MSR Serviced Apartment
Ulaanbaatar
City-base accommodation used on arrival and before departure, with easy access to city sightseeing, museums and shopping.
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Western Mongolia
Altai Tavan Bogd Trekking Tour
Camel-supported trekking takes you along a single trail through the majestic Altai mountainous area in remote western Mongolia.
Duration11 days / 10 nights
Group size4+ travellers
ActivityModerate to Challenging
Best timeJune to September
About this trip
Camel-supported trekking takes you along a single trail through the majestic Altai mountainous area in remote western Mongolia. A reasonable daily trekking distance allows you to experience camp nights in pristine nature, explore fascinating landscapes, enjoy stunning views, visit interesting historic sites, and immerse yourself in unique nomadic cultures—a highlight of this adventure. You will marvel at the highest mountains and largest glaciers, with the opportunity to climb one of the major peaks, Mt. Malchin, standing at 4050 meters above sea level. No special climbing skills or mountaineering gear are necessary for this ascent. Another highlight of the trip is the intriguing culture of the Kazakh ethnic people, known for training Golden eagles for hunting.
Trip Highlights
- Amazing Western Mongolia
- Culture of the Kazakh ethnic group
- Khoton & Khurgan Lakes
- Visit a nomadic Kazakh family and horseback riding
- Potanin Glacier, Bituut Valley, Tsagaan River
- Take a photo of a Golden Eagle
Day by day
- Day1
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar City
Upon arrival and check-in, enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour covering Ulaanbaatar's key attractions. In the evening, watch a folklore concert followed by dinner at a top city restaurant. Activities: National History Museum, Sukhbaatar Square, State Department Store. Accommodation: MSR Serviced Apartment (D). Driving: approx. 60 km.
- Day2
Western Mongolia
Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Bayan Ulgii in remote Western Mongolia. The support crew welcomes you at Ulgii airport before driving to Tsagaan Us valley near Khoton & Khurgan twin lakes. Meet the camel herders and take a short warm-up hike around camp. Accommodation: Tent (BLD). Driving: approx. 220 km.
- Day3
Trekking to Baavgain Salaa Valley
After breakfast, load the camels with gear and set off carrying only daypacks. Walk through a captivating valley of wooded mountains, open spaces, streams, a small lake and rocky peaks, with snow-capped summits appearing in the distance. Accommodation: Tent (BLD). Trekking: approx. 20 km.
- Day4
Trekking to the Khar Salaa
Continue along a single trail as you slowly acclimatize to the altitude. The main challenge is the Takhilt Mountain Pass at 3000 m, offering sweeping views, before descending gradually into the broad Khar Salaa valley. Accommodation: Tent (BLD). Trekking: approx. 17 km.
- Day5
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park's gateway
Trek across smooth, flat terrain and meet Tuva nomadic families in their gers with their horses, yaks, sheep and goats. Visit the petroglyphs at the foot of sacred Shiveet Khairkhan mountain, then continue to the White River Valley to camp. Accommodation: Tent Camping (BLD). Trekking: approx. 18 km.
- Day6
Trekking to the Tavan Bogd Base Camp
Follow the camel route to the base camp of the Altai Tavan Bogd mountains. After a picnic lunch, enjoy spectacular views of Mongolia's highest peaks and largest glacier, and pass an ovoo rock pile. Accommodation: Tent (BLD). Trekking: approx. 18 km.
- Day7
Climb Malchin Peak
Ascend Malchin Peak (4050 m above sea level), a non-technical climb suitable for fit hikers. The rewarding summit views make the effort worthwhile. Return to camp after a 6–7 hour round trip and relax in the evening. Accommodation: Tent (BLD).
- Day8
Trekking to White River
Trek back to the National Park gate at White River Valley along a different route following the river and its canyon. This longer path is more scenic and interesting. Reunite with the drivers and prepare for the return to Ulgii. Accommodation: Tent (BLD). Trekking: approx. 21 km.
- Day9
Back to Ulgii Town
Travel overland by 4x4 across rugged desert to Ulgii town, stopping at a nomadic Kazakh family famed for raising Golden Eagles for hunting. Check into a local hotel for a hot shower and a well-earned rest. Accommodation: Local hotel (BLD). Driving: approx. 220 km.
- Day10
Back in Ulaanbaatar City
Fly back to the capital on a 3-hour local flight, arriving in the late afternoon. If time allows, stroll through the city for souvenirs and Mongolian cashmere. Activities: Chinggis Khaan museum visit, cashmere outlet shopping. Accommodation: MSR Serviced Apartment (BL). Driving: approx. 70 km.
- Day11
Departure
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight. (B). Driving: approx. 60 km.
Where you'll stay
Trekking camp
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and surrounding valleys
Twin-share tents set up each evening in remote valleys, river meadows and the Tavan Bogd base camp, with camels carrying camp gear.
Local hotel
Ulgii, Bayan-Ulgii province
A simple local hotel used after returning from the mountains, offering a hot shower and a rest before the flight back to Ulaanbaatar.
Prices & packages
The listed price is per traveller based on a group size of 4 or more. Final pricing may vary depending on group size, season and availability at the time of booking.
The price generally includes domestic flights, accommodation, meals, guide services, camel support and park fees as described. A single supplement may apply for travellers requesting private accommodation where twin-share is standard.
Payment terms and cancellation conditions will be confirmed at the time of booking. We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before departure.
What's included
- Return domestic flights between Ulaanbaatar and Bayan Ulgii
- Airport transfers in Ulaanbaatar on arrival and departure days
- English-speaking guide throughout the trip
- Camel support to carry luggage during the trekking days
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B/L/D)
- Twin-share tent accommodation during the trek
- Hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar and Ulgii
- National park entrance fees and sightseeing per itinerary
Not included
- International flights to/from Mongolia
- Travel and medical insurance
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages and meals not listed
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Gallery
Good to know
Do I need mountaineering experience to climb Malchin Peak?
No special climbing skills or mountaineering gear are required. Malchin Peak (4,050 m) is a non-technical climb suitable for fit hikers, with a 6–7 hour round trip.
What is the daily trekking distance?
Daily walks range from about 17 km to 21 km, with one pass crossing at 3,000 m. The pace is designed for acclimatization and enjoyment of the scenery.
What kind of accommodation is used on this tour?
You will stay in a serviced apartment in Ulaanbaatar, a local hotel in Ulgii, and twin-share tents during the trekking days inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
How is luggage handled during the trek?
Camels carry the main camping gear and luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack while walking.
Will we meet local nomadic families?
Yes, the itinerary includes visits to Tuva and Kazakh nomadic families, with the chance to see a Kazakh Golden Eagle hunter and experience traditional culture.
From · 11 days / 10 nights$3,580.00 per personPlan my trip