Home / Mongolia Tours / Altai Tavan Bogd Hiking Tour
Altai Tavan Bogd Hiking Tour: base camp, Malchin Peak and Potanin Glacier
This Altai Tavan Bogd Hiking Tour takes you deep into Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in western Mongolia: scenic driving, easy hiking or horse riding, and an optional climb to Malchin Peak (4,051 m).
6 Days / 5 Nights
Max 8 travellers
Hike or ride to base camp
Flights UB ⇄ Ölgii included
DURATION
6 days / 5 nights
DIFFICULTY
Moderate, 4–7 h/day
HIGHEST POINT
4,051 m
GROUP SIZE
Max 10
SEASON
June – September
PRICE FROM
$992 pp
OVERVIEW
Hike into the heart of Altai Tavan Bogd
You will explore the Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains, travel through glacier valleys, cross mountain passes and walk across wide alpine landscapes surrounded by snow-covered peaks. A great chance to enjoy adventure hiking, even if you are not an experienced climber.
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Two nights at Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, below the sacred “Five Peaks”
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Optional climb of Malchin Peak (4,051 m), no special climbing equipment needed
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Drive through mountain passes to White River Valley (Tsagaan Gol)
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Hike or ride through broad glacier valleys to base camp
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Spectacular views of Potanin Glacier from base camp
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Visit Kazakh nomadic herders and an eagle hunter family
THE ROUTE
Ölgii to the Five Saint Peaks and back
1
2
3
4
5
6
Ölgii
White River
Base Camp
Malchin Peak
Eagle hunters
Ulaanbaatar
Fly in from UB
Drive 5–6 h
Hike/ride 4–5 h
4,051 m
Back to Ölgii
Fly back
ITINERARY
Day by day
Open all days
DAY 1
Fly to Bayan-Ölgii
Fly from Ulaanbaatar, meet your driver and local Kazakh guide and get to know Ölgii town.
✈ Domestic flight
Flight ~2 h
Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day details +
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Morning domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Bayan-Ölgii (about 2 hours)
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Meet your driver and local Kazakh guide at Ölgii airport
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Bayan-Ölgii Museum: Kazakh culture, history and wildlife
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Local bazaar (open market) for handicrafts and souvenirs
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Welcome dinner with traditional Kazakh cuisine
DAY 2
Drive to White River Valley (Tsagaan Gol)
Drive through rugged mountain passes and river valleys to White River Valley and visit a local nomadic family.
Drive 5–6 h
Tent camp or ger
Day details +
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Morning departure from Ölgii through rugged mountain passes and river valleys (about 5–6 hours)
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Picnic lunch with views of the snow-capped Altai Mountains
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Arrive in White River Valley, known for its snow-capped peaks and Kazakh herder families
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Visit a local nomadic family to learn about their daily lifestyle and traditions
DAY 3
Hike or ride to Altai Tavan Bogd base camp
Walk or ride through broad glacier valleys to base camp, with spectacular views of Potanin Glacier.
Hike/ride 4–5 h
Tent
Day details +
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Start the journey towards Tavan Bogd base camp (about 16 km / 4–5 hours)
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Walk or ride through broad glacier valleys surrounded by sheer rocky ridges
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Explore the glacial moraine and surrounding ice formations
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Arrive at base camp with spectacular views of Potanin Glacier
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Free time to rest, explore or photograph the landscape
DAY 4
Summit day: Malchin Peak
Climb Malchin Peak, the lowest of the five peaks of Altai Tavan Bogd, for panoramic views of glaciers and alpine valleys. Optional.
⛰ 4,051 m
6–7 h
Tent
Day details +
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Early morning start from base camp
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Ascent of Malchin Peak (4,051 m / 13,290 ft), about 6–7 hours
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No special climbing equipment needed, suitable for trekkers with moderate fitness
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Panoramic views of surrounding peaks, glaciers and alpine valleys
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Descend back to base camp in the afternoon
DAY 5
Drive back to Ölgii and visit an eagle hunter family
Drive through mountain passes, river valleys and open steppe, and meet a Kazakh eagle hunter family on the way to Ölgii.
Drive 4–5 h
Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day details +
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Morning departure towards Ölgii through scenic mountain passes, river valleys and open steppe (about 4–5 hours)
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Visit a local Kazakh eagle hunter family to see the eagles and learn about traditional hunting techniques
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Arrive in Ölgii in the early afternoon
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Free time to explore the local bazaar, handicraft shops, cafes or cultural exhibits
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Optional Kazakh traditional music or dance performance, depending on availability
DAY 6
Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to the capital, transfer to your hotel and shop for souvenirs.
✈ Domestic flight
Flight ~2 h
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Day details +
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Transfer to Ölgii airport
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Flight back to Ulaanbaatar (about 2 hours)
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Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel
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State Department Store for souvenirs
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Optional Dinner show with Mongolian throat singing and dance
PRICES
Price per person
How much does the Altai Tavan Bogd hiking tour cost? This 6-day hiking tour costs from $992 per person for groups of 7–8, $1,576 per person for two travellers and $2,217 for a solo traveller. The price includes return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, meals, an English-speaking guide, a cook and camel support. International flights, travel insurance and a sleeping bag are not included.
TRAVELLERS
PER PERSON (USD)
1 traveller
$2,217
2 travellers
$1,576
3–4 travellers
$1,211
5–6 travellers
$1,053
7–8 travellers
$992
The more people travel together, the lower the price per person. All prices include domestic flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, meals, guide, cook and camel support.
2027 group departures
June 2027: 2, 12 and 23 June
July 2027: 3, 14 and 24 July
August 2027: 4, 14 and 25 August
September 2027: 4, 15 and 25 September
Every departure starts on a Wednesday or Saturday flight day from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii and runs for 6 days. Up to 8 travellers per group. Private tours are possible on other dates.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included and not included
Included
✓ Round-trip domestic flights Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar
✓ Arrival and departure airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
✓ Accommodation in camping tents and traditional gers
✓ Full-board meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
✓ Bottled drinking water and snacks
✓ Professional English-speaking tour guide
✓ Experienced local driver, ground transport and fuel
✓ Dedicated expedition cook
✓ All camping and cooking equipment
✓ Camel support with professional camel handlers
✓ Visit to a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter family
✓ National park permits, local fees, sightseeing and entrance fees
✓ Visa support with an official invitation letter
Not included
✕ International airfare
✕ Visa fees
✕ Travel insurance
✕ Sleeping bag
✕ Excess baggage on domestic flights (over 15 kg allowance)
✕ Airport taxes (if applicable)
✕ Alcoholic beverages
✕ Drinks and additional charges at hotels, inns or restaurants
✕ Personal expenses and individual equipment
✕ Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and staff
✕ Any services not listed under Included
IS IT FOR ME?
Moderate hike, no climbing experience needed
Difficulty: moderate
5–7 h
longest walking days
4,051 m
highest point (optional)
2 nights
at Altai Tavan Bogd base camp
3 nights
in tents or gers
A good fit if you…
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Can walk 5–7 hours a day on uneven mountain terrain
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Want a concentrated mountain experience in Altai Tavan Bogd
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Are happy camping with basic facilities
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Have moderate fitness, even without hiking or climbing experience
Talk to us first if you…
Have a heart or respiratory condition
Have had altitude sickness before
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
Best time
May to September is the ideal season, with July as the peak period during the vibrant Naadam Festival. July and August bring occasional rain, but you can still expect many bright, sunny days.
Accommodation
Traditional tourist ger camps (2–4 people per ger) with 220 V electricity, showers and basic amenities, plus tents in the mountains. Every camp and hotel is personally inspected by Vacations Mongolia.
Meals
Hearty meals based on traditional ingredients — mutton, beef, rice, noodles and fresh vegetables — often served as lunchboxes prepared by the ger camps. Vegetarian options on request. Alcohol is not included, but you are free to bring your own.
Transport
Private, air-conditioned vans or modern 4WD vehicles. Daily drives in the countryside cover around 200–250 km, with ever-changing landscapes and wide-open steppe horizons.
What to bring
Warm, thin layers and a waterproof jacket, a hat and headscarf for sun and wind, insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, water-purifying tablets, a personal first-aid kit (plus any prescriptions) and camera gear. A sleeping bag is not included.
Phone and internet
Mobile signal in Ölgii town only. No signal or Wi-Fi from Day 2 to Day 5. Download offline maps.
REVIEWS
What our guests say
★ 5.0 on TripAdvisor (8 reviews, October 2026)
What reviewers mention (summary, not quotes):
Ritvik S (July 2026, travelled with a friend): a one-week expedition in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, including hiking Malchin Peak. Praised the guide, driver, host families, food and smooth organisation.
matej l (August 2026, solo): camped at Khoton Lake and describes it as remote, quiet and worth the long 4x4 drive. Notes basic conditions and no facilities at the lake.
Guille C, Spain (September 2026, solo): a great adventure with local guides; would recommend it.
Marina F, United Arab Emirates (June 2026, with a friend): the route was changed to avoid areas under quarantine; thanked the driver and guide for difficult mountain roads. Says to expect a very basic level of comfort.
Vacations Mongolia is listed on TripAdvisor as Vacations in Mongolia.
Read honest reviews from our guests on our reviews page, TripAdvisor and Google. Read all reviews →
FAQ
Questions hikers ask
What is the Malchin Peak climb like?
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Malchin Peak (4,051 m / 13,290 ft) is the lowest and most accessible of the five peaks of Altai Tavan Bogd. The ascent takes about 6–7 hours round trip from base camp. The route is a non-technical hike: no ropes, crampons or climbing experience required. The trail has steep rocky sections and possible snow patches near the summit. The panoramic views from the top extend across Mongolia, China and Russia.
Is the Malchin Peak climb mandatory?
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No. The climb is strongly recommended but entirely optional. Guests who prefer a rest day, a shorter hike near base camp or a visit to the Potanin Glacier instead can do so. Your guide will support whichever choice you make.
What altitude will I reach on this tour?
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The summit of Malchin Peak is 4,051 m (13,290 ft). Base camp sits at about 2,400 m. Altitude sickness is uncommon at these elevations but possible; symptoms include headache, fatigue and nausea. We recommend spending Day 1 in Ölgii to acclimatise and drinking plenty of water throughout the trek.
Can I see the Potanin Glacier on this tour?
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Yes. The Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s longest and Central Asia’s largest outside the Himalayas, is visible from base camp and reachable as a short detour. Your guide will advise based on conditions on the day.
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
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Moderate fitness is required. You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day on uneven mountain terrain. You do not need to be an experienced hiker or climber.
Is horse riding available as an alternative to hiking?
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Yes. On Day 3, the trek to base camp (about 16 km) can be done on horseback instead of on foot. This is ideal for travellers who want to reach the mountains without a full day of hiking. Local horse guides accompany you throughout.
What is the difference between this 6-day tour and the 9-day trekking tour?
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The 6-day Hiking Tour focuses entirely on the Altai Tavan Bogd massif: you spend more days at altitude and go directly to the mountain core via White River Valley. The 9-day Trekking Tour covers more ground and adds the Oigor Valley, Khoton and Khurgan Lakes and Baga Turgen Waterfall. Choose the 6-day tour for a concentrated mountain experience, or the 9-day tour for a broader landscape journey.
When is the best time to do this hiking tour?
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June to September. July and August offer the warmest weather, while September brings stunning autumn colours and fewer visitors. June is possible, but some high passes may still have snow. The Malchin Peak climb is not recommended before mid-June.
Are domestic flights included?
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Yes. Round-trip domestic flights between Ulaanbaatar and Bayan-Ölgii are included in the tour price. International flights to Ulaanbaatar are not included.
Is a sleeping bag provided?
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No. A personal sleeping bag is not included and must be brought by each guest. We recommend a 3-season bag rated to at least −5 °C / 23 °F; nights at base camp can be very cold even in summer.
Is there phone signal during the tour?
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Mobile signal is available in Ölgii town only. There is no signal in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Download offline maps before departure and let your family know you will be unreachable during Days 2–5.
Is travel insurance required?
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Yes, with medical evacuation cover, because the route is remote.
Do I need a border zone permit for Altai Tavan Bogd, and do you arrange it?
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Yes. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park lies in the border zone with China and Russia, so a border zone permit is required. We arrange it for you together with the national park permits — just send us a copy of your passport when you book.
How cold is it at night in the mountains?
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Cold, even in summer. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least −5 °C / 23 °F. At base camp, July and August nights are typically around −2 °C to +5 °C and can drop below freezing.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
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Mild headaches or tiredness are possible above 3,000 m. Day 1 in Ölgii helps you acclimatise. Your guide watches for symptoms; if they get worse, you rest and return to lower ground, and the climb can be skipped.
Is this tour in Western Mongolia safe?
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The route is remote, with no phone signal from Day 2 to Day 5, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is required. Experienced local guides accompany you throughout, carry a first-aid kit and, in an emergency, arrange transport back to Ölgii.
What is the difference between Malchin Peak and Potanin Glacier?
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Malchin Peak (4,051 m) is the optional summit on Day 4. Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s largest glacier, is visible from base camp and reachable as a short detour, depending on conditions.
What is this tour at a glance?
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6 days · Moderate · From $992 per person · Up to 8 travellers · June–September. Highest point: Malchin Peak, 4,051 m (13,290 ft) · Base camp about 2,400 m · Longest days 5–7 h walking · No technical gear needed · Return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii included.
What does each day of the tour look like?
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Day 1 — Fly to Ölgii · Flight: about 2 h · Night: Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii
Day 2 — Drive to White River Valley (Tsagaan Gol) · Drive: about 5–6 h · Night: Tent camp or ger near the park
Day 3 — Hike or ride to Altai Tavan Bogd base camp · About 16 km / 4–5 h · Night: Tent at base camp
Day 4 — Optional climb of Malchin Peak (4,051 m) · About 6–7 h · Night: Tent at base camp
Day 5 — Drive to Ölgii, eagle hunter family · Drive: about 4–5 h · Night: Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii
Day 6 — Fly to Ulaanbaatar · Flight: about 2 h · Night: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
PHOTOS
On the trail
MORE IN THE ALTAI
You might also like
Which Altai tour is right for you?
Mongolia Horse Riding Tour — 9 days · Moderate, horse riding with one summit day · Highest point: Malchin Peak, 4,051 m · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 8 · From $1,139 per person
Altai Tavan Bogd Hiking (this tour) — 6 days · Moderate fitness, optional summit day · Highest point: Malchin Peak, 4,051 m (optional) · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 5 · From $992 per person
Eagle Hunter & Nomadic Life — 8 days · Moderate trekking sections, no technical climbing · Highest point: Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, about 2,400 m (no summit) · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 6 · From $1,120 per person
FROM THE BLOG
Read before you hike
● 5 min read
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● 4 min read
BOOK OR ASK A QUESTION
Talk to our team in Bayan-Ölgii
Flat 606, Happy Town 3, Bayan-Ölgii 18700, Mongolia
Written by the Vacations Mongolia team · Updated October 2026