TAVAN BOGD TREKKING TOUR

Itinerary

• Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

  On landing in Ulaanbaatar, you will be met by our representative and transferred to a 4-star hotel in the heart of Mongolia’s capital. (Hotel)

• Guided city tour of Ulaanbaatar

  The whole day is dedicated to visiting the most iconic sights of Ulaanbaatar. Begin at the Gandan Monastery, the city’s main Buddhist center, followed by the Zaisan Memorial, an elevated hill offering panoramic views of the vibrant city. Continue to the Central Square to see the marble colonnade with imposing statues of Chinggis Khaan, his successors, and generals on horseback, before exploring the National Museum, which traces Mongolia’s past from early humans to the modern era. In the evening, enjoy a traditional folk performance featuring throat singing, music, and contortion, followed by a welcome dinner. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hotel)

• Flight to Ulgi – Gateway to the Altai Mountains

  Early this morning, transfer to the airport for a two-hour flight to Ulgi, the capital of Mongolia’s westernmost province. The region, home to the majority of Mongolia’s Kazakh population renowned for the traditional practice of hunting with golden eagles, also encompasses the country’s highest mountain range – the Altai.

  Upon arrival at Ulgi airport, meet your support team and begin the journey towards the Altai Mountains. Travel in robust Russian vehicles through mountainous desert for five hours, arriving at Tsagaan Salaa, a remote valley amidst rugged ridges, where a swift river and several small lakes create an alpine landscape. Camp is set on patches of flower-strewn meadow nearby.

  The valley is also the site of an extensive rock-carving gallery dating from the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages.  Spread across an area of 15 km by 0.5 km, this World Cultural Heritage site features hundreds of images carved by ancient humans, depicting animals, hunting scenes, rituals, and other aspects of their life. After settling into camp, take time to explore the remarkable rock art. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Travel to Tavan Bogd National Park

  We travel along enormous V-shaped mountain valleys, with small rivers streaming from glaciers that cover the mountain tops. Mountain slopes covered in lush grass alternate with steep mountainsides completely blanketed in scree. Large, mushroom-like yurts of Kazakh herders and their massive flocks of yaks and goats often appear along our route, as do a multitude of marmots. Shortly after lunch, we arrive at the Tavan Bogd National Park gate—a few yurts, home of local rangers at the foothills of even bigger mountains. This is the starting point of the trek. Until dinner, you may walk and explore the surrounding foothills. This evening, local herders will arrive with their pack camels, which will carry our camp, luggage, and food over the following days. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to Tavan Bogd Base Camp

  Today we trek to the Base Camp, the access point to the Tavan Bogd peaks, literally meaning “the Five Holy,” the five highest peaks of the Altai Mountain Range. Watch Bactrian camels being loaded and set off for the Base Camp. Most of the route is a gradual ascent on high mountain terrain, with occasional bogs and a few shallow streams to cross, and just two steep but short sections. Halfway through the route, magnificent views of snow-capped peaks and vast glaciers come into sight. Around lunchtime, the camel caravan overtakes trekkers, who normally reach Base Camp in the late afternoon. Our campsite, at just over 3,000 meters, allows impressive views of Mongolia’s highest peaks and largest glaciers. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Climb Malchin peak (4051m) or to the Russia-Mongolia borderline

  Our today’s goal is to climb one of the lower and easier peaks of the area. Although non-technical a return trip requires 7-9 hours depending on trekkers’ fitness and weather conditions. We hike along the Potanin glacier moraine for an hour before stepping on the mountain. Although entirely on scree the trail is well established and marked requiring just trekking poles. Once at the top enjoy spectacular bird eye views of glaciers, snow capped peaks and the Russian territory. There is also a less demanding option of climbing to a lower ridge that marks the borderline between the two countries. Off the mountainside leisurely stroll to the camp. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)
  
  

• Trek to the Lower Gate of the National Park

  Going to the lower gate of the NP is an easy downhill stroll although some marshy sections and streams need to be negotiated. At two thirds of the way we reach the edge of a deep V-shaped valley at the bottom of which rumbles a torrential river full of glacial silt. This is Tsagaan Gol river. Its lush valley is the summer pastureland of Tuvan camel herders accompanying us. A steep descent to the riverside and arrive to our campsite beside the rumbling river. Enjoy a well earned rest and socialize with other travelers who might be camping at the designated camp ground. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)
  
  

• Trek to Holy Shiveet mountain, spot wild goats or see rock carvings

  Easy morning hike to visit a Tuvan family most likely that of one of the camel herders that had accompanied us during the previous days of trekking. Tuvans also known as Uriankhai is an ethnic group of Turkic origin that has historically been moving around southern Siberia. Traditionally these cattle herding nomads practiced shamanism - a worship of ancestral and natural spirits but today their belief is a strong blend with Tibetan Buddhism. We use the invitation to learn of their way of life and to taste food and drinks offered by the unwritten local rules. After the visit we hike to Mt.Shiveet and climb to its wide top with a goal of spotting wild mountain goats (Capra Sibirica). Seeing them is almost guaranteed but requires a bit of tracking and hiding. A less demanding hike around the base of the Holy mountain will allow you see more ancient rock art displaying fascinating scenes of hunting by distant residents of the Altai region. We return to our camp beside the mountain. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)
  
  

• Return trip to Ulgy

  The return trip to Ulgy and takes about 7 hours. Along the way, we stop at a Kazakh family that practices the ancient craft of hunting with Golden Eagles. This once nearly forgotten tradition has been preserved by Mongolia's Kazakh minority and is now actively revived, with even women participating in training eagles. Although actual hunting is done in winter, you will have the chance to learn about the craft and feel the weight of these magnificent birds by holding them on your arm. Upon arriving in Ulgi, a traditional Kazakh dinner accompanied by music and songs will provide a fitting finale to your travels. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hotel) 

• Return flight to Ulaanbaatar and farewell dinner

  Today we catch a flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You may consider additional city visits or souvenir shopping, as our representative will remain available on standby. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner. (Breakfast, dinner, hotel)

• Departure

  We will arrange your transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)