Unleash your adventure spirit, explore Mongolia on your own terms
MONGOLIA ALTAI MOUNTAIN TOUR
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 · 63 reviews on TripAdvisor · 8+ years of authentic Altai expeditions
MONGOLIA ALTAI MOUNTAIN TOUR
8 DAYS – 7 NIGHTS (FROM $1700 )
- Duration: 8 days 7 nights
- Price from: 1700 USD
- Arrival: Bayan-Olgii province
- Group size: 1-8
- Destination: Taban Bogd National Park
- Difficulty: Moderate, Easy
- Suitable Age: 15-70
Join us for a small group departure
- Aug 18th – 24th – 1800 USD pp
Top Highlights
- Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp
- Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Altai Mountains
- Climb to the traveler’s favorite peak – Malchin Peak
- Visit Nomadic Eagle Hunter’s family
- Camp by the beautiful Khoton Lake
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Altai Mountains are listed on UNESCO World Heritage sites because it’s ancient cultural and historical wonders including ancient rock carvings, beautiful lakes, endless rivers, and several extremely rare animals.
OVERVIEW
Welcome to Mongolia, the land of endless steppe and the country of blue sky. Mongolia is the 18th biggest country in the world and is located in central Asia.
It is home to the last nomadic people. The western part of the county is famous for its beautiful landscape and the snow-capped Altai Mountains.
The Altai Mountains rise to around 4000 meters above sea level. Kuiten Peak is the highest point /4374m/of the Altai Mountains.
The Discover Altai Team offers you the “Mongolian Altai Mountains Tour” where you can experience the gorgeous Altai region, nomadic eagle hunting culture and unique traditions.
This is an all-inclusive package tour with an experienced local support team. Come and enjoy an unforgettable experience with the Discover Altai team!
Tour Itinerary
Eight days in the Mongolian Altai — horse trekking to base camp, the climb of Malchin Peak, the White River valley and Khoton Lake’s Kazakh families.
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DAY1
Day 1Day 1: Arrive in Olgii
Welcome to western Mongolia, the land of the magnificent Altai Mountains and nomadic eagle hunters. Our city guide will pick you up from your location and drop you off at the airport. The adventure starts here.
Arrive in Bayan–Olgii province. At the Olgii airport, you will be welcomed by your local people /support/ team. This includes an English-speaking tour guide, a driver, and an expedition cook. Drive to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Arrive at the Oigor valley which is the north entrance of the Altai Mountains park.
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DAY2Day 2
DAY 2: Horse trek to Base Camp
After having breakfast, we will migrate to the base camp. It is one of the most popular camping sites in Mongolia. All the baggage will be transported by camels. Also, the local herders will support us with their horses.
The horses in this area are well-trained, but you have to be very careful. The tour guide will give you instructions before riding a horse. Get Adventure Enjoy the ride and explore the beautiful scenery. At the base camp, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the highest peaks in Mongolia.
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DAY3
Day 3DAY 3: Climb to Malchin Peak (4051 m / 13290 ft)
Malchin Peak is located right on the border between Russia and Mongolia. And it is the only mountain where it is possible to climb up without any special climbing equipment, except hiking boots.
Climbing adventure is not easy, some parts of the trail are very steep and have big stones, which makes it difficult to climb. Also, the weather plays a large role. Our main priority is to be safe. Our tour guide will lead the group as highly as possible depending on how the good weather is.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. As an alternative option in case of bad weather, instead of Malchin Peak, we can offer you the chance to explore Potanin Glacier. It is a 16 km long and 4 km wide glacier with a number of deep crevasses. You can take stunning photos here too. Enjoy your trekking. Finally, we will head back to base camp.
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DAY4Day 4
DAY 4: Horseback to White-River Valley
Today we will ride horses to White River Valley. We will take a different trail. It is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Altai Mountains. Adventure with snow-capped mountains and the stunning white river.
The color of the water is milky 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 Part.
Set our tents at the camping place. And for the evening, if you feel up to more hiking we can recommend that you visit Green Lake. It takes a couple of hours in total to make it there and back.
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DAY5Day 5
DAY 5: Drive to Khoton Lake
Today we will drive to Khoton Lake which is located in the southern part of the Altai Mountains. On the way, we will stop at ancient archaeological sites like ancient cemeteries and Stone Man monuments from the IX-XII century.
Camp by Khoton Lake. The local community calls this place “Sirgaly” which means “gorgeous nature”. Adventure and Enjoy the stunning nature of the Altai region.
Also, on our arrival, you have the opportunity to climb Biluu Hill where you will have a marvelous view of the surroundings. Explore petroglyphs from the Bronze Age
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DAY6Day 6
DAY 6: Visit a nomadic Kazakh family
After breakfast, we will drive about half an hour to the nomadic family. Explore the nomadic life, their way of living, and how they take care of their animals. The nomadic families in this area move around 4 times a year.
This area is their summer home. In the afternoon we will hike to the Waterfall Valley. This is truly one of the most beautiful valleys in this area. Then we will head back to the family and learn more about their unique culture.
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DAY7Day 7
DAY 7: Drive back to Olgii
Today we will return to Olgii. On the way, we will make a quick stop at the nomadic eagle hunter’s home. Learn about traditional hunting with golden eagles. This adventure makes you surprised.
Have a memorable picture with an eagle. Once we return to Ulgii, the tour itinerary includes a short concert. We can visit Batsukh’s family and enjoy traditional Tuvan throat singing.
If the singer won’t be at home during your stay, we will show you a traditional Kazakh Folk concert. Finally, there will be a Farewell dinner at the restaurant..
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DAY8Day 8
DAY 8: Fly back to Ulaan Baatar
Thank you for coming. End of the service! Have a good trip!
Reserve your spot
8-day Altai mountain tour · small group
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
2 PAX – 2200 USD p.p
3 PAX- 1900 USD p.p
+4 PAX – 1700 USD p.p
Join the group – 1700 USD p.p
Cancellation Policy:
· Cancellation more than two months’ fee would be 400 USD
· Cancellation more than 45 days, the fee would be 500 USD
· Cancellation less than a month before departure will incur a 600 USD fee
· And the rest of the payments will be returned.
How to BOOK?
- Confirm with our tour itinerary
- Agree with terms and conditions
- Set the tour departure date
- Deposit 600 USD per person
- Send us a copy of your passports
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
What makes the 8-day Mongolia Altai Mountain Tour comprehensive?
The 8-day tour combines three elements that individually require separate trips: (1) Malchin Peak summit climb (4,050m) with technical gear and guide; (2) Cultural immersion via a 2-night stay with a nomadic Kazakh family (not eagle hunters — traditional livestock herders); (3) Landscape highlights including Potanin Glacier, Khoton Lake, Waterfall Valley, and Altai petroglyphs. It also includes an optional throat singing and folk music concert. Competitors typically offer ‘peak only’ (5-day) or ‘scenic only’ (6-day) — ours combines everything.
Do I have to summit Malchin Peak on the 8-day tour?
No — the Malchin Peak summit (4,050m) is optional on the 8-day tour. We build 2 summit-day options into the itinerary for travelers who want it; those who prefer to rest at base camp or do lower-altitude hiking can skip the summit without penalty. Roughly 60-70% of 8-day travelers attempt the summit. The climb is 8-10 hours with crampons and ice axe (provided); no prior mountaineering experience required. A guide leads the rope team. 85% of those who attempt reach the top.
Is the nomadic Kazakh family stay authentic?
Yes — it is a real working livestock herder family, not a tourist ger camp. The family welcomes you as a personal guest: you share meals (meat stew, dumplings, fermented mare’s milk), help with daily chores (milking, livestock management, food prep) if you want, and sleep in a genuine felt ger. Our guide has known this family for 8+ years. You will NOT meet eagle hunters on this tour — for that, see our dedicated Mongolian Eagle Hunter Homestay tour. The nomadic family stay focuses on traditional pastoral life (horses, yaks, sheep).
When is the best time for the 8-day Mongolia Altai Mountain Tour?
Best travel window is June 1 to September 1 annually. Summer (July-August) offers the most stable weather, warmest base camp temperatures, and best summit conditions. June has the most snow on the upper mountain (more dramatic summit day) but the nomadic family will be in their high-summer pastures with livestock. Early September has crisp clear days and fewer travelers; nights cooler. We offer private departures any time in the window. Outside June-September the high passes close and the nomadic family moves to winter camps — the tour cannot operate.
What’s included in the $1,700 tour price?
Included: domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar-Ölgii roundtrip), 4×4 transport, English-speaking local Kazakh guide, expedition cook, all meals, 7 nights accommodation (hotel in Ulaanbaatar + hotel in Ölgii + 3 ger camps + 2 homestay nights with nomadic family), park and border permits, all technical peak gear (crampons, ice axe, harness, rope, helmet), and the cultural performance. NOT included: international flights ($800-$2,200), travel insurance (~$80-$200), personal clothing/boots, single supplement ($350), tips ($10-$15 per day per traveler), and alcohol.
How does the 8-day tour compare to the 5-day and 6-day versions?
(1) 8-day — comprehensive: peak climb + culture + nomadic stay + cultural performance, most complete experience, $1,700. (2) 5-day — active peak climb only, shortest path to Malchin summit, no cultural extras, $1,300. (3) 6-day ‘Best Of’ — scenic + cultural, NO peak climb, most accessible for families, $1,300. The 8-day costs $400 more than the others but includes the nomadic family stay, cultural performance, and extra landscape days. Choose 8-day for the full Altai experience in one trip.
How fit do I need to be for the 8-day Mongolia Altai Mountain Tour?
Moderate to solid fitness. You should be comfortable with 4-6 hours of walking or hiking per day at altitudes up to 4,050m (summit day optional). If you skip the summit, the tour is significantly less demanding — comparable to the 6-day Best Of tour. If you attempt the summit, you need the same fitness as the 5-day tour. Recommended training: 3 months of cardio (running, cycling, hiking) and weighted hikes with a light pack. Travelers aged 15-70 complete this tour with the right preparation. Consult a doctor if you have cardiac or respiratory conditions.
How far in advance should I book the 8-day tour?
Book 4-6 months in advance for summer 2026 departures. Scheduled group departures typically fill by late May. Group size is capped at 8-10 travelers per departure for quality. Private departures on custom dates are available for 2+ travelers year-round (within June-September). Deposit: $600 per person secures your spot, balance due 60 days before departure. International flights to Ulaanbaatar are dramatically cheaper when booked 6+ months ahead. Late bookings (within 30 days) are accepted only if spots remain — usually limited in July/August.
Looking at our Altai tours? This is our flagship 8-day comprehensive expedition — peak climb + full cultural immersion.
- ⛰ Want Malchin Peak in less time? → 5-Day Altai Tavan Bogd + Malchin Peak Climb
- 🌄 Prefer scenic + cultural without peak climb, all-ages? → 6-Day Altai Tavan Bogd: Best of Cultural Tour
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