Why Explore the Altai Mountains?
Picture yourself standing in the heart of the Altai Mountains, where towering snow-capped peaks pierce the sky, golden eagles glide effortlessly on the wind, and ancient traditions thrive in harmony with the wild. This remote and breathtaking region, located in Mongolia’s westernmost frontier, offers adventurers a chance to experience a land that time seems to have forgotten. An Altai Mountains expedition is not just about the landscapes—it’s about immersing yourself in the stories of the land, the resilience of its people, and the secrets that have been passed down through generations.
THE LARGEST WILD BACTRIAN CAMEL POPULATION & MONGOLIA' UNIQUE CAMEL CULTURE
Mongolia is home to the world’s largest population of wild Bactrian camels, a species found almost exclusively in the remote regions of the Gobi Desert. Unlike their domesticated relatives, these camels have adapted to the harsh desert environment, surviving extreme temperatures and limited water sources. With fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the wild, the wild Bactrian camel is one of the most endangered mammals on Earth.
But camels in Mongolia are more than just a mode of transport—they are central to the nomadic way of life. The Mongolian camel culture is unlike anything else in the world, celebrated through traditional camel races, camel wool festivals, and even a unique form of camel coaxing music that herders use to soothe and communicate with their animals. In the Gobi Desert, visitors can experience camel treks led by local herders, witness the deep bond between humans and camels, and learn how these animals have shaped life in the desert for thousands of years.
MEETING THE KAZAKH EAGLE HUNTERS – A LIVING TRADITION
BEST PLACES TO VISIT ON A GOBI DESERT ECO TOUR
DISCOVERING THE ANCIENT PETROGLYPHS OF TSAGAAN SALAA
EXPLORING THE POTANIN GLACIER – A FROZEN WONDERLAND
TREKKING TO KHÜITEN PEAK – MONGOLIA’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN
For those seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure, the Khüiten Peak Expedition offers a challenging yet rewarding journey. Trekking through high-altitude passes, across vast glaciers, and finally reaching the summit of Mongolia’s highest mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the top, the view stretches into China, Russia, and Kazakhstan, reminding you just how wild and untouched this part of the world remains.
The Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s largest glacier, is a stunning highlight of any Altai expedition. Walking across its rugged ice formations, hearing the distant echoes of shifting ice, and witnessing the power of nature firsthand is an unforgettable experience. This glacier is also a lifeline for local nomads, providing crucial water sources to sustain their herds.
Scattered across the Altai Mountains are thousands of petroglyphs—intricate carvings in rock that depict the daily lives, hunting scenes, and spiritual beliefs of ancient civilizations. The Tsagaan Salaa petroglyph site, a UNESCO World Heritage location, offers a window into Mongolia’s distant past, where ancient hunters once roamed the same landscapes that modern-day nomads now call home.
The Kazakh eagle hunters of the Altai are world-famous for their ancient tradition of training golden eagles to hunt foxes and hares. During an eagle hunting festival, visitors can witness these skilled hunters in action, see how they form deep bonds with their birds, and even try holding a mighty golden eagle on their arm. It’s a rare glimpse into a centuries-old way of life that continues to thrive today.
7 DAY TOUR
A WONDERFUL TRAVEL TO ALTAI TAVAN BOGD MOUNTAINS
HORSEBACK EXPEDITIONS ACROSS THE STEPPE
To truly experience Mongolia’s nomadic spirit, nothing compares to a horseback expedition through the Altai. Galloping across alpine meadows, winding through river valleys, and ascending mountain passes on horseback is not just an adventure—it’s a connection to the past, echoing the journeys of the Mongol warriors who once ruled these lands.
TOURS
8 DAY TOUR
WINTER EAGLE FESTIVAL
WHAT MAKES THE GOBI DESERT SPECIAL?
Majestic Peaks & Glaciers – Home to Mongolia’s highest peak, Khüiten Peak (4,374m), and the stunning Potanin Glacier.
Rich Wildlife – Spot ibex, argali sheep, golden eagles, and the elusive snow leopard.
Ancient Petroglyphs – Discover rock carvings dating back thousands of years.
Kazakh Eagle Hunters – Meet the legendary eagle hunters who use golden eagles for traditional hunting.
Nomadic Culture – Experience the warmth and hospitality of Mongolian, Kazakh, and Tuvan herders who call these mountains home.
Summer (June - August): Ideal for trekking, horse riding, and cultural festivals.
Autumn (September - October): The mountains turn golden, and the Golden Eagle Festival takes place.
Winter (November - February): Harsh but spectacular—perfect for photography and eagle hunting expeditions.
Spring (March - May): A quieter time when wildlife begins to emerge after the long winter.
BEST TIME FOR A MONGOLIA WILDLIFE TOUR
FINAL THOUGHTS
An Altai Mountains expedition is more than just a trek—it’s a journey into a world that remains wild, untamed, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you're scaling the heights of Khüiten Peak, sharing stories with Kazakh eagle hunters, or tracing the footsteps of ancient civilizations through petroglyphs, every step is a reminder of the raw beauty and enduring spirit of Mongolia.
And if you’re lucky, you might even cross paths with the next generation of eagle hunters—perhaps a young girl like Aisholpan, whose courage reminds us that the mountains belong to those brave enough to chase their dreams.
Are you ready to embark on an Altai Mountains expedition?