Hiking tours
10-Day Altai Tavan Bogd Trekking & Malchin Peak Adventure
Horse trekking, glacier scenery and the non-technical summit of Malchin Peak in the Mongolian Altai.
Overview
Experience the spectacular landscapes of Mongolia's Altai Mountains on this 10-day trekking adventure. Travel to the remote Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, ride horses through beautiful river valleys, stay with local Tuvan and Kazakh families, and trek to the famous Potanin Glacier. The highlight of the expedition is the ascent of Malchin Peak (4,051 m), one of Mongolia's most accessible snow-capped peaks, offering breathtaking views of Mongolia, Russia, and China. This tour combines horse trekking, mountain hiking, cultural experiences, glacier scenery, and high-altitude adventure in one of Mongolia's most stunning wilderness areas.
Photo gallery
Field images
4 photos
Itinerary
Day by day
Exact roads can change with weather and local conditions. Drive times shown here come from the itinerary notes.
01
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Drive: Airport – Hotel (50 km, 1–1.5 hrs)
Airport pickup Hotel check-in Tour briefing and equipment check Welcome dinner
02
Flight to Ulgii → Oigor River
Flight: Ulaanbaatar → Ulgii (3 hrs) · Drive: 110 km (4–5 hrs)
Fly to Ulgii, the center of Mongolia's Kazakh culture, then drive to the beautiful Oigor River Valley inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Highlights Scenic flight across Mongolia Visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park Spectacular mountain landscapes Meet local horse handlers
03
5 Horse Trekking along the Oigor River to Tsagaan River
Horse Riding: 20–25 km (3–5 hrs) daily
This scenic horse trek follows ancient nomadic trails through the spectacular landscapes of the Mongolian Altai. Traveling from the Oigor River to the Tsagaan River area, visitors experience dramatic mountain scenery, pristine valleys, and traditional Kazakh culture. The route offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, and exploring one of Mongolia's most remote and beautiful wilderness regions....
06
Trek to Potanin Glacier Base Camp
Hiking: 14 km (4–5 hrs)
Leave the horses behind and hike toward the famous Potanin Glacier, Mongolia's longest glacier. Highlights Trek through glacial valley Spectacular mountain views Potanin Glacier scenery Arrival at Base Camp
07
Malchin Peak Summit (4,051 m)
Hiking: 12–14 km (8–10 hrs round trip)
The ascent of Malchin Peak (4,051 m) is one of the highlights of the Mongolian Altai. Unlike the region's glaciated peaks, Malchin can be climbed without technical mountaineering equipment, making it a popular trekking objective. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and the borders of Mongolia, Russia, and China....
08
Trek to Tsagaan Gol → Drive to Ulgii
Hiking: 14 km (4–5 hrs) · Drive: 170 km (4–5 hrs)
Hike back to the local family camp before driving to Ulgii. Highlights Final views of Altai Mountains Farewell to local hosts Return to Ulgii
09
Flight to Ulaanbaatar
Flight: Ulgii → Ulaanbaatar (3 hrs) · Drive: Airport Transfer
Highlights Return flight to Ulaanbaatar
10
Departure
Drive: Hotel → Airport (52 km, 1–1.5 hrs)
Highlights Airport transfer End of expedition
What’s included
Airport pickup and airport transfer in Ulaanbaatar
All ground transportation during the tour (4WD vehicle with driver)
English-speaking tour guide
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Ger camps in the countryside
All meals during the countryside tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Entrance fees to national parks and sightseeing areas
Horse riding in Bayanulgii province
Bottled drinking water during the trip
Fuel and road fees
Not included
International and domestic airfare
Travel insurance
Mongolian visa fee (if required)
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, minibar, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Tips for the guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Additional hotel nights in Ulaanbaatar outside the program
Packing notes
Warm layered clothing (temperature swings are big)
Windproof jacket (very important)
Waterproof boots
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Personal medications
Power bank / spare batteries
Field notes
Roads are rough → expect long, bumpy drives
No paved roads in many areas
Remote regions → limited shops & facilities
Nights can be cold even in summer
Can change quickly: sun, wind, cold in one day
Recommended tours
Similar journeys to consider
A day toursKhustai National Park - Private Day Tour
Track the world’s last truly wild horses across open steppe near Ulaanbaatar.
From $170per person
A day toursHiking Tsetsee Gun Peak & Visiting Manzushir Monastery - Private Day Tour
Hike through forest to Bogd Khan Mountain’s high ridges and visit historic Manzushir Monastery.
From $160per person
A day toursChinggis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex & Terelj National Park - Private Day Tour
A polished first encounter with Mongolia’s history, granite landscapes and nomadic hospitality.
From $150per person