Go off the grid and far from the ordinary.
Go wild – very wild – as you unlock the beauty of the Altai Mountains on an 18-day far-out adventure through Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia. Beginning in Nur-Sultan (Astana), travel to the depths of Russia and the Uch-Enmek National Park, making your way to some of the most isolated and spectacular mountain passes in the world. Weave your way into western Mongolia and discover the secrets of the Ice Age with a glacier trek in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, and see truly wild Takhi horses in Khustain National Park. If you crave those weird and wonderful places, then this is about as uncharted as you can get. So much so, that our inaugural Intrepid Uncharted Expedition, which this trip is based on, sold out in days. This definitely isn’t the usual itinerary you’ll pick up from your local travel agent.
It’s unlikely you’ll have many other chances to get this isolated in Central Asia and do the amazing things that you will experience on this expedition. This is a trip of unmatched adventure and is defintiely one to show off about.
Walk the most spectacular mountain pass into the Chulyshman River Valley with your small group. This road is like nothing you would have encountered before, and you’ll be camping right in its heart.
On your way to the Karakol Valley, stop by the Anokhin Museum in Gorno-Altaisk to see the Siberian Ice Maiden – the 2500-year-old mummified remains of a Eurasian woman only discovered in the 1990s.
Take on the mighty Pontanin Glacier – the longest in Mongolia – on a trek through the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Your expert local guides will get you up close and personal to this beast of nature.
You’ll be visiting a lot of new, isolated regions so you’ll want to hear from local people. Use this opportunity to interact with indigenous communities, including the Altai people, who have a sacred connection to nature. Read more about meeting some of the communities in Mongolia here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/ger-camp-western-mongolia/
A heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.
This trip involves multiple nights of camping, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, and the joy of experiencing the elements. This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!
Sometimes you’ve got to rough it to get amongst it. As you’ll be often setting up camp in the remote wilderness, please note that there will be no wi-fi for the majority of the trip, and often no access to showers or electricity. At times, your leaders will make available a traditional Russian banya (bath) to wash in, but embracing the elements is important for this trip.
Please note that this trip involves a lot of walking, so be sure to bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness, as most days involve exploring rugged landscapes on foot.
This trip includes long driving days spent travelling in a van with your group on rough roads that are often undefined and unmarked. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates. Note that these distances and times are estimated only and are subject to change, and due to the nature of a remote overland adventure trip like this, some travel may take much longer than anticipated, even if it looks close on a map.
Pack light, as you will be carrying your luggage at different stages of the journey. There is also an included flight in Mongolia which has a luggage weight restriction – please check the limits when you confirm your booking details to avoid paying any excess charges to the airline.
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Altai Mountains Expedition: Kazakhstan to Mongolia trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
1. This trip requires visas for most nationalities. Please see the Visa section of the Essential Trip Information to ensure you understand the requirements.
2. A Single Supplement is available on the trip for hotel nights only. It does not include camping, cabins, overnight train or tourist ger camp stays.
3. A strict luggage limit of 15 kg for checked baggage and 5 kg for carry on applies on this trip. Any excess baggage fees will need to be paid on ground direct to the airline.
4. We do not recommend travelling on multiple passports on this trip as it involves multiple visas and overland border crossings, and will cause complications at immigration and border control. You should use one passport for the duration of your trip and ensure it has all the required visas.
5. This Trip needs a Minimum of 4 passengers to be a Guaranteed Departure
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information
