Altai mountain trekking mixed with cultural experience
🏞 Comprehensive Mongolia Trekking & Adventure Itinerary (11 Days)
This itinerary blends cultural exploration, moderate trekking in the Altai Mountains, horse riding, glacier hikes, and nomadic life immersion—the best mix of adventure and cultural experience.
📅 Day 1 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
- Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar.
- Transfer to your hotel, meet your guide.
- Half-day city tour: Zaisan Hill panoramic view, Gandan Monastery, local market.
- Enjoy your first dinner with Mongolian cuisine.
📍 Day 2 – Flight to Ölgii & Local Sightseeing
- Morning flight to Ölgii, the capital of western Mongolia.
- Visit the local bazaar and explore small town life.
- Overnight at a guesthouse or ger camp.
🐎 Day 3 – Drive to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- Drive to the entrance of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
- Stop at the Dear Stones ancient Turkic monuments.
- Camp in White River Valley (Akh Gol) beneath towering peaks.
- Prepare for your multi-day trekking and horse/pony support.
🏔 Day 4 – Trek to Potanin Glacier
- Begin your trek with horse or camel-supported gear.
- Hike across alpine valleys toward the Potanin Glacier — the longest glacier in Mongolia.
- Camp near the glacier, explore and walk on the ice.
🗻 Day 5 – Hike to Malchin Peak Vista
- Morning hike up toward Malchin Peak (approx. 4,000 m).
- Enjoy vast panoramic views of Russia, China, and Kazakhstan’s Altai peaks.
- Return to glacier camping.
🐐 Day 6 – Trek Back & Visit Tuvan Nomadic Families
- Trek back toward the park’s gate.
- Visit Tuvan nomadic families; experience handcrafted vodka and nomadic traditions.
- Camp near river valleys surrounded by mountain scenery.
🏞 Day 7 – Drive to Lakes Khoton & Khurgan
- Head to Khoton & Khurgan Lakes — breathtaking alpine lakes nestled under snow peaks.
- Explore lakeside trails, meadow landscapes, and enjoy easy walking paths.
- Overnight camping or stay in a nearby ger camp.
🚶 Day 8 – Waterfall Hike & Eagle Hunter Visit
- Hike to Bagaturgen Waterfall for a refreshing outdoor walk.
- Visit a Kazakh eagle hunter’s family, learn about their traditions, and see golden eagles in action.
- Return to Ölgii for a comfortable evening and enjoy a traditional Kazakh folk concert.
✈️ Day 9 – Flight back to Ulaanbaatar
- After breakfast, visit Ölgii’s museum and open market.
- Fly back to Ulaanbaatar.
- Evening at leisure in the capital or explore local restaurants.
🌄 Day 10 – Chinggis Khaan Statue & Terelj National Park
- Transfer to Tsonjin Boldog to see the giant Chinggis Khaan Statue.
- Continue to Terelj National Park — rolling hills, rivers, and rock formations.
- Short hikes to Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple.
- Enjoy a ger camp stay; optional horse riding or camel riding.
🛫 Day 11 – Departure
- Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight.
- End of your Mongolia adventure.
🗺 Highlights of This Itinerary
🔹 Altai Mountains Trekking
- Glacier walk on Potanin Glacier
- Mountain valley trekking with scenic views
- Nomadic culture and horse/camel-supported hikes
🐴 Traditional Nomadic Life
- Visit Tuvan families
- Stay in gers and learn daily pastoral life
- Kazakh eagle hunter experience
🏞 Lake & Waterfall Hiking
- Visit alpine lake regions
- Waterfall walking trails
📍 Cultural & Nature Mix
- Urban Ulaanbaatar
- Terelj National Park hikes
- Chinggis Khaan monument experience
🧭 Tips for This Trekking Adventure
Best Time to Go:
June – September for comfortable mountain weather and hiking conditions.
Difficulty:
Moderate — requires trekking 5–7 hrs/day on uneven terrain; horse/camel support makes gear transport easier.
Packing:
Layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, sun protection, water bottle, personal meds, and cameras for wildlife/landscapes.

