Altai Mountains Adventure Hiking Trip - Malchin Peak, 4,050 m
Single €4,250 · Duo €3,850 per person
About Tour
Fifteen days through the most dramatic landscape in Mongolia, built around a summit attempt on Malchin Peak - the 4,050 m peak on the border of Mongolia, Russia, and China. The Altai rises in glaciers, snow peaks, and wide river valleys, and its rock faces carry petroglyphs left by people who lived here thousands of years ago.
You travel by 4WD and on foot through a remote region where nomadic families still move with the seasons, with acclimatisation hikes beneath Mongolia's highest peaks before the summit push. The group is intentionally small - maximum four people - to keep the pace safe and the mountain uncrowded.
Shaman Bulgan Windhorse, who was born in the Gobi Altai, leads the journey and its ceremonies.
Highlights
- Summit Malchin Peak (4,050 m) in the Tavan Bogd massif
- Explore the majestic High Altai Mountains and glacial valleys
- Visit ancient petroglyph complexes of the Tsagaan Salaa valley
- Encounter eagle-hunting traditions and local eagle hunters
- Meet nomadic families and learn about their way of life
- Travel through remote and dramatic mountain landscapes
Itinerary
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Airport welcome, transfer, and evening orientation.
Ulaanbaatar & opening ceremony
Museum visit for context on Altai rock art, then an opening ceremony with Shaman Bulgan.
Flight to Ulgii
Domestic flight west. Market visit and first night with a Kazakh host family.
Into the Altai
Drive into the mountains and camp beside a glacial river. Evening fire circle.
Tavan Bogd acclimatisation
Two days beneath Mongolia's highest peaks, with day hikes to glacier viewpoints and time by Khoton Lake.
Petroglyphs of the Tsagaan Salaa
A full day among one of Central Asia's greatest concentrations of rock art.
Approach to Malchin Peak
Trek to high camp on the Malchin ridge, with acclimatisation walks and a mountain offering ceremony.
Malchin Peak ascent (4,050 m)
An early start for the summit attempt on the non-technical but high and exposed ridge, weather permitting. Descend to base camp.
Descent & rest
Trek out of the high country to a river camp. Rest, sauna, and a group integration circle.
With the eagle hunters
Meet an eagle-hunting family and learn how the birds are trained.
Sacred mountain ceremony
Ascent to an ovoo on a sacred ridge for a mountain offering ceremony, followed by rest.
Return to Ulaanbaatar
Drive to Ulgii, return flight to the capital, and a farewell meal.
Departure
Closing circle and airport transfer.
Included
- All domestic transport in Mongolia (4WD vehicles and drivers)
- Accommodation in traditional gers, tented camps, and hotels in Ulaanbaatar
- All meals during the tour as described in the itinerary
- English-speaking guide and translator throughout
- Guidance and ceremonies led by Shaman Bulgan Windhorse
- National park, heritage site, and festival entrance fees
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Drinking water, tea, and snacks on travel days
Excluded
- International flights to and from Ulaanbaatar
- Mongolian visa fees, where applicable
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities and extra nights in Ulaanbaatar
- Tips for guides, drivers, and local hosts
- Single supplement, if a private ger or room is requested
Additional information
- Excellent fitness required: summit day is long at altitude, with several day hikes of 4 - 6 hours up to 4,050 m.
- Group size maximum 4 travellers.
- Several nights in tents with basic facilities; the rest in gers and hotels.
- Border-zone permits for the Tavan Bogd area are arranged by us and included.
- The summit attempt is weather-dependent; the guide decides on the day for safety.
Tour pictures
Got a question?
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