Trekking in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia

Welcome to Bayan-Olgii! Our province is famous for gorgeous Altai Mountains and nomadic eagle hunters. On your arrival, you will be welcomed by your local support team. The group leader will be the English speaking tour guide. Also, you can arrive a day earlier and have a leisure day in Olgii. We have this option for travelers who will arrive to Olgii by the Russian side or from Ulaanbaatar by bus. And all you need is to be ready in Olga before noon. Today we drive to the North entrance of the National park. It would take around 5 hours drive. Upon arrival we will set our tents in camping side. Delicious dinner from our chef cook.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in tent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After having breakfast, get ready to hike. All baggage will be transported by camels, guided by local herders. It is about 16 km to the base camp and usually takes around 5 hours to walk. Enjoy an open-air lunch at the halfway point. The lunches will be served via lunchboxes. Make sure that you have enough water for trekking. The Base Camp is one of the most beautiful places in Mongolia. Here you have an opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of the Altai Mountains which includes the highest peak Mount Khuiten and Potanin Glacier. Enjoy your trekking!

Accommodation: Stay overnight in tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Malchin Peak is located right on the borderline between Russia and Mongolia. It is the only mountain where it is possible to climb up without any special climbing equipment, except hiking boots. But it is not easy, some parts of the trail are very steep with big stones, which makes it difficult to climb up. Also, the weather plays a large role. Our main priority is to be safe. So, our tour guide will lead the group as high as possible depending on how the weather changes. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding nature. As an alternative option, in case of bad weather, we can offer you the option to explore Potanin Glacier. It is a 16 km long and 4 km wide glacier with a number of deep crevasses. Enjoy your trekking. Back to the base camp

Accommodation: Stay overnight in tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we will trek down to the south entrance. We will take a different trail to arrive at this location. It is one of the most beautiful valleys in the National Park. Enjoy snow-capped mountains and a stunning white river. The color of the water is really white because it comes from the glacier and the mineral dust turns the water white. It is not drinkable. Arrive at the South entrance of the National park. Set our tents at the camping place. In the evening, if you feel up to more hiking we can recommend visiting Green Lake. It takes a couple hours to hike up to and back.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in tent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The nomadic Tuvan people live in these two valleys. They have their own language and practice Shamanism. Today you have the opportunity to visit a nomadic family and explore their way of living. During your visit the Tuvan women might show you their hand-made souvenirs, which are made of animal wools. If you are interested, you can buy some. Camp in the Black Valley.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we will trek over the Takhilt Pass which is one of the highest and steepest passes in our tour. Enter the Bear Valley. This is a place of untouched nature which is only possible to enter in the summertime. The valley is home for wild animals like bears, red deers, foxes and wolves. But when it is summer and a lot of travelers visit these valleys, animals stay far from the trails. Enjoy the stunning nature of Altai.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in tent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we will be trekking for about 4 hours and meet our vehicle at the end of the valley. Be ready to cross several rivers. Say goodbye to the camel herders and switch to the car. Drive about 2 hours and camp by the Khoton lake. Also, you have an opportunity hike to Biluu Hill where you can explore ancient petroglyphs which belong to the Bronze Age. We highly recommend that you climb to the top and enjoy the scenic landscape. It takes around 2-3 hours. Enjoy swimming in the lake.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in tent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, drive about half an hour to the eagle hunter’s family. Learn about the ancient traditions of nomadic Kazakh people. Enjoy the hospitality of a family and be a part of nomadic life. Have tea with them and ask questions about eagle hunting. You can have a memorable picture with an eagle sitting on your arm. In the afternoon take a hike for around 3 hours in Waterfall Valley. The valley is famous for its stunning nature and two waterfalls which are around 10 m/ 32f high. Back to the eagle hunter’s family.

Accommodation: Stay overnight with nomadic family.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Enjoy the endless Altai Mountains. The tour itinerary has included a traditional folk concert in Olgiy. But as an alternative option, we can visit a throat singer named Batsukh. Enjoy traditional throat singing. Sometimes the throat singer won’t be at home because of work in the mine. In that case, we will arrange a concert in town. Farewell dinner at a restaurant

Accommodation: Stay overnight in hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Thank you for coming!