Altay Tavan Bogd Mountain is the highest snow-capped mountain in Mongolia and is located in western Bayan-Ulgii Province. It consists of five peaks, with the highest peak being Huiten Uul which is about 4374 meters above sea level. The peak which is possible to climb without equipment is Malchin Peak which is about 4050 meters. Also, on Tavan Bogd Mountain is the Potaniun glacier which is about 20 km long. In this place one can see the real wild nature of the area, the sacred mountains, petro-glyphs which are many centuries old, and a white river fed from the glacier and flowing for several kilometers. Surrounding the river live nomadic ethnic groups such as the Tuvan people, which are famous for their throat singing, and Khazakh people who train Golden Eagles for hunting.
Day 1. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar city
By your arrival in UB meet with your tour guide. According to your time of arriving you will do short city-tour. Explore to Gandan monestry, Buddhist center, Zanabazar museum, winter palace, Chingis Khaan museum and Dinosaurs museum. Stay in hotel.
Day 2. Shiveet Hairhan mountain (2500 meters)
After you arrive at Bayan-Ulgii Province Airport you will be met by the team. From there we start the first day of your trip. We will drive to Altay Tavan Bogd National Park via Tsagaan Gol (White River Valley). We will drive between the high Altay Mountains at 3000 to 4000 meters elevation. We will come to the White River Valley. There we will pitch our tent next to the White River and stay in tent.
Day 3. Altay TavanBogd National Park (3300 meters)
After breakfast we get ready for hiking and horseman pack our staff on camel and we will begin trekking with camel caravan to the 20 km trek to the base camp of the snow-capped Altay Tavan Bogd Mountain. On our way to the base camp you will be able see the surrounding Altay Mountains and the beautiful wild nature of the area. We will pitch our tent next to the 20 km long glacier where we will stay in tent.
Day 4. Climb Malchin peak (4050meters)
In the early morning we will start up the trail to Malchin Peak, which is about 6 km from the base camp. After reaching the top of Malchin Peak you can see the most beautiful view of the Altay Mountains. The AltayTavan Bogd Mountain range stretches over Mongolia and Russia. We will come back to the base camp in the late afternoon and spend the night in the tent.
Day 5. Trek back to White river valley
In the morning we will hike about 4 hours back to Tsagaan gol (White River Valley). We will pitch our tent next to the White River and be able to relax after our long hike. Stay in tent.
Day 6. Drive Hoton Hurgan lakes (2300 meters)
After driving about 150 km we will reach the Hoton and Hurgan twin lakes where many Nomadic Kazakh families spend the summer. This beautiful place is bordered by a forested mountain which forms a wall between China and Mongolia. There is also a big waterfall on this mountain. After crossing the wooden bridge over the water channel between Hoton and Hurgan Lakes, we will drive north along Hoton Lake for about 12 km and reach Biluut Mountain. Here you can see many petro-glyphs. The Kazakh people who live here are very kind and hospitable. They live in gers (yurts) which they make by hand. We will stop to visit with them and you will be introduced to their lifestyle and experience their hospitality. This place is the summer pasture for their livestock. We will pitch our tent for the night next to Hoton Lake. Stay in tent along the lake.
Day 7. Hike to waterfall and visit to Golden eagle hunter’s family
After breakfast we will drive until the car stop and do soft hiking between the forest to the waterfall. It takes about 40minutes in one way. There are spectacular view of the nature with snow capped mountain, the green land and forest. Afternoon we will go to see the petroglyphs. We will visit to Kazakh nomadic family, experience their great hospitality, and see the eagle hunter’s magnificent bird. The Mongolian Kazakhs use for hunting female eagles as far they are bigger than male once and more aggressive. These eagles are trained to hunt foxes, wolves, rabbit and wild cat.
Overnight in the ger.
Day 8. Drive back to Ulgii
It is day to drive back to Ulgii. Once we are back in Ulgii, you will have a chance to travel in the city and do some shopping at the handcraft shops. You will then spend the night at a local hotel.
Day 9. Fly back to UB
Departing to UB stay in hotel.
It including: English speaking guide, 3 meals per day, camping gears (tent, mats, and blankets), 4×4 car or Russian vehicle, border and Nat. Park permits, hotel in Ulgii and UB.
It excluding: personal needs, laundry, alcohol drinks, flights.
