Altai Tavan Bogd
Altai Tavan Bogd: Malchin Peak & Potanin Glacier
An 11-day trek with a weather-buffered Malchin Peak summit attempt, Potanin Glacier views, Khoton Lake, and pack horses.
Tour imagery
Altai summit photo collection
A glimpse of the glacier approach, mountain trails, camp life, and shared moments along the way.
10 images
Image credits
- Photo by Mongolia Expeditions · CC BY 3.0
The journey
An invitation to explore Altai Tavan Bogd.
An 11-day trek with a weather-buffered Malchin Peak summit attempt, Potanin Glacier views, Khoton Lake, and pack horses. Final dates, route access, availability, and practical travel details are confirmed with Mongalz before booking.
Journey highlights
- Altai Tavan Bogd destination focus
- Mountain expedition planning
- Route conditions and summit plans confirmed individually
Destinations
- Altai Tavan Bogd
Route outline
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Airport transfer, hotel check-in, and expedition briefing.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar hotel
Day 2Fly to Ölgii
Travel west by domestic flight and prepare for the park transfer.
Overnight: Ölgii guesthouse or hotel
Day 3Drive to Altai Tavan Bogd
Travel by 4x4 toward the park. Local wranglers and pack horses join the group.
Overnight: Tent camp by the park entrance river
Day 4Trek to base camp
Walk in with pack horses carrying tents, food, and luggage. The itinerary overview estimates 5–7 hours for the walk-in.
Overnight: Mountain base camp, about 3,000 m
Day 5Acclimatization day
Rest and acclimatize at base camp before the summit attempt.
Overnight: Mountain base camp
Day 6Malchin Peak summit attempt
Set out with the mountain guide toward Malchin Peak at about 4,050 m, with views of the Potanin Glacier and the Five Sacred Peaks. The guide sets the pace and turnaround time.
Overnight: Mountain base camp
Day 7Weather reserve or optional horse ride
Keep this day as a summit weather buffer. If the attempt is complete, rest, walk, or ask about a horse ride.
Overnight: Mountain base camp
Day 8Trek out, petroglyphs, and Khoton Lake
Walk about 5–6 hours back to the vehicles, stop at the Altai petroglyphs, and continue to Khoton Lake.
Overnight: Ger camp at Khoton Lake
Day 9Eagle hunters and Ölgii
Return to Ölgii and visit a Kazakh eagle-hunter family. Folk music may be arranged.
Overnight: Ölgii guesthouse or hotel
Day 10Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar hotel
Day 11Departure
Airport transfer.
Summit-day timing depends on weather and guide recommendations. A weather reserve is built into the itinerary, and conditions may cancel the climb for safety. Khüiten Peak is a separate technical climb outside this itinerary.
Preparation guidance
- This is a high-altitude trek to about 4,050 m. Train for long hikes, bring broken-in waterproof boots and trekking poles, and follow the guide’s acclimatization advice.
- Mountain weather can bring wind, rain, snow, and near-freezing nights even in summer. The guide may cancel the summit attempt for safety.
- Send passport copies and travel dates at least 30 days before departure for the border-zone and park permits; carry your original passport in the park.
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