Things to Do in Altai Mountains

The Altai Mountains stretch across western Mongolia like a massive stone spine, creating one of the world's most remote and pristine wilderness areas. This UNESCO World Heritage region actually feels like stepping back in time - you'll find Kazakh eagle hunters still practicing traditions passed down through generations, while snow leopards and argali sheep roam valleys that rarely see human footprints. The landscape shifts dramatically from glacier-capped peaks exceeding 4,000 meters to vast steppes dotted with traditional gers, creating what might be the planet's most untouched mountain ecosystem. Most travelers base themselves in Bayan-Ölgii, the region's cultural hub where Kazakh and Mongolian traditions blend in fascinating ways.

The food scene revolves around traditional Kazakh and Mongolian cuisine, which tends to be meat-heavy and designed for harsh mountain conditions. You'll find mutton and horse meat are staples, often served with dairy products like fermented mare's milk that takes some getting used to. Bayan-Ölgii has a few restaurants serving more familiar fare, but most meals come from staying with local families who prepare traditional dishes like beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles) and various dried meat preparations that are surprisingly flavorful. The bread here is particularly good - Kazakh families bake it fresh daily in traditional ovens.

The optimal visiting window runs from June through September when temperatures are manageable and most mountain passes remain accessible. July and August offer the warmest weather but also the highest tourist numbers, particularly around the Golden Eagle Festival in October. Winter visits from November through March provide incredible opportunities for eagle hunting and winter photography, but you'll need serious cold-weather gear as temperatures regularly drop to -30°C. Spring can be unpredictable with sudden snowstorms, though April and May offer fewer crowds and dramatic weather patterns that some travelers actually prefer.