10 days Altai mountain trekking in Western Mongolia
Altai mountain trekking 10 days tour to explore incredible nature, spectacular snow-
Name of the tour: Altai Mountain Trekking Tour
Duration of the tour: 10 days 9 nights
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive to Olgii province
Olgii is the highest Mongolian aimag (province). For the most part it is located in the Mongolian Altai mountain region. The aimag is famous for the traditional hunting method using trained golden eagles. An estimated 80% of the world`s eagle hunters live here.
At the local airport you will be met one of our representatives: driver, English speaking tour guide, and cook. We will drive from the airport to the entrance of the “Altai Tavan Bogd National Park”. (180km drive from Olgii). Overnight accommodation: tent.
Day 2 Glacier exploration
After breakfast you will start trekking from the entrance of the National park to the base camp. On this day we will be joined with our team of camels and horses with guides. Baggage and all equipment will be transferred by camel. After 16km trekking you will reach one of the longest Potanine glacier which is surrounded with snow-capped peaks of Altai Tavan Bogd mountains. (Approximately 5-6 hours trekking) Overnight accommodation at base camp: tent
Day 3 To climb “Malchin” peak.
This day we will climb the Malchin peak 4050 meter high which is located on the Mongolia and Russian border. It’s not a technical climb. You can easily make it to the top. You’ll have the best view of the whole Altai Tavan Bogd national park and the longest Potanin glacier from the top of the Malchin peak.
Return to the base camp. Overnight accommodation at base camp: tent
Day 4 Trekking to “white river valley”
After breakfast you will be trekking back to the Tsagaan gol ( white river) valley. Have a rest, relax. There will be time for an evening hike to the beautiful two lakes. (Approximately 5-6 hours trekking) Overnight accommodation: tent
Day 5 Hike to the “Khara-Airkh” valley
Hike to the Khara-Airkh valley through “Shivet Hairkhan” mountain. On the way we will stop to see numerous petroglyphs (rockarts) from the Bronze and Turkic ages. After five hours walking you will reach Khara-airkh valley which is summer home of local Tuvan nomads. You will be able to get acquainted with the rich Tuvan culture and their daily life. You will have a chance to taste milk products such as: local yak cheese, milk vodka which is distilled from yak milk, and others. (Approximately 5 hours trekking) Overnight accommodation: tent
Day 6 Trekking to the “Bear valley”.
On this day we will trek over the highest mountain pass with continued camel support. The Bear valley offers you unspoiled natural beauty and a unique opportunity to see wild animals such as: ibex (wild goat), Argali sheep, red deer, snow leopard, Bear, Altai snow-cock, Golden eagle and many others. The wooded meadows between forested hills are covered with wild and sweet smelling flowers. You’ll enjoy the spectacular scenery of wild nature. Overnight accommodation: tent
Day 7 Trekking to “Akh su” valley.
After having breakfast you will start trekking from Bear valley to Akh su valley. After 2-3 hour trek you will stop for lunch at one of the most beautiful “Green lake”. Water in lakes is fresh and the surrounding forests are rich in variety of rare plants and animals. Then continue on to Akh su valley where Kazakh Nomads spend their summer time. There we will be met our driver. Farewell to our lovely friends, horses and camels. From here we drive 50km to Khoton lake. We’ll set up our camp on the lakeshore of khoton. Overnight accommodation: tent
Day 8 Drive to “Sagsai” village, Visit eagle hunters family.
After 100 kilometer drive you’ll arrive in small Sagsai village which is situated in a picturesque place on the bank of the Khovd river. Visit nomadic eagle hunter’s family where you will see demonstrations with the eagle, have the chance to talk with the eagle hunter and take photographs with the golden eagle. Furthermore you will enjoy tasting milk products and hospitality of local Kazakh nomads. Overnight accommodation: tent
Day 9 Drive back to Olgii province.
This day we’ll drive back to Olgii city. On the way we’ll stop to see Dear stones or Bal bals. Upon your arrival in Olgii you will visit the central museum of Olgii province and the local Bazaar(outdoor market) for shopping for local art and souvenirs. At the end of the trip, “Altai nomads tour” team organize for you a short concert including Kazakh folk song and Kazakh traditional dance. Also you can listen to the amazing “dombra” sound made from the Kazakh main traditional musical instrument . You will enjoy having a Kazakh traditional meal Beshbarmak. Overnight accommodation: Kazakh yurt.
Day 10 Farewell to Bayan-Olgii province.
After breakfast you will be driven to the local airport with your guide for your return flight to Ulaanbaatar.
