Unleash your adventure spirit, explore Mongolia on your own terms
ALTAI TREKKING TOUR IN MONGOLIA
By Dauren, Bayan-Olgii local guide since 2017
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 · 63 reviews on TripAdvisor · 8+ years of Altai trekking expeditions
Tour at a Glance: 11 Days in Altai Tavan Bogd
11 DAYS – 10 NIGHTS (FROM $1950 )
- Duration: 11 days 10 nights
- Price from: 2100 USD
- Best Time: July 1st – Sept 5
- Group size: Max 12 PAX
- Destination: Western Mongolia
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Suitable age: 15-65
2027 Departure Dates & Pricing:
- June 30 – July 12th – 2600 USD + Naadam Festival
- August 4th – 14th – 2300 USD
There is a special offer for joining a group with two or more people.
Single supplement: 200 USD
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OVERVIEW
Welcome to the gorgeous Altai Tavan Bogd National Park! Discover Altai Travel offers you the best Altai trekking tour in Mongolia.
During this great route, you will see the snowcapped, spectacular Altai Mountains, including the highest peak in Mongolia, Mount Khuiten, and the tourist favorite Malchin peak.
For those who wish to climb Malchin Peak, neither extreme experience is required, but you will require hiking boots, a walking stick, and a guide. Once you’ve reached the top of Malchin, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing perspective. The Altai Mountains are the best place for hiking in Mongolia. Explore the Potanin Glacier (the longest glacier in central Asia) and White River Valley, which is home to the Tuvan tribe.
Tuvans have their own language and practice Shamanism. Experience incredible wild nature in the Bear Valley, which is only accessible in the summertime due to harsh elements. You will visit Khoton and Khurgan lakes, which include a beautiful waterfall. These are considered significant relics for geological and hydrogeological research since groundwater channels link these lakes.
By the lake, you have the opportunity to stay with a local nomadic family that will introduce you to the ancient tradition of hunting with eagles. It is an all-inclusive package tour with an experienced local support team with nomadic families.
Any trekking in Mongolia is incomplete without thick pine forests, high mountain passes, rolling hills, streams, and boulders to hop over. Every day, we trek for around 5-6 hours through the Mongolian steppe with wildflowers and arrive at the camping place. We are well-equipped with camping and cooking gear. During the trip, all baggage will be transported by camels. You just need to prepare your sleeping bag.
Some adventure seekers also do this trek, but instead of walking, they’re horseback riding. So, for those who like adventure travel, trip planning is essential to a great experience.
It is one of the best trekking tours in Mongolia with the stunning Altai Mountain. Please get in touch with us to learn more about the trip. We are happy to meet you in this remote corner of the world. Trekking in this remote region will take you to the true wilderness that only a few have experienced. Come and enjoy an unforgettable trekking tour with the Discover Altai Team!
Other Altai Adventures?
This is our flagship 11-day high-altitude trek. If you want a different focus:
- 🥾 5-Day Altai Tavan Bogd + Malchin Peak — shorter trek + peak summit, $1,300
- 🌄 6-Day Best of Altai Tavan Bogd — scenery + culture, no peak climb, all ages, $1,300
- ⛰ 10-Day Mount Khuiten Climb — technical summit of Mongolia’s highest peak (4,374m), $2,400
- 🏠 8-Day Eagle Hunter Homestay — year-round cultural immersion, from $1,400
Tour Itinerary
Eleven days through Bayan-Ölgii — Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Malchin Peak, Tuvan villages, eagle-hunting Kazakh families, and the petroglyphs of Khoton Lake.
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DAY1
Day 1DAY 1: Welcome to the Heart of Altai Mountains
Our Discover Altai team will meet you on your arrival at the Bayan-Olgii local. This is a land of nomadic eagle hunters and the gorgeous Altai Mountains. The majority population of the province is ethnic Kazakh people, who have kept their ancient nomadic culture for thousands of years. At the airport, you will be welcomed by your local expedition team consisting of a driver, cook, and an English-speaking tour guide. First, we will take you to your hotel.
You can take a rest (take a shower and have a nap). Afternoon, we will give you a guided tour of the city, which includes visiting the Museum and the local Bazaar. Welcome dinner at a restaurant.
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DAY2Day 2
DAY 2: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Drive to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park (ATBNP). On the halfway break for lunchtime. Arrive at Oigor Valley (North gate of TBNP). Set up our tent and made ourselves comfortable. Delicious dinner from our chef.
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DAY3
Day 3DAY 3: Trek to Base Camp
After having breakfast, get ready for our first trekking day. All baggage will be transported by camels, guided by local herders. It is about 16 km to the base camp and usually, it takes around 5-7 hours to walk. Enjoy an open-air lunch at the halfway point. The lunch will be served via lunchboxes. Make sure that you have enough water for trekking. The Base Camp is located in 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!
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DAY4Day 4
DAY 4: Climb to Malchin Peak (4051m / 13,290 ft above sea level)
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 big role. Our main priority is to be safe. So, our tour guide will lead the group as much 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 to explore Potanin Glacier. It is a 16 km long and 4 km wide glacier with a number of deep crevasses.
Enjoy your trekking. Then you will go back to the base camp. As usual delicious meal from our chef will be waiting for you.
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DAY5Day 5
DAY 5: White-River Valley
Today, we will trek down to the south entrance. We will take a different trail than we came and 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 starts right from the glacier, and the mineral dust turns the water white. But you can try fly fishing there, if you are interested in it.
Sadly, it is not drinkable. Arrive at the South entrance of the National Park. Set up our tents at the camping place and prepare your sleeping bag. In the evening, if you feel like hiking, we recommend you to visit Green Lake. It takes another couple of hours, but you will not regret it. Then we can make it for the evening activity.
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DAY6Day 6
DAY 6: Trekking to Black Valley
The Tuvan people are a tribe that lives in these valleys and follows the Shamanism religion. They have their own language, which is unique to them, and they’re also known for their excellent throat singing. On this day, you will have the opportunity to visit local people and explore their nomadic way of living. During your visit, the Tuvan women might show you their hand-made souvenirs, which are made of animal wool. If you are interested, you can buy some. Camp in the Black Valley.
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DAY7Day 7
DAY 7: Bear Valley
Today, we will trek over the Takhilt Pass, which is one of the highest and steepest passes on our tour. Our destination is the Bear Valley, which has untouched wild nature that is only accessible during the summertime.
This natural reserve was formed by volcanic eruptions that occurred many centuries ago. The valley is home to wild animals like bears, red deer, foxes, and wolves. But nowadays, because of travelers, it is rare to see wild animals except for some deer. It is a very enjoyable part of our trek.
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DAY8
Day 8DAY 8: Enjoy stunning Khoton Lake
Today we will be trekking for about 4 hours and meet our vehicle at the end of the valley near the Ranger station. Be ready to cross several rivers. Say goodbye to the camel herders and switch to the car. Drive for about 2 hours and camp by Khoton Lake.
Upon arrival at the lakeside, you can hike to Biluu Hill, where you can explore ancient petroglyphs that belong to the Bronze Age. We highly recommend that you climb to the top of the hill and enjoy the scenic landscape of the surroundings.
It takes around 1 hour. Also, you can swim in the lake, and the driver and guide will try to catch some fish.
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DAY9
Day 9Day 9: Visit Eagle Hunter’s family & Waterfall Valley
After breakfast, drive about half an hour to the eagle hunter’s family. Experience more about the ancient traditions of the nomadic Kazakh people. Enjoy the hospitality of Mongolian people and be a part of nomadic life. Try a cup of traditional tea with milk and salt.
The Kazakh people are also well known for their traditional hunting with specially trained golden eagles. Meet our eagle hunter and explore their way of practicing with the sky lord. You can have a memorable picture with an eagle.
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 / 32 ft high. Back to the camping.
For dinner, we will have a traditional meal. Hope you like meat. If not, no worries, our cook can make a number of vegetarian meals as well.
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DAY10Day 10
DAY 10: Drive back to Ulgii
Enjoy the endless Altai Mountains. The tour itinerary has included a traditional folk concert in a small town in Olgiy. But as an alternative option, we can visit the famous throat singer Batsukh.
Sometimes the throat singer won’t be at home, but no worries, in that case, we will invite a local Kazakh traditional singer. You are going to love them, too. The farewell dinner will be at a restaurant.
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DAY11
Day 11DAY 11: Fly back to Ulaanbaatar
Thank you for coming! Have a safe flight!
Reserve your trekking seat
11 days · best season July 1 – September 5 · small group
11-Day Trekking Route — Western Mongolia
Olgii · Altai Tavan Bogd · Malchin Peak · Potanin Glacier · Khoton Lake
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Everything You Need To Know
Tour information
Tour Price includes
Tour price excludes
Please Come & Enjoy the Best-planned Mongolian Adventure
Tour Price & Scheduled dates:
Tour Price
3PAX – 3300 USD p/p
4 PAX – 2800 USD p/p
Join the group from 2300 USD p/p
Scheduled dates:
30th June– 12th July /+Naadam Festival/
4th August – 14th August
Cancellation Policy:
·- Cancellation Policy
More than 2 months before departure: Cancellation fee of USD 400.
-Between 1 and 2 months before departure: Cancellation fee of USD 500.
-Less than 30 days before departure: Cancellation fee of USD 600.
The remaining balance of any payments made will be refunded after deducting the applicable cancellation fee.
How to BOOK?
- Confirm with our tour itinerary
- Agree to the terms and conditions
- Set the tour departure date
- Deposit 600 USD per person
- Send us a copy of your passports
Discounts:
- First two travelers who join the group, we offer a 5% discount.
- Group tour 5% – 10 %
So, Ladies and Gentlemen! The Discover Altai team is looking forward to meeting you and providing unforgettable expeditions to this remote corner of the world!
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us!
FAQ
How difficult is the 11-day Altai Tavan Bogd trek?
The 11-day Altai Tavan Bogd trek is a moderate-to-challenging multi-day trek. You walk 6-8 hours per day at altitudes between 2,500m and 3,500m, with one optional summit of Malchin Peak (4,050m). The terrain varies: valley paths, river crossings, glacier moraine, and one steep ascent to the peak. Camel or pack horse support carries all camping gear so you only carry a light daypack. 70-80% of reasonably-fit travelers complete the full route comfortably. No technical climbing skills are required for the standard trek — the optional Malchin summit requires crampons and an ice axe which we supply.
What fitness level is required for the Altai trek?
You need solid cardiovascular endurance and the ability to walk 6-8 hours per day on uneven terrain for 10 consecutive days. Recommended training: 3 months of regular hiking or hill-walking building to weekly 15-20 km hikes with a light pack, plus cardio (running, cycling, swimming) 2-3 times per week. If you comfortably complete a full-day mountain hike at home with a 5kg daypack and feel strong the next day, you are ready for this trek. Age range: we accept travelers 15-70 years old. Consultation with a doctor recommended if you have cardiac or respiratory conditions.
What trekking gear do I need to bring to Mongolia?
Essential gear: broken-in trekking boots (B1 sole), a 30-40 litre daypack, a 4-season sleeping bag rated to −10°C, trekking poles, waterproof shell jacket + pants, insulated down jacket, thermal base layers, gloves, sun hat, buff/neck gaiter, sunglasses (high UV), SPF50 sunscreen, headlamp, a 1-litre water bottle, and personal first-aid basics. Optional: gaiters for river crossings. We provide all camping gear (tent, mat, mess tent), meals, cooking equipment, and Malchin Peak summit gear (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet) if you choose the summit option. A full packing list is emailed 45 days before departure.
Do I summit Malchin Peak (4,050m) on this trek?
Summiting Malchin Peak is optional, not mandatory. We include the summit attempt on Day 6-7 of the 11-day itinerary for travelers who want it; those who prefer to rest at base camp can skip it without penalty. The summit climb is 8-10 hours round-trip on glacier and snow slopes and requires crampons, ice axe, and roped travel — all gear is provided and a guide leads the rope team. Roughly 60-70% of our trekkers attempt the summit; around 85% of those who start the attempt reach the top. No prior mountaineering experience is required.
How much does trekking in Mongolia cost?
A guided trekking tour in Mongolia costs $1,500-$4,500 USD per person for a 7-14 day expedition, depending on group size, route, and operator. Our 11-day Altai Tavan Bogd trek starts from $2,000 per person for groups of 4+ travelers, $2,200-2,400 for solo or couple private departures. Price includes domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar-Ölgii), 4×4 transport, English-speaking local Kazakh guide, expedition cook, pack-horse/camel support, all meals, camping gear, and national park permits. NOT included: international flights to Mongolia ($800-$2,200 depending on origin), travel insurance (~$80-$200 for 2 weeks), personal trekking gear, and tips for crew ($10-$15/day per traveler).
When is the best time to trek the Altai Mountains?
The best time to trek the Altai Mountains in Mongolia is mid-June to mid-September, with July and August being peak season. During these months, daytime temperatures reach 15-22°C, mountain passes are snow-free, rivers are fordable, and alpine flowers bloom around Altai Tavan Bogd. July is the warmest and most reliable for weather. August offers the most stable conditions and lowest river-crossing water levels. Early September brings crisp cool days and fewer travelers but nights drop to −10°C. Trekking outside June-September is not recommended due to snow, closed passes, and extreme cold.
What are the 2026 scheduled departure dates?
Our 2026 scheduled group departures for the 11-day Altai Tavan Bogd trek are: July 1-11, July 27-August 6, and August 3-13. The July 1 departure is best for alpine flowers and fewer travelers; July 27 offers the most stable weather; August 3 has the lowest river-crossing water levels and clearest skies. Each departure is capped at 8-10 travelers for a personal experience. Private departures on custom dates are available for groups of 2+ travelers — contact us for custom date pricing ($2,200-2,400 per person). Book 4-6 months in advance as departures fill by late May.
What accommodation is provided during the Altai trek?
Your nights on the 11-day trek are split between four types of accommodation: (1) 2 nights in a guesthouse in Ölgii town at the start and end of the trip (private room, hot shower, WiFi); (2) 6-7 nights in camping tents at high-altitude campsites (2-person tents, sleeping pads provided, mess tent with hot meals); (3) 1 night homestay with a Kazakh eagle hunter family in their ger (felt tent); (4) optionally 1 night in a ger camp near Khoton Lake. Hot shower is available only at the Ölgii guesthouse; on the trek we provide hot water for washing at camp each evening.
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