Trekking in Altai Tavan Bogd

Trekking western mongolia

Overview

Western Mongolia tour takes you through the spectacular diverse landscape, amazing hospitable culture and magnificent natural and historical wonders of the country. The stunning beauty of Altai Tavan Bogd, pristine lakes of Khoton and Khoton and Kazakh eagle hunting people will be the highlight of the tour.

HIGHLIGHTS

Trekking | Nomadic Culture | Glacier | Eagle Hunting | Wild Nature
Hiking: 5–8 hrs/day | Flight Time: 2.5 hrs | Drive: ~5 hrs | Max Altitude: ~4050m

10-Day Western Mongolia Trekking & Eagle Hunting Adventure

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar ✈ Ulgii – Drive to Khoton & Khurgan Lakes
Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii (2.5 hrs), the heart of Kazakh culture in western Mongolia.
Drive 5–6 hours to Khoton & Khurgan Lakes, passing small villages and scenic landscapes from steppe to alpine zones.
Arrive at the lakeside and stay with a Kazakh eagle hunting nomadic family.
  • Learn about nomadic life, seasonal migration, and traditional customs.
  • Begin immersion in eagle hunting culture: see how golden eagles are trained and honored.
  • Optional short hike along the lakeshore for acclimatization.
Overnight: Nomadic Ger | Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall – Fishing – Drive to Aral Tolgoi
Hike (~4 hrs) to Baga Turgen Waterfall, a serene cascade hidden among rocky hillsides.
Try fishing in Khoton & Khurgan Lakes or the Khovd River.
In the late afternoon, drive (~50 km / 2.5 hrs) to Aral Tolgoi, a remote starting point for the wild portion of the trek.
  • Set up camp under the vast Mongolian skies.
Overnight: Tent Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Trek with Camel Caravan – Enter Tsagaan Us
Load gear onto Bactrian camels led by local herders.
Start a 6–7 hour trek into Tsagaan Us, passing untouched valleys, streams, and occasional mountain passes.
Prepare for variable weather at high altitude (~2500–3000m): occasional rain or snow is possible.
Overnight: Tent Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Into Baavgain Hundii – Rugged Valleys & Alpine Scenery
Full-day trek (6–8 hrs) through Baavgain Hundii, a hidden valley known for:
  • Jagged rock formations
  • Wildflowers and alpine scenery
  • Occasional wildlife sightings
The trail is mostly smooth with occasional stream crossings.
Overnight: Tent Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Cross the Takhilt Mountain Pass
Trek (6–8 hrs) across the Takhilt Pass, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glacial streams, and alpine meadows.
  • Stunning photo opportunities and a true “into the wild” experience.
Overnight: Tent Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Reach the Milky (White) River – Remote Borderlands
Hike (6–8 hrs) to Tsagaan Gol (Milky/White River), named for its glacial color.
  • Located near the intersection of Mongolia, Russia, and China
  • Truly off-grid wilderness
  • Dinner by the river, preparing for glacier day
Overnight: Nomadic Ger | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Horseback Ride to Base Camp – Potanin Glacier View
Ride horses (4–5 hrs) to Base Camp at the foot of Potanin Glacier.
  • Spectacular views of glacier and peaks
  • Light acclimatization for summit day
  • Trekking poles recommended but optional
Overnight: Tent Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Summit Malchin Peak (~4050m) – Return to Base Camp
Full-day trek (7–8 hrs) to Malchin Peak:
  • Non-technical summit, no ropes or rock climbing required
  • Optional trekking poles depending on fitness
  • On the summit, enjoy panoramic views over Mongolia, Russia, and China
  • Descend to Base Camp for final night in the high mountains
Overnight: Tent Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Return to Ulgii – Kazakh Cultural Experience
Drive (~8–9 hrs) back to Ulgii.
  • Check into a comfortable guesthouse
  • Attend a mini folklore concert featuring traditional Kazakh music and dance
  • Farewell dinner: Beshbarmak, a traditional Kazakh meat dish (vegetarian options available)
Overnight: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Flight Back to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar (2.5 hrs) to conclude your western Mongolia adventure.
Meals: Breakfast

PRICE

2000$ per person for 6-10 pax

 

IT INCLUDES:

– Local flights

– English speaking tour guide

– Private transport in western Mongolia

– Camels for luggage

– Visit to eagle hunting family

– Fishing

– Horse riding for 1 day

– Meals, bottled water supply

– Accommodation (2 nights in Ger, 1 night in hotel, 6 nights in tent)

– Cook

– Horse & camel guides

– Tents, matts

 

IT EXCLUDES:

– Travel insurance

– Airport pick up and drop off

– Accommodation, meals in UB

– Sleeping bags

– Optional activities