A six-day guided circuit into Bayan-Ulgii that combines glacier day hikes, high-altitude lakes, and cultural encounters with Kazakh eagle hunters. Expect long drives, tent camping, and remote alpine terrain best traveled in summer.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The air thins and the road narrows as your convoy climbs away from Ulgii, leaving flattish steppe for serrated ridgelines and the slow blue of distant glaciers. Early mornings here arrive with a frost that the sun dares to melt by noon; evenings close around a campfire while stars roll like a slow tide over the Altai peaks.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and comfort with full days of hiking and camping; able to carry a daypack over uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Altai highlands have long been a crossroads of Turkic and Mongolic peoples; stone bal-bals and petroglyphs record millennia of movement and seasonal herding across these ranges.
Conservation
The area is fragile: stick to existing campsites and trails, pack out all waste, and respect local grazing areas to minimize impacts on water sources and alpine vegetation.
Reserve your spot on the Altai Tavan Bogd Combined Tour, Western Mongolia today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prepare for long overland transfers
Several days include 6–8 hour drives on unpaved roads—bring motion-sickness remedies and plan flexible days for stops and photography.
Layer for volatile weather
Temperatures can swing; use breathable base layers, an insulated midlayer, and a waterproof shell to handle rain, wind, or surprise snow.
Respect checkpoint procedures
There are military checkpoints en route; keep passports handy and follow guide instructions to avoid delays.
Hydrate and pace glacier hikes
Altitude and sun on ice increase dehydration risk—carry at least 2 liters for day hikes and use sunscreen and sunglasses.
Sturdy hiking boots
Ankle-supporting, waterproof boots handle scree, wet meadows and glacial moraine.
summer
Insulating midlayer (fleece/down)
Keeps you warm during cold mornings and high-altitude stops.
spring
Waterproof shell jacket
Protects against wind-driven rain and sudden snow at higher elevations.
fall
Daypack with 2–3L hydration
Carries water, layers, camera, and snacks for long day hikes away from camp.
summer