Mongolia Day-to-Day Itinerary (Subject to change)
Please Note: This itinerary does not include travel dates. Participants may choose to arrive a day early for ease of travel.
Day 1
Arrive in Ulaan Bataar.
Day 2
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.
Days 3 – 4
Attend the famed Nadam festivities to include local contests in Archery, Horseback riding and Wrestling.
Day 5
We’ll fly to Bayan-Ölgii (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). The drive is on a dirt road in rough terrain.
Day 6
We attempt Malchin Peak as warm up for Khüiten. This climb begins from 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. Khüiten, 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 Khüiten, we may attempt the summit of nearby Nairamdal 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.
The trip was excellent! In addition to the excellent pre-trip communications from Alpine Ascents and the superb leadership of Brian Houle, the in-country logistical support and guides were terrific.
