Trekking in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

This adventure will lead you to a destination few have explored—Mongolia’s remote western frontier, where the landscape is as captivating as the cultural fusion it holds.
Here, Muslim and Mongolian traditions intertwine, creating a unique tapestry of heritage and hospitality. Trekking through this rugged terrain promises a series of unforgettable encounters and an exhilarating journey of discovery.

Today, we fly to Olgii, the capital of Bayan-Olgii province. Unlike most of Mongolia, which is predominantly home to Khalkh Mongolians, Bayan-Olgii is largely inhabited by ethnic Kazakhs, the majority of whom practice Islam. The town even features its own modest mosque, a symbol of its distinct identity.

Upon arrival, our local team will warmly welcome you and accompany you westward into the heart of the National Park. Along the way, we’ll visit Kazakh families living in traditional Gers—larger than the typical Mongolian version and richly adorned with handmade carpets and vibrant textiles. Over a cup of tea, we’ll share delicious Kazakh dishes such as Kuz (salted and smoked horse meat) and Bisbarmak, engaging in heartfelt conversations that offer deeper insight into the customs and values of Kazakh life.

For more than 2,000 years, Kazakhs have forged a deep bond with nature through the ancient art of eagle hunting. These remarkable Golden Eagles—always females for their size and prowess—are taken from the nest as chicks and trained intensively for up to a year. They assist in subsistence hunting, capturing foxes and wolves that threaten livestock. After several years of loyal service, these majestic birds are released back into the wild—a testament to the mutual respect between hunter and eagle.

• Drive for 2-3 hours.
• Meet with a family that practices eagle hunting

Altai Tavan Bogd is a pristine wilderness spanning 636,161 hectares along the western edge of Bayan-Olgii province, stretching across the Ulaan Khus, Tsengel, Sagsai, and Altai soums (villages).
Tucked away in Mongolia’s far west, this national park is a dramatic landscape of snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, and vast, untouched valleys. At its heart stands Khuiten Uul, the tallest mountain in Mongolia, soaring to 4,374 meters above sea level. The park follows the sweeping arc of the Altai Mountain Range for over 200 kilometers, where Mongolia meets China, Russia, and Kazakhstan—a natural crossroads of cultures and frontiers.

Altai Tavan Bogd is not only rich in natural beauty but steeped in history. Hidden among its rocky surfaces are tens of thousands of ancient petroglyphs, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scattered throughout the landscape are mysterious Turkic Stone Men and ancient burial mounds, silent sentinels of the region’s deep past.

Today, we journey through the park’s breathtaking foothills, a 5 to 6-hour trek that brings us to the Tsagaan River Valley by early afternoon. This valley is a cherished summer grazing ground for nomadic herders and a sacred space for the Tuvan people, who continue to practice their age-old Shamanistic traditions. Here, we’ll meet our camel guide and begin preparations for tomorrow’s hike into the heart of this remote and awe-inspiring wilderness.

• Drive for 5-6 hours.

Today, we begin our journey toward Tavan Bogd, setting out on a 16-kilometer descent to the base camp. Our gear will be transported by camels, guided by the warm and welcoming Tuvan people, who are deeply familiar with this rugged terrain.

As we trek, we’ll pass the breathtaking Potanin and Alexander Glaciers, with their dramatic ice formations and towering peaks. The base camp is situated at an altitude of 3,000 meters, while the glaciers soar between 3,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level. These ancient ice fields are the source of the Tsagaan River and stretch for an impressive 16 kilometers across the landscape.

Upon arrival at base camp, we’ll set up our tents and settle in, taking time to rest and acclimate before tomorrow’s challenging ascent to Khuiten Peak, Mongolia’s highest summit.

• Trek about 16 km for 5-7 hours.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set off on our expedition to the Tavan Bogd Glacier, venturing into a stunning high-altitude landscape marked by rugged rocks and alpine wetlands.

Our goal for the day is Malchin Hill, the lowest of Tavan Bogd’s five majestic peaks, standing at 4,050 meters. The ascent, which takes roughly six hours, follows a mostly rocky trail, gradually leading us to panoramic views few have witnessed.

From the summit, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas that stretch across the borders of Russia and China. Below us lies the magnificent glacier, and before us rise the five iconic peaks of Tavan Bogd, crowned by Khuiten Peak—the highest point in both the Altai Mountains and Mongolia. In the evening, we’ll return to base camp, taking time to rest and reflect on the incredible views and milestones of the day.

• Trek for about 6 hours

Between base camp and Khuiten Peak, our route will take us across the Potanin Glacier, a vast expanse of ice and snow. Before reaching the summit, we'll need to carefully navigate sections with crevasses, requiring both caution and teamwork.

If weather conditions allow, we’ll begin our ascent of Khuiten Peak—Mongolia’s highest mountain and the most prominent of the Tavan Bogd's Holy Five Peaks—early in the morning. Our experienced guide will provide a thorough briefing on essential climbing techniques and ensure everyone is properly equipped for the climb.

Should the weather take a turn for the worse, the ascent may become significantly more demanding. In such cases, we may need to adjust our plans and delay the summit attempt for safety.

• Length: One way trek:13 km
• Round trip: 26 km (10 km to Khonog Tolgoi and 3 km to Khuiten peak)
• Altitude 4374 m

On the final day of our trek, we’ll hike for approximately 2 to 3 hours over relatively gentle terrain to reach the Oigor River. From there, we’ll reunite with our vehicles and begin the return journey to Ulgii, carrying with us the memories of an unforgettable adventure through Mongolia’s wild west.

• Length: 8 km to trek
• Altitude 3000m
• About 150 km driving

The moment has arrived to depart and make your way back to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. You are free to spend your afternoon as you wish. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful cultural performance, featuring talented contortionists, while you take in the vibrant and rhythmic dances of Mongolia.