Arrival in UB and city tour

Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, our local staffs (drivers and guide) will pick you up at the international airport of Chinggis khan. You will be transferred to a centrally located three-star hotel.
At noon, you will be escorted for a guided city tour that highlights the city’s most notable attractions, impressive National History Museum, Sukhbaatar Square and the Parliament building.
As the evening approaches, at 6:00 PM, experience a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh ensemble, featuring folk dances, contortion, and khoomii, the unique throat singing, followed by a welcome dinner.

Flight to Olgii, the western border of Mongolia

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Olgii, either early this morning or in the afternoon, depending on the schedule. Olgii, the capital of Bayan-Olgii province, is a vibrant region inhabited by the Tuvan, Kazakh and Uriankhai peoples.
After 3-hour domestic flight, you will be greeted by your support team, including drivers, cooks, and guides, and begin your journey to Tavan Bogd National Park. About 5-hours’ drive through the stunning mountainous and desertic steppes will lead us to Shiveet Khairkhan valley, where we will set up our camp. Later in the evening, local herders will arrive with their pack camels, ready to transport our camp equipment, luggage, and food for the days ahead.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and spend a restful night in the tented camp.

Beginning of our trek towards White river

Our luggage, gear, and supplies will be transported by camels guided by Tuvan herders. So each participant should carry a small backpack with essentials like water, a raincoat, and hiking snacks.
After breakfast, we will take a hike around Shiveet, the holy mountain worshipped by Tuvan nomads. There, we will explore ancient rock paintings that show impressive hunting scenes and the wild animals that once roamed this area. After that, we will return to our camp.
Then, we will begin our trek with a camel caravan to the gateway of Tavan Bogd National Park, where we will meet the local rangers after crossing the white river on a bridge. Along the way, we will walk through meadows filled with colorful wildflowers and see ancient burial sites with human-like statues.

Setting up camp on the banks of White river.

Trekking day to the Base camp

Today, we will hike 18 km to the base camp of Mt. Khuiten, once our camel caravan is ready. The trail features a gentle uphill climb, offering stunning views of the Potanin and Alexander glaciers, as well as the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival, we will set up camp at the scenic base of Mt. Khuiten, embracing breathtaking beauty of the Altai Mountains.

Ascent of Malchin peak (4050m)

We will stay at the same campsite for one day to climb Malchin (4050m), to the Mongolia-Russian borderline. We’ll start hiking along glacier moraine then traverse marshlands to reach at the foot of the mountain. The ascent takes approximately 4 hours, with an additional 2 hours for the descent (However, the total time may vary between 6-9 hours depending on participants’ fitness levels and weather conditions.). At the summit, revel in breathtaking views of the valley, Tavan Bogd’s snow-capped peaks, and the Potanin Glacier.

Back to Tsagaan gol, White River

Today, we begin our last day of trekking as we depart from Base Camp towards the lower entrance of Tavan Bogd National Park, an area where the Tuvan people have lived for centuries. As we leave, we will pass the blue-white lake at the end of the Potanin Glacier. We’ll then make a gentle descent through Tsagaan Gol Valley, enjoying the sight of the fast-flowing river filled with glacial silt. Our belongings and camping gear will be carried by camels for the last time. We will spend the night camping in tents.

Drive to Syrgaal: Khoton and Khurgan lakes

Today, we’ll drive to Sagsai village, home to traditional eagle hunters. We’ll visit a Kazakh family renowned for their ancient skill of hunting with Golden Eagles. Although the actual hunting happens in winter, you’ll have the chance to meet the eagle hunter, take photos with the beautiful eagle, and learn about their way of life.
In the evening, we’ll arrive back in Olgii in time for dinner and will stay overnight at the same hotel.

Hiking to Baga Tugen waterfall

You will hike along the beautiful gorges of the Baga Turgen River, located in a clean, untouched wilderness. The waterfall, which comes from snow-covered mountains, is 15 meters tall, making it the tallest in the area. The nearby mountains are filled with Siberian larch, fir trees, and wild currants. This area is located within a protected zone near the national border with China. Today, you will also get a chance to visit a family of eagle hunters or tomorrow on the way to Olgii.

Drive back to Olgii

We will take 5-hour drive back to Olgii. On the way, we’ll stop for lunch and visit a Kazakh family known for their ancient practice of hunting with Golden Eagles. Although actual hunting takes place in winter, you’ll have a chance to talk with the eagle hunter, take photos with the eagle, and learn about their way of living.
Once we arrive in Olgii, you can visit the local market and regional museum. We’ll spend the night at a local hotel.

Return flight to Ulaanbaatar

Transfer to Olgii Airport, where we will board our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Once you arrive, check in at your hotel. You will have free time for the rest of the day. In the evening, we will come together for a farewell dinner.

Departure: See you next time 🙂

Transfer to International Airport for your journey back home. You can choose your return transfer time based on your flight.