Trekkers explore the vast, pristine landscape of Mongolia | Cam Cope
Trekkers explore the vast, pristine landscape of Mongolia  | Cam Cope
Beautifull valleys of the Tavan Bogd National park  | Allan Kirk
Spectacular glacial lake in Mongolia  | Cam Cope
Remote ger camp in Western Mongolia  | Allan Kirk
A traditional Mongolian camel herder  | Campbell Bridge
A well earned rest after a challenging day's trekking in western Mongolia.  | Tessa Chan
Unspoiled views of Khorton Nuur in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia  | Alan and Julie Marshall

Mongolian Tavan Bogd Trek

Be immersed in genuine wilderness and experience authentic nomadic culture

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 2 reviews

11 Days from

$2470 USD

Trip Code: TBT
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Trekking Pole hire
$25 USD
Sleeping Bag hire - Three-season rated approx -7°C to +2°C
$50 USD
Tent Only Single Supplement
$90 USD
Pre Trip Naadam Festival Extension 2026 - Single Supplement
$150 USD
Single Supplement
$190 USD
Pre Trip Naadam Festival Extension 2026 - Twin share
$790 USD

Duration

  • 11 Days

Activities

  • 4 day trek

Accommodation

  • 7 nights camping
  • 3 nights hotel

Meals

  • 9 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 10 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

45kg of CO2-e PP per day

(447kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Enjoy a fully supported trek in Mongolia’s remote west with comfortable wilderness camps, fresh cooked meals, and nights under skies filled with stars – all in just 11 days
  • Visit Tuvan herders in their summer pastures and meet Kazakh eagle hunters, keepers of an ancient tradition
  • Explore the Tsagaan Salaa rock art site (UNESCO), with thousands of Bronze and Iron Age carvings
  • Trek deep into Tavan Bogd National Park, where vast glaciers carve through valleys and Mongolia’s highest peaks dominate the horizon
  • Summit Malchin Peak (4,051m/13,287ft) for commanding views across glaciers and into neighbouring Russia

Overview

In just 11 days, discover one of Mongolia’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes, the Altai Mountains, where vast glaciers, sweeping valleys and nomadic culture meet.

Flying west, you’ll then trek into Tavan Bogd National Park, home to the “Five Holy Peaks”, the highest in Mongolia. With pack camels carrying the loads, you’ll walk light across alpine valleys with streams, grassy pastures and scree slopes, camp at 3,000m beneath snow-capped summits, and (for those who wish) climb Malchin Peak at 4,051m/13,287ft.

Along the way, you’ll explore the Tsagaan Salaa rock art site , UNESCO World Heritage carvings depicting animals, hunters and shamanic rituals. You’ll also spend time with Tuvan herders in their summer pastures, and meet Kazakh eagle hunters who continue one of Central Asia’s oldest traditions.

Each night, enjoy the comfort of your wilderness tent, hearty meals prepared by the crew, and the sheer quiet of Mongolia’s pristine backcountry.

This compact journey offers a hance to experience Mongolia’s vast wilderness, its resilient nomadic cultures and the challenge of trekking among glaciers and high peaks - all in less than two weeks

Itinerary

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On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, you will be met by our representative and transferred to a centrally located 4-star hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and recover from your international flight. This evening is at leisure. Activity approx: Transfers only (30–40 mins) Overnight: Bayangol Hotel, or similar

Meals: Nil

After breakfast we set out on a full day guided tour of Ulaanbaatar. We begin at the Gandan Monastery, the city’s principal Buddhist centre, before heading to the Zaisan Memorial, an elevated hilltop offering panoramic views across the capital. In Sükhbaatar Square, the central plaza, we admire the marble colonnade with imposing statues of Genghis (Chinggis) Khaan and his successors. We then explore the National Museum, which traces Mongolia’s history from prehistory through to the modern era. In the evening we enjoy a traditional folk performance, featuring throat singing, music, and contortion, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Activity approx: Guided sightseeing 6–7 hrs, mostly by vehicle with short walks. Overnight: Bayangol Hotel, or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we transfer to the airport for a flight west to Ulgii, the capital of Bayan-Ölgii(Ulgii) province. On arrival we meet our local support crew and set off in sturdy Russian vehicles for a 5-hour drive across mountainous desert landscapes. Our destination is the Tsagaan Salaa Valley, a remote alpine setting of swift rivers and flower-strewn meadows. This valley is home to one of the world’s most extensive rock art galleries (UNESCO World Heritage), with carvings dating from the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages depicting animals, hunting scenes, and ancient rituals. After settling into camp, there is time to wander among the petroglyphs and soak in the dramatic surroundings. Activity approx: 2 hr flight, 5 hr drive, light walking at site (1–2 hrs) Overnight: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today we journey deeper into the Altai Mountains, travelling through vast V-shaped valleys where streams flow down from glacier-capped peaks. The scenery alternates between lush alpine pastures dotted with Kazakh herders’ yurts and steep scree-covered slopes. Marmots are commonly seen along the way. By early afternoon we reach the entrance to Tavan Bogd National Park, the gateway to Mongolia’s highest peaks. This is the starting point of our trek. After setting up camp, there is free time to stretch your legs and explore the surrounding foothills. In the evening, local herders arrive with their pack camels, who will carry our supplies during the trek. Activity approx: 5–6 hrs drive, optional short walks near camp Overnight: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we begin our trek towards the Tavan Bogd Base Camp, the access point to Mongolia’s highest peaks, known as the “Five Holy.” The route follows high mountain terrain with gradual ascents, crossing a few boggy patches and shallow streams, and two short but steeper sections. Partway through the day, sweeping views of the snow-capped peaks and vast glaciers open up. Around lunchtime the camel caravan overtakes us on the trail, and we typically reach base camp by late afternoon. Our campsite sits just above 3,000m (9,840ft), offering spectacular panoramas of the Altai’s highest summits and largest glaciers. Activity approx: 4–5 hrs trekking, gradual ascent, 10km / 6mi. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s goal is to summit Malchin Peak, the only non-technical peak among the “Five Holy” that can be climbed without mountaineering gear. From base camp we follow the Potanin Glacier moraine for about an hour before beginning the ascent. The route is entirely on scree, but the trail is well-marked and steady, requiring only trekking poles. From the summit at 4,051m (13,287ft), we are rewarded with commanding views across glaciers, snow-clad peaks, and even into Russian territory. For those preferring a shorter option, there is the choice to hike to the ridge marking the Russia–Mongolia border, which still offers impressive vistas. We return to base camp by late afternoon. Activity approx: 7–9 hrs trekking, strenuous ascent and descent, 12–14km / 7–9mi. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving base camp behind, we begin our descent towards the lower gate of Tavan Bogd National Park. The route is mostly downhill, though we cross some marshy ground and streams along the way. About two-thirds of the trek brings us to the edge of a dramatic V-shaped valley, where the Tsagaan Gol River (White River) thunders below, carrying glacial silt from the surrounding peaks. After a steep descent we reach the riverside, where our campsite is set in a lush summer pastureland used by Tuvan herders with their camels. Enjoy a well earned rest and socialize with other travelers who might be camping at the designated camp ground. Activity approx: 4–5 hrs trekking, mostly downhill, 10km / 6mi. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we take an easy hike to visit a Tuvan family, most likely one of the camel herders who have been with us during the trek. The Tuvans, also known as Uriankhai, are a Turkic-origin ethnic group traditionally practicing nomadic herding and shamanism, today blended with Tibetan Buddhism. Guests are welcomed to learn about their way of life and share traditional food and drinks. Afterwards, we continue on to Holy Shiveet Mountain (Shiveet Khairkhan). The broad summit offers excellent chances to spot wild mountain goats (Capra sibirica), almost always present in the area. For those preferring a gentler option, a walk around the base reveals extensive rock carvings with fascinating depictions of ancient hunting scenes. We return to our camp beside the mountain. Activity approx: 4–5 hrs trekking, cultural visit included, 8–10km / 5–6mi. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today we retrace our route by vehicle on the 7-hour drive back to Ulgi, the provincial capital. En route we stop at a Kazakh family home to learn about the ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles, preserved by Mongolia’s Kazakh minority. Although actual hunting takes place in winter, this is a unique opportunity to understand the practice, meet the eagle hunters, and even feel the weight of one of these powerful birds on your arm. In the evening, a traditional Kazakh dinner accompanied by music and songs offers a warm cultural finale to our time in the Altai. Activity approx: 7 hrs driving, cultural visit en route. Overnight: Makhsum Hotel, or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for the return flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the city at leisure; you may choose to visit a local market, visit a museum, some last-minute souvenir shopping or simply enjoy a nearby cafe. In the evening we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate our journey through Mongolia’s remote Altai Mountains. Activity approx: 2 hr flight, transfers Overnight: Bayangol Hotel, or similar

Meals: B,D

Our adventure concludes today. After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Activity approx: Airport transfer only (30–40 mins)

Meals: B

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Welcome to Mongolia’s Naadam Festival. On arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel by our representative. The rest of the day is free to relax or take a short walk to Sukhbaatar Square, where early festival events and performances are often underway. Your guide will join you for Days 2 and 3. Activity approx: Airport transfer only (1-2 hours, as traffic is heightened around Naadam) Overnight: Bayangol Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

After breakfast, at 8 AM, you’ll join your English-speaking guide for a short walk to Sukhbaatar Square to witness the morning flag ceremony, state honorary guards on horseback carrying the State White Banners to the National Sports Stadium. The Naadam Festival Opening Ceremony begins at 11 AM, featuring a grand parade of athletes and performers in traditional costume, with music, and dance. The Mongolian president delivers the official address as the Nine White Banners are raised – a symbol of the power of the ancient khans. Following the ceremony, you’ll have time to explore the festival grounds, taste local foods and watch the first rounds of wrestling and archery before walking back to your hotel. Overnight: Bayangol Hotel or similar Please note: Naadam is one of the most popular times to visit Ulaanbaatar, so please expect large crowds and possible delays, patience and flexibility will help make the most of this incredible cultural celebration.

Meals: B

This morning we drive around 1.5 hours to the Naadam horse racing grounds outside Ulaanbaatar, where the atmosphere is electric. Thousands of Mongolians in traditional dress gather to cheer on young jockeys racing across the open steppe. The races span six age categories and often feature hundreds of horses, showcasing Mongolia’s deep equestrian heritage. After several hours at the event, we return to the city and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, a chance to reflect on this unforgettable cultural experience. Drive approx: 3 hrs (return) Overnight: Bayangol Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

Today your trip concludes after breakfast. Enjoy a calm morning to rest, repack, or take a final stroll through the city before beginning Day 1 of your Tavan Bogd Trek adventure.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
  • Flights Ulaanbaatar/Olgi and Olgi/Ulaanbaatar (5kg + 15kg)
  • Airport transfers on day 1 & day 11
  • 6 nights fully supported tented camping on a twinshare basis, with foam sleeping mats
  • 4 nights hotel on twinshare basis
  • English speaking guide
  • Local guides, expedition cook, expedition pack animals and handlers
  • Potable drinking water on trek
  • Private vehicle transportation
  • Medical kit
  • Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
  • *Additional Inclusions only for Naadam Festival Pre/Post Extension
  • *Naadam opening ceremony ticket
  • *Transportation to horse racing grounds
  • *Arrival Airport Transfer

Not included

  • Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for hire)
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Excess baggage fee on domestic air travel
  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Drinks & Alcohol (Drinking water is provided)
  • Meals not indicated
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips
  • Visa

Reviews (2)

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