Horseback riders in Mongolia's High Altai with Bactrian camels

On trek in the High Altai

Bactrian (two-humped) camels carry our gear on our High Altai trek in far western Mongolia. Kazakh nomad families live in this remote mountain range, moving seasonally with their herds. 

Photo by Bill Abbott

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Mongolia's Realm of the Five Kings route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $5495   see pricing
Length: 14 days
Arrive: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Depart: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Lodging: 3 nights hotels, 9 nights camping, 1 night ger camp describe
Meals: All meals included except 1 lunch and 2 dinners
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: 8-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 8,000-10,000 feet
4 explain

Highlights

  • Trek in Mongolia’s High Altai, with its spectacular mountain scenery
  • Meet nomadic Kazakh families and experience their genuine hospitality
  • Explore recently discovered petroglyph sites
  • Extensions to the Gobi Desert and Lake Hovsgol


One of my most memorable and exotic trips.Jan K.—Austin, TX

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

This fantastic trekking adventure takes place in Mongolia’s “Wild West” among the snow-capped peaks of the High Altai Mountains, one of the longest mountain chains in Central Asia. In this remote corner where Mongolia, China, and Russia meet, we discover a beautiful swath of untouched wilderness, topped by the 14,000-foot peaks of Tavan Bogd National Park. With Bactrian camels and horses to carry our gear, we camp at alpine lakes, hike across wildflower-dotted meadows and along the edge of glaciers, and experience a pristine mountain world where Kazakh nomads still hunt with golden eagles. At trek's end, we head to the capital to witness the annual Nadaam Festival,  complete with archery, wrestling, and wild horseback races—a truly Mongolian spectacle!

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-2
Ulaanbaatar / Ulgii / Tavan Bogd National Park / Syrgal Camp

After arriving in Ulaanbaatar, we fly to Ulgii in Mongolia’s far west and make a rugged overland journey across the starkly beautiful high desert steppe to Tavan Bogd National Park. Our campsite is in a pristine setting of snow-capped mountains, rivers, and lakes whose shores are ringed by Kazakh settlements.

Days 3-11
The High Altai / Potanin Glacier / Ulgii

We begin our trek with a visit to the Biluut petroglyphs, a recently uncovered site in remote terrain featuring more than 1,600 images of hunting and combat scenes, mythological figures, and symbolic sacred art. With camels and horses carrying our gear, we trek northward through classic open-steppe country and wide river valleys. Crossing a 10,000-foot pass used by nomadic herders as they move their flocks with the seasons, we head into an alpine world of dramatic mountains and wildlife including ibex and Argali sheep. We hike along the edge of the Potanin Glacier to a spectacular camp at 9,800 feet with a backdrop of the snowy flanks of Mt. Khuiten (14,350'), Mongolia’s highest peak. Returning to Ulgii, we explore the fantastic Neolithic petroglyph site at Tsagaan Salaa, a World Heritage Site.

Days 12-14
Ulaanbaatar / Gandan Monastery

Heading back to Ulaanbaatar, we visit Gandan Monastery and enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance including hoomi throat singers. Depart on Day 14.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 4, or moderate to strenuous, according to our trip grading system. It is designed for those who are experienced in mountain hiking and enjoy camping. On trek, we typically hike a total of 5-8 hours a day at altitudes ranging between 8,000 and 10,000 feet. We hike 4 to 10 miles each day. Most of the hikes are moderate with a couple of days of challenging hikes. Sturdy waterproof boots and gaiters are essential for potential snowy conditions atop Must Pass (Day 6). For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking, jogging, or staircase walking is an excellent preparatory exercise.

On Days 4-10, our trek gear is transported between camps by camel and pack horses, and on other days by truck. We will have a few horses with us on this hike, primarily to be used for river crossings. We provide mountain dome tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags rated to 15ºF. Camp conditions are comfortable but more basic than they are in other, more established, trekking destinations. Our staff cooks and serves the meals, and there is a shared toilet tent at camp, and on some nights, a field shower. Treated drinking water is distributed each day on trek. There are two major river crossings that require us to ride horses, as the water is cold and the current swift. Most people find the crossing exciting, but it does involve inherent risk that is beyond the control of Wilderness Travel. For those interested, an occasional short horseback ride to take a break from hiking may be possible, but not guaranteed. There are many portions of the trek that are not suitable for horse riding.

Our overland travel is by 4WD Russian vehicles across rough roads, bumpy tracks, and open country. These older vehicles, while basic, are heavily preferred for traversing the rugged country of western Mongolia, as they can seemingly go anywhere and are relatively easy for drivers to repair without assistance or special-order parts. It is not uncommon to stop periodically to avoid overheating and allow the air-cooled engines to cool down.

Mountain weather is always unpredictable. Come prepared for at least some rain, wind, and some very cold nights and mornings. Nighttime temperatures can be very cold! A dusting of snow is not uncommon here at this northern latitude, even in the summer, and atop Must Pass (10,000’), we do expect to hike through snowy terrain. There are also many beautifully clear and sunny days with bright blue skies.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures

Jun 29-Jul 12, 2013

Trip Cost

Prices are for 2013
$5495 (10-15 members)
$5795 (6-9 members)
Single supplement: $750
Forced single supplement: $550
Internal airfare: $795 (subject to change)
more on pricing

Extension Costs
Gobi Desert Extension
   from: $2095
Lake Hovsgol Extension
   from: $2095
Beijing Extension
   from: $1495
Xi'an Extension
   from: $1125

Trip Cost Includes:

  • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • Accommodations (including hotels and tents) in Mongolia
  • All meals included except 1 lunch and 2 dinners
  • Entrance to sites described in the Full Trip Brochure
  • Camping gear, including sleeping bags and pads
  • Airport transfers to and from group flights

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, airport departure taxes, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, optional tipping or gratuities to camp crew and leader, hotels en route to/from Ulaanbaatar, any additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to international airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations, visa fees, travel insurance, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Ulaanbaatar Hotel

Day 1 (1 night),
Days 12 to 13 (2 nights), Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

In Ulaanbaatar we stay at one of the following properties:

Altai Trek Camps

Altai Trek Camps

Days 2 to 10 (9 nights), Mongolia

We make hiking and camping in Mongolia as comfortable as possible. On trek, we provide high quality mountain-style tents, sleeping pads, and ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Mongolian Ger Camps

Mongolian Ger Camps

Day 11 (1 night), Mongolia

Gers are the traditional yurt-like tents used by Mongolian nomads for centuries, and these simple fixed camps are specially built and ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

China

great wall china

Beijing Extension

The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace

Cultural Adventures
4 days  -  Level 1

terra cotta warriors xian china

Xi'an Extension

Explore the Cradle of Chinese Civilization

Cultural Adventures
3 days  -  Level 1

Mongolia

Gobi Desert Extension

Exploring the Heart of Asia’s Most Remote Hinterland

Cultural Adventures, Walking
5 days  -  Level 2

hovsgol lake mongolia

Lake Hovsgol Extension

Exploring Mongolia’s “Dark Blue Pearl”

Cultural Adventures, Walking
5 days  -  Level 2

Client Comments

One of my most memorable and exotic trips. Jan K., Austin, TX The Altai Mountains trek was spectacular. Pam W., Austin TX Being in Mongolia, especially the Altai, was really a once in a lifetime experience. I felt like I was seeing a country before the onslaught of tourism and it was very special. The trip was well organized and the Mongolian people very friendly. Keith S., Laguna Beach, CA
This was one of my favorite WT trips. It was like going back in time, and seeing the nomadic way of life was a treat. Our Trip Leader introduced us to many local families as we traveled by car or on foot. Shirley O., Issaquah, WA