Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp Trekking Tour

Tour Description

Majestic Altai Mountains guard 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 Kazakh and Tuvan hunters whose ways of life have not changed since times unmemorable. Kazakhs have ancient traditions of falconry. They employ Golden Eagles which are kept for hunting foxes, hares and other small animals. Start off from the alpine lakes of Khoton and Khurgan, trek along glacial rivers, across lush meadows and icy gorges. Myriads of flowers entertain eyes of those traveling in June. Hundreds of stone mounds marking burials of various ancient tribes lie alongside our trail. Finally reach the base of the Tavan Bogd mountain range, the highest in Mongolia. Here, facing cold glaciated peaks and vast moraines beneath them time stands still. The tour allows a wealth of cultural experience in the caring company of local nomads and hunters.

price from $1900

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Dates

24 June - 3 July

Available
08 July - 17 July

Available
29 July - 07 Aug

Available
12 Aug - 21 Aug

Available

What’s Included

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, guided city tour

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia and transfer to a centrally located 4 star hotel. Afternoon guided walking city tour will introduce you to the highlights of the city: The central city square with a grand statue of Genghis Khan and Sukhbaatar statue placed at the center as well. Museum of National History is located right next to the square will introducing Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era. Then choose to visit one or two museums from the following: 1. Choijin Lama or State Oracle Residence-museum displaying best samples of Buddhist artwork and religious masks. 2 The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum displays old arts including Buddhist arts, painting, folk arts and crafts, sculptures, carvings and embroideries. A show of traditional music, throat singing and contortion at 6PM will be followed by a welcome dinner. (Hotel/D)

Day 2: Flight to Bayan-Ulgy, the Muslim province of Mongolia

Early this morning take a 3 hour flight to Ulgy town in Western Mongolia. The Kazakhs living in the area are the largest national minority and practice Sunni Islam. A number of other ethnic groups also reside in the province in the region. Upon arrival meet with a support team of driver(s), cook(s) and a guide and head westward. At the end of a 5 - 6 hours travel across mountainous desert we camp in the valley of Oigor river. Upon arrival we erect our tented camp. Dinner and overnight in tents. (tent/B,L,D)

Day 3: Acclimatization day

Trek for 15km to Tavan Bogd peaks base camp (BC). 2 thirds of the way is a gradual but continuous ascent across high mountain terrain with some marshes and a couple of streams to cross. Camel drivers load up camels and start later but soon overtake and arrive at camp earlier allowing the cook set up his operations. Trekkers carry their lunch boxes.(tent/B,L,D)

Day 4: Climb up Malchin peak 4050m

Climb to 4051m Malchin peak. A return trip takes at least 7 hours. We will need to hike along the Potanin glacier moraine for an hour before stepping on the mountain. Although clearly established the trail is mostly on the scree. Once at the top you can enjoy spectacular bird's eye views of glaciers beneath and of the Russian territory as the ridge overlaps with the border line. Only trekking poles are required for the Malchin climb. Alternatively, you can take a less demanding option of hiking up to a lower ridge and glance into Russia too.(tent/B,L,D)

Day 5: Wilderness trek along White river

Trek out to lower gate of Tavan Bogd NP - White river valley. This time it is an easy stroll downhill although interrupted by a couple bogs and slightly longer than the way up. Again loads are carried by camels. (tent/B,L,D)

Day 6 - 7: Drive to Khoton & Khurgan lake

Drive to Khoton, a spectacular alpine lake at 2073m. The campsite at Khoton lake is 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. This evening and the next leisure day you may go swimming, explore the surroundings or laze in the camp. (tent/B,L,D)

Day 8: Drive back to Ulgy town

7-8 hour return drive to Ulgy town. En-route we stop to visit a local Kazakh family and see their golden eagles which are kept for hunting purposes. In Ulgy we check in to the Eagle Nest hotel by far the best accommodation in town. Dinner in a local restaurant. (hotel/B,L,D)

Day 9: Return flight to Ulaanbaatar

This morning we catch a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon for shopping and else. Farewell dinner. (hotel/B,L,D)