Mongolia

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Fall 2026

Altai Trek

Expedition Overview

The 2026 Mongolia Expedition Team will explore the highest peaks and most beautiful valleys of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.

Among the highlights are Mt. Khuiten, the highest mountain in Mongolia and on the shared border with China. Niramdel and Malchin Peaks, which share a ridge with Russia (Siberia). The route to high camp climbs the 15 km long Potanin Glacier, which carves out a gorgeous valley providing seemingly unending visibility through this vast wilderness.

Prior to heading west into the national park, we will explore Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. Our local english-speaking guides have much to share about their experiences, observations, and connection to Mongolian history of their culture as we visit museums and the largest monastery in the country.

On our way out of the park we visit local nomadic families and stay in a Ger camp; the traditional Mongolian homes still in use today by the nomadic peoples of the steppe who share many aspects of daily life with people from the time of Chinggis Khan.

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Application Packet

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Expedition Details

This is a supported climbing and trekking expedition planned by S2 Mountain Adventures.

Included in cost:

All trip planning & logistics
In-country airport transfers
Ground transportation
Accommodation (double occupancy)
All permits, registrations, and entry fees for national parks and organized excursions
In-country guide service
All backcountry meals

Plus advance assistance with:

Conditioning
Preparation
Gear selection

Not included in cost:

Personal equipment
International flights
Insurance of any kind
Tips & gratuities (~$300)
Airport fees
Personal expenditures

Expedition Prerequisites

Trekking Team

There are many, many non-technical peaks in the Altai. Trekkers can choose to do some exploration of the region or if you’d like to gain more technical experience we can accommodate that too!

Trekkers are invited to spend time on the glacier to develop and practice basic alpine travel skills such as crampon use and rope team glacier travel.

Please let us know if you’re interested in joining so we can support your goals!

Trekking Prerequisites:

Ability to carry 15-25 lbs pack with your personal items for the day
If you plan to join us at high camp for glacier & snow skills you should be comfortable carrying a 30-35 lbs pack
Ability to maintain an average pace of approximately 2 mph on rolling terrain

Climbing Team

The climbing team will share many of the same objectives as the rest of the team, but will spend a day making the summit bid for Mt. Khuiten. This is a technical climb and requires glacier travel skills due to crevasses and steep snow/ice slopes.

Climbing Prerequisites:

All trekking prereqs
Successful completion of a multi-day alpine training course or equivalent experience such as....
Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Washington (winter ascent), or similar peaks
Glacier travel, self arrest, and confidence on moderate slopes of 45-50 degrees

Expedition Itinerary

Title	Objective
Day 1	Arrive in Ulaanbataar
Day 2	Prep/Tour
Day 3	Arrive to Olgii
Day 4	Approach to Base Camp
Day 5	Malchin Summit Bit
Day 6	Skills & Rest Day
Day 7	Approach to High Camp
Day 8	Mt. Khuiten Summit Bid
Day 9	Nairamdal Summit Bid
Day 10	Contingency Day
Day 11	Egress to Olgii
Day 12	Return to Ulaanbataar
Day 13	Depart Mongolia

Three men with large packs that have more gear strapped to the outside of the pack are heading into the distance via a valley through very high mountains. The entire area is covered in snow but a few rocks are exposed in various parts of the photo.

Three men in winter mountaineering gear standing in a cleared patch of grass in an otherwise snow covered landscape with huge mountains in the background.

Man in jacket standing at river and fly fishing with a prarie and two rows of mountains in the background which get larger into the distance.

Four trekkers in Mongolia with the Altai mountains in the background.

Closeup of lit candle and ornate items inside a Buddhist temple.

Expedition tents and foreground covered in snow during the blue hour in front of mountains.

Man and woman with backpacks trekking through an open area heading into the mountains.

Woman in green puffer holding eagle on right arm.

Mountaineer with goggles on top of head laughing while sitting next to a summit marker and prayer flags.

Two native Mongolians on horseback in a wide expanse of rolling hills in the steppe.

Man and woman with backpacks walking toward mountains.