Altai vs Himalayan Shilajit: Differences, Benefits and Which to Buy?

Shilajit is a powerful natural supplement gaining popularity across Europe for its traditional use in Ayurveda to support energy, vitality, and wellness. However, not all Shilajit is created equal. The two most prominent types are Altai Shilajit, harvested from the pristine Altai Mountains in Kazakhstan, and Himalayan Shilajit, sourced from the Himalayas. What are the differences between these two? Which offers the most benefits, and which should you buy for optimal results? In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we compare Altai and Himalayan Shilajit based on origin, purity, composition, benefits, and use, empowering you to make an informed choice. At Vitadote, a Dutch company delivering premium Altai Shilajit since 2018 through our resin and tablets, we understand why Altai Shilajit is often preferred. Capsules are coming soon. Ready to choose the best Shilajit? Discover the differences and why no one beats Vitadote’s quality.

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What Is Shilajit and Why Does Origin Matter?

Shilajit is a resinous substance formed over centuries from the decomposition of plant material and minerals in mountain rocks. It contains over 85 minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, selenium, and zinc, alongside bioactive compounds like fulvic acid and humic acid. These components work synergistically to support the body at a cellular level, offering benefits like increased energy, improved focus, and faster recovery. In Ayurveda, Shilajit is used as an adaptogen to manage stress and promote balance. Want to learn more about Shilajit? Check our ultimate Shilajit guide, 6 benefits of Shilajit, how to use Shilajit, best Shilajit brands, and is Shilajit safe.

The origin of Shilajit is critical because the environment where it’s harvested determines its purity and potency. Altai Shilajit comes from the remote Altai Mountains, a region with minimal pollution, while Himalayan Shilajit is harvested in the Himalayas, where quality can vary due to unregulated harvesting. Purity affects the presence of contaminants like heavy metals, which can pose health risks. Vitadote’s Altai Shilajit is lab-tested for purity and fulvic acid content, backed by certifications like NVWA (REF: 202341141-V02), HACCP, and KOAG/KAG (REF: 10156-0524-913), ensuring a safe and potent product.

Altai Shilajit: Origin and Benefits

Origin

Altai Shilajit is harvested in the Altai Mountains, a pristine range in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Central Asia, known for its clean air, water, and soil. This region has minimal industrial activity, resulting in Shilajit with high purity and low levels of heavy metals or other contaminants. Vitadote’s Altai Shilajit is sustainably harvested with respect for nature and local communities, as outlined in our certifications guide.

Composition

Vitadote’s Altai Shilajit contains an exceptionally high fulvic acid content (76-83%), a bioactive compound that enhances nutrient absorption and supports cellular processes. It also includes 7-12% humic acid, contributing to its traditional health benefits. With a rich blend of minerals and antioxidants, Altai Shilajit is highly potent. Lab tests confirm its consistent quality and absence of harmful substances.

Benefits

• High Purity: Minimal contaminants due to the clean Altai Mountain environment.
• Potent Effects: Fulvic acid (76-83%) and humic acid (7-12%) ensure superior absorption and efficacy.
• Reliable Quality: Rigorous testing and certifications guarantee consistency.
• Sustainability: Harvested with environmental respect, as practiced by Vitadote.

Practical Tip: Choose Altai Shilajit for a pure, potent product. Try Vitadote’s Altai Shilajit resin for maximum potency.

Himalayan Shilajit: Origin and Benefits

Origin

Himalayan Shilajit is sourced from the Himalayas, a mountain range spanning India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. While the Himalayas are a rich source of Shilajit, quality can vary due to unregulated harvesting and increasing pollution in some areas. Not all suppliers test their Himalayan Shilajit for contaminants, which can pose risks, as discussed in is Shilajit safe.

Composition

Himalayan Shilajit also contains fulvic acid and humic acid, but levels are often lower and more variable (fulvic acid: 5-15%, humic acid: 2-8%) compared to Altai Shilajit. The composition depends heavily on the specific harvest location and processing methods, leading to inconsistent quality.

Benefits

• Traditional Use: Used for centuries in Ayurveda with a long history.
• Availability: More widely available and sometimes cheaper than Altai Shilajit.
• Versatility: Suitable for traditional applications, such as in tea or milk.

Practical Tip: Be cautious with Himalayan Shilajit and choose suppliers with certifications and lab testing to minimize risks.

Altai vs Himalayan Shilajit: A Direct Comparison

1. Purity

• Altai Shilajit: Harvested in a clean, remote region with minimal contaminants. Vitadote’s Shilajit is tested for heavy metals.
• Himalayan Shilajit: May contain contaminants due to unregulated harvesting and pollution in some areas.

2. Fulvic and Humic Acid Content

• Altai Shilajit: Higher and more consistent (fulvic acid: 76-83%, humic acid: 7-12%), ensuring better absorption and efficacy.
• Himalayan Shilajit: Lower and more variable (fulvic acid: 5-15%, humic acid: 2-8%), depending on the supplier.

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3. Certifications

• Altai Shilajit: Brands like Vitadote offer NVWA (REF: 202341141-V02), HACCP, and KOAG/KAG (REF: 10156-0524-913) certifications.
• Himalayan Shilajit: Many suppliers lack stringent certifications, increasing risks.

4. Sustainability

• Altai Shilajit: Sustainably harvested, as with Vitadote, respecting nature and communities.
• Himalayan Shilajit: Often less transparency about sustainable practices.

5. Price

• Altai Shilajit: Often slightly more expensive due to higher purity, fulvic acid content, and testing.
• Himalayan Shilajit: Can be cheaper but risks lower quality.

Practical Tip: For the best quality and safety, Altai Shilajit, like Vitadote’s, is often the superior choice.

Which Shilajit Should You Buy?

Choose Altai Shilajit if:

• You want the highest purity and potency, with fulvic acid (76-83%) and humic acid (7-12%).
• You value certifications and lab testing.
• Sustainability matters to you.
• You seek a reliable, consistent product.

Recommendation: Vitadote’s Altai Shilajit resin or tablets offer superior quality and safety.

Choose Himalayan Shilajit if:

• You want a traditional product at a lower price.
• You find a supplier with lab testing and certifications.

Warning: Avoid cheap Himalayan Shilajit without testing, as outlined in best Shilajit brands.

How Shilajit Fits into Your Routine

Both Altai and Himalayan Shilajit can be integrated into your daily routine:

• Morning: Dissolve 0.2-0.3g resin in warm tea or take 2 tablets for an energizing start.
• Sports: Take 2 tablets 30-60 minutes before a workout, as described in Shilajit for Sport: Recovery, Performance and Energy Boost.
• Ayurveda: Combine with ashwagandha, as explained in Shilajit in Ayurveda: Ancient Benefits for Modern Wellness.

Example Dosage: Resin: 0.2-0.3g daily; Tablets: 2x2 daily.

Why Vitadote’s Altai Shilajit Is the Best Choice

Since 2018, Vitadote has delivered premium Altai Shilajit, harvested in one of the world’s purest regions. Our products are:

• NVWA-certified (REF: 202341141-V02).
• HACCP-certified for the entire supply chain.
• KOAG/KAG-approved (REF: 10156-0524-913).
• Lab-tested for heavy metals, with fulvic acid (76-83%) and humic acid (7-12%).

Our resin, tablets, and soon capsules are vegan, gluten-free, and GMO-free, with fast delivery from the Netherlands. Customers praise our Shilajit on Bol.com and Instagram for its purity and effectiveness, with comments like “more energy in a week” and “noticeable focus improvement.”

Sustainability of Our Shilajit

At Vitadote, sustainability is a priority. Our Shilajit is carefully harvested in the Altai Mountains, respecting nature and local communities, ensuring a minimal ecological footprint. By choosing Vitadote, you support responsible sourcing and eco-conscious production.

Frequently Asked Questions About Altai vs Himalayan Shilajit

What Is the Main Difference Between Altai and Himalayan Shilajit?

Altai Shilajit offers higher purity and fulvic acid content (76-83%) due to its clean environment, while Himalayan Shilajit (5-15%) is more variable due to unregulated harvesting.

Is Altai Shilajit More Expensive?

Yes, often slightly more due to higher purity, fulvic acid content, and certifications, but it offers better value for quality.

Which Shilajit Is Safer?

Altai Shilajit, like Vitadote’s, is safer due to rigorous testing and certifications. See is Shilajit safe.

Can I Trust Himalayan Shilajit?

Only if the supplier provides certifications and testing; otherwise, it’s risky.

How Do I Choose the Best Shilajit?

Choose Altai Shilajit from a certified brand like Vitadote for purity and potency.

Sources

1. Agarwal, S.P., et al. (2007). "Shilajit: a review." Phytotherapy Research, 21(5), 401-405. - Review of Shilajit's mineral composition, regional variations, and fulvic acid content.
2. Wilson, E., et al. (2011). "Review on shilajit used in traditional Indian medicine." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 136(1), 1-9. - Comprehensive review of Shilajit's origins, including Himalayan and Central Asian sources.
3. Carrasco-Gallardo, C., et al. (2012). "Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity." International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2012. - Research on Shilajit's bioactive compounds and their geographical variation.
4. Stohs, S.J. (2014). "Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo)." Phytotherapy Research, 28(4), 475-479. - Review covering Shilajit from different regions and quality considerations.

Disclaimer: Shilajit is a traditional supplement, not a medicine. A varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are important. Consult a doctor during pregnancy, lactation, medication use, or medical conditions.

Ready to buy the best Shilajit? Shop now and experience Vitadote’s Altai Shilajit!

Author: Lisa de Vries, health specialist at Vitadote with years of experience in natural supplements.