Plan the trekking adventure tour to the highest peaks of Mongolia, alpine lakes, and glaciers at Mongolia's border with China and Russia in the Altai Tavan Bogd Park. There are many other activities apart from hiking and trekking, such as fishing, skiing, and rafting. However, the highlight of the trip is the longest glacier in Mongolia—Potanin, named after Grigory Potanin, an ethnographer and natural historian, who explored the glacier in the late 19th century. The glacier is 14 km long and stands next to another glacier—Alexander. The sad story behind the Potanin glacier is that its retreat speed has now reached on average 15 m per year.
In the area, there is also a famous Malchin Peak, the only one of the five Altai peaks that are possible to climb without the special equipment. It is 4,050 m high and translates into "herders' peak". To add up to this amazing list, you will find in the area also many archeological sights, including petroglyphs and burial mounds.
Practical info
What is the optimal time to go to Altai Tavan Bogd Park in Mongolia?
If you're planning on visiting Altai Tavan Bogd Park in Mongolia, the ideal time to go is from June to September. During this period, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities like trekking, with daytime temperatures ranging between 15 and 25 Celsius, albeit dropping to 5 degrees Celsius at night. Snow and ice make some parts of the park inaccessible from October to May, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. Show more
Which area outside of Mongolia is the Potanin glacier located in and where in Altai Tavan Bogd is it situated?
The Potanin glacier is situated in Altai Tavan Bogd Park, which lies in the extreme west part of Mongolia, sharing borders with Russia and China. The park covers 6,362 square kilometers and features eight mountain peaks, whilst the glacier, which is the longest in Mongolia at 23.4 square kilometers, is located close to the Russia and China borders. Visitors can view the awe-inspiring glacier by hiking towards its base. Show more
What is Malchin Peak's height and level of difficulty for trekkers attempting the climb?
Malchin Peak, whose name translates as 'herders' peak', is 4,050 meters or 13,287 feet tall. Out of the Altai's multiple peaks, it is the only one trekkers can scale without equipment. Preparing adequately, carrying warm clothes and water, are nevertheless important. While it's not technically challenging, the hike can still last for up to 3 hours, giving visitors ample time to absorb the stunning scenery that surrounds them. Show more
What additional activities aside from trekking can tourists carry out while in Altai Tavan Bogd Park?
Beyond trekking or hiking, Altai Tavan Bogd Park offers an array of other activities for tourists. Fishing fans can take advantage of the many rivers flowing through the area; come winter, skiing and snowboarding are increasingly common activities here. Adventurers keen on testing their courage can experience rafting in the Khovd River's rapids. The park is multi-layered in history as well. Petroglyphs and burial grounds are excellent historical sites that provide insight into Mongolia's past culture. Show more
Is it possible to see petroglyphs and burial mounds when visiting Altai Tavan Bogd Park?
Yes! Visitors to Altai Tavan Bogd Park can explore several magnificent ancient sites, including petroglyphs, burial mounds, and stone statues. One of the best petroglyph sites is Tsagaan Salaa, which means 'white water' in English, located alongside the Tsaagan Gol River's southern bank. The area contains numerous ancients' burial mounds, such as the famous deer stones that showcase an upright stone bearing carved images of deer. Show more
