This trek takes place in one of the most remote mountain ranges in the world — the Altai Mountains of western Mongolia — heading toward the mighty Tsambagarav Mountain (4,202 m), the third-highest peak in Mongolia. The adventure begins and ends in Khovd (or Ulgii) town, where our local team will meet you and manage every aspect of the journey with skill and care.

During this trekking expedition, Mongolian horses and camels are part of the support team, carrying your luggage and gear through terrain that vehicles cannot reach. The serenity of wild open valleys, snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged river courses makes this journey a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers alike. Along the way, encounters with local Kazakh and Uriankhai nomadic families reveal breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality that reflect the spirit of the region.

Important: The itinerary shown is a rough plan designed to give you a general idea of a typical Tsambagarav trekking adventure. You can customize every aspect — including route, cultural visits, trekking pace, daily distances, lodging style, and optional activities — according to your interests, fitness level, travel dates, and schedule.

Highlights

• Remote mountain landscape: Trek through valleys, canyons, rocky passes, and alpine meadows set beneath striking snow-capped peaks.
• Local cultures and nomadic life: Along the route, you will meet and have opportunities to visit Kazakh and Uriankhai nomadic families who live in traditional gers and sustain their livestock of sheep and goats, horses, yaks, and camels. Learn about their seasonal movements, felt-making, dairy traditions, and ways of living in harmony with this vast land.
• Archaeology and nature: The region is rich in natural beauty and ancient human history, with scenic valleys, cliffs, and historical sites like petroglyphs and old graves in Hatuu Valley.
• Wildlife sightings: Trekking through Tsamba-Garav National Park gives you the chance to see wildlife such as ibex and other mountain species in their natural habitat.
• Cultural exchanges: Meet a Kazakh eagle hunter with a Golden Eagle at Lake Bayan-Nuur — a powerful cultural symbol of skill and tradition in this part of Mongolia.

Rough Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar — hotel, city orientation, prepare for western Mongolia.

Day 2: Fly to Khovd (or Ulgii), drive to Hatuu Valley, visit Kazakh families, overnight in tents.

Days 3–7: Trek through Nuurt Valley, Sair Khairhan Valley, and camping near scenic landscapes; visit nomadic families en route.

Days 8–9: Trek Yamaat Valley with beautiful views of the Altai snowcaps.

Day 10: Trek to Lake Bayan-Nuur, meet an eagle hunter and enjoy local culture.

Day 11: Return drive to Ulgii — time for local shopping or a cultural stop.

Day 12: Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and prepare for departure.

What Makes This Trip Special

This is more than a trek — it is a deep dive into the natural wonders and nomadic cultures of western Mongolia. You’ll share time with families whose traditions have survived through generations of life in the mountains and valleys of the Altai. From campfire conversations and traditional meals to horseback crossings and river fords, the experience blends rugged wilderness with authentic human connection.

Whether you’re drawn by astonishing landscapes, cultural immersion, or a mix of both, this trek can be tailored to suit your personal goals — from relaxed cultural exploration to more challenging trekking days.