Mongolia's Altai Trek (with Eagle Hunting)

Altai Mountain is the highest of three major mountain ranges in Mongolia, straddling the Russian and Chinese frontiers in the Far West. In these remote regions live many nomads of ethnic minorities. The western part of Mongolia is rich with spectacular views of the Altai mountains. Besides the nature here, various ethnic nomads inhabit the place such as the Kazakh and Tuvan nomads who are famous for their hospitality. Western Mongolia is rich in archeological sites that vary from ancient petroglyphs and bulbuls from the Turkish period. As part of our mission to create gender equity in the tourism industry, the trek will be led by a female guide and a mixed gender team as a way to elevate the roles of women in the tourism industry. This trip is open to all genders.

TRIP DATES:
Altai Trek only (15 days): SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2024
Altai Trek w/ Eagle Hunting Festival (17 days): SEPTEMBER 1-17, 2024

ITINERARY
DAY 1 Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
DAY 2 Fly to Bayan-Ulgii & drive to Hoton Lake (2300 meters)
Today, after breakfast, we take a flight to Bayan-ulgii where we start the journey to the Altai mountains. We drive180 kms to reach the Hoton and Hurgan twin lakes where many nomadic Kazakh families stay during the summer.
DAY 3 Altai Trek (1st day)
After breakfast, we will get ready for packing our things on the camels. On the first day of our trek, you can see petroglyphs. We meet the Kazakh people who live here and experience their generosity and hospitality.
DAY 4 Altai Trek (2nd day)
In the morning, we continue our trek and enjoy the view of the Altai mountain.
DAY 5 Altai Trek (3rd day)
Today, we hike to Green Lake and leave behind civilization as we go deeper into the remote section of the mountains where we roam freely in nature.
DAY 6 Altai Trek (4th day)
Today, we will get closer to Takhilbai pass which is one of the highest sections of the Altai mountain range.
DAY 7 Altai Trek (5th day)
Today is a big day as we hike to the Takhiilbai pass which is located in an area inhabited by the Tuvan people.
DAY 8 Altai Trek (6th day)
On this day, we enter the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park where we start to view the snowcapped mountains and white glacier water river.
DAY 9-11 Altai Trek (7th day) Tavanbogd massif and climb to Malchin peak (2550m-3300m, 4025m)
The next few days are all about enjoying the best views in the Altai Mountains. We hike about 16 kms toward the base camp of the snow-capped Tavanbogd massif.
DAY 12 Drive to Sagsai Town & Eagle Hunting Community
Today, we drive 150 km to Sagsai town where we spend the night with an eagle hunter’s family.
Day 13 Drive to Ulgii
Day 14 Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Day 15 Fly home.

FOR ALTAI EAGLE FESTIVAL EXTENSION

Days 14-15
Meet the Kazakh Eagle hunters at the Eagle Festival.
Day 16 Fly back to Ulaanbaatar
Day 17 Fly home.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ITINERARY IN DETAIL, SEE THE TRIP PAGE HERE.

TREK STYLE
This is a STRENUOUS trek. Recent hiking and/or backpacking experience is highly recommended.

PRICING
Per person for a group of two or more:
$2750 Altai Trek Only
$3100 Altai Trek with Eagle Hunting Festival

To book, go here. Click on BOOK NOW and complete the form. A trip deposit is required to reserve your spot.

INCLUSIONS

• English-speaking guide.
• All land transports.
• All meals during the trek.
• All accommodations during the trek.
• Group camping equipment such as dining tents, cooking utensils, all meals during the trek, pack camels/horses & horse rangers.
• Hotel stay in Ulaanbaatar & Ulgii (with breakfast).
• Airport transfers.
• Trekking/entrance fees, border & national park permits.

EXCLUSIONS
Tips for Guides and porters, mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags), any personal expenses (such as laundry, souvenir shopping etc), extra activities (e.g. horse riding), visa fees & travel insurance, international and domestic flight tickets.

A trip meeting is set for May 31 at 7pm EDT via zoom - see the group calendar to join. Questions? Send me an email at equity@browngaltrekker.com