Mongolia Day to Day Itinerary (Subject to change)
Day 1
Depart U.S. for Mongolia. (Departure date depends on home country. 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 Tavan Bogd region. 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 park gate (7 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 snow and ice training on glacier, and camping.
Day 8
We’ll move to High Camp on the glacier. (7 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’ll return back to the ger at the trailhead and begin travel to Olgii. Here, we usually have the opportunity to ride back on Mongolian horses and visit a traditional Kazak family.
Day 12
Drive towards Sagsai Town, enjoy the landscape and local culture, we may opt to visit a local lake and spend the night camping lakeside.
Day 13
Drive back to Bayan Olgii 1.5 hours, leaving some time to shop. Afternoon 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
Excellent all around! Mongolia and Mt. Khuiten with AAI exceeded my high expectations! I would highly recommend this expedition and climb to any alpine mountaineer who wishes expand their horizons and climb to Mongolia’s high point on the border of Russia, China and Mongolia.
