1. Day 1 Arrival Day in Ulaanbaatar

   We’ll meet at a designated spot in Ulaanbaatar to begin our adventure. Contact your Tour Manager for information about airport transfers into the city if required.

    

   Accommodation: Hotel 9

   Included Meals: Dinner

2. Day 2 Fly to Olgii City and Drive to the Wilderness

   Today, after breakfast, we depart Ulaanbaatar as we head back to the airport for our morning flight to Bayan Olgii. Lovingly known amongst Mongolians as the’ Roof of Mongolia’, a remote land of glaciers and mountain peaks. Our flight takes us to Olgii city, provincial capital of this rugged region.

   Bayan Olgii Province is mostly Kazakh, a people with their own distinct culture and language. Olgii city was a small village until the beginning of the 20th century when more and more Kazakhs began to head to the region. They were drawn here to escape an expanding Russian Empire and later, the Civil War in China. The Kazakhs, being Muslims, unfortunately, did not escape the communist purges of the 1930s. However, they have now grown to become an inherent part of the region and Mongolia.

   Upon arrival at the regional airport, we’ll be met by our excellent team, an English speaking guide, expedition cook and our fantastic drivers driving the famed Russian UAZ-452. Once we’re all packed and comfortable, it’s on with our Mongolian adventure driving out beyond Sagsai Village, where we can stop to acquire supplies for the upcoming few days.

   Our journey takes us deep into the stunning Altai Mountains. Our destination for today is the picturesque Biluut Hill. Here we find the ancient rock carvings over 1500 years old Turkic in origin.

    

   Accommodation: Overnight Camping

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. Day 3 Hike to Khoton and Khurgan Lakes

   Today we say goodbye to our drivers and swap our Russian trucks for camels; we will not be riding these beasts of burden but using them to carry all we need for the coming days.

   Once we have repacked and prepared, we will begin our hike striding out towards Khoton and Khurgan Lakes. These lakes are the second largest and clearest of all lakes in Mongolia; the average depth is around 26 m, and the maximum depth approximately 58 m.

   A wide natural channel connects the Khoton and Khurgan Lakes while they sit surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making a scene akin to a chocolate box. As we hike along, we will climb Aral Tolgoy, a rocky outcrop that contains more ancient rock carvings; these designated a UNESCO site. From atop Aral Tolgoy, we’ll have stunning views looking down the Tsagaan Us River Valley our route to the lakes.

    

   Accommodation: Overnight Camping

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4. Day 4 Hike to Bear Valley

   Today sees us up and out early as we continue our scenic hike into Bear Valley. Bear Valley is home to beautiful natural scenery surrounded by pine forests and ringed with snow-capped mountains. The valley is also home to seasonal nomads who make this secluded corner of the world their home for the summer period. As we wander past their yurts, we will make sure to stop by for a cup of tea.

   A picturesque milky white river also snakes its way through the valley coloured by the white clays of nearby glaciers. Tonight we will camp next to the blue pool found within the valley.

    

   Accommodation: Overnight Camping

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. Day 5 Cross the Highest Pass

   Today we make our way onwards, saying goodbye to Bear valley as the scenery opens up to more rugged terrain. Breathtaking yet menacing, we have views across the high pass known as Takhilbay Pass surrounded by snowy mountains; we are now indeed within the Altai Tavan Bogd mountain range.

   We prepare for changes in the weather as we take the hiking easy into the valley for a well-deserved rest. Our camping tonight sees us nestled in amongst an area of glaciers that feed wild rivers and thousands of smaller streams.

    

   Accommodation: Overnight Camping

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. Day 6 Shiveet Uul Holy Mountain

   After another hearty breakfast, we continue with our hiking today; we aim to reach the holy mountain of Shiveet Uul. Shiveet Uul is an important mountain as it is not only rich in archaeological sites, seemingly a crossroads for ancient cultures over centuries, but today it continues to be an essential mountain for Mongolian Shamans. It is seen as a pilgrimage destination for shamans to climb and make offerings to the spirits.

   On our approach to this beacon in the wilds, we will pass stunning blue lakes at the base of the mountain and maybe catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife that roams its steep slopes.

   Accommodation: Overnight Camping

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. Day 7 Hike to the White River Valley

   Our adventure today sees us following a well-trodden path to the white river valley. Tsagaan Gol (White River), a river whose glacial source is our target the following day. The white river makes its way past Shiveet Uul; we will follow this raging beast until we catch our first glimpse of the Five Saints (the five peaks of Tavan Bogd).

   Our home for tonight will be next to the Shiveet Khairkhan rangers station as we prepare to climb to the glacial region. This Tavan Bogd region is home to another separate ethnic group, the Tuvvans. The Tuvans still follow a nomadic lifestyle moving to this high altitude in the summer grazing their herds; we will also be sure to stop and visit one of the local families to learn a little more about their life in this demanding region.

    

   Accommodation: Overnight Camping

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. Day 8 Hike to Tavan Bogd Base Camp

   We begin our trek up Tavan Bogd with the help of our local Tuvan guide. Then to the camp is around 15 kilometres, located next to the stunning Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s largest. The hike is truly amazing as we walk across lush alpine tundra, through mountain valleys and cross bubbling mountain brooks, all the while rewarded by views of untouched mountains.

   Once at our camp, we can relax and soak up the area’s ambience; the distant rumble of mountain avalanches and the crackling of the glacier can be heard in the distance.

   Accommodation: Overnight Camping

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. Day 9 Free Day for Glacier Exploration

   Today is left relatively free to relax, acclimatize or continue a little further exploration. Our camp is located within the shadow of mountains and affords us amazing views down the valley and across the Potanin Glacier.

   If you wish, you can join us on a short adventure to take a look at the glacier or enjoy some short walks alone. Alternatively, you can relax and enjoy a book or some photography.

    

   Accommodation: Overnight Camping

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10. Day 10 Climb to Malchin Peak

    Today we leave our tents in our crew’s care as we depart base camp to work our way upwards climbing Malchin Peak. Malchin Peak is one of the five peaks at Tavan Bogd and the only one that can be summited without climbing equipment.

    At 4050 m, it still deserves respect, and we will take our climb easy. Malchin straddles the Mongolia-Russian border, and as we climb, the views are sublime, allowing us amazing scenes over Mongolia as well as a peek into the Altai Republic of Russia. The total climb to the peak and back is around seven hours, although we will have the time, and it is about enjoying the trek.

    Accommodation: Overnight Camping

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11. Day 11 Set out to Oigor River

    From our camp at Tavan Bogd, we begin our hike heading North towards the Oigor River, the first part of our trek skirts the Russian border. A short distance from the Tavan Bogd mountain area, it’s incredible to see the scenery change so rapidly.

    We’ll keep working onwards until eventually, we reach the Oigor river area from here. It’s not far, and we will be reunited with our vehicles at a small local tourist ger camp. This evening hiking finished, we can enjoy a cold beer transported to the yurts with our drivers.

     

    Accommodation: Overnight Basic Yurt

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

12. Day 12 Scenic Drive to Olgii

    It may feel as though the adventure is over; however, we still have our scenic drive back to Olgii city. As we go, the scenery seems to change around every corner we pass through the river valley past Gers, Yurts and small remote villages.

    As we journey, we will stop and visit one of the traditional Kazakh eagle hunter families. Some Kazakh families still practice the art of hunting with eagles, and in this part of the world, they can be found still livening a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Once we reach Olgii, we will check into our tourist ger camp; this one is a little more well-appointed. Our Ger camp tonight has a shower block with hot and cold running water and a regular flushing toilet.

    For those who wish, there is the opportunity to head into Olgii city to do a little sightseeing, shopping or enjoying one of the laid back coffee shops.

    Accommodation: Overnight Tourist Ger Camp

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

13. Day 13 Return Flight to Ulaanbaatar

    After a hearty farewell breakfast, we transfer to Olgii airport for our two-hour flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, we will head into the city for a much-needed lunch and further exploration.

    We start our sightseeing at Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Ulaanbaatar’s largest and most impressive Buddhist Monastery. Time permitting, we will catch the resident monks chanting. We will have a chance to learn about the role of Mongolia’s largest religion and how it survived the darker days of communism.

    Continuing through the city, we’ll stop at Sükhbaatar Square, named after the revolutionary hero Damdinii Sükhbaatar, whose statue proudly marks the centre of this famous area. At the northern end of the square, the towering figures of Genghis Khan, his son, grandson, and his generals watch from a commanding position.

    Just a stone’s throw from the square is the well-appointed National History Museum, which helps to make some semblance of Mongolian history. This evening, for those who wish, we will see the ”Wonders of Mongolia” folklore show made famous amongst Mongolians when it toured in over 40 countries and showcasing traditional folk singing.

    All of this before our final farewell meal at a popular local restaurant close to the city centre.

     

    Accommodation: Hotel 9

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

14. Day 14 Departure Day

    It’s Departure Day! If needs be, contact your Tour Manager for information about Airport Transfers. If you have extra time, we will be happy to help with further plans or advise on other activities.

    END OF TOUR

Camping in Mongolia's Rugged Wilderness