This two-week trekking adventure takes you deep into the western reaches of Mongolia into the dramatic Altai Tavan Bogd region of the Mongol Altai Mountains, a remote landscape of glacier-topped peaks, high mountain rivers, and expansive alpine valleys. The tour blends strenuous trekking with opportunities to connect with local nomadic cultures, explore pristine nature, and experience the timeless ways of life in one of Asia’s wildest mountain regions.

Important: The itinerary below is offered as a rough plan to give you a clear picture of a Classic Altai Trekking expedition. All aspects — including the route, daily trekking distances, cultural visits, activities, and pace — can be customized to suit your interests, fitness level, travel dates, and personal schedule.

What You Will Experience

• Unforgettable landscapes: Trek through rugged terrain beneath glacier-capped peaks over 3,000 meters high, traverse alpine meadows and crystal-clear mountain rivers, and pass through valleys encircled by some of Mongolia’s most dramatic scenery.
  
• Rich wildlife: The Altai region is home to iconic wildlife including argali (wild mountain sheep), ibex, snow leopard (rare), wolves, eagles, and many bird species — offering excellent opportunities for observation in the wild.
• Nomadic culture and hospitality: As you travel through the region, you will meet Kazakh and Mongolian nomadic families who live in traditional gers (felt tents) and sustain their communities with herds of sheep and goats, horses, yaks, and camels. These encounters offer insight into pastoral life and local traditions, from felt-making and dairy production to music, storytelling, and daily routines. Cultural visits can be added or adjusted according to your interests.
  
• Cultural traditions: You may also learn about traditional practices such as eagle hunting, a centuries-old Kazakh heritage, and gain appreciation for the ethnic diversity of the Altai highlands, where customs and languages reflect a rich cultural mosaic.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to your hotel and rest after your flight.

Day 2: Fly to Ulgii — the center of Bayan-Ulgii province, where the majority of the population is Kazakh and known for its unique culture and language. Meet our local team and transfer to the Sagsay River.

Day 3: Enter the high mountain area and arrive near Shiveet Khairkhan. Visit a local Kazakh family and prepare for trekking with horses.

Day 4: Begin trekking toward the Altai Tavan Bogd peaks with luggage carried by horses.

Day 5: Trek toward the Potanin Glacier and the sacred Five Holy Peaks, passing glaciers connecting the massif.

Day 6: Arrive at Tsagaan Gol (White River), a glacial river known for its milky waters, and camp near a nomadic family.

Days 7–9: Enjoy a three-day horseback journey to Khoton and Khurgan Lakes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, green meadows, and larch forests — ideal for hiking, swimming, and birdwatching.

Day 10: Rest day at the lakes with optional hiking or trekking.

Day 11: Drive toward Khovd town, visiting local families en route.

Day 12: Continue to Khovd town and enjoy a brief tour before an overnight in a local hotel.

Day 13: Flight back to Ulaanbaatar, then free time in the city.

Day 14: Departure from Ulaanbaatar.

Why This Trek Is Special

This trek is not only a physical journey through some of Mongolia’s most majestic mountains; it is also a cultural exploration of traditional nomadic lifestyles that have endured for centuries in this rugged terrain. Every valley, camp, and family visit adds depth to your understanding of how people have adapted and thrived in harmony with nature. There are many opportunities to customize your experience — whether you want more cultural interaction, extra hiking days, or a slower pace to savor the scenery.