ALTAI TAVAN BOGD TREKKING TOUR
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TOUR
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PRICE
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TOUR DESCRIPTION:
15 days fully supported trekking tour to Western frontiers
of Mongolia, home to Argali sheep, Ibex, Lynx and the elusive Snow
Leopard. Trek through green meadows, lush forests and icy gorges, cold
glaciated peaks and vast moraines, huge spiritual challenge, rich cultural
experiences. Comfortable camping, good food throughout the trek.
PRICE INCLUDES:
All accommodation (twin shared), internal transportation,
internal flights, arrival & departure transfers, meals as indicated (B-breakfast,
L-lunch,
D-dinner), sightseeing & environmental fees, camping equipment,
English speaking trekking guide, expedition chef, camel drivers.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Departure taxes, excess luggage fees on internal flights,
items of personal nature, meals not indicated, gratuities.
TOUR GALLERY:
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TOUR INTRUDUCTION:
Majestic Altai Mountains overlook the western frontiers with China and Russia. Its spectacular peaks, covered in vast glaciers,
are home to Argali sheep, Ibex, Lynx and the elusive Snow Leopard.
The area is inhabited by proud Kazak and Tuvan hunters whose ways of life have not changed since times unmemorable. Kazaks have ancient traditions of falconry. They employ Golden Eagles which are kept for hunting foxes, hares and other small animals.
Starting off from alpine lakes of Hoton and Hurgan we trek through green meadows, lush forests and icy gorges. Myriads of flowers entertain eyes of those coming in June. Hundreds of “kereksur” or tombs left by various ancient tribes lie alongside our trail.
Finally we reach foothills of the Tavan Bogd range, the highest mountains in Mongolia. Here, facing cold glaciated peaks and vast moraines beneath them time stands still.
This tour is a huge spiritual challenge and offers a wealth of cultural experience in the caring company of local nomads and hunters.
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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
You will be transferred to a cozy 4 star hotel (B/B) within easy walking
distance of downtown. After a short briefing we explore a Palace of the last
Mongolian King, an interesting display of religious art work and the King’s
daily use items. A colorful performance of Traditional Mongolian Song and
Dance will be followed by a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.
(L,D)
Day 2: Flight to Bayan-Ulgy, the only Muslim province in Mongolia
Early this morning you will be transferred for a 3 hours flight to Ulgy, capital of the westernmost province of Mongolia. Kazak people
living in the area are the largest national minority and practice Sunni Muslim. A colorful spectrum of some other smaller ethnic groups
also reside in the province.
Your guide accompanies you on board of the twin engine propeller aircraft. Upon meeting our support team we’ll have picnic and start driving towards towards west. At the end of 3 hours drive across mountainous desert we camp in the valley of mighty Khovd river. Here we make our first contact with friendly locals. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Drive to Khurgan Lake, Khoton Lake
Khurgan and Khoton are pretty alpine lakes at an altitude of 2073m. A number of moraines, result of earlier glaciations, and
spectacular mountains, covered in snow surround these two lakes. Our campsite at Khoton lake is truly idyllic. It has one of the
largest petroglyph galleries in Mongolia. They date back to Neolithic period and the Bronze Age and depict numerous hunting scenes,
and representations of wild and domestic animals. Also there are some distinctly well preserved ancient burial sites. In the afternoon you may go
swimming, explore the surroundings or laze in the camp. Water temperature permitting we go for a swim before a delicious meal served
by our chef. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Trek to Aral Tolgoy Hill
After a solid breakfast we start our trek. This is a warm up day. The terrain is made of gentle hills and small flat valleys that
lie along Hoton lake. The area is dotted with white yurts of Kazaks, living in the area, who sometimes will approach to greet you.
Several streams flowing into the lake from neighboring mountains are to be crossed or waded. You will spot a couple of ancient tombs,
a circular stone fill with another circle of rocks around its perimeter.
Our support team will drive ahead and choose a campsite by a swift mountain stream. We dine with our Tuvan camel drivers, who join us
in the evening. (B,L,D)
Day 5-7: Wilderness trek along White Water river, 55km
We leave the lakes behind and enter the mountains. The White Water River runs from vast glaciers of the “Tavan Boge”
massif, the highest range of Mongolia. Its waters are milky white because of glacial dust.
The first day we trek along the White Water river and follow one of its fast tributaries the next day. Though fenced by high rocky ridges rising on both sides, the river valley is rich in flowers and vegetation. With a bit of luck you may even spot a Mountain Goat (Ibex) or a marmot. Our camp and kitchen will be moved by camels.
In the afternoon of the third day we will make our way across a 3400m pass called “Worship” and descend into the valley of White River, which takes its source from the longest glacier in Mongolia named after a Russian traveler Potanin. As we approach to descend, the emerald green river glows winding down below and, the icy peaks of the “Tavan Bogd” rise in the background. In the camp we reunite with our support vehicles and drivers who will have made a drive around to meet us. The valley is the home of our Tuvan friends and we camp nearby their yurts. Hospitality of locals is unparallel, there is always someone to invite you home to sample their tea and food. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Rest day in White River valley
Enjoy this well deserved rest day. Around lunch time we visit a yurt of one of our camel drivers. Nomadic yurt is a simple but
reliable dwelling, perfect in extreme weather conditions and suitable for frequent moves from one place to another. Simple life and
beautiful nature has shaped these extremely friendly and tough people. Their knowledge about nature and survival is unparalleled. A
traditional meal and milk vodka will be offered to you. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Trek to base camp of the Tavan Bogd Peaks
After a hearty breakfast we’ll trek to base camp of the Tavan Bogd. This gradual ascent takes us through a high mountain terrain
of rocks and wetlands. Not needing luck you will see some of the wildlife that inhabit the area including marmots, hares and a number
of birds such us Golden Eagles, Black Vultures and Falcons.
Our tents and provision will be again transported by camels. Upon completing two thirds’ of the way there open majestic
perspectives of Potanin and Alexander glaciers backed by the icy peaks of Khuiten (4374m), Nairamdal (4082m), Snowchurch (4071m),
Malchin (4050m), and Cradle (4113m). This evening we camp at 2900m. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Climb Malchin Peak (4051m)
The 4051m Malchin is the lowest of the five Peaks. We hike along Potanin glacier moraine for an hour to start climbing the scree.
Malchin’s ridgeline overlaps with the borderline of Mongolia and Russia and provides a spectacular bird's eye view of Potanin
glacier, glaciated peaks and Russia. Over to the west, weather permitting, you will see the massif of Mt.Belukha (4500m) lying in
Russia. That is the absolute top of Altai mountain range. Back in camp we reward ourselves with a tasty meal. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Return trek to White River
Today we trek back to our camp in the White River valley. This time it is a
gentle downhill and easy stroll. It is a chance to glance into every single
valley of the “Five Saints” massif and witness how the initial
stream of glacial dust transforms into a mighty White river. Back to our
vehicles we will celebrate our trek, you will be served one of delicacies
of the Kazak cuisine – “besbarmak”. Literally meaning "five
fingers" this is a delicious assortment of stewed meat, vegetables and flour eaten with hands. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Return Drive to Ulgy overnight in yurt
Saying “good bye” to our Tuvan friends we take a 7 hour drive back
to desert airstrip. Tonight is your chance to sleep in a Kazak yurt. Hot shower
and a cold beer will highlight the day. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Return flight to Ulaanbaatar
In the morning we’ll catch our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. We arrive
in early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this
vibrant city, renowned as a city of contrasts. We will meet for a dinner in
one of local multinational restaurants. (B,D)
Day 14: Leisure day in Ulaanbaatar
This is a spare day to spend for shopping and self-exploration. You may refer
to recommendations of our team in order to make most out of it. (B)
Day 15: Departure
This morning we'll transfer back to airport for your return flight home.
(B)
