This Altai Mountains trek takes you deep into the "Wild West" of Mongolia, where rolling steppe grasslands ease their way upwards to glaciers and snow covered peaks along the international borders with Russia and China. On your journey to this remote region you will get to appreciate the sheer vastness of Mongolia. After a short time in the capitol Ulanbator, a three hour flight to the west takes you over endless, sparsely inhabited, steppe to the Kazakh city of Ulgii from where the real adventure begins.

We trek for six days, with camels carrying our bags and equipment, to reach a "base camp" in the Tavan Bogd Mountains. From here we explore the glaciers and trek to the top of Malchin Peak (4050m) before returning to Ulgii to start the journey home. During the trek we will encounter Kazakh and Turvan nomads living in their gers (yurts) and tending their herds in these high rolling pastures.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart UK

Day 2 Upon you arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be met by our representatives, and, after checking in at your hotel, we will take you on a city sightseeing tour followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 3 Today we take a morning flight to Ulgii City, in the Bayan-Ulgii province of Western Mongolia. The majority of the population of this region is Kazakh, with their own culture and language. On arrival at Ulgii, you will meet your English-speaking guide, driver and expedition cook. From here we drive across the plains to Khoton Lake, stopping for lunch on the way.  Our camp for the night is set up on Biluut Hill, where you will find ancient rock carvings of Turkic origin, 1500-2000 years old.  6 hours driving.

Day 4 Today we trek past Aral Tolgoy to the Tsagaan Us River Valley and on to the Khoton and Khurgan Lakes. These lakes, connected to each other by a wide natural channel are the second largest and clearest of all lakes in Mongolia and are up to 58 metres deep. The landscape around the lakes is very beautiful and picturesque, fringed with snow-capped mountains. 6 hours walking, vehicle support.

Day 5 We continue up the Tsagaan Us River Valley, taking time to visit Kazakh families in their ‘gers’ and learn about the traditions and the lifestyle of these hardy, semi-nomadic people. Hopefully there will be opportunities to sample some of their produce. 5 hours walking, camel support.

Day 6 We cross the Dahilbai pass (3200m) today which is a pleasant walk with nothing too steep on the ascent or the descent.. 7 hours walking, camel support.

Day 7 Today’s walk takes us towards Shiveet Uul Mountain, with its stunningly beautiful blue lakes, 4000 metre high snow-capped mountains, glaciers and interesting archaeological sites. 6 hours walking, camel support.

Day 8 During our walk today up the White River Valley, we will have a chance to visit Tuvan people, who are a separate ethnic and cultural group within Mongolia. These people live a nomadic life, and practice Shamanism. 6 hours walking, camel support.

Day 9 A long 18 kilometre trek today takes us to the base camp of the Tavan Bogd. As we draw closer to the camp we are rewarded with ever improving views of the Potanin and Alexander glaciers, and the backdrop of icy peaks on the skyline. 7 hours walking, camel support.

Day 10 Today we venture out onto the glaciers, and practice the techniques required for safe glacial travel. We may reach one of the passes and look over into Russia!

Day 11 Today we aim to reach the top of Malchin Peak (4050 metres). This peak, the lowest of the Holy Five Peaks, is on the Mongolia and Russian border. The climb, which is non-technical, takes around 6 hours. From the summit there are great views of the Potanin glacier and peaks over in Russia. Back in camp after the climb, we can celebrate and relax! 7 to 9 hours walking.

Day 12 This a spare day in case of bad weather for another summit attempt, or can simply be used for relaxation or further exploration of the area.

Day 13 We hike out to the north to the Oigor River – the route most climbers use to reach the base camp we have just left behind. 4 to 6 hours walking, camel support.

Day 14 We drive back to Ulgii. On the way we visit Eagle Hunters and a nomad family. In the afternoon there is time to do some arts and crafts shopping in the bazaars. Overnight we will stay either in our own Ger Camp or our guest house, Eagle's Nest, where we can enjoy a good hot shower.

Day 15 Today we fly back to Ulaanbaatar to enjoy the capital and the comforts of our hotel and a final farewell dinner.

Day 16 Return flight to the UK.

Please note walking and driving times are approximate and may vary due to road conditions and weather.

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