Altai mountains is the highest of three major mountain rangers in Mongolia, straddling the Russian and Chinese frontier in the Far West mountains of eternal snow-capped mountains and glaciers. In these remote regions live many nomads of ethnic minorities. The Kazakhs are Muslims and speak an ancient Kazakh language as well as Tuvan who are Buddhist and shamanistic, This dramatic journey will bring us to Mongolia’s highest mountain region. We will trek to the Potanin glacier supported by pack camels and locals. We will then continue across the high Altai and trek into the lakes region next to the Chinese frontier. local Kazakh herdsman will keep their priced Golden Eagles next to the their yurt. We will fly to west Mongolia on an almost 3 hours domestic flight from Mongolia.
- Explore the most wilderness part, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, of the country including ancient rock drawings
Length: 8 days
Potential dates: from June to September each year.
Tour type: Private Package Tours
Area: Western Mongolia
Difficulty: moderate (need some experience necessary. The trip suitable for 20-50)
Prices
Please carefully check what is include and what is not include in the prices!
2010 USD for 1pax
1150 USD p.p for 2pax
860 USD p.p for 3pax
720 USD p.p for 4pax
640 USD p.p for 5pax
590 USD p.p for more than 6pax
Included: 1 night in local hotel in Ulgii town, 1 night in the Kazakh nomad family, 5 nights in the tent, food service, land transportation, English speaking guide service, mineral water, all entrance fees and Government charges, all activities costs, domestic flight drop off & pick up
Not included: round trip domestic flight (approx. 280-320 usd p.p & why domestic flights not included in the tour prices?), gratuities for staffs, personal expenses, travel insurance
Single supplement: 280 USD
Detailed itinerary
Day1. Fly to Ulgii
Day2. Potanin’s Glacier
Day3. Malchin Peak
Day4. Back to checkpoint
Day5. Khoton & Khurgan Lakes
Day6. Baga Turgen Waterfall
Day7. Eagle family
Day8. Back to Ulaanbaatar
Day1. Fly to Ulgii town & drive to Tavan Bogd Mountains
We will pick you up from your accommodation (pick up time will be confirmed) & transfer to the airport. Fly to Ulgii town (3 hours flight). After you landed there, our local guide & driver will pick you up & drive to Tavan Bogd Mountains (170 km – 6 hours on the dirt road). Its highest peak, the Khüiten Peak, is the highest point of Mongolia at 4374 meters above sea level. Besides the Khüiten Peak, the Tavan Bogd massif includes four other peaks: Nairamdal, Malchin, Bürged and Olgii. All of them above 4,000 m. Out of the countries that share the massif, the largest glaciated area is in Mongolia; it includes the Potanin Glacier (Mongolia’s longest) and the Alexandra Glacier. Before dinner time we will arrive in the checkpoint of environment. Overnight in the tent.
Day2. Hike to Potanin’s Glacier
After breakfast time, we will start trek to Potanin’s Glacier (15 km – 4 hours). During the trek much of the panorama will be dominated by the lofty peaks and rapid mountain streams and monumental glaciers offering a spectacular view of a deserted Himalayan landscape opening out into rolling grasslands. Before we start, we will meet several support horses, which will accompany us during our trek. If you tired you can ride horses. Overnight in the tent.
Day3. Malchin Peak
After breakfast time, we will start Malchin Peak climb. The trek is non technical but will require determination to enjoy a spectacular view from the top. If someone do now wish to climb can stay in the camp & relax in the area. Malchin Peak climb gives a great opportunity to hike from the bottom of a glacier located on the footstep of Malchin Mountain. It is possible to climb up without using any special climbing equipment. The trek up to Malchin Peak is on rocky terrain and will take about 4-5 hours one way. Back to camping place. Overnight in the tent.
Day4. Back trek to the checkpoint
After breakfast time, we will trek back to the checkpoint of environment. Overnight in the tent.
Day5. Khoton Khurgan Lake
After breakfast time, we will drive to Khoton & Khurgan Lakes (200 km – 6 hours on the dirt road). Located over 2000 m above sea level, both lakes are connected each other by 3 km long Sirgaal Channel. Surrounding nature is very picturesque, snow capped mountains with coniferous forest and pristine clear streams gers of Kazakh people and pasturing yaks. After we arrive there we will set the camp & explore the famous rock painting Khar Salaa over 5000 years old historical sight. There is over 1000 items. Overnight in the tent.
Day6. Baga Turgen Waterfall
After breakfast time, we will start our trek to Baga Turgen Waterfall (25 km – 1 hour on the dirt road). After the eternal ice on the glacier and firn snow fields in the Altai Mountains are melted by the sun, and the mountain lakes become full, the water forges a path into the valley. In so doing it overcomes many a steep ridge and edges in the terrain, with a breath-taking speed, becoming thundering waterfalls that are worth visiting at any time of year. The road is not difficult, except near the falls where it is advisable to take precautions when climbing on the rocks. Overnight in the tent.
Day7. Golden eagle
After breakfast time, we will drive to the eagle hunter family (165 km – 5 hours on the dirt road). Hunting with Golden Eagle is one of the most unique features of the Kazakh life. The hunter is named kusbegi or berkutchi. The experience of wild birds training was gained by Kazakh kusbegi by centuries, the secrets were impacted from the father to the son and kept deep secret. At the present time we can meet few people with such name. These masters have innate gift of wild birds training. We will visit to the local nomadic family & see their golden eagle etc. After dinner time, we will drive to Uglii town (40 km – 1 hour on the dirt road) and overnight in the local hotel.
Day8. Fly back to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast time, we will drive to the Bayan-Ulgii airfield & fly back to Ulaanbaatar (3 hours flight). After you landed in the city, our driver will pick you up and transfer to your accommodation.
End time: Depends flight schedule. Usually in the afternoon.
Total driving distance: 600 km
Information
- Above prices are changeable by changing components (kind of services) of the itinerary.
- This is a private tour and you or your travel buddies will be in the tour.
- Domestic flight companies accept only 10kg-15kg lugguge incuding your carry on bags too for free transfer.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you are in correct pick up location at correct time as stated on your booking form.
- No smoking in travel vehicles or aircraft.
Please let us know should you have further inquiries! We are looking forward to assist you with organizing your stay in Mongolia and answering any questions you might have about this tour. We want your holiday experience in Mongolia to be as amazing as it is possible.
