Trekking Tour in Altai Mountains, West Mongolia - 13 days (extended edition)

Take a morning flight from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii, where we pick you up at the airport and take care of everything. After brunch at a halal restaurant we drive west for 5–6 hours in specially equipped 4WD vehicles, across mountain ranges and rivers, to the Tavan Bogd Ranger Station at 3,000 m. Visit Tuvan families and settle into traditional gers.

Explore Mongolia the way nomads do, on horseback. No riding experience needed: our wranglers pick a suitable horse and guide you, and experienced riders can ride on their own. It’s a relaxed 5–6 hour ride to Tavan Bogd Base Camp, with plenty of stops, while camels carry the gear. Pass pristine alpine lakes fed by snowmelt and explore the Potanin Glacier.

Climb Malchin Peak, about 4,050 m (13,287 ft), one of the five peaks of the Tavan Bogd massif. The climb needs no technical skills or climbing equipment, but a good fitness level is expected. Take in the sweeping panoramic views from the top, where you can see the convergence of four countries, then descend back to Base Camp.

Ride from Base Camp through the Milky River Valley, the river rushing beside you, loud and wild. The trail is easy: ride or walk, as you like.

Trek from the Ranger Station toward Bear Valley via Dakilbay Pass, the only route linking the high mountain zone to the lake region. Camp overnight in Khar Ayrag Valley.

Cross Dakilbay Pass and stop at the stunning Heart Lake, then descend into Bear Valley through wide open landscapes. Camp in the valley.

Trek deeper into the Aksu Valley through remote mountain scenery, arriving in Uyshik Valley by afternoon.

Follow the river down the Aksu Valley toward its end, a gorgeous trek across vast open steppe.

Trek to the junction of three river systems, where the landscape opens up dramatically. Say goodbye to the camels and meet the driving support team.

See 3,000-year-old rock art and balbal stone statues in Khairakhti Valley. Swim in the pristine Khoton and Khurgan lakes, then meet a Kazakh eagle hunter and share a traditional “five fingers” feast.

Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall, then learn eagle hunting, a tradition passed down the generations. Watch demonstrations, call the eagle to land on your arm and take photos in traditional clothing. Showers and rest at the yurt camp.

Drive back to Ölgii with a stop in Tsengel for Tuvan throat singing. In the evening enjoy a Kazakh family concert and farewell dinner.

After breakfast we drop you at Ölgii airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar.