In the spectacular Altai Mountains one can see the great expanse of Central Asia at the heart of our trek. The clear blue sky stretches to eternity and the land seems empty of any sign of life. Yet within this vast space towering glaciers, and fertile green valleys are alive with scattered nomadic settlements.

After arriving in Ulaan Bataar, we transfer you from the airport to the Ulaan Bataar hotel.

We board a domestic flight to Bayan-Ulgii, situated in the extreme West of Mongolia. On arrival, we will visit the Kazakh Culture Museum. Afterwards, we will drive to our Ger Camp for dinner and overnight. (Ger is the Mongolian word for "Nomad Tent". )

We climb aboard the 4-wheel drive Russian Furgan vans and head west. A full day drive takes us through the small town of Tsengel, on our way to Khoton Nuur. Nuur means lake in Mongolian. After crossing the the Khovd river, we set up camp for two days on the magnificent lake shore.

Glaciers have played a major role in the Altai Tavn Bogd. In the last ice age they
left behind a landscape of broad U-shaped valleys, pothole lakes, giant moraines, and polished outcrops. Lakes Khoton and nearby Khurgan occupy a smoothly sculpted glacial depression which is visible from space.

This is where our trek begins. You will meet your horse and get to know each other on a short ride. We'll visit the local Kazakh nomads ando attend some cultural horse games.

Our camel crew loads up our camels, then we saddle up and start trekking through the Alpine forest, heading northwards. On horseback we cross a few rivers as we follow the lakeshore to upper Khoton Nuur.

Our campsite is located on a small peninsula that juts out into the lake, with a majestic view of the mountains on the other side.

We descend Cheben Hill down toward the river junction, and follow the eastern bank of the Tsagaan Gol river. We're at the halfway point of our trek, so we'll spend an extra night here. It's a beautiful spot, in a wide valley, shouldered by high snowcapped mountains, the white Tsagaan river and tributaries nearby. We'll explore further afield on our second day here.

We're now well rested, and ready for our first challenge. We head away from the river uphill, and ride over the 10,300 ft. mountain pass. If there has been any precipitation, we might be hiking part of the day through snow, up and over the pass.

We set up camp at Sheveed Uul Gorge at 9,500 ft, at the foot of the pass.

Heading downhill, we stop in to visit some of the local Tuvan people, who follow traditional Shamanistic beliefs. Then we continue on and descend down into the Tsagaan river valley. This is an exciting river crossing with our horses and camels. We then head upriver and set up camp in a lush green pasture at the foot of glacial bowls for two days.

We trek for 10 miles today to the National Park Base camp at the foot of the magnificent Altai Tavn Bogd Glaciers. The glacier is at the foot of Khuiten Peak (14,350 ft.) the highest point in Mongolia.

Nearby, Nairamdal Peak (13,392 ft.) marks the triple border point common to Mongolia, Russia and China. The climate in this high mountain area can be extreme and 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.

Our last day takes us north and east to the Ranger station. We unload the camels, and meet our vehicles, heading back to Bayan Ulgii. Overnight at the Ger Camp.

We get up early, have some breakfast, and head to the nearby Olgii airport for our flight to Ulaan Bataar. Once we arrive at Ulaan Bataar we drive to our hotel in the center of town. There are many great restaurants to try out.

Overnight at our Ulaan Bataar Hotel.

Transfer from our Ulaan Bataar hotel to airport.