Ultimate khuiten mountaineering tour EL-210

The Altai Tavan Bogd mountain range lies in the far western corner of Mongolia and comprises of the highest peaks of the country, all above 4000 meters: Khuiten, Nairamdal, Malchin, Snowchurch and Cradle. Mongolia’s longest glacier the Potanin Glacier stretches for 19km from the eastern face of Mt. Khuiten. The area is inhabited by the elusive Snow leopard, Wild mountain goat – Ibex, Argali Sheep and wolf.
The first place we stopped at was White River,in Tavan Bogd peaks. Driving further we reach the “gateway” of the Tavan Bogd peaks by early afternoon. Here is the magnificent valley of the glacial green White River overlooked by the Protector mountain, a rich cradle of human habitation history. Hundreds of ancient graves and rock carvings lie around it. En route we visit a Kazak yurt, or as it is locally called “ger”. This hospitable people have ancient traditions of falconry. Kazaks employ Golden Eagles which are kept for hunting foxes, hares and other small animals. (B,L,D).
The next camp on the tour was Tavan Bogd. After breakfast we’ll hike to base camp of the Tavan Bogd. This gradual ascent takes us through a high mountain terrain of rocks and wetlands. Not needing luck you will see some of the wildlife that inhabits the area including marmots, hares and a number of birds such us Golden Eagles, Black Vultures and Falcons.Our entire luggage will be transported by camels driven by Tuvan hunters. Upon completing two thirds’ of the way there open majestic perspectives of Potanin and Alexander glaciers backed by icy peaks of Khuiten (4374m), Nairamdal (4082m), Snowchurch (4071m), Malchin (4050m), and Cradle (4113m). This evening we camp at 2900m. (B,L,D).
The last place we visited in Malchin Peak.The 4051m Malchin is the lowest of the Five Peaks. We hike along Potanin glacier moraine for an hour to start climbing the scree. Malchin’s ridgeline overlaps with the borderline of Mongolia and Russia and provides a spectacular bird's eye view of Potanin glacier, glaciated peaks and Russia. Over to the north, weather permitting, you will see the massif of Mt.Belukha (4500m) lying in Russia. That is the absolute top of Altai mountain range.
Finally, we went to our in the White River valley. Today we hike back to our camp in the White River valley. This time it is a gradual descent along the White river which takes its source from the Potanin glacier. It is a chance to glance into every single valley of the icy massif and witness how the initial stream of glacial dust transforms into the mighty White river. Back to our vehicles we celebrate our ascent with a delicacy of Kazakh cuisine - "besbarmak". Literally meaning "five fingers" this is a delicious assortment of stewed meat, vegetables and flour eaten with hands. (B,L,D).
This tour was fantastic. So when you have time, get on the first plane to the Altai Tavan Bogd and have the time of your life.