,L,D)
Day-5 Trek to White river
Trek out to lower gate of Tavan Bogd NP - White river valley. This time it is an easy stroll downhill although interrupted by a couple bogs and slightly longer than the way up. Again loads are carried by camels. (Tent/B,L,D)
Day-6-8 Trek to Har salaa - Baavgain salaa - Tsagaan Us river
We leave the lakes behind and enter the mountains. The White Water River runs from vast glaciers of the "Tavan Bogd" massif north of the lakes. Its waters are milky white due to glacial dust floating in them. The first day we trek along the White Water river and follow one of its fast tributaries the next day. Though fenced by high rocky ridges on both sides, the river valley is rich in flowers and vegetation. With a bit of luck you may even spot a Mountain Goat (Ibex) or a marmot. Each day we will be trekking for a minimum of 5 hours. Our camp and kitchen will be moved by camels. In the afternoon of the seventh day we will make our way across a 3400m pass called "Worship" and descend into the valley of White River, which takes its source from the longest glacier in Mongolia named after a Russian traveler Potanin. As we approach to descend, the emerald green river glows winding down below and, the icy peaks of the "Tavan Bogd" loom in the background. In the camp we reunite with our drivers who will have made a detour to meet us. The valley is the home of our Tuvan friends and we camp nearby their gers. Their hospitality is unparallel, there is always someone to invite you home to taste their tea and food. (Tent/B,L,D)
Day-9 Trek to Khurgan Khoton lake
Khurgan and Khoton are spectacular alpine lakes at an altitude of 2073m. A number of moraines, result of earlier glaciations, and snow capped mountains surround them. Our campsite at Khoton lake is truly idyllic. It has one of the largest petroglyph galleries in Mongolia. They date back to Neolithic period and the Bronze Age and depict numerous hunting scenes, and representations of wild and domestic animals. Also there are some distinctly well preserved ancient burial sites. In the afternoon you may go swimming, explore the surroundings or laze in the camp. Water temperature permitting we go for a swim before the dinner. (Tent/B,L,D)
Day-10 Drive to Ulgy
7-8 hour return drive to Ulgy town. En-route we stop to visit a local Kazakh family and see their golden eagles which are kept for hunting purposes. In Ulgy we check in to the hostel by far the best accommodation in town. Dinner in a local restaurant. (Hostel / B,L,D)
Day-11 Flight to Ulaanbaatar
This morning we catch a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. (Hotel / B,L,D)
Day-12 Departure
Transfer to airport for departure.
Jenny B
2 treks. 1 in each of the Kharkiraa Turgen NP and Altai Tavan Bogd NP
We all agreed these were the best walks we have ever done. From the organisation of Mongolian Expeditions, the professionalism of the guides, fantastic cooks and camel drivers, the remoteness and beauty of Mongolia and cultural highlights of visiting herdsmen and their families in their gers, this was a special trip. A highlight of being the first group for the season to cross the Most Pass and the effort of our guides and camel men in preparing the pass the day before to ensure the camels could safely navigate it demonstrates their enthusiasm and professionalism in making this such a great trip. Importantly Mongolian Expeditions is Mongolian owned and run which shows in their local knowledge and ability to problem shoot and as tourists our responsibility to add to the local economy.
Ian T
First-rate trekking experience in western Mongolia with Mongolia Expeditions
I organised a group comprised of friends and members of my local hiking club to trek in Mongolia using Mongolia Expeditions, based on recommendations from participants in a 2019 trip. Mongolia Expeditions did not disappoint. We spent three weeks in Mongolia, focused on two treks in western Mongolia (Kharkhiraa-Turgen area and Altai Tavan Bogd, including Malchin Peak) and had a very positive and enjoyable experience. The landscape was impressive and varied and we appreciated the cultural interactions we experienced. Mongolia Expeditions provided a very professional level of service, both in dealing with their Ulaanbaatar office and on the treks. The treks were well-planned and managed. There was positive, friendly interaction with the staff during the treks and we appreciated the good line of communication we had through our chief guide, who spoke fluent English. Meals were good and fairly varied. The cook even managed to bake fresh bread on a couple of occasions! I will be recommending Mongolia Expeditions to other people I know who are interested in exploring Mongolia.
QuietlyRetired
Well-organised, safe trekking in wonderful scenery
I used Mongolia Expeditions for two treks for my bushwalking club and was very happy with their service. The guides were friendly and professional. They set a patient pace and got all of us up Malchin Peak. The food was great - dinners usually consisted of a starter salad with an interesting dressing, then meat, vegetables and rice or pasta, followed by a small but elegant dessert. There were vegetarian options. We were impressed by the hygiene of the cooking team - not easy to achieve in a tent. Our sleeping tents were roomy and had only a few non-working zips and some minor leaks - which is pretty standard for most trekking tents. Mongolia is an excellent place for Australians to walk - no jet lag. The scenery varies from spectacular to pretty, and being mostly in the 1700 to 3000 metre range, has little risk of altitude sickness. Most of the time you are walking in areas with quite a bit of animal dung about, but you get used to it. I have recommended Mongolia Expeditions with a lot of enthusiasm and as a result 2 groups of my friends are using their services this coming year (2020).
gilesw386
Mongolia Expeditions, excellent organisaion, proffessional climbing leaders and trekking guides
Mongolia Expeditions provided an excellently organised and professionally guided trek and climb in Western Mongolia in September. The support team including the drivers, guides and cooks were great and being able to use their Gur at base camp made all the difference to our comfort. The trip ended with the Eagle Festival and a night of Mongoilan traditional entertainment.
Thank you Mongoila Expeditions
Regards Giles and Elspeth
dsiewkt
Altai Tevan Bogd Mountains-Mount Khuiten trek
Very scenic trek to the Altai Tevan Mountains and to climb Mount Khuiten.Our group went in August 2018. Good organisation and arrangements by Mongolia Expeditions. Food was good with hot meals prepared by dedicated kitchen staff despite the remote locations.The drivers showed good skills in getting the Russian 4X4 vans over rough terrain to reach the national park.. The guides were supportive and helped in promoting a friendly camp atmosphere amongst fellow trekkers.
Will strongly recommend Mongolia Expeditions for any trekking adventure in Mongolia.
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