Cross remote alpine valleys on foot and by horse, camping beside glacial rivers, before spending two nights with a Kazakh eagle-hunting family in Bayan-Ölgii. This is our most immersive mountain itinerary — small groups only, led by guides who grew up in these valleys.
Highlights
- Non-technical ascent of Malchin Peak (approx. 4,050m), with views into Mongolia, Russia and China
- Trek through Altai Tavan Bogd National Park’s alpine valleys and glacial rivers
- Khoton & Khurgan Lakes and the UNESCO-listed petroglyphs of Tsagaan Salaa
- Horseback ride to Turgen Waterfall
- Two-night homestay with a Kazakh eagle-hunting family
- Learn eagle training methods and daily nomadic life in the Altai
- Return trek via the Sagsai eagle hunters’ village
- Small-group, guide-led immersive mountain itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ölgii
Day 2-3: Into the Altai — base camp & border lakes
Day 4: Malchin Peak (non-technical ascent)
Day 5-6: Khoton & Khurgan Lakes and ancient petroglyphs
Day 7-8: Turgen Waterfall & horseback to an eagle hunter family
Day 9: Eagle hunter homestay
Day 10-11: Return trek via Sagsai Valley
Day 12: Depart Ölgii
Trip details
Activities
Trekking on foot and horseback across alpine valleys, a non-technical ascent of Malchin Peak, and a horseback ride to Turgen Waterfall.
Accommodation
Yurts, riverside camping, and local guesthouses.
Transportation
Domestic flights between Ulaanbaatar and western Mongolia, a 4×4 support vehicle, and horses for the trekking and homestay sections.
Meals
All meals included during the trekking and western Mongolia portion of the tour.
What’s included
Included
- Local English-speaking trekking guide
- All ground transport (4×4 support vehicle)
- All accommodation during the tour (yurts, camping, local guesthouses)
- All meals during the trekking and western Mongolia portion
- Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar ↔ western Mongolia)
- National park entrance and permit fees
- Horse trekking arrangements
Not included
- Accommodation and meals in Ulaanbaatar
- International flights
- Mongolia visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal gear and tips
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be fit to climb Malchin Peak?
Yes. Participants should have good physical fitness and prior hiking experience. Although the climb is non-technical, it is a long and demanding hiking day at high altitude, which requires endurance and steady pacing.
Is Malchin Peak a technical climb?
No. Most of the route follows a clear, well-defined hiking path. Near the summit, hikers cross large, flat rock slabs that are stable and not technically difficult. No ropes, crampons or climbing equipment are required in summer.
What is the elevation gain during the climb?
Base camp sits at approximately 3,000 metres. You will gain about 1,000 metres in elevation to reach the summit at 4,050 metres.
How long does it take to climb Malchin Peak?
The ascent and descent take approximately 8–10 hours round trip, done at a slow, steady pace with regular breaks for rest, hydration and photography.
Will water and food be provided on summit day?
Yes. Drinking water is provided and packed lunch boxes are prepared and carried for the ascent day.
What should I wear on ascent day?
We recommend a windproof jacket or windbreaker, warm layers, waterproof outer layers, and comfortable hiking boots with good grip. Carry an extra warm layer in a small daypack, as weather can change quickly at altitude.
What is the temperature like on Malchin Peak?
Late July, August and early September offer the most stable, relatively warmer weather, though mornings and summit areas can still be cold and windy even in summer.
Do I need to carry a heavy backpack during the climb?
No. You only need a small daypack with water, packed lunch, extra warm clothing, and personal items such as a camera and sunglasses.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
The itinerary includes gradual acclimatization before the climb, and our guides closely monitor participants, adjusting the pace to ensure safety and comfort.
Can I skip the summit climb if I don’t feel ready?
Yes. If you feel tired or unwell, you may stay at base camp and enjoy the surrounding scenery instead — the summit attempt is optional.
Home to Malchin Peak, the Potanin Glacier, and the Kazakh eagle-hunting families of Bayan-Ölgii.
