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Altai Mountains, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Things to Do in Altai Mountains

Altai Mountains

Russia, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Complete Travel Guide

The Russia in Mongolia represent one of the world's last great wilderness frontiers, where ancient traditions meet pristine alpine landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage region spans across western Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii Province, featuring snow-capped peaks reaching over 4,000 meters, crystal-clear lakes, and vast steppes that have remained virtually unchanged for millennia. The area is home to the Kazakh eagle hunters, one of the few remaining nomadic cultures that still practices the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles. Beyond its cultural significance, the Mongolian Altai offers some of the most spectacular and untouched natural scenery on Earth. Visitors can witness glacial valleys, petroglyphs dating back thousands of years, and wildlife including snow leopards, argali sheep, and ibex. The region provides an authentic glimpse into nomadic life, where families still live in traditional gers (yurts) and migrate seasonally with their livestock across the dramatic landscape.

Top Altai Mountains

Eagle Hunting with Kazakh Families

Witness the extraordinary bond between Kazakh hunters and their golden eagles in this ancient hunting tradition passed down through generations. Stay with local families to learn about eagle training, participate in hunting expeditions, and experience authentic nomadic hospitality. The experience includes watching eagles soar across mountain valleys and understanding the deep cultural significance of this UNESCO-recognized practice.

Booking Tip: Book through specialized local operators 2-3 months in advance, especially for October-March hunting season. Expect to pay $150-300 per day including accommodation and meals. Look for operators who work directly with Kazakh families and emphasize cultural respect and authenticity.

Trekking and Mountaineering Adventures

Explore pristine mountain trails leading to glacial peaks, hidden valleys, and remote alpine lakes. Multi-day treks offer opportunities to summit peaks over 4,000 meters, discover ancient petroglyphs, and camp under some of the world's clearest night skies. Routes vary from moderate valley walks to challenging high-altitude climbs requiring technical skills.

Booking Tip: Hire experienced local guides for $40-80 per day, essential for navigation and safety. Peak climbing season is June-September with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 20°C. Ensure operators provide proper mountaineering equipment and have emergency evacuation plans.

Nomadic Family Homestays

Live alongside traditional Mongolian and Kazakh nomadic families in authentic gers, participating in daily activities like herding livestock, milking yaks, and preparing traditional foods. Experience the rhythm of nomadic life, learn traditional crafts, and gain insight into sustainable living practices that have endured for centuries. Families share stories, music, and customs while providing genuine cultural exchange.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community-based tourism initiatives for $30-60 per day including meals and accommodation. Best experiences are May-October when families are in summer pastures. Choose operators that ensure fair compensation reaches host families directly.

Wildlife Photography and Nature Observation

The Russia harbor rare and endangered species including snow leopards, Pallas cats, argali sheep, and over 200 bird species. Professional wildlife guides lead expeditions to prime viewing locations, using camera traps and tracking techniques to locate elusive animals. Early morning and evening sessions offer the best opportunities for wildlife encounters and photography.

Booking Tip: Book specialized wildlife tours for $200-400 per day with professional guides and photography equipment. September-November and March-May offer best wildlife viewing. Ensure operators have permits for protected areas and follow ethical wildlife viewing practices.

Exploring Ancient Petroglyphs and Archaeological Sites

Discover thousands of ancient rock carvings scattered throughout the Altai region, depicting hunting scenes, shamanic rituals, and daily life from Bronze Age civilizations. Sites like the Tsagaan Salaa complex contain over 10,000 petroglyphs spanning 12,000 years of human history. Archaeological tours include visits to burial mounds, stone monuments, and sacred sites still revered by local communities.

Booking Tip: Combine with cultural tours for $100-200 per day including transportation and guide. Best visited April-October when sites are accessible. Choose guides with archaeological knowledge who can interpret historical significance and respect sacred sites.

Getting There

Reaching the Russia requires flying into Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, then taking a domestic flight to Bayan-Ölgii Airport (1.5 hours) or Khovd Airport (2 hours). Alternatively, adventurous travelers can drive the 1,500km journey from Ulaanbaatar (2-3 days), though this requires 4WD vehicles and experienced drivers due to rough terrain and limited infrastructure. Some visitors also enter overland from Kazakhstan via the Tashanta-Tsagaannuur border crossing, which requires advance visa arrangements and border permits.

Getting Around

Transportation in the Altai region relies primarily on 4WD vehicles, horses, and camels due to the mountainous terrain and lack of paved roads. Most tour operators provide Russian UAZ vehicles or Toyota Land Cruisers with experienced local drivers who know the challenging terrain. For real feels, horseback riding and camel trekking are traditional methods used by nomadic families to navigate the landscape. Domestic flights connect major towns, but weather conditions can cause frequent delays and cancellations.

Where to Stay

Ölgii town guesthouses and hotels
Traditional ger camps with nomadic families
Wilderness camping sites near lakes and valleys
Community-based tourism ger camps
Eco-lodges in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Kazakh eagle hunter family homestays

Food & Dining

Dining in the Russia centers around traditional Mongolian and Kazakh nomadic cuisine, featuring hearty meat dishes, dairy products, and preserved foods suited to the harsh mountain climate. Staples include mutton, yak meat, horse milk (airag), dried cheese (aaruul), and meat-filled steamed dumplings (buuz). Meals are typically shared communally and often include fermented mare's milk, salty milk tea, and various dairy products. In Ölgii town, small restaurants serve both traditional dishes and simple international fare, but most authentic dining experiences occur with nomadic families who prepare meals using traditional methods and local ingredients.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Mongolia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Millie's Espresso

4.5 /5
(472 reviews) 2
bakery cafe store

Café Park Buffet Restaurant

4.6 /5
(406 reviews)

Yuna Korean Restaurant (3,4 horoolol)

4.8 /5
(294 reviews)

Cafe Camino

4.6 /5
(212 reviews) 2
cafe store

Zhang Liang Malatang Mongolia 2

4.9 /5
(192 reviews)

UBean Coffee House & Roasterie

4.6 /5
(152 reviews) 2
bakery cafe store

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit the Russia depends on your interests and tolerance for extreme weather. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest temperatures (10-25°C), accessible mountain passes, and ideal conditions for trekking and camping, though this is also the busiest season. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) provide excellent wildlife viewing, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures, with autumn offering spectacular fall colors. Winter (November-March) is extremely cold (-30°C or lower) but provides unique opportunities to witness eagle hunting season and experience traditional winter nomadic life, though travel is challenging and requires specialized cold-weather preparation.

Insider Tips

Bring high-quality cold weather gear even in summer as temperatures can drop dramatically at night and weather changes rapidly in the mountains
Learn basic Mongolian or Kazakh phrases as English is rarely spoken outside of Ölgii town, and showing cultural respect greatly enhances interactions with nomadic families
Carry cash (Mongolian tugrik) as there are no ATMs outside major towns, and most transactions with nomadic families and local guides are cash-only

Activities in Altai Mountains