Nomadic Life in the Orkhon Valley
In the heart of the Mongolian steppes, live at the rhythm of nomadic herders and explore the sacred lands of the Orkhon.
Duration
9 days
From
€1,490/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Morning breaks over the endless steppe where the neighing of horses resonates and the tinkling of livestock bells rings out. In the Orkhon Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, each sunrise reveals a limitless horizon dotted with white yurts and horseback herders gathering their herds.
This journey takes you from the monasteries of Karakorum, the former capital of Genghis Khan's empire, to the hot springs of Mogoit nestled in the larch forests of the Khangai range. You discover the Orkhon Falls that surge from volcanic rock, explore the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai on camelback, and observe the last Przewalski's wild horses in their protected territory of Khustai. Between these stages, four nights spent with a herding family initiate you into ancient practices: milking mares, making dried aaruul, and participating in seasonal migrations.
This authentic immersion in the nomadic way of life reveals the deep soul of Mongolie, where the endless horizon still dialogues with the ancestral traditions of the steppe peoples. A journey that will mark you long after your return.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and discoveries in Ulaanbaatar
Arrival in Ulan Bator, the Mongolian capital, where vast steppes gradually give way to an astonishing city, blending Soviet heritage, nomadic traditions and emerging modernity. Welcome by your driver and transfer to the city center, a first glimpse of this fascinating destination with already stunning landscapes. Check-in at your hotel and rest (early check-in not included).
Meet at noon at your hotel, where your guide will meet you before accompanying you to a local restaurant for lunch. This first moment of exchange is an opportunity to get acquainted, discover the main highlights of your adventure and slowly immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Mongolia.
Dive into the heart of Mongolian history with a visit to the National History Museum. Spread over several floors, the museum traces the rich past of the country, from the first nomadic civilizations to the Soviet period, including the rise of the great empire founded by Genghis Khan. A fascinating visit to better understand the identity and culture of Mongolia.
Stroll through the downtown area of Ulaanbaatar to discover the famous Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of the capital dominated by the imposing statue of Genghis Khan. You will also observe the Mongolian Parliament and the liveliness of this amazing city, between Soviet heritage and nomadic culture.
Around 6:00 PM, you attend a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh, famous for its performances combining folk dances, traditional music, contortion acts and khoomi, the fascinating Mongolian throat singing inscribed in the intangible cultural heritage.
Przewalski's Horse Observation
Discovery of the Gandantegchinlen monastery, the country's main Buddhist center. Every morning, monks gather there for prayers in an atmosphere filled with serenity. This visit also allows you to learn more about Mongolian Buddhism and to freely exchange with people on the site.
Oulan Bator → Parc national de Khustai
Route in the direction of the Khustai Nuruu National Park, a vast protected territory famous for being home to the last Przewalski's horses, called locally Takhi. Successfully reintroduced into the Mongolian steppes, these wild horses now evolve in complete freedom.
At the end of the day, when the light becomes softer and the animals more active, a walk will take you to their usual watering point. You will then be able to observe them discreetly in their natural environment, in the heart of the vast Mongolian spaces.
You spend your first night in Mongolia with a nomadic family settled on the outskirts of the national park, an immersion that allows you to discover their daily life and exchange about their way of living.
In the old capital of Genghis Khan
Orkhon Valley → Kharkhorin
You take the road to Kharkhorin, the former capital of the Mongols. Founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan, this emblematic city was one of the major stops on the Silk Road. It was from Karakorum that the Mongol empire was administered until the capital was moved to Beijing by Kublai Khan. Today, only a few remains of the capital survive, recalling the historical importance of this place marked by the passage of the great khans.
You visit the centre dedicated to Mongolian calligraphy. At 3:00 PM, you attend an introduction to this traditional art, then you take part in a practical session and create your own calligraphy.
Visit to the Erdene Zuu monastery, built in 1586 by a nomadic prince. The complex, inspired by Chinese and Tibetan architecture, is surrounded by 108 sacred stupas, which testify to the spiritual importance of the site. The discovery continues at the Karakorum Museum, dedicated to the history of the ancient capital and its region.
Stay with the Nomads of the Orkhon
You now leave all roads behind to fully enjoy the Mongolian tracks. The journey takes you along landscapes shaped by the Orkhon canyons and verdant steppes, where herds of the region's many nomads roam. You then join a herding family who will welcome you in the heart of the Orkhon Valley, a site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage.
4-night stay with a nomadic herding family. You will discover the nomadic way of life and share their daily life in all simplicity. Depending on the season, you may be offered the opportunity to participate in animal milking, traditional dairy product making or even gathering herds on horseback.
(Activities subject to seasonality)
Discovery of the Wonders of Orkhon Valley
From Orkhon Valley
In the morning, you set off on an excursion to the Tövkhön monastery. The ascent to the summit of the Öndör Ulaan hill, accessible only on foot, leads to the Tovkhon hermitage, where Zanabazar, Mongolia's first religious leader, composed the Soyombo alphabet. Located at 2,312 m altitude, the site reveals a vast panorama over the Khangai range. You enjoy a picnic in this exceptional setting, with the Orkhon valley below.
Return to your hosts' place then a walk around the camp area.
Horse trekking towards Mogoit
Orkhon Valley → Mogoit
You set off on a horseback riding trip to the sources of Mogoit. You follow the Orkhon before heading into a valley surrounded by larch forests that stretches southward.
Those who wish can travel by vehicle and do an 8 km hiking tour to the sources.
Visit to Orkhon Falls
Orkhon Valley → Orkhon cascades
Those who wish can set off on a horseback riding along the Orkhon Valley from the camp to the Orkhon Falls.
For others, it is possible to reach the falls on a hike of approximately 6 km, or by vehicle according to your preferences.
Visit to the Ulan Tsutgalaan waterfalls, where a clear stream cascades over dark stone, sometimes crossed by a ray of sunlight that creates an ephemeral rainbow. Standing 16 meters high, they formed nearly 20,000 years ago, as a result of a rare combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
At the end of the day, you attend the preparation of a Mongolian barbecue, then share this traditional meal with your hosts in a warm atmosphere.
Khogno Khan Desert Area
Orkhon Valley → Khogno Khan
Departure for the splendid rock formations of Khögnö Khan. You discover a park with varied landscapes, between semi-desert steppes, taiga zones, granite massifs and a long strip of sand approximately 80 km long, which earned it the nickname of "mini Gobi".
Good to have you back and see you next time!
Breakfast at the hotel. The driver will take you to Ulan Bator international airport. The return transfer will take place at your preferred time, depending on your flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transport
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra beverages / alcohols
- Meals in Ulan Bator
- Phone Calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Included
- Airport / Hotel / Airport Transfers
- 2 nights in a ** hotel in Ulan Bator, breakfast included
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- 2 nights in comfortable yurt camp with hot shower
- 5 nights with host families, in host yurts
- Transfers by 4x4 or minibus + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide
- Horse rides(d4,d5,d6,d7)
- Camel ride
- Local guides during hikes
- Entrance fees for the parks and museums mentioned
- Traditional Show
- Kitchen equipment (camping tables and chairs) and sleeping gear (sleeping bag)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Mongolia depend on your nationality. The information below provides general guidance for tourist stays. We recommend verifying the specific conditions applicable to your situation with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence, as well as with your own authorities, before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays, while others must obtain a visa before departure.
If a visa exemption applies to your nationality, the authorites may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation or your travel itinerary.
For specific information regarding visa requirements and any exemptions applicable to your nationality, please contact the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Affairs Office (GASI). For stays of 30 days or less, registration is generally handled by your hotel or accommodation provider.
It is recommended to keep a copy of this registration throughout your stay, as Mongolian authorities may request it during checks.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Mongolia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
routine immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
tick-borne encephalitis, particularly if planning trekking or staying in rural areas,
rabies, if there is a possible risk of contact with wild or stray animals.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. All travellers should verify the specific requirements applicable to them with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for assistance-repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for reporting a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A stay in Mongolia is possible without a visa for a limited duration. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry is required. For a longer stay, a visa can be obtained from the Mongolian embassy. Entry conditions change regularly: check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Mongolian consular authorities before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation (yurts, lodges), meals, 4x4 with driver and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros round trip) are additional. Mongolia offers a timeless nomadic immersion.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Steppes
Cultural and encounters facilitator for Mongolia, based in Oulan Bator
The most beautiful memories from Mongolia are often born from an unexpected encounter, around a cup of tea or a ger door that opens with a smile.
— Chimgee
