Tavan Bogd
In the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, glaciers carve rivers of frozen ice between the snow-topped mountains of the Tavan Bogd. These ‘Five Saints’ include Bürged, Malchin, Ölgii and Nairamdal Uul mountains, as well as Mongolia’s highest peak, Khüiten Uul.
The scenery in this remote area is stunning. Clear rivers fed by ice-melt tumble down the valleys, a rainbow assortment of wildflowers carpet grassy meadows and white peaks dominate the skyline. Horses and camels can be hired from local Tuvan and Kazakh nomads at the trailhead at the end of the road in the Tsagaan Gol valley. Camels in the snow might seem strange but they are valued as cargo carriers, transporting camping equipment and gear on horse-riding tours.The 16km trail to the base camp is a pleasant hike (or ride), climbing gradually through alpine meadows to the crystalline Potanii Glacier. It’s possible to hike the length of the 12km glacier but peak-baggers will want to summit one of the Saints. Khüiten Uul is a technical climb requiring ice axes and crampons but Malchin Peak (4050m) is a straightforward six hour uphill trek. Malchin’s ridge line straddles the Russian border and the summit views are worth every aching muscle and gasping breath. This land of snow and ice is home to the elusive snow leopard and the legendary Mongolia Almas, believed to be a cousin to the yeti. But don’t count on seeing either the wild cat or the wild man.
