Altai Tavan Bogd NP & Bear Valley Trek

Highlights

• Trek through Mongolia’s highest mountain region, with sweeping views of Khuiten Peak and the massive Potanin Glacier inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.

Camel-Supported Trekking – Local camel teams carry gear through remote sections, adding comfort and authentic nomadic experience.

Takhilt Pass Crossing – A challenging climb to 3600 meters followed by a dramatic descent into the peaceful Baavgai Valley (Bear Valley).

Khoton and Khurgan Twin Lakes – Quiet glacial lakes surrounded by Kazakh herder families, offering swimming, short hikes, and slow cultural moments in a peaceful mountain setting.

Baga Turgen Waterfall – A refreshing hike to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the area before meeting a real eagle-hunter family and seeing how they live.

Tour summary

Imagine hiking through the snow-capped Altai with loaded camels and their horseman herders, passing nomad gers and herds grazing in green valleys squeezed between towering mountains. The journey mixes rugged travel in Japanese 4x4s and classic Russian vans with long, quiet days on foot through glacier country, camel-supported passes, and deep alpine valleys. It all ends among Kazakh nomad traditions, eagle hunters, and the calm shores of Khoton and Khurgan Lakes.
This trek blends the raw power of Altai Tavan Bogd’s high peaks with the stillness of Bear Valley and the cultural warmth of the western Mongolian frontier. Squeezed between Russia and China, the region remains raw, remote, and largely unchanged — a living slice of old Central Asia. Home to Durvud, Kazakh, Tuvan, Khoton, Myangad and Khalkh Mongols, it’s a place where traditions like eagle hunting and khöömii throat singing are still practiced much as they were centuries ago.

Customizable Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival & City Tour
Pick-up from the airport and transfer to the hotel. After a short rest, we meet for a briefing and lunch. In the afternoon, visit Gandan Monastery and the National Museum. At 6:00 PM, enjoy the National Singing & Dance Concert. Dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 2

Terelj National Park
Check out from the hotel. Visit the Chinggis Khaan Statue and Museum, then continue to Gorkhi–Terelj National Park. Explore Turtle Rock, Aryabal Meditation Temple, and the dinosaur sculptures. Overnight in a ger camp.

DAY 3

Flight to Ulgii and First Camping Site
Arrive in Ulgii at 9:00 AM. After landing, drive 185 km to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Continue to the Tuvan nomad area and settle into the tented camp.

DAY 4

Hike in Altai Tavan Bogd NP
Hike a 16 km loop: first to President’s Ovoo for spectacular views of Mongolia’s highest peaks, including Khuiten Peak, then continue toward the Potanin Glacier — the longest and largest glacier in Mongolia. Return to camp.

DAY 5

Khar Salaa
Trek 12 km to Khar Salaa Valley, passing several local herder families. Drive small sections where the road repeats the valley line, then continue to the campsite. Today we meet our local crew — camel handlers, herders, and cook — who will support us for the trek.

DAY 6

Takhilt Pass (3600m) – Enter Baavgai Valley (Bear Valley)
Load the camels with all gear and luggage. A tougher 15 km hike takes us over Takhilt Pass and down into Baavgai (Bear) Valley.

DAY 7

Baavgai Valley to Tsagaan Us Valley
Walk 15 km across Baavgai Valley and reach Tsagaan Us Valley, with wide views over Kazakh herder camps. Learn a few traditional Mongolian national games in the evening.

DAY 8

Rest Day / Transfer to Khoton Lake
A recovery day. Reunite with our drivers and travel by car to the shores of Khoton Lake. Swim, take a short hike, and learn how to make traditional Mongolian food.

DAY 9

Baga Turgen Waterfall – Eagle Hunter Family – Ulgii Town
Drive 55 km and hike 10 km to Baga Turgen Waterfall. Afterwards, visit a local eagle hunter family to experience their nomadic lifestyle and learn how the Kazakh train and hunt with eagles. In the afternoon, drive back to Ulgii town.

DAY 10

Flight to Ulaanbaatar
Morning transfer to the airport and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Free day to explore the city at your own pace.

DAY 11

Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Say goodbye to Mongolia and the team.

Dates & Prices

DATES

DURATION

TOTAL COST

TOTAL COST INCLUDES THE DEPOSIT

2025.01.20

2025.01.30

10 Days

$2000

Book now

2025.01.20

2025.01.30

10 Days

$2000

Book now

2025.01.20

2025.01.30

10 Days

$2000

Book now

Included

All accommodations

All internal transportation

All food in Mongolia

All kitchen equipment

Tent

All sightseeing cost

All entry permissions

Not Included

Alcoholic drinks

Sleeping bag and mat