TREKKING IN MONGOLIA

DETAILED ITINERARY / CLASSIC ALTAI HIKING TRIP /

DAY 1.  Tsagaan Gol Valley

Arrive in Ulgii where you will be met by your English speaking guide, cook and driver, the plan is to set off towards Tavan Bogd National Park as soon as possible through the magnificent wilderness scenery as expansive rocky plains give way to green valleys and then the rugged peaks of Altai, and the stunning wilderness terrain of the Tavan Bogd National park, stopping for lunch on the way at the village Tsengel. Within the shadow of Shiveet Khairkhan, the sacred mountain of the Tuvan people, where many Tuvan nomads live, we will set up camp at the Tsagaan Gol Valley. We will have time, before the sunset , to hike up to the valley where there is a beautiful lake.

Accommodation: TENT.  Meals:  Lunch, Dinner.  Total distance: 200km, ~5 -6 hrs.

DAY 2.    Horseriding

After breakfast, we will saddle up for 9 km and arrive at the hill where you can see the magnificient view of the glacier of the snow-capped Tavanbogd mountains and Mount Khuiten.  We will have opportunity to see the stunning spectacle which is Tavanbogd. Tavanbogd means “the Holy Five,” referring to the five highest peaks, of which Mount Khuiten is the highest in Mongolia standing at some 4374 meters above sea level. You will also have time to walk onto Potanin Glacier, the longest glacier in Mongolia.
Ride back to our camp, which is the home for the Tuvan people, an ethnic minority with their own language.
The Tuvans are Buddhist, but they also practice Shamanism. You will have an opportunity to meet these fasctinating people and perhaps sample their dairy products, including milk vodka, which is distilled from Yaks milk.

Accommodation: TENT.  Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.  Total distance: 18km, ~3 -4 hrs.

DAY 3.  Shiveet Mount – HOTON Lake

After breakfast, we start to drive the Hoton Lake, enjoying the stunning and magnificient views, arriving in the day at Hoton Lake, here we will camp. On the way, we stop for the ancient petroglyphs at the sacred Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain, over stunning passes at the hill where there is a local Ovoo is ( Ovoo – is a sacred cairn found in Mongolian shamanic religious traditions, usually made from rocks with wood or from wood. Ovoos are often found at the top of the mountains and high places, like mountain passes ).
These ancient rock carvings, estimated to be around 5,000 to 3,000 years old, offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited the region. These carvings depict various scenes, including hunting expeditions, early Mongol warriors, and societal interactions. The site also features Turkic stone men, burial mounds, ritualistic stones, and statues, adding to its cultural significance.

The petroglyphs are part of the larger Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, which is recognized as a World Heritage Site!

We will arrive to HOTON LAKE is teeming with fish and migratory birds. The views are stunning, snow-capped mountains, forests, all under an expanse of blue sky. You will stay overnight in a tent and enjoy the amazing sunset, for which this area is renowned. On arrival at the campsite tonight on the edge of the Chinese border..
Accommodation: TENT.  Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.  Total distance: 5km hike, ~5 hrs drive .

DAY 4:  Elk Valley

Today after breakfast we will hike about 16km to get to the lake called Khoton Lake and Elikti River. Meet the driver today. We will set up our camp here on the shore of Khoton Lake. Above us we will see the snow-capped mountain of Ikh Turgen. At this stage we are a mere 10km from the Chinese border. This area is the summer residence of numerous Kazakh herdsmen.  They are a very friendly and hospitable people and welcome visitors to their Gers. We will visit some Kazakh nomad families to experience a local culture.
Enjoy the sunset of Western Mongolia and the sky with full of stars.

Accommodation: TENT.  Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.  Total distance 8km, ~4 hrs

Day 5.  Hike to Machine Kabak

Today we will hike to a beautiful place so called Machine Kabak by local nomads. This hike will take us to our destination by afternoon. After a good siesta and lunch, we can climb up to the local mountain to explore around which takes approximately about an hour. It will be an amazing view from the top of this mountain.

We can do some fishing in the lake. We will have the opportunity to visit and see Turkic Stone Men as well as ancient burial sites. In the evening, we make bonfire. Birdwatching opportunity too.
Accommodation: TENT.  Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.  Total distance 7.5km, ~4 hrs

Day 6.  Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall

After breakfast, we will drive about 8 km to the beginning of Baga Turgen Valley. There we will hike about 5 km to the Baga Turgen Valley ,where there are three beautiful waterfalls, and hike to see the waterfall. This area is full of wild fruits, red currents, black currents and gooseberries are found in abundance. It will be only 3km far from Chinese border.
We will have the opportunity to visit and see Turkic Stone Men as well as ancient burial sites.
In the evening, we make bonfire and celebrate our last day of the travel days.  

Accommodation: TENT.  Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.  Total distance 7km, ~3 hrs

DAY 7. RETURN TO ULGII

After breakfast we will return to Ulgii passing through the Khovd River Valley. You will also have the opportunity to visit an Eagle Hunter and learn about this ancient Kazakh form of hunting with Golden Eagles.
In the evening you will stay in a Hotel and enjoy a traditional Kazakh concert and dine at one of the local famous restaurant!
Accommodation: HOTEL.  Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.  Total distance 186km, ~5-6 hr

DAY 8: FLY BACK TO UB

After breakfast we will take you to the airport to catch your flight back to Ulaanbaatar.