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Altai Mountains Trekking: base camp, Malchin Peak and the glacier lakes
Nine days on old Kazakh nomad trails in Bayan-Ölgii. Camp below Altai Tavan Bogd, summit Malchin Peak at 4,051 m, sleep by Khoton & Khurgan lakes and finish with an eagle hunter family.
9 Days / 8 Nights
Max 8 travellers
Camels carry the gear
Flights UB ⇄ Ölgii included
DURATION
9 days / 8 nights
DIFFICULTY
Moderate, 5–7 h/day
HIGHEST POINT
4,051 m
GROUP SIZE
Max 10
SEASON
June – September
PRICE FROM
$1,116 pp
OVERVIEW
A slow, quiet trek through the high Altai
Walk the paths Kazakh herders have used for generations, with a local guide, an expedition cook and camels carrying the gear. Days are unhurried, with time to rest, take photos and take in the view.
✓
Two nights at Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, below the “Five Saint Peaks”
✓
Optional summit of Malchin Peak (4,051 m), no technical gear needed
✓
Side trek to Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s largest, weather permitting
✓
Two lakeside nights at Khoton & Khurgan with campfires and stargazing
✓
Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall and look out for marmots and eagles
✓
Golden eagle demonstration with a Kazakh eagle hunter family
THE ROUTE
Ölgii to the Five Saint Peaks and back
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Ölgii
Oigor Valley
Base Camp
Malchin Peak
White River
Khoton Lake
Baga Turgen
Eagle hunters
Ulaanbaatar
Fly in from UB
Drive, start trek
Trek 4–6 h
4,051 m
Trek 4–6 h
Drive 4–5 h
Waterfall hike
Back to Ölgii
Fly back
ITINERARY
Day by day
Open all days
DAY 1
Fly to Bayan-Ölgii
Fly from Ulaanbaatar, meet your Kazakh guide and get to know Ölgii town.
✈ Domestic flight
Flight ~2 h
Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day details +
Morning domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar (about 2 hours)
Airport pickup by your driver and Kazakh guide
Bayan-Ölgii Museum: Kazakh culture, history and wildlife
Local bazaar for handicrafts and souvenirs
Welcome dinner with traditional Kazakh food
DAY 2
Drive to Oigor Valley and start trekking
Cross mountain passes towards the Altai, meet the camel team and set off through Oigor Valley.
Drive 4–5 h
Tent or ger
Day details +
Drive through mountain passes and river valleys
Picnic lunch with views of the snow-capped Altai
Meet your local horse and camel handlers
First afternoon on the trail through Oigor Valley
DAY 3
Trek to Altai Tavan Bogd base camp
Alpine meadows and glacial streams lead up to base camp below the Five Saint Peaks.
Trek 4–6 h
Tent
Day details +
Trek through alpine meadows, rivers and glacial streams
Learn about the Tavan Bogd massif and its meaning to locals
Optional Side trek to Potanin Glacier, weather permitting
Arrive and set up camp at base camp (~2,400 m)
DAY 4
Summit day: Malchin Peak
Climb the lowest of the five peaks for views over glaciers into Russia and China. Optional.
⛰ 4,051 m
Full day
Tent
Day details +
Early start from base camp
Ascent of Malchin Peak; no technical climbing gear needed
Panoramic views of peaks, glaciers and alpine valleys
Back at base camp in the afternoon
Optional Rest day or short hike near camp instead
DAY 5
Trek to White River Valley
Leave base camp and walk down through meadows and streams to White River Valley.
Trek 4–6 h
Tent
Day details +
Morning departure from base camp
Alpine meadows, rivers and glacial streams
Optional Potanin Glacier, if skipped on Day 3
Camp in White River Valley
DAY 6
Drive to Khoton & Khurgan lakes
Drive deeper into the national park to the lakes, with a campfire and stargazing in the evening.
Drive 4–5 h
Lakeside ger or tent
Day details +
Drive deeper into the park
Lakeshore walks and photo stops
Picnic lunch on the way
Campfire dinner by the lake
Optional Stargazing in the clear Altai sky
DAY 7
Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall
A round-trip hike to the waterfall through forested slopes, back to the lake for the evening.
Hike 3–4 h
Lakeside ger or tent
Day details +
Morning hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall
Picnic lunch by the waterfall
Optional Alpine meadow walk and wildlife spotting (marmots, eagles)
Campfire dinner
Optional Visit a nearby nomad family
DAY 8
Eagle hunter family and back to Ölgii
Watch a golden eagle demonstration with a Kazakh eagle hunter family, then drive back to town.
Drive 5–6 h
Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day details +
Visit a Kazakh eagle hunter family
Golden eagle training and hunting demonstration
Photos with the eagles and hunters
Afternoon drive back to Ölgii
DAY 9
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 +
Transfer to Ölgii airport
Return flight to Ulaanbaatar (about 2 hours)
Hotel transfer
State Department Store for souvenirs
Optional Throat-singing and dance show
PRICES
Price per person
How much does an Altai Mountains trek cost? This 9-day trek costs from $1,116 per person for groups of 7–8, $1,956 per person for two travellers and $2,912 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
$2,912
2 travellers
$1,956
3–4 travellers
$1,421
5–6 travellers
$1,205
7–8 travellers
$1,116
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 9 days. Up to 8 travellers per group. Private tours are possible on other dates.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included and not included
Included
✓ Return domestic flights Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar
✓ Airport pickup and drop-off
✓ Hotel, ger and tent accommodation
✓ All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
✓ Bottled water and snacks
✓ English-speaking tour guide
✓ Experienced local driver, vehicle and fuel
✓ Expedition cook
✓ Camping and cooking equipment
✓ Camel support with handlers
✓ Visit to a Kazakh eagle hunter family
✓ National park permits, local fees and entrance tickets
✓ Visa support with an official invitation letter
Not included
✕ International flights
✕ Visa fees
✕ Travel insurance
✕ Sleeping bag
✕ Excess baggage on domestic flights (over 15 kg)
✕ Airport taxes (if applicable)
✕ Alcoholic drinks
✕ Extra drinks at hotels and restaurants
✕ Personal expenses and equipment
✕ Tips for guide, driver and staff
✕ Anything not listed under Included
IS IT FOR ME?
Moderate trek, no experience needed
Difficulty: moderate
5–7 h
longest walking days
4,051 m
highest point (optional)
~2,400 m
base camp altitude
6 nights
in tents or gers
A good fit if you…
Can walk 5–6 hours a day with a daypack
Are happy camping with basic facilities
Want nature and quiet more than comfort
Don’t mind a week without phone signal
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
June to September. July and August are warmest; September has golden light and fewer people. June can still bring snow on high passes.
Accommodation
Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii, tents in the mountains, lakeside ger or tent at Khoton. Every camp is checked by our team.
Meals
Hearty meals made by our cook with mutton, beef, rice, noodles and fresh vegetables. Vegetarian on request. Bring your own alcohol if you like.
Transport
Air-conditioned vans or modern 4WD vehicles. Driving days cover about 200–250 km.
What to bring
3-season sleeping bag (−5 °C), waterproof boots, warm layers, waterproof jacket, trekking poles, sun hat, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, headlamp, water tablets and a first-aid kit. We send a full list when you book.
Phone and internet
Mobile signal in Ölgii town only. No signal or Wi-Fi from Day 2 to Day 8. Download offline maps.
REVIEWS
What trekkers 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 trekkers ask
How difficult is this trek?
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Moderate. The longest days are 5–7 hours of walking on mountain trails, with some steep ascents and river crossings. No trekking experience is needed, but a good base level of fitness is. Malchin Peak (Day 4) is the hardest part and needs no technical gear.
Is the Malchin Peak climb mandatory?
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No. If you’d rather rest or take a shorter hike near base camp, you can. Your guide stays with whichever group needs support.
How high does the trek go?
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Base camp is at about 2,400 m and Malchin Peak at 4,051 m (13,290 ft). Mild headaches or tiredness are possible above 3,000 m. Day 1 in Ölgii helps you acclimatise. Tell us about any heart or respiratory conditions before booking.
When is the best time to go?
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June to September. July and August are warmest; September is best for photography, with golden light and fewer people. June can still have snow on high passes. We don’t run this trek from October to May.
Are domestic flights included?
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Yes. Return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii (Hunnu Air or MIAT, about 2 hours each way) are in the price. International flights are not.
Can I trek solo?
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Yes. We run private departures on flexible dates, and can match you with other solo travellers going at the same time to lower the per-person price.
How big are the groups?
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Up to 8 people; most departures have 2–6. Private tours for couples, friends or families run on any date.
Is a sleeping bag included?
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No. Bring a 3-season sleeping bag rated to at least −5 °C / 23 °F. Mountain nights are cold even in summer.
Where do we sleep?
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Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii (Days 1 and 8), tents in the mountains (Days 2–5), a lakeside ger or tent at Khoton (Days 6–7) and a hotel in Ulaanbaatar (Day 9). All camping gear except sleeping bags is provided.
Is there phone signal or Wi-Fi?
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Only in Ölgii town. There is no signal or internet in the mountains from Day 2 to Day 8. Download offline maps and let your family know.
Can I see the Potanin Glacier?
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Yes, as an optional side trek on Day 3 or Day 5, depending on weather and trail conditions. Your guide decides on the day.
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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[[ANSWER – confirm with team]]
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 and the summit is optional. [[What the guide does if symptoms get worse – confirm with team]]
Is trekking in Western Mongolia safe?
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The route is remote, with no phone signal from Day 2 to Day 8, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is required. [[Emergency plan – confirm with team]]
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 an optional side trek on Day 3 or Day 5, weather permitting.
What is this trek at a glance?
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9 days · Moderate · From $1,116 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 trek look like?
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Day 1 — Fly to Ölgii · Walking: – · Distance: – · Altitude: Ölgii, about 1,710 m · Night: Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day 2 — Drive to Oigor Valley, start trekking · Drive: about 4–5 h · Walking: short first stage with the horse team · Night: Tent or ger near the park
Day 3 — Trek to Altai Tavan Bogd base camp · Walking: 4–6 h · Distance: about 12–16 km · Max altitude: about 2,400 m · Night: Tent
Day 4 — Summit day: Malchin Peak · Walking: Full day · Distance: about 11 km round trip · Max altitude: 4,051 m · Night: Tent
Day 5 — Trek to White River Valley · Walking: 4–6 h · Distance: about 12 km · Max altitude: about 2,400 m (leaving base camp) · Night: Tent
Day 6 — Drive to Khoton & Khurgan lakes · Walking: – · Distance: – · Altitude: lakes at about 1,800–2,000 m · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 7 — Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall · Walking: 3–4 h round trip · Altitude: lake area, about 1,800–2,000 m · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 8 — Eagle hunter family, back to Ölgii · Walking: – · Drive: about 5–6 h · Altitude: down to Ölgii, about 1,710 m · Night: Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day 9 — Fly to Ulaanbaatar · Walking: – · Distance: – · Max altitude: – · Night: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
PHOTOS
On the trail
MORE IN THE ALTAI
You might also like
Which Altai tour is right for you?
Altai Mountains Trekking (this tour) — 9 days · Moderate, one summit day · Highest point: Malchin Peak, 4,051 m · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 8 · From $1,116 per person
Altai Tavan Bogd Hiking — 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 trek
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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