Early this morning take a 3-hour flight to Ulgy town in Western Mongolia. The Kazakhs living in the area are the largest national minority and practice Sunni Islam. A number of other ethnic groups also reside in the province in the region.

Upon arrival meet with a support team of the driver(s), cook(s), and a guide and head westward to Tavan Bogd national park. At the end of a 3 hours travel across the mountainous desert, we camp in the valley of the Sogoot river. In general rivers in Mongolia are small and shallow occasionally drying up but during the rainy season they rapidly rise and at times burst their banks.

Upon arrival, we erect our tented camp. It is guaranteed that curious locals on horse or foot will appear out of nowhere to greet you. Dinner and overnight in tented camp.  

Travel further west and by early afternoon reach the Oigor river valley, the gateway to the Tavan Bogd peaks.

En route, we try to visit a Kazakh family, male members of which practice falconry. They employ Golden Eagles for hunting foxes, hares, and other small animals. 

 Today we trek to the base camp of the Tavan Bogd. This gradual ascent takes us through a high mountain terrain of rock outcroppings and of wetlands. With a bit of luck, you will see some of the wildlife that inhabits the area including marmots, hares, and a number of birds such as Golden Eagles, Black Vultures, and Falcons.

Our entire luggage will be transported by camels handled by Tuvan herders. Upon completing two-thirds of the way there open majestic perspectives of Potanin and Alexander glaciers with the icy peaks of Khuiten (4374m), Nairamdal (4082m), Snow church (4071m), Malchin (4050m), and Ulgii (4113m) on their far side. This evening we camp at 2900m. (tent/B,L,D)

The 4051m Malchin is the lowest of the peaks. We hike along the Potanin glacier moraine for an hour and start climbing to the Malchin Peak. Its ridgeline overlaps with the borderline of Mongolia and Russia and provides a spectacular bird's eye view of the Potanin glacier, glaciated peaks, and Russia.

Over to the west, weather permitting, you will see the massif of Mt.Belukha (4500m) lying in Russia. That is the absolute top of the Altai mountain range. Back in camp, we reward ourselves with a tasty meal. Those staying behind can relax in the camp and take the so-called Russian border walk, an easy climb onto a neighboring ridge that allows a glance into the territory of Russia. 

 Our challenge for the following 4 days (including one leeway day) is the Khuiten peak. To reach its base we need to cross the Potanin glacier, which lies in between. An advanced base camp will be set up below the eastern face of Khuiten.

A number of crevasses are to be traversed before reaching the Khuiten's foothill. The actual ascent, although technically moderate takes 4 hours. From the summit, there opens a tremendous bird eye view over China, Russia, and the neighboring snowcapped ridges and snowfields.

Weather permitting we should be back at the base camp in the evening of the eighth day. In such a case, you can use the following day either for rest or for optional cultural activities upon return to 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 to we celebrate our ascent. 

 We say "goodbye" to our Tuvan friends and take a 7-hour drive back to Ulgy. Tonight is your chance to sleep in a local hotel. Hot shower and cold beers will highlight the day. 

 This morning we catch a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon for shopping and else. Farewell dinner. 

Today we will visit Zaisan Memorial Hill is located on the south side of Ulaanbaatar City, right beside the Bogd Khan Mountain having the best view of the city and surrounding hills. Next visit Bogd Khan Palace museum - the complex was a residence of 8th Bogd Javzandamba in the 19th century, the head of Mongolian religion. The palace consists of seven Summer Prayer temples and the winter palace. 

After lunch, visit “Gandan” Monastery, Mongolia’s largest functioning Buddhist monastery including the Mongolian Buddhist University. The highlight of visiting Gandan is the 26-meter-high majestic gilded indoor statue of Megjid Janraisig. 

Afterward, free of your choice. You can be transferred to the hotel for rest and refreshment or go shopping for souvenirs and local products, your guide will be ready to serve you for that. Suggested shopping places are State department store, the famous “Gobi” cashmere factory store. In the evening, we will visit the “Wonders of Mongolia” folklore show by the famous Tumen-Ekh ensemble - is one of the most successful folk art groups to share traditional Mongolian music with the world, having traveled to over 40 countries. Will have dinner at 8:00 o’clock and transferred to the hotel. 

 You will be free at leisure in your hotel or wander around on your own until being escorted to the Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight home.

Your driver will assist you with flight check-in and luggage, and see you off at the point of security check.  Note: You must be at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport  2 hours before your flight time.