Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Tavan Bogd means the five saints, the cluster of peaks at the western tip of Mongolia where the country meets Russia and China, and Khuiten at 4,374 metres is the highest point in the country. Below them lies the Potanin glacier, some fourteen kilometres long, the largest in Mongolia, and the standard trek walks up the valley to base camp with views of the whole face. This is Kazakh country: the herders of Bayan-Olgii are Muslim Kazakhs rather than Buddhist Khalkha Mongols, they live in decorated felt gers in summer, and the eagle hunting tradition survives here as nowhere else. Reaching the park means a border permit, arranged in advance, and a long rough drive from Olgii. Climbing Khuiten needs technical gear and a guide; walking to base camp needs only fitness and a tolerance for cold nights.

What's there

• The five peaks - Khuiten and its neighbours above the glacier.
• Potanin glacier - Mongolia's longest, walked up to from the valley.
• Kazakh summer camps - decorated gers and herding families in the valleys.
• The border marker - the point where three countries meet.

When to go

June to September only; snow closes the valleys the rest of the year and even in summer nights fall below freezing. July and August are the warmest. Border permits take time and must be arranged before travelling to Olgii.

Good to know

This is remote mountain travel: no lodges, no shops, no rescue, and a long rough drive to the trailhead. Permits are required and checked. Weather is severe and changes fast. Guides, horses and cooks are hired in Olgii and the whole trip needs organising rather than improvising.

Nearby

Khoton and Khurgan lakes lie south; Olgii is the base town.

Key facts