Mongolia Day-to-Day Itinerary (Subject to change)
Day 1
Depart US for Mongolia. (Departure date depends on home country. Climbers need to arrive by Day 2.)
Day 2
Arrive in Ulaan Bataar.
Day 3
After we complete gear check, we will have a formal tour of the city and hope to include (as time permits) visits to the Choijin Lama temple, Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, and the National Museum of Mongolia.
Day 4
We’ll fly to Bayan Olgii (3 hours). After preparing our gear and discussing Leave No Trace practices, we’ll travel by jeep and head toward the Altai Tavan Bogd and Oigor gol valley. We’ll visit with nomads living in traditional “gers” (tents) and cross great alpine meadows filled with livestock of yak, sheep, horses, and camels. We’ll camp in the lower alpine meadows or travel directly to the park gate (a seven hour drive).
Day 5
We’ll hike to the Potaniin glacier (6 hours) and establish our Base Camp for our climbs of Malchin and Khuiten. This approach is a magnificent hike over tundra terrain. Once we surmount the pass to the Tavang Bogd Glacier, all of the Mongolian Altai Mountains stand before us. Along with our two-person tents in Base Camp, a ger will be set up for cooking and dining, allowing us to experience the traditional manner of the Nomads.
Day 6
We attempt Malchin Peak as warm up for Khuiten. This climb begins directly out of Base Camp and ascends a scree ridge for 2,000 feet, for a 3,500-foot total climb. The climb takes approximately 6-8 hours, and we’ll have great views of the Altai Mountains in all three countries; Mongolia, Kazakhstan and China.
Day 7
Active rest day, with skills review, training at Base Camp or on the glacier, and camping.
Day 8
We’ll move to High Camp on the glacier (seven hours).
Day 9
Ascent of Khuiten. While the climbers ascend Mt. Khuiten, trekkers explore the lower glaciers. The climb of Khuiten begins with a long traverse of the Potaniin Glacier, leading directly to the border of Russia. Just before reaching the border, we’ll establish High Camp on the glacier. From this Advanced Base Camp, we’ll turn left and surmount the North Ridge, a 3,000-foot moderate-to-steep snow ridge often broken with crevasses. The North Ridge takes us directly to the summit, where we’ll stand on the highest point in Mongolia, viewing all the peaks of the Altai. We’ll then return to camp.
Day 10
Upon completion of Khuiten, we may attempt the summit of nearby Nairandal, or return to Base Camp.
Day 11
After completing our climbs, we will hike back to our camp in the Tsagaan Gol Valley and meet our drivers. This evening we will have the opportunity to visit Tuvan families and share their culture and lifestyle.
Day 12
We will drive towards Sagsai Town, enjoy the landscape and local culture.
Day 13
Drive back to Bayan Olgii (1.5 hours), leaving some time to shop. Flight to Ulaan Bataar.
Day 14
Free day in Ulaan Bataar for shopping/sightseeing.
Day 15
Depart for country of origin.
Day 16
Arrive in country of origin.
We had a great time, the group was great, I learned more about climbing on this trip with Willi, than I have on all of my previous climbs. I count my Alpine Ascents Mongolia trip as one of my favorite vacations.
