Mongolian Tavan Bogd Trek
Mongolian Tavan Bogd Trek
Mongolian Tavan Bogd Trek
11 Days Starting in Ulaanbaatar and ending in
Visiting: Mongolia
Tour Overview
This trekking trip journeys to a group of snow capped mountains called "Tavan Bogd", literally meaning "The Five Holy", the highest in Mongolia which belong to a greater mountain range known as the Altai. Views are dominated by vast glaciers, fast mountain rivers and lush alpine pastures where flocks of yaks, goats and sheep graze. The culture of herding nomads here is authentic and rich. Geographically, this is the remotest part of Mongolia with true pristine nature, abundant wildlife and interesting cultural heritage. The area is also known as a treasure trove of human history with many ancient burials and rock art to explore. Enjoy comfortable camping as you experience the genuine wilderness of this beautiful country.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Ulaanbaatar, City Tour
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia and transfer to a centrally located 4 star hotel. An afternoon guided city tour will introduce you to the highlights of the city: the Gandan Temple - city's main Buddhist center, the central city square with a grand statue of Genghis Khan and the Zaisan Memorial, an elevated hill on the city's edge providing a panoramic view of UB. Then you can choose to visit one or two museums from the following: National Museum introducing Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era, Dinosaur Museum with a unique collection of dinosaur fossils, Choijin Lama or State Oracle Residence-museum displaying best samples of Buddhist artwork and religious masks. The winter palace of Bogd Khan showcases rare statues of Buddhist deities and items of personal use of this last theocratic ruler of Mongolia is also worth considering a visit. An evening folk show of music, throat singing and contortion will be followed by a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 2 : Fly To Altai Region, Drive To Baga Oigor Petroglyph Gallery
This morning begins with a transfer to the Ulaanbaatar airport for a flight to Olgiy town in Western Mongolia. Upon arrival you will meet with your support team and drive to Tavan Bogd National Park. We travel across mountainous desert for 5 hours to arrive at Baga Oigor valley, the site of an extensive petroglyph gallery included in the UNESCO "World Cultural Heritage List. Stone and Bronze age rock carvings here are scattered across an area 15km long and 500m wide. Images depict wild and domestic animals and scenes of human life such hunting, handling domestic animals, worship, etc. Here we set up our tented camp and spend the rest of the day leisurely exploring the rock art gallery. We then return to our camp for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Tent
Day 3 : Travel To Tavan Bogd National Park
We travel along enormous V-shaped mountain valleys with small rivers streaming from glaciers that cover the mountain tops. Mountain slopes covered in lush grass alternate with steep mountainsides completely covered in scree. Large mushroom-like yurts of Kazakh herders and their massive flocks of yaks and goats often come across our way as well as a multitude of marmots. Shortly after lunch we arrive at the Tavan Bogd National Park gate, a few yurts - home of local rangers at the foothill of even bigger mountains. This is the starting point of the trek. Until dinner you will have time to walk and explore the surrounding foothills. This evening local herders will arrive with their pack camels that will carry our camp, luggage and food over the next days.
Overnight: Tent
Day 4 : Trek To Tavan Bogd Base Camp
After a hearty breakfast we trek to Tavan Bogd base camp (BC), the launch pad for climbing the highest peaks of Tavan Bogd. Watch Bactrian camels being loaded and set off for the BC. Most of the route is a gradual ascent on a high mountain terrain with occasional bogs and a few shallow streams to cross and just two steep but short sections. Halfway through the route magnificent views of snow capped peaks and vast glaciers will come into your sight. Around lunch time the camel caravan overtakes trekkers who normally reach BC in the late afternoon. Our camp site at just over 3000meters allows impressive views of Mongolia’s highest peaks and largest glaciers.
Trekking: 4-5hrs
Overnight: Tent
Day 5 : Climb Malchin Peak (4051M) Or To The Russia-Mongolia Borderline
Our today’s goal is to climb one of the lower and easier peaks of the area. Although non-technical a return trip requires 7-9 hours depending on trekkers’ fitness and weather conditions. We hike along the Potanin glacier moraine for an hour before stepping on the mountain. Although entirely on scree the trail is well established and marked requiring just trekking poles. Once at the top enjoy spectacular bird eye views of glaciers, snow capped peaks and the Russian territory. There is also a less demanding option of climbing to a lower ridge that marks the borderline between the two countries. Off the mountainside it's a leisurely stroll to the camp.
Trekking: 7-9hrs
Overnight: Tent
Day 6 : Trek Out To Lower Gate Of Tavan Bogd National Park
Going to the lower gate of the National Park is an easy downhill stroll although some marshy sections and streams need to be negotiated. At two thirds of the way we reach the edge of a deep V-shaped valley at the bottom of which rumbles a torrential river full of glacial silt. This is Tsagaan Gol river. Its lush valley is the summer pastureland of Tuvan camel herders accompanying us. A steep descent to the riverside and arrive to our campsite beside the rumbling river. Enjoy a well earned rest and socialize with other travelers who might be camping at this designated camp ground.
Trekking: 4-5hrs
Overnight: Tent
Day 7 : Trek To Holy Shiveet Mountain, Spot Wild Goats Or See Rock Carvings
We have an easy morning hike to visit a Tuvan family, most likely that of one of the camel herders that had accompanied us during the previous days of trekking. Tuvans also known as Uriankhai is an ethnic group of Turkic origin that has historically been moving around southern Siberia. Traditionally these cattle herding nomads practiced shamanism - a worship of ancestral and natural spirits but today their belief is a strong blend with Tibetan Buddhism. We use the invitation to learn of their way of life and to taste food and drinks offered by the unwritten local rules. After the visit we hike to Mt. Shiveet and climb to its wide top with a goal of spotting wild mountain goats (Capra Sibirica). Seeing them is almost guaranteed but requires a bit of tracking and hiding. A less demanding hike around the base of the Holy mountain will allow you see more ancient rock art displaying fascinating scenes of hunting by distant residents of the Altai region. We return to our camp beside the mountain.
Trekking: 4-5hrs
Overnight: Tent
Day 8 : Return Trip To Olgy
The return trip to Ulgy and takes about 7 hours. Along the way, we stop at a Kazakh family that practices the ancient craft of hunting with Golden Eagles. This once nearly forgotten tradition has been preserved by Mongolia's Kazakh minority and is now actively revived, with even women participating in training eagles. Although actual hunting is done in winter, you will have the chance to learn about the craft and feel the weight of these magnificent birds by holding them on your arm. Upon arriving in Ulgi, a traditional Kazakh dinner accompanied by music and songs will provide a fitting finale to your travels.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 9 : Return Flight To Ulaanbaatar And Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, we transfer to Ulgy Airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, we transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You may consider additional city visits or souvenir shopping, as your guide will still be available on standby. In the evening, we all gather for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 10 : Free Day In Ulaanbaatar
Enjoy a free day in Ulaanbaatar, a perfect chance to unwind after your trekking adventure. Discover the city’s vibrant mix of traditional culture and modern life at your own pace. You might want to visit a local market or participate in optional excursions within or outside the city.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 11 : In Ulaanbaatar, Trip Concludes
The trip concludes today with a transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights camping -
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
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Flights Ulaanbaatar/Olgiy and Olgiy/Ulaanbaatar
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Airport transfers on day 1 & day 11
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6 nights fully supported tent accommodation on a twinshare basis, with foam sleeping mats
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4 nights hotel on twinshare basis
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English speaking guide
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Private vehicle transportation
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Medical kit
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Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
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Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for hire)
Accommodation
7 nights camping
6 nights camping
4 nights hotel
What You Carry
The trek is fully supported so you are only required to carry your daypack with items you need for the day such as extra clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rain jacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
Grading
On a moderate trek physical activity will generally not exceed eight hours in a day, and altitudes. On a moderate adventure the physical activity is sustained and travelers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain. At any stage of a moderate trek you can expect long steep climbs and descents and a wide range of weather conditions. An example of an average day on moderate trek could include several ascents and descents of 500 metres or more, level ground is rare in the mountains.
To prepare for a moderate trek you should begin training at least three months before your departure. As a benchmark, an hour of aerobic exercise three times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per bushwalk, albeit with stops along the way, you know you can cope with a moderately graded trek. Speed is not important, stamina, confidence and rhythm are.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.