Altai Trekking & Camping Tour in Western Mongolia

Loading available options...

Overview

  • Duration:2 hours 0 minutes
  • Tour Type:Daily tour
  • Language:English, French
The Altai Trekking & Camping Tour in Western Mongolia is a multi-day adventure through the heart of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, combining trekking, camping, horseback riding, and cultural encounters with nomadic families.
This journey explores snow-capped peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, ancient petroglyphs, glaciers, waterfalls, and remote summer pastures while offering authentic insight into Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle.
Designed for adventure travelers and hikers, this tour features non-technical mountain ascents, scenic day hikes, lakeside camping, and cultural experiences with eagle hunters and ethnic minorities of western Mongolia.
Read more

Highlights

  • Trekking in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, western Mongolia
  • Non-technical ascent of Malchin Peak near the Russian border
  • Camping at Khoton & Khurgan Lakes
  • Hiking, camping, and horse trekking in Mongolia
  • Visit ancient petroglyphs and rock paintings
  • Explore remote summer pastures and white-water rivers
  • Visit Turgen Waterfall, one of Mongolia’s largest waterfalls
  • Experience Kazakh eagle hunters’ traditions
  • Meet Urankhai archery family and learn about ethnic nomadic life
  • Combination of trekking, cultural discovery, and scenic drives

Includes/Excludes

  • All accommodation during the tour (yurts, camping, local guesthouses)
  • All meals during the trekking and western Mongolia portion
  • Domestic flights (UB ↔ western Mongolia)
  • All ground transportation
  • Professional local trekking guide
  • National park entrance and permit fees
  • Horse trekking arrangements
  • Cultural visits and local experiences
  • Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
  • Meals in Ulaanbaatar
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar)

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and meet your local team. Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel. Free time to rest after the international flight.

Day 2 – Fly to Western Mongolia | Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Morning flight to western Mongolia (Ölgii region). Drive toward Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, passing dramatic mountain landscapes.
Overnight in a traditional ger (yurt) near the park.

Day 3 – Trek to Base Camp & Border Lakes

Short drive to a panoramic viewpoint, followed by a scenic hike to base camp. Continue trekking to the first border lake located near the Mongolia–Russia border.
A perfect day for Altai trekking photography and acclimatization.

Ascent of Malchin Peak (Non-Technical)

Early start for a non-technical ascent of Malchin Peak (approx. 4,050 m). Enjoy breathtaking views of Mongolia, Russia, and China from the summit.
Descend and return to camp.

Day 5 – Ranger Station & Usai Valley Petroglyphs

Hike down toward the rangers’ station, then drive to Usai Valley to explore ancient petroglyphs carved into stone thousands of years ago.
Camping or yurt stay in the valley.

Day 6 – Khoton & Khurgan Lakes | Camping in Mongolia

Drive to the stunning Khoton and Khurgan Lakes, known for crystal-clear water and snow-capped mountain reflections.
Set up camp by the lakeside and enjoy a peaceful evening in nature.

Day 7 – Rock Paintings & Horse Trekking to Bakhas Pasture

Morning hike to see some of the largest and oldest rock paintings in the region.
In the afternoon, enjoy horse trekking in Mongolia to Bakhas summer pasture, experiencing traditional nomadic routes.

Day 8 – White Water River Trek & Camping

Hike along a white-water river through alpine meadows and valleys.
Camp near Bakhas summer pasture, surrounded by grazing livestock and open mountain scenery.

Day 9 – Turgen Waterfall & Nomadic Yurt Stay

Drive to Turgen Valley and hike to Turgen Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in western Mongolia.
Overnight near a nomadic family in a traditional yurt.

Day 10 – Deer Stones & Eagle Hunter Experience

Visit ancient man-shaped standing stones (deer stones) dating back to the Bronze Age.
Continue driving to an eagle hunter family and spend the afternoon learning about traditional eagle hunting and Kazakh culture.

Day 11 – Drive to Sagsai eagle hunters village | Urankhai Archery Family

Drive to Ölgii town with stops along the way. Visit an Urankhai archery family and experience the nomadic lifestyle of a different ethnic group in western Mongolia.

Day 12 – Return to Ulaanbaatar | Chinggis Khan Statue

Morning flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Drive to visit the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex and surrounding area.
Evening free in the city.

Day 13 – Departure

Transfer to Chinggis Khan International Airport and depart Mongolia.

Tour maps

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be fit to climb Malchin Peak?

Yes. Participants should have good physical fitness and prior hiking experience.
Although the climb is non-technical, it is a long and demanding hiking day at high altitude, which requires endurance and steady pacing.

Is Malchin Peak a technical climb?

No. Malchin Peak is a non-technical ascent.
Most of the route follows a clear and well-defined hiking path
Near the summit, hikers cross large, flat rock slabs, which are stable and not technically difficult
No ropes, crampons, or climbing equipment are required in summer

What is the elevation gain during the climb?

The base camp is located at approximately 3,000 meters.
You will gain about 1,000 meters in elevation to reach the summit at 4,050 meters.

How long does it take to climb Malchin Peak?

The ascent and descent take approximately 8–10 hours round trip.
Ascent is the most challenging part and is done at a slow, steady pace
Descent is usually faster and less demanding
Regular breaks are taken for rest, hydration, and photography.

Will water and food be provided on summit day?

Yes.
Drinking water is provided
Packed lunch boxes are prepared and carried for the ascent day
This ensures you stay energized throughout the climb.

What should I wear on ascent day?

We recommend wearing:
Windproof jacket or windbreaker
Warm layers such as pullovers or hoodies
Waterproof outer layers (jacket and pants)
Comfortable hiking boots with good grip
Please carry an extra warm layer in a small daypack, as weather conditions can change quickly at altitude.

What is the temperature like on Malchin Peak?

Temperatures depend on the season and altitude.
Late July, August, and early September offer the most stable and relatively warmer weather
Mornings and summit areas can still be cold and windy, even in summer
Sudden weather changes are possible in the Altai Mountains

Do I need to carry a heavy backpack during the climb?

No.
You only need to carry a small daypack with:
Water
Packed lunch
Extra warm clothing
Personal items (camera, sunscreen, sunglasses)

Is altitude sickness a concern?

The itinerary includes gradual acclimatization before the climb.
Our guides closely monitor participants, and the pace is adjusted to ensure safety and comfort. Proper hydration and rest are strongly encouraged.

Can I skip the summit climb if I don’t feel ready?

Yes.
If you feel tired or unwell, you may choose to stay at base camp and enjoy the surrounding scenery. The summit attempt is optional.

You might also like...