All you need to know about The Altai Odyssey 160

The Altai Odyssey 160 is more than just an ultra-marathon; it is a four-stage journey through the most remote and majestic landscapes of Western Mongolia. From the high-altitude passes of Altai Tavan Bogd to the shores of pristine alpine lakes, here is everything you need to know to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

📅 The Official Timeline

• July 13th, 8:00 AM: Athlete Check-in & Orientation at Olgii City (It is athletes responsibility to reach Olgii city by 13th of July, 8:00 AM ). We will hold a mandatory, thorough technical briefing. We’ll cover every kilometer of the 160km route, safety protocols, and the technical requirements. 

• July 13th, 1:00 PM: Shuttle Departure to Erunhiilugchiin owoo, the Start Line. (Following the orientation, the odyssey truly begins. Runners will board our provided shuttle purgons (the legendary Mongolian 4x4 vans) for a rugged and scenic drive to the start line at Erunhiilugchiin owoo).

• July 14th, 7:00 AM: Race Start.

• July 14th-17th  Race Days

• July 18th, 10:00 AM: Closing Ceremony/ Back to Ulgii City 

The odyssey is divided into four distinct stages, each offering unique terrain and technical challenges. Every stage includes one mandatory Mid-Stage Checkpoint (CP) for safety, hydration, and medical tracking.

• Start: Erunhiilugchiin owoo (3,047m)

• Finish: Durgunii Nuur Camp

• Distance: ~42.4 km

• Technical Detail: A high-altitude start with a significant descent. Runners must manage the transition from thin alpine air to the technical lakeside trails.

• Checkpoint 1: Located at KM 11. Mandatory gear check and water refill.
• Checkpoint 2: Located at KM 22. Mandatory gear check and water refill.
• Checkpoint 3: Located at KM 33. Mandatory gear check and water refill.

• Start: Durgunii Nuur

• Finish: Har Nuuriin Huwuuu Mobile Tent Camp

• Distance: ~33.1 km

• Technical Detail: This stage follows the rugged perimeter of the lakes. Expect sandy sections and rocky outcrops that require constant focus on foot placement.

• Checkpoint 4: Located at KM 56.5 (South Har Nuur). Medical check-in point, Mandatory gear check and water refill.

• Start: Har Nuuriin Huwuuu

• Finish: Ongonii Am Mobile Tent Camp

• Distance: ~29 km

• Technical Detail: Cross running across rocky highlands, with sweeping views back over the entire lake system.

• Checkpoint 5: Located at KM 89.Mandatory gear check and water refill.

• Start: Ongonii Am

• Finish: Traditional Ger Camp (Race Finish)

• Distance: ~50 km

• Technical Detail: The most demanding day. You will face the maximum vertical gain of the race, and maximum distance through high mountain ridges with panoramic views of the popular Sirgali and Baga Turgenii Khurkheree.

• Checkpoint 6: Located at KM 117.4. Mandatory gear check and water refill.
• Checkpoint 7: Located at KM 130. Mandatory gear check and water refill.
• Checkpoint 8: Located at KM 143 (Steppe Gateway). Last hydration point before the grand finish

⛺ Accommodation & Atmosphere

• Nights 1, 2, & 3: We stay in traditional expedition tents. These mobile camps are moved daily by our support team to the stage finish lines.

• Night 4 (The Celebration): Upon crossing the finish line, you will be welcomed into a Traditional Mongolian Ger Camp. Here, we will hold our closing ceremony and victory banquet in the comfort of felt-lined Gers, celebrating the completion of the 160km odyssey.
• While race organizers provide accommodation, it is runners responsibility to prepare their own sleep bag and other warm keeping necessities. 

🎒 Mandatory Requirements Summary

• Navigation: You must carry the GPX files for all 4 stages on a wearable device.

• Altitude: Prepare for sustained activity between 2,000m and 3,000m.

• Self-Sufficiency: While CPs provide water, you must carry your own mandatory safety kit and 800kcal of emergency rations.

💰 What’s Included in Your Entry Fee

Your registration fee is more than just a bib number; it is a comprehensive service package designed to ensure your safety and basic comfort in one of the most remote regions on Earth ensuring the most prestigious memories and uncompromising challenge.

• Logistics & Transportation: Airport transfers in Ölgii and 4x4 Purgon shuttles to the start line and through the 160 KMs.

• Full-Service Accommodation: Mobile expedition tents for Stages 1–3 and a traditional Ger camp for the finish.

• Expedition Catering: Nutritious breakfast, hot camp dinners, and a grand victory banquet.

• Safety & Medical: Professional wilderness medical teams and satellite tracking for all runners.

• Runner’s Pack: Technical race T-shirt, official bib, and a custom Finisher Medal.

• Technical Certification: ITRA and UTMB Index results submission and verified GPX data.

At the Altai Odyssey 160, we do not offer luxury; we offer reality. This race is built on the philosophy of "Happy Suffering."

Runners do not come to the Altai Tavan Bogd for comfort or easy miles. You are here to strip away the noise of modern life and test your limits against raw, unforgiving nature. Whether it is the thin air at 3,000 meters, the unpredictable mountain weather, or the silence of the nomadic steppe, every kilometer is designed to be a challenge.

In the Altai, the "happy" comes from the grit of the struggle and the "suffering" is the price of a truly real and raw experience. If you are looking for a curated tour, this is not it. If you are looking to find out who you are when the trail gets tough—welcome home.

Are you ready to write your name in the Altai wilderness?

Registration is open tomorrow. Don't wait—the purgons leave on July 13th from Ulgii city!