Trekking in Altai Tavan Bogd

You leave the Mongolian capital to board a domestic flight to Khovd, capital of the eponymous province, located approximately 1,500 km from Ulan Bator.

Khovd was an important trading center located north of the Silk Road, connected to Russia and China. In 1763, the Manchurian administration had the Sangiin Kherem fortress built there, whose walls 3 meters high and 2 meters wide then surrounded a city of 4 hectares. Today, Khovd province is home to 18 Mongolian ethnic groups.

You then head towards the Tsambagarav mountains, , whose snow-capped peaks culminate at 4,195 meters altitude. You arrive at the south of the massif at the end of the day.

Stay with the nomadic family of Khongor Olon for the night. You experience an immersion in nomadic life and discover local traditions.

After breakfast, you set off for a day of hiking from the south side of Tsambagarav. You climb the hills and cross the rocky landscapes of the high mountains of this sacred region, whose summit reaches 4,195 meters in altitude. A picnic lunch is planned along the way to fully enjoy the natural environment.

In the afternoon, you descend toward the right flank of the massif, where you will set up your camp.

Dinner and night under canvas.

Hiking time: 16 to 18 km

Duration: 6 to 7 hours of walking

In the morning, after breakfast, you continue hiking towards the west of the massif. You progress over the hills, alternating climbs and descents to enjoy the different panoramas. Lunch will, once again, be taken as a picnic during the walk.

In late afternoon, you descend towards the Namarjin valley, where you will set up your camp for the night.

Dinner and night under tent.

Hiking time: 16 to 18 km

Duration: 6 to 7 hours of walking

After breakfast, you begin your last day of hiking northwards, towards the five Belchir, meaning "the five pastures". Several minorities live in this region, notably the Uriankhai and the Kazakhs.

After approximately 10 to 12 km of hiking (3 to 4 hours), you enjoy a final mountain picnic before returning to your vehicle for the journey back to the city of Ölgii.

Arrival in Olgii, the westernmost provincial capital in Mongolia and the point on the globe most remote from the oceans.

Olgii, located at 1,710 meters altitude and 1,636 km from Ulan Bator, is predominantly inhabited by Kazakhs. Its atmosphere bears a strong Central Asian influence, with its signage in Arabic script and mosques with domes reaching toward the sky.

You settle into a camp of Kazakh yurts where you enjoy appreciable comfort. Kazakh yurts stand out distinctly from Mongolian yurts: more spacious, richly decorated with embroidered hangings in bright colors arranged all around the interior, and often equipped with canopies above the beds, fitted with small curtains.

You will travel through mountainous landscapes and pass several lakes, with a few planned stops along the way to enjoy the panoramic views of the Shiveet Khairkhan mountain range and its snow-capped peaks.

You then reach Shiveet Khairkhan, a sacred mountain for the Tuvan populations of the region. Since hunting is prohibited there, it is common to observe black ibex early in the morning.

You begin your 9-day trek in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. The hike is self-guided: vehicles will meet you at the end of the route, while logistics and your personal belongings will be transported by camel. You carry only your personal backpack (20 liters), containing water, jacket, camera and essential items.

For this first day of hiking, you progress through a valley scattered with edelweiss and wildflowers, where many Kazakh nomads have set up their camps. You pass near an ancient Kazakh cemetery, marked by human-shaped sculptures. The view of the Tavan Bogd mountains and their snow-capped peaks accompanies your advance.

You then cross the Tsagaan river to reach your campsite, set facing the Tavan Bogd, "the five saints". The location offers an inspiring setting, surrounded by high snow-covered peaks.

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Hiking time: approximately 5 hours 30 minutes

Elevation gain: +400 meters

Visit to the Tsagaan salaa rock paintings site. Over nearly 15 km, you observe approximately 10,000 rock paintings engraved on the rocks bordering the southern bank of the white river, Tsagaan Gol.

You leave the camp to join the Potanine glacier, located at 2,900 meters altitude in the heart of the national park.

Base camp setup and acclimatization time.

Hiking time: approximately 5 hours

Elevation gain: +800 meters

You remain at the same camp to carry out during the day the ascent of Malchin summit(4 037 m). You first cross peatlands to reach the base of the mountain. The panorama then opens onto the valley, the snow-capped peaks of Tavan Bogd and the Potanine glacier.

You then begin the ascent of Malchin which lasts approximately 4 hours (allow 2 additional hours for the descent). The progression requires vigilance, as stones can move and roll down the slope, and the presence of snow is possible depending on the season. From the summit, the view overlooks neighbouring Russia and, further away, China. You also enjoy a vast panorama over the high altitude lakes with deep blue waters.

Optional ascent.

Hiking time: approximately 6 h

Elevation gain: +1 100 m / –1 100 m

You resume your walk towards Shiveet Khairkhan following the other bank of the Tsagaan River. You walk alongside the glaciers, with their ice moraines and persistent snow. Along the way, you pass yurts occupied by Tuvan families.

You then climb a hill to reach the lake where your camp will be set up. Surrounded by mountains, the site offers a peaceful setting, and in the evening you will be able to observe goats moving along the ridges.

Hiking time: approximately 6 h 30

Elevation gain: +200 m / –700 m

You take a short morning walk to reach the base of the pass. You progress along the hillside and pass by Kazakh winter camps before reaching a settlement of yurts occupied by Kazakh families. You then set up your camp on a hill that overlooks a river with crystal-clear waters.

Hiking time: approximately 5 hours

Elevation gain: +500 m / –100 m

You hike through the hills to reach the pass, located at 3,600 meters altitude. Along the way, you may catch a glimpse of a few marmots. You then begin the ascent of the pass, still snow-covered, via a small winding trail crossing the rocks. From the summit, the view opens up onto the valley, while the yurts crossed the day before appear in the distance like small white dots.

You then descend into a valley dotted with multicolored flowers and crossed by numerous refreshing springs. The camp is set up near a river, in a valley known as "The Bear Valley".

Hiking time: approximately 6 hours

Elevation gain: +700 m / –400 m

You descend through the Takhilbai valley to reach the Green Lake, a small mountain lake with crystal-clear water where you can swim in very cool water. You cross several rivers before reaching a marshy area, which you bypass by taking a small mountain path. In the final meters, a breathtaking view of the lake opens up before you.

The landscapes alternate between lakes, larch forests and rock formations. This wild and remote region is dotted with numerous natural springs, ideal for swimming.

Warning, the presence of mosquitoes is possible.

Hiking time: approximately 5 hours

Elevation gain: +100 m / –900 m

After crossing a rustic wooden bridge, you cross several rivers before continuing your hike through valleys dotted with peatlands. You pass near the military barracks located close to the Chinese border, then set up your camp near theKhoton Lake. From its shores, you enjoy a contrasting view between the very arid mountains in the distance and the green surroundings of the lake.

Hiking time: approximately 4 hours

Elevation change: –400 meters

You enjoy a pleasant day of hiking along a shaded, tree-lined trail. You cross many herds of goats and yaks grazing peacefully near the yurts. A beautiful viewpoint then opens up over the banks of the Khurgan Lake.

At the end of the route, you find yourself in a more arid steppe before reaching your camp, set near the bed of a river nestled in a basin.

Hiking time: approximately 4 hours

Elevation gain: negligible

You reluctantly leave the herders who accompanied you during these nine days of trekking through remarkable landscapes. You then find the track, difficult in this area, which leads you towards the capital of the province: Olgii.

Transfer to Olgii airport, where you board your return flight to Ulan Bator.

Arrival in the city and check-in at your hotel where you can have a moment of relaxation.

Rest of the day free. Accompanied by your English-speaking guide, you browse the city's shops to make your last purchases.