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Steppe & Sky
The Far West · 14 days

Altai mountains trek

A full expedition in Altai Tavan Bogd: trek to the Potanin glacier below Khüiten peak, then south to Khoton lake with camels carrying the gear.
From $5,250 per personEnquire about this adventure
Region
The Far West
Duration
14 days
Difficulty
Expedition Remote, multi-day trekking at altitude. Good fitness essential.
Season
Summer · Jun, Jul, Aug
Style
Small group or Private · Max 8 trekkers
Per person
From $5,250Plan this adventure

The adventure

You walk up a glacial valley as the camels plod ahead with the tents, until the ice of Potanin glacier fills the view and Khüiten stands above it all. Later, Kazakh families wave you in for tea, and the mountains feel a little less remote.

  1. 01Trek to Tavan Bogd base camp and the Potanin glacier
  2. 02Views of Khüiten, Mongolia's highest peak
  3. 03Optional ascent of Malchin peak, a non-technical summit over 4,000 m
  4. 04Camels carrying the gear, led by local handlers
  5. 05A multi-day trek south to Khoton lake
  6. 06Nights with Kazakh herding families

Day by day

Every itinerary is a starting point. Your specialist can add rest days, swap camps or change the pace.

  • Airport welcome and transfer to your hotel. Your guide checks your kit and briefs you on the trek.

    Activities
    • Airport welcome
    • Kit check
    • Welcome dinner
    Tonight
    4-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar
    Meals
    Dinner

The route

Distances in Mongolia are big and roads are often tracks. Expect some long days in the 4x4, broken up by stops with herders, picnics and leg-stretching walks.

Ulaanbaatar12345
Stylised map, not to scale.
  1. 1Ulaanbaatar
  2. 2Ölgii
  3. 3Sagsai
  4. 4Tavan Bogd base camp
  5. 5Khoton lake

Where you'll sleep

A mix of family gers, small ger camps and a city hotel, chosen for their hosts, their setting and how well they look after the land.

What's included

  • English-speaking local trekking guide; Kazakh-speaking guide in Bayan-Ölgii
  • Driver and 4x4 (Land Cruiser or Russian UAZ furgon)
  • Return domestic flights Ulaanbaatar–Ölgii
  • Camels and camel handlers to carry group and personal gear
  • Camp cook and all meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Tents, mess tent and camping equipment
  • Hotel, guesthouse and family ger nights
  • National park fees and border-zone permits
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • A dedicated Steppe & Sky specialist to plan your trip before you go

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa, if required for your nationality
  • Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover for trekking up to 4,100 m
  • Tips for guide, cook, driver and camel handlers
  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Sleeping bag and mat (rental available)
  • Single supplement

Good to know

  • This is a true expedition: 5-7 hours of trekking a day for over a week, at altitudes of 2,000-3,500 m. You need good hill fitness and previous multi-day trekking experience.
  • Altai Tavan Bogd sits in a border zone. We arrange the permit, but you must send passport details at least 6 weeks before departure.
  • Weather changes fast in the high Altai: snow is possible at base camp even in July, and nights can drop below freezing.
  • Ten nights camping with no showers. River washing only, and the water is glacier cold.

Dates & prices

Per person sharing, excluding international flights. Private trips run on any date you choose.

Departure dates and prices for Altai mountains trek
DatesStyleAvailabilityPer personEnquire
4 Jul – 17 Jul 2027Small groupAvailableFrom $5,250Enquire
25 Jul – 7 Aug 2027Small groupLimited spacesFrom $5,250Enquire
15 Aug – 28 Aug 2027Small groupAvailableFrom $5,350Enquire
27 Jun – 10 Jul 2027Private expedition, late June to August. Price per person for two trekkers.PrivateAvailableFrom $6,650Enquire

Experiences on this adventure

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Ready when you are

Tell us your dates and dreams. One specialist plans everything and replies within two working days.