Ultimate Mongolia Travel Guides by Bek Travel

Trekking In Altai Mountains, West Mongolia

Ainabek Khavduali (a.k.a Bek)

SUMMARY:

West Mongolia is the ultimate destination for trekking in Mongolia. The Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and the rugged Altai Mountains offer stunning landscapes.

During your trek here, you can: 1. Climb peaks, 2. Walk alongside glaciers, 3. Hike in scenic valleys, 4. Cross mountain passes, 5. Visit alpine lakes & waterfalls, 6. Explore UNESCO Petroglyphic Archaeological Sites, 7. Meet Kazakh Eagle Hunters, Tuvan Nomads

This guide is for travellers looking for an active adventure in Mongolia.

This guide is divided into four parts:

Part 1 - Things to do in the Altai Mountains.
Part 2 - Trekking conditions by season.
Part 3 - Logistics: Getting here, permits & transport.
Part 4 - Recommended trekking routes

👉 PS: We organize custom treks in Altai Mountains, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Bek Travel has hosted trekking groups for decades (See our reviews).

We recommend two trekking routes here:

💬 Contact us to plan your trek in West Mongolia

Part 1 - Things to in the Altai Mountains, Altai Tavan Bogd

During your trek here, you can:

Climb peaks
Walk alongside glaciers
Hike in scenic valleys
Cross mountain passes
Visit alpine lakes & waterfalls.
Explore UNESCO Petroglyphic Archaeological Sites.
Meet Kazakh Eagle Hunters, Tuvan Nomads

Climb Peaks in Altai Tavan Bogd

The "Tavan Bogd" name literally translates to the "Five Saints." This region hosts five peaks are the highest in Mongolia. They form a dramatic mountain massif near the borders of Russia and China. Here are the five peaks: Khüiten Peak (4,374m), Nairamdal Peak (4,180m), Bürged Peak (4,068m), Malchin Peak (4,050m) & Ölgii Peak (4,050m)

Climb Malchin Peak (4,050m)

Malchin Peak is the only one of the five peaks you can hike without specialized climbing gear. It sits right on the border of Mongolia and Russia. From the top, you get a bird's-eye view of the massive Potanin Glacier below.

Bek Travel Guests at Malchin Peak (4,050m)

Climb Khüiten Peak (4,374m)

Khüiten Peak is the highest point in Mongolia. Accessbile only to experienced mounitain climbers. Climbing it requires technical climbing skills. You'll need gear such as crampons, ropes, and ice axes.

Bek Travel Guests at Khüiten Peak (4,374m)

Climb Nairamdal Peak (Friendship Peak) (4,180m)

Nairamdal Peak marks the unique point where the borders of Mongolia, Russia, and China meet. Its name means "Friendship," symbolizing the connection between these nations. The climb is technical and usually requires crossing glacial ice. It offers a spectacular panoramic view of the entire Altai range.

Walk alongside Glaciers

The Altai Mountains hold the largest glaciers in Mongolia. Trekking alongside them allows you to hear the "crackle" of moving ice. They are essential water sources for the valleys and nomads living downstream.

Potanin Glacier

The Potanin Glacier is the longest glacier in Mongolia. It stretches for about 14 kilometers. It sits nestled between the high peaks of the Tavan Bogd massif. You can trek along its edge to see deep blue crevasses and meltwater streams.

Potanin Glacier

Alexander Glacier

Alexander Glacier is a smaller but equally stunning neighbor to the Potanin. It features jagged ice formations & white snowfields. It is a perfect spot for photographers looking to capture the raw ruggedness of the Altai region.

Trek in Valleys, Scenic Locations

Tsagaan Gol (White River) Valley

The White River gets its name from the milky water flowing from the Potanin Glacier. It is a stunning valley where the bright water contrasts against the green slopes. The area is home to Tuvan nomads and incredible UNESCO petroglyphs. It serves as the main gateway for those trekking toward the high peaks.

Bear Valley (Baavgait Valley)

Bear Valley is a forested landscape that feels different from the high peaks. It features larch forests and rolling hills that provide a lush backdrop for hikers. The scenery is spectacular in the autumn. This valley offers a peaceful escape with plenty of fresh mountain air.

Trekking in Bear Valley

Khar Ayrag Valley

Khar Ayrag is a high-altitude valley known for its vast, open meadows. It is a favorite spot for nomadic families to graze their herds during the summer months. The trekking here is perfect for long, scenic walks. You will find several crystal-clear streams and panoramic views of the distant Altai range.

Trekking in Khar Ayrag Valley

Aksu Valley

The Aksu Valley is a rugged and dramatic canyon located in the heart of the mountains. It features steep rocky walls and a rushing river that cuts through the landscape. This area is ideal for trekkers who love a sense of isolation and raw nature. The valley is also a great place to see how Kazakh nomads manage their livestock in difficult terrain.

Trekking in Aksu Valley

Uyshik Valley

Uyshik Valley is famous for its unique rock formations and ancient archaeological sites. You can find many Turkic stone statues and burial mounds scattered across the valley floor. It is a broad, sunny valley that is easy to navigate on foot or horseback.

Trekking in Uyshik Valley

Yamaat Valley

Yamaat Valley translates to "Goat Valley," and it is well known for sightings of Siberian Ibex. The terrain is rocky and steep, providing the perfect habitat for these mountain climbers. It is a quiet, less-visited part of the park that offers true solitude.

Uliastai Valley

Uliastai Valley is a long, winding corridor that connects several major trekking routes. It is characterized by its wide riverbeds and surrounding snow-capped mountains. The valley is dotted with nomad camps where you can experience authentic Mongolian hospitality.

Cross Mountain Passes

These passes connect isolated valleys and offer the most rewarding views of the entire range. Each pass has its own personality, ranging from steep rocky climbs to snow-covered ridges.

Dakilbay Pass (Death Pass)

Do not let the name "Death Pass" scare you! This pass sits at an impressive altitude and offers a direct route between the high mountains and the lower valleys. Once at the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking, 360-degree view of the Altai peaks.

Though officially called Takhilt, locals know this pass as Dakilbay. Originally named for Siberian pine nuts, the pass was renamed after a man framed as an anti-socialist during the Soviet era. Dakilbay attempted to flee to China in mid-winter with his mother, but both tragically froze to death. Their graves now lie at the bottom of Bear Valley.

Bek Travel is the only company that takes the longer, high-altitude route. This offers you an exclusive 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks.

Crossing Dakilbay Pass (Death Pass)

Kharkhiraa Pass

Kharkhiraa Pass takes you through the rugged Kharkhiraa mountain massif, a region famous for its twin peaks. The ascent is steady and passes through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers before turning into a rocky alpine environment.

Yamaatiin Pass

Yamaatiin Pass is the "Pass of the Ibex," and it is common to see these wild mountain goats on the cliffs nearby. The trail is well-defined but high, offering spectacular views into the Yamaat Valley below.

Visit Alpine Lakes and Waterfalls

These alpine lakes have colors that range from emerald green to deep turquoise. They are the perfect spots to make camp after a long day of trekking.

Khoton Lake

Khoton Lake is often called the most beautiful lake in Mongolia. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and thick larch forests that grow right to the water's edge. The lake is connected to Khurgan Lake by a narrow channel and is famous for its clear water and abundant fish.

Khoton Lake

Khurgan Lake

Khurgan Lake is the twin to Khoton and offers a vast, open landscape. The shoreline is dotted with ancient burial mounds and stone monuments, showing that people have lived here for thousands of years.

Khurgan Lake

Heart Lake (Khar Ayrag/Green Lake)

Heart Lake is a small, emerald-green gem shaped remarkably like a heart. It is tucked away in the Khar Ayrag Valley and requires a bit of a hike to reach. It is a favorite "secret spot" in our Bek Travel trekking tours.

Heart Lake (Khar Ayrag/Green Lake)

Dayan Lake

Dayan Lake is located in a remote corner of the national park, close to the Chinese border. It is a quiet, high-altitude lake that sees fewer travelers than Khoton or Khurgan. The surrounding area is a mix of wetlands and dry steppe, making it a great spot for birdwatching.

Blue Lake (Khokh Nuur)

Blue Lake sits at a high elevation and is known for its intense, deep blue color. The water is very cold, as it is primarily fed by mountain snowmelt.

Blue Lake

Baga Turgen Waterfall

Baga Turgen is a stunning two-stage waterfall located in a lush, narrow valley. The water cascades down 19 meters over dark rocks, surrounded by willow and birch trees.

It is one of the most accessible and scenic waterfalls in the Altai Tavan Bogd area. Our guests love to take a short hike for a picnic lunch here.

Baga Turgen Waterfall

Visit UNESCO Petroglyphic Archaeological Sites

These ancient sites are like open-air museums. They showcase history carved into the mountain rocks by early nomadic tribes.

You can see art work carved into the rocks. Our nomadic artists depicted animals, hunters, archers.

You ll also see stone statues called Balbals. Balbals are ancient stone statues usually carved as human figures, often holding a cup or weapon.

Rock Art in Aral Tolgoi Site, Khairakhti Valley

This site is famous for its very old rock art, with some carvings dating back to the Late Paleolithic period. It is one of the most important locations in North Asia for studying the earliest artists of the steppe.

Rock Art in Aral Tolgoi Site, Khairakhti Valley

Upper Tsagaan Gol Complex

Located in the beautiful White River valley, this site features detailed drawings of deer and horse-drawn chariots. These carvings are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tsagaan Salaa-Baga Oigor Complex

This massive site contains over 10,000 petroglyphs stretching across 15 kilometers of rocky slopes.

Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain

This sacred mountain is covered in hundreds of petroglyphs that Tuvans and Kazakhs still respect today. As you trek past, you can see ancient images of ibex and warriors.

Meet Kazakh Eagle Hunters, Tuvan Nomads

Trekking in the Altai is also a cultural experience. The landscape is inhabited by nomadic herders & hunters.

Kazakh Eagle Hunters

The Kazakhs of Bayan-Ölgii are renowned for their ancient tradition of hunting with trained golden eagles.

This practice, primarily conducted in the winter months (October to February), involves using female eagles to capture foxes, hares, and occasionally wolves. While the hunting season occurs in winter, eagle hunters are active throughout the year. Trekkers visiting in the summer can visit eagle hunter families in their gers. You can observe the training and handling of these majestic birds.

A Golden Eagle Festival (held October) is a major cultural event. The Eagle hunters compete in displays of speed, agility, with their eagle. This is a once in a lifetime experience.

👉 Want to visit during the golden eagle festival? See our popular 2026 Golden Eagle Festival Tour.

Meet the Eagle Hunters

Tuvan Shamanism and Throat Singing

The Tuvans, a smaller ethnic group primarily located in the Tsagaan Gol valley. They are distinct from the Kazakh majority. They are famous for their unique tradition of throat singing (Khoomei).

You'll meet the Tuvan familes if you are treking around the peaks. Tuvans serve as critical partners for mountaineering expeditions. They provide the camels and local knowledge necessary to reach the peaks of the Tavan Bogd.

Part 2 - Trekking conditions in West Mongolia by months & seasons

West Mongolia is vast. There are always places you can go at anytime of the year.

The best months for long treks are from May to September. You can access the lower alttude trails in Mar, Apr & Oct.

If you are visiting in the winter months from Nov to March, use a 4WD to get around. The landscape is a stunning rugged winter wonderland. Your hikes will however be limited to day hikes.

👉 We can guide you based on your trekking goals. Contact us to plan.

Month	Avg Daytime Temp	Avg Nighttime Temp	Trekking Accessibility
January	-12°C to -18°C	-20°C to -28°C	Inaccessible. You can do Winter tours with 4WD.
February	-10°C to -18°C	-20°C to -25°C	Inaccessible. You can do Winter tours with 4WD.
March	-8°C	-14°C to -16°C	Limited trails start opening up. No crowds.
April	10°C to 14°C	1°C to 6°C	Limited trails. Unpredictable weather and Windy
May	7°C to 12°C	-3°C to -8°C	Trails start opening up. There's snow in high passes
June	16°C to 20°C	5°C to 9°C	Good month for trekking. High passes are opening up.
July	22°C to 32°C	15°C to 20°C	Excellent Season for trekking. All areas open.
August	22°C to 30°C	15°C to 20°C	Excellent Season for trekking. All areas open.
September	8°C to 22°C	0°C to 8°C	Good Season for trekking. All areas open. You'll see golden foliage as Autumn sets in.
October	8°C to 13°C	-2°C to -15°C	Cooling tempratures. Limited trekking. High passes begin to close
November	-8°C to 4°C	-12°C	Winter begins. Limited access. You can do Winter tours with 4WD.
December	-4°C to -23°C	-12°C to -30°C	Inaccessible. You can do Winter tours with 4WD.

Part 3 - Logistics: Getting here, permits & transport.

Now lets talk about the planning part. How do you get here. What permits you need. And how can you navigate this vast landscape.

👉 PS: Bek travel takes care of ALL logistics including domestic flights. We get your perimits done. We have 4WD landcruisers for transport. All camping equipment is included. Bek Travel works ONLY with local guides and nomads so you are always with an expert. Contact us to plan your trek.

Ölgii is your access point

The city of Ölgii, capital of the Bayan-Ölgii aimag, is the logistical hub for all Western Mongolian expeditions.

The best way to get here is to fly from the capital. There are daily flights to Ölgii. We can book your flights at the best rates. We work directly with local airlines.

The other ways is overland but it takes days to get here. Not recommended unless you are on a roadtrip in the country.

For more flight details please see - Domestic Flights in Mongolia for Travellers

Border Permits & Park Fees

A border permit is mandatory for all foreign visitors. This regulation was introduced as a safety measure following incidents where independent travelers unintentionally crossed into Russian or Chinese territory.

Each visiting group must be accompanied by at least one Mongolian citizen—typically a licensed guide, driver, or local tour operator—who acts as a formal escort.

Permits are issued in Ulaanbaatar or Ölgii. It must be registered and stamped at the border patrol offices of the district being visited.

Bek Travel will take care of all this.

National park entry fees

National park entry fees are also collected at the ranger stations. As of this writing this fee is a minimal $3-5 USD.

The best place to pay is at the Ölgii, Visitor Information Center. This is located in the center of Ölgii. You can pay here and get your receipt before heading out.

Bek Travel will take care of all this.

Getting Around in the Park

While trekking is your main goal, you'd still need transport to nagivate the vast park. To get the best of your travel time in West Mongolia you'd complete a trek in one location then travel by 4WD to another location to start the next trek.

A 4WD is recommended to get to your trekking routes. This also makes it easy for you to visit the nomadic familes during your treks.

Camels will help carry your luggage during the mountaineering treks to the peaks. You can trek or horseback ride free of your luggage.

At Bek Travel we use high performance 4WD landcruisers. We also work with locals to help with camel transport for your luggage. In short your transport logistics is taken care of.

Part 4 - Recommended trekking routes

At Bek Travel, we have crafted two routes for travellers. We have decades of experience hosting trekkers, assisting in climbing the Altai peaks.

Trekking Tour in Altai Mountains, West Mongolia - 10 days

Trekking Tour in Altai Mountains, West Mongolia - 13 days (extended edition)

Looking for something in particular? Do you want to add more horse riding? Want to make the trek easier? We'll a craft custom tour for your group. Contact Us.