Climbing Western Mongolia - the Five Kings of the Altai
Included In-Country Services
Climbing Western Mongolia
The Mongolian Altai Mountain Range stretches across the south and west of Mongolia. Its highest point is the Tavan Bogd peak at an altitude of 4370m, in the far west, where China, Russia and Mongolia share a common border. Climbing Western Mongolia is challenging for any experienced climber, due to its technical nature. The 19 km long Potanin Glacier lies at the foot of the mountains.
The climate in this high mountain area can be extreme, since it is above the tree line. There is very little vegetation, giving the surrounding landscape a barren appearance. Very few species have adapted to these harsh conditions and the area is characterized by tundra, lichen-covered rocks, alpine meadows and high mountain swamps. The Glacier is used by some of the large mammals of Mongolia to cross westwards through the mountain range. Footprints from brown bears as well as snow leopards can often be found.
Our Climbing Western Mongolia journey begins in the far western province of Mongolia via Bayan Ulgii – requires us to travel by plane, jeep, and on foot. This province not only holds some of the most spectacular peaks in the Altai Mountain Range, but it also has some of the most diverse and culturally interesting inhabitants of Mongolia. The Kazakh minority group makes up the core of it, followed by Tuvan and Uriankhai people.
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Flight Transfer and Welcoming Dinner
You will be transferred to the airport for the morning flight to Ulgii. This is the center of Bayan Ulgii province, and the only Muslim province in Mongolia. About 90% of the inhabitants in the area are of Kazakh descent, having arrived from the western part of China in the 1800s after the Mongolian Government gave them land.
The flight takes 4 hours, including a stopover for fuel. Your guide will accompany you on the flight. On arrival at the local airport our staff will meet you and take you out of town for lunch. After lunch we will head west out of Ulgii, towards the Altai Mountains, and set up camp (near Ulaan Khus) in the late afternoon.
Today We’ll Travel Overland by Jeep to Our Starting Point – Climbing Western Mongolia Trip
Today we will continue driving until we reach the Tsagaan River. This river lies near the foothills of the Tavan Bogd Mountain and drains the Potanin and Alexander Glaciers. The entire area is within the bounds of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. We will set up our base camp near the river. Our vehicles will remain at this base camp for the next 5 days while we continue on foot towards the peak.
Today We’ll Be Hiking Towards Tavan Bogd Mountain as We Make Our Way to the Climbing Point
Today we will begin hiking towards the Tavan Bogd Mountain. The name of this mountain is ‘Five Kings,’ as the mountain itself is comprised of five different peaks. The highest peak is called Khuiten and is at an elevation of 4370m.
Our camp will be at an altitude of 3100m on the edge of the Potanin Glacier, and is at the foot of another peak, called Malchin Peak (4037m). Our hike to tonight’s camp will take one day and all of our luggage – food and supplies – will be carried on camel back.
Today We Begin Our Climbing Western Mongolia Trip with Malchin Peak
Today We’ll Hike to our Next Camp Site
Today We Continue Our Climbing Western Mongolia with Mount Khuiten
Climbing Western Mongolia – Nairamdal Peak
Today We’ll Hike to Our Tsagaan River Base Camp
Today Is “Take It Easy Day”
Overland by Jeep to Ulgii
Return Flight to Ulaanbaatar
NTM-002, 25 May – 7 June
Price per person for a group of more than 9 people:
USD3.524
Single supplement: USD150
2 domestic flights, transportation within Mongolia, twin accommodation in a 4 star hotel. Single accommodation can be arranged at an additional cost. Tented accommodation while on trek, three meals a day, English-speaking guide, all sightseeing costs, transfers, camel or horse hire where specified, support staff including drivers, horse/camel men and camp assistants.
International transportation, travel insurance, visas, departure tax, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, items of a personal nature.
It is the responsibility of the client to be fully covered with travel and medical insurance while traveling in Mongolia.
An additional ‘single supplement’ price is given with all our prices. This refers to single room accommodation in hotels only. Upon request, a single supplement in the countryside can be provided at the additional cost. In case single accommodation in ger camps was not provided the amount would be calculated based on the missing nights and reimbursed.
Nomads cannot be held responsible for over bookings, as long as the company can prove with sufficient documentation that overbooking has been the error of the third party.
Should circumstances beyond our control, such as the imposition of quarantine restrictions, any changes of the domestic flight or train schedules, require a change of itinerary, we will inform your agent and propose an equivalent itinerary. Again, Nomads cannot take over the responsibility for the Airlines or the National Train Company. The traveler is responsible for having proper travel documents, such as a valid passport, proper visa, and the necessary passport pictures.
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