Trekking to Mongolia's Majestic Peaks

This journey takes you deep into one of Mongolia’s least visited and most captivating regions. Western Mongolia is a fascinating blend of Kazakh Muslim and Mongolian cultures, where language, traditions, and landscapes intertwine. Your adventure begins with a flight to Ölgii, the capital of Bayan-Ölgii Province, home to Mongolia’s Kazakh minority—renowned for their warm hospitality and ancient eagle-hunting heritage. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our local team and begin your journey toward the Khurgan and Khoton Lakes.

Along the way, stop at Tsengel Sum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to admire the impressive deer stones carved thousands of years ago. These ancient monuments offer a glimpse into Mongolia’s early nomadic culture. The Khurgan and Khoton Lakes are Mongolia’s second largest and among its clearest, with an average depth of 26 meters and a maximum of 58 meters. The lakes are connected by a deep natural channel and surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery, with snow-capped peaks rising majestically in the distance.

• Drive 180 km
• Altitude 2100m

We’ll start the day early and drive back to Ölgii, where we’ll meet our camel-breeding neighbors who will accompany us on the trek. They’ll assist with navigation and pack transport using sturdy two-humped Bactrian camels and Mongolian horses. These skilled local herders will join us for the upcoming nine-day wilderness journey through the Altai. Our first campsite will be set near an ancient 6,000-year-old horse carving etched into a large rock, a remarkable relic of Mongolia’s early nomadic culture. Tonight, we’ll camp beside the tranquil Nogoon Lake.

• Length: 17 km
• Altitude: 2700 m
• Tented Camp B, L, D

As we head north, the scenery transforms into high mountain passes, lush green forests, and expansive valleys. With each step, the ever-changing landscape deepens your connection to nature, revealing the region’s breathtaking diversity.

• Length: 18 km
• Altitude 2700 m
• Tented Camp B, L, D

Trekking may become more challenging as the altitude increases.

• Length: 15-18km
• Altitude 3500m
• Tented Camp B, L, D

Today, we’ll start our ascent of Takhilt Mountain Pass, trekking through the scenic Baavgai Valley

• Length 15 km
• Altitude 3200m
• Tented Camp B, L, D

Our route will lead us to the entrance of Tavan Bogd National Park, a region traditionally considered the source of the White River, which flows from the Potanin Glacier. This area is a well-known summer grazing ground for nomads and home to the Tuvan people, who maintain their ancient Shamanic traditions. For those interested, we can hike up Shiveet Uul Mountain, offering spectacular views of turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks rising over 3,000 m, glaciers, and archaeological sites. Visitors also have the opportunity to meet the Tuvan people and learn about their unique lifestyle and culture.

• Length 17 km
• Altitude 3000 m

Today we will arrive at Tsagaan Gol (White River) Post, where our trek to Base Camp will officially begin.

• Length 16 km
• Altitude 3000 m

The Potanin Glacier, nestled between Base Camp and Khuiten Peak (Mongolia’s highest at 4,374 m), is the focus of today’s trek. We will cover approximately 16 kilometers to reach the glacier’s base camp, situated at an altitude of 3,500–4,000 meters. The glacier stretches 16 kilometers and feeds the Tsagaan River. Upon arrival, we’ll set up our tents and prepare for tomorrow’s ascent toward Malchin Peak.

• Length 16 km
• Altitude 3000 m

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set out for our expedition to the Tavan Bogd Glacier, hiking through a striking high-altitude landscape of wetlands and rocky terrain. From above, the five peaks of Tavan Bogd and the expansive glacier come into view, including Mongolia’s highest summit at the tip of the Altai range. Today’s goal is Malchin Peak, the smallest of Tavan Bogd’s mountains, standing at 4,050 m. The ascent takes about 6 hours, mostly over rocky terrain, before we return to camp in the evening. From the summit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of both Russia and China.

• Length 9 km
• Altitude 4050 m

Weather permitting, we’ll start our ascent of Khuiten Peak, Mongolia’s highest mountain and the most prominent of the Tavan Bogd Five Holy Peaks, early in the morning. Our experienced guide will provide climbing instruction and all necessary equipment. The route includes crossing a few glacial crevasses before reaching the summit. If conditions deteriorate, the climb may become more challenging or may need to be postponed for safety.

• Length: 13 km to trek one way 2 ways 26 km (10 km to Khonog Tolgoi and 3 km to Khuiten peak)
• Altitude 4374 m
• Tented Camp B, L, D

On relatively easy terrain, the final day’s trek will take 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach the Presidential Ovoo, where our vehicles will be waiting to drive us back to Ölgii. Along the way, we can visit a Kazakh eagle hunting family in Sagsai or Ulaankhus Sum, staying in their traditional gers, larger than typical Mongolian gers and adorned with handcrafted rugs. We’ll enjoy tea, taste delicious Kazakh dishes such as Kuz (salted and smoked horse meat) and Bisbarmak, and learn more about Kazakh customs and culture. In the evening, we may also enjoy a folklore performance, showcasing the region’s rich traditions.

• Length: 2 km to trek
• Altitude 3000m
• About 150 km driving
• Hotel B, L, D

The time has come to depart and fly back to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your leisure. You might choose to attend a cultural show, featuring contortionists, colorful traditional dances, and mesmerizing throat singing