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 4374 m, in the far west, where China, Russia and Mongolia share a common border. The climb 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

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Upon your arrival at the Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport in Mongolia, you will meet the Mongolei Reisen crew and transfer to the 4 star hotel, conveniently situated in downtown Ulaanbaatar. After freshening up from your trip, we will spend the day with a walking tour of some of the capital’s most noteworthy sites starting out at the Museum of National History where you’ll encounter exhibits highlighting the amazing history of the Mongolian people. The museum has several interested exhibits of national costumes and some artifacts from time of Chinggis Khaan. From the museum, it’s a short walk to the heart of Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar Square. Here we will see the statue of Sukhbaatar, the hero of the Mongolian revolution, the Parliament house, National Opera, and City Hall. found. In the evening, you will attend a performance of traditional dancing and singing. Mongolia is best known for the traditional form of throat singing, khoomii, and the horse-headed fiddle that accompanies many traditional songs. Overnight in hotel (L, D)

Day 2: Bayan – Olgii city
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for the morning flight to Olgii. This is the center of Bayan-Olgii province, the only Muslim province in Mongolia. About 90% of its inhabitants are of Kazakh descent. The flight takes 4 hours including the stopover for fuel. Our expert and interpreter will accompany you on the flight. On arrival at the local airport our staff will meet you and drive you out of town for lunch. After lunch we will head west out of Olgii, towards the Altai Mountains and set up camp on the way – near Ulaan Khus soum – in the late afternoon. Overnight in tents (B, L, D)

Day 3: Oigoryn River – Tavan Bogd Mountain
This morning we will continue driving until we reach the Oigoryn River. This river lies near the foothills of Tavan Bogd Mountain. The entire area is within the boundaries of a National Park and is patrolled by park rangers. It is also a border area as Mongolia, China, Russia and Kazakhstan all lie close to the peak of the mountain. We will make 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. Overnight in tents (B, L, D)

Days 4 – 8: 5 days hiking – Tavan Bogd
Mountain – Potanin glacier We will begin hiking towards Tavan Bogd Mountain. Meaning the 5 Kings, it comprises five neighboring peaks. Our camp will be at an altitude of 2900m at the foot of a peak, called Malchin Peak. Our hike to this camp will take one day and our entire luggage; food and supplies, will be carried either on horse or camel back. Over the following four days we will climb at least two of the peaks. To reach the peaks we have to pass over a large glacier, which lies between our base camp and the mountain. This glacier is known as Pontanin’s Glacier. An intermediate camp will be made on the other side of the glacier and from this camp we will make our forays up the mountain peaks. Overnight in tents (B, L, D)

Day 9: Return to Oigoryn River
Today we will trek back to our original base camp on the banks of the Oigoryn River. Our drivers will be waiting for us at the camp with a hearty Mongolian meal. This is our last day of our trekking. Overnight in tents (B, L, D)

Day 10: Khovd River
Today we will get back into the vehicles and drive towards Olgii. We will set up camp in the early evening outside the town of Olgii, on the banks of the Khovd River. Overnight in tents (B, L, D)

Day 11: Olgii – return flight to Ulaanbaatar
Today we will drive into Olgii and take the local flight back to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival we will be met and you will be transferred to your hotel for dinner and the night. Overnight in hotel (B, L, D)

Day 12: Sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar
Today we’ll visit the Bogd Khaan’s Winter Palace Museum – a historical museum that displays exotic Buddhist tankas, god statues and illustrates the lifestyle of last Emperor of Mongolia who ruled through the late 19th and the early 20th centuries. The rest of the day is free for you. This evening enjoy a performance of traditional dancers and khoomii (throat) singers. Overnight in hotel (B, L, D)

Day 13: Departure
Our adventure together ends with your transfer back to the Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport for your departure.