Mongolia’s Altai Tavan Bogd National Park – In The Land Of The Gods

Last updated 7 months ago by Jessica Brooks | Published: December 29, 2021

Mongolia’s Altai Tavan Bogd National Park – In The Land Of The Gods

Mongolia’s Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is a significant part of the Mongolian Altai Mountains, which are a central segment of the Altai mountain range situated at the crossroads of Central Asia and Siberia. These mountains, with numerous peaks reaching or exceeding 4000 meters above sea level, extend from the northwestern part of Mongolia southward through the far-western provinces of Bayan-Ulgii and Khovd. They form a natural barrier along Mongolia’s western borders with China and Russia. Towards the southeast, the Mongolian Altai Mountains gradually diminish and transition into the Gobi-Altai mountain range.

The Altai Mountains encompass various altitudinal vegetation zones, including glaciated snow-capped peaks, alpine and subalpine forests, ice-fed rivers and streams, mountain valleys and lakes, and high-altitude steppes. The region is home to Kazakh and Tuvan (also known as Uriankhai) herders and contains numerous archaeological and cultural sites. These sites date back to the Palaeolithic period, continuing through the Bronze Age, and include remnants from successive nomadic empires such as the Hunnu, Turkic, Uighur, and Mongol peoples.

Mongolia’s Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is vast, featuring the Tavan Bogd Mountains—Mongolia’s highest peaks—in the northwest, and scenic lakes in the southeast.

Mongolia’s Deer Stones

The Tavan Bogd Mountains 

The heart of the Tavan Bogd Mountains features five sister peaks, which are permanently snow-capped and form a bowl around Mongolia’s longest glacier, the Potanin Glacier. The five peaks are:

• Khuiten Uul (Cold Peak) – Mongolia’s highest mountain at 4,374 meters.
• Nairamdal (Friendship) – 4,180 meters.
• Malchin (Herder) – 4,050 meters.
• Bürged (Eagle) – 4,068 meters.
• Olgii (Cradle) – 4,050 meters.

One of the most popular ways to explore the area is through an extended trek, which can be undertaken on foot, by horse, or by mountain bike, sometimes combined with pack rafting. The trekking route to the base camp of Khuiten Uul and then on to the lakes, or vice versa, can take between 5 to 10 days, depending on the chosen route and mode of travel.

Most trekkers base themselves near the area known as Base Camp, situated at about 3,100 meters, offering views of all five peaks. To reach Base Camp, trekkers need to cover a distance of 10-15 kilometers from the nearest ranger station, with the exact length depending on the starting point. Most groups use camels to carry supplies and tents to Base Camp. This area is close to the Potanin Glacier, the largest glacier in the Mongolian Altai, which descends from the eastern face of Khuiten and lies in the shadow of the ‘Five Holy’ peaks. It is a stunning setting for exploration.

In this incredible region of permanently glaciated peaks, alpine lakes, and hidden valleys, you feel as if time stands still. The vast and timeless landscapes inspire deep reflection and a reconsideration of priorities.

Climbing Malchin Peak – 4050m

Malchin Peak is considered a non-technical climb, meaning no special equipment is required—just a prayer to the weather gods and a lot of determination. It is a popular hike among trekking groups, and there is a well-used trail for most of the way to the summit. The round trip from Base Camp typically takes about 7 to 10 hours, depending on your pace. The classic advice to “not look at the whole mountain, take it one piece at a time” will resonate deeply during this hike. Ruth Wiggins joined us in Mongolia and shared her experience, including the climb to Malchin Peak. You can read about her adventure here. [/info_box]

Khoton, Khurgan, and Dayan Nuur are a series of freshwater lakes of glacial origin located in Tsengel soum (district). These lakes are fed by glacial melt and annual snowfall, forming the headwaters of the Khovd River. Khoton Nuur and Khurgan Nuur are connected by the 3 km-long Sargaal Channel.

These lakes are part of two of Mongolia’s seventy Important Bird Areas, as designated by BirdLife International. They support bird communities characteristic of the Eurasian steppe, desert, and high montane biomes. During the autumn months, these areas regularly host at least 1% of the flyway populations of Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Lapwing, and Bar-headed Goose. Additionally, Dayan Nuur is notable for its significant populations of three globally threatened species: Saker Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, and White-throated Bushchat.

Khuiten is a beautiful and wild mountain to climb due to its remoteness and location, offering stunning views over the Chinese-Mongolian-Russian tri-point. Strong climbers can ascend Khuiten from Base Camp, but most local guides prefer to establish an advanced higher camp on the glacier at around 3,800 meters. The best time to climb the mountain is from mid-June to mid-August.

The actual ascent is technically moderate, with the main hazards being crevasses. Climbing Khuiten requires ropes, crampons, ice axes, and full safety equipment, including crevasse protection. However, it is important to note that there are no registered mountain guides in Mongolia.

Meet Our Pujee

We run a free training program and provide long-term employment opportunities for Mongolian women who aspire to work in tourism. We encourage them to follow their goals and dreams, challenge themselves, and offer our support throughout their journeys.

This is Pujee’s journey:

Pujee is originally from Khovd Province in western Mongolia, where she spent her formative years in the countryside with her grandmother until the age of 12. She is currently back in Khovd, raising her young son. Despite her youth, she is a qualified teacher and lawyer with an adventurous spirit. Pujee joined our team while she was based in Ulaanbaatar and became a member of our informal training program. Now, we’re celebrating her ascent of Khuiten Peak. Go Pujee!

“Since working in tourism, I have had many chances, opportunities, and life experiences. Through working in tourism, I have found my inner person and interests. Working in tourism has helped me discover who I am and has created a new Pujee.”

Read more about Pujee and her newfound love for mountain climbing here.

At Eternal Landscapes, we explore Mongolia’s Altai Tavan Bogd National Park a little differently. Our focus is on creating local community partnerships that offer long-term support to the people we work with across the country. This approach allows us to showcase the diverse skills and knowledge of Mongolians in the 21st century.

For instance, we have developed our Altai Wilderness Trails trekking experience in partnership with Asker, a Mongol Kazakh eagle hunter. It is Asker’s local knowledge that makes this itinerary so special, providing a unique perspective of the Altai—a hidden alternative to the popular Tsagaan Gol trek.

Alternatively, consider joining us on our Altai Migration Trails experience. Although this trek does not take place in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, it is set in the Altai Mountains. Thanks to our partnership approach, you will gain an authentic insider experience and a deeper local introduction to the Altai region.

Jess @ Eternal Landscapes