Nomads of Mongolia, from yurts to tipis

Transfer to Ulan Bator airport and flight to Mörön, the capital of Khövsgöl province, where your driver awaits you.

Arrival at Lake Khövsgöl, one of the natural wonders of the world. Imagine 2,760 km2 of a mountain lake, with water so pure that you can drink it, and surrounded by a dozen peaks reaching over 2,000 meters in altitude and covered with pine forests and lush meadows where yaks and horses graze!

You head east, towards the green valleys of Alag Sar, where you settle in a small yurt camp located on the shores of the lake.

You are heading towards the west of Lake Khövsgöl.

The camps of the Tsaatans, located in the mountains to the northwest, are very isolated and require several days of travel to reach them. Your route takes you instead towards Öliin Dawaa, passing through a pass marked by thirteen ovoos. These ovoos, stone and wood piles placed in passes and sacred places, are offering points where Mongols perform three circuits while depositing stones, tugriks, milk or vodka.

You set up your camp for the night and prepare to sleep in a tent, in the heart of nature.

Route heading North towards Tsagaan Nuur, land of the Tsaatans. You cross landscapes of rivers and steppes, before crossing several passes to reach the Tsagaan Nuur Lake.

Setting up camp and night under the tent.

You meet the herders who will accompany you throughout your journey towards the tsaatans.

To reach Tsaatan territory, it is mandatory to ride for approximately one and a half days, both on the way there and back, through the taiga. This ride is done independently, with the transportation of logistics and your belongings carried on pack horses.

After crossing the Shishged river by "ferry boat", you enter the taiga landscapes. This wild zone, which forms a natural barrier protecting the Tsaatan camps, can be demanding in summer: marshes, flies and mosquitoes mark the progression. Even though the stage requires some effort, you take advantage of this trek to exchange with your interpreter and local guides, and learn more about the daily life of Mongolian herders.

At the end of the day, you set up your camp near the Moorog river, where you enjoy a well-deserved rest before reaching, the next day, the Tsaatan camp.

You continue your ride through the taiga when, in the distance, the first smoking tipis appear. More than just a journey, it is a true human and almost timeless adventure that begins in one of the most isolated places on the planet.

You arrive at the family camp, leave your mounts and go to meet the inhabitants, who welcome you warmly. The afternoon is free: accompanied by your guide, you will meet the families and explore the surroundings.

After this wonderful adventure in the land of the Tsaatans, it is time to mount your horse again. You begin the horseback riding trek heading south, enjoying the taiga landscapes one last time.

At the end of the day, camp is set up near Gants Uuliin Khar Nuur lake, before joining Tsagaannuur the next day.

We then resume our journey by vehicle heading south. The camp is set up on the banks of the Beltes River. Along the way, the landscape transforms: steppes, mountain passes and rivers succeed one another in natural harmony. Take time to appreciate these panoramas.

As evening falls, by the fire, if the sky is clear, take advantage of this privileged moment to observe the stars: Mongolie, Tenger, is known for its deep blue sky during the day and studded with thousands of stars at night.

You visit the site of the deer stones of Uushigiin Övör, a remarkable megalithic ensemble decorated with stones engraved with animal motifs.

You stop in Mörön to buy fresh food supplies at the market, then have lunch in town before continuing your journey.

You take the road towards the center of the country: the track crosses several passes and descends into isolated valleys where the landscapes change rapidly. The altitude exceeds 2,000 meters at the passes.

As you progress, the panoramas become increasingly diverse, inviting you to make multiple stops to enjoy the views and take some photos.

You take the road towards the Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur natural park located at 2,060 meters altitude. This lake, nicknamed "the great white lake", forms with the volcanic zone that surrounds it an emblematic site of the Arkhangai province.

You spend the night with a nomadic family, in the mountainous part of the park.

You set off on a hike along the shores of the lake, heading South-East towards the Khorgo volcano, which rises to 2,240 metres. You climb it, following an accessible and gradual route. From the summit, views unfold over the lake and the surrounding hills.

Near the volcano, lava flows shape a singular landscape, contrasting with the environments encountered so far.

You continue your journey through the heart of Arkhangai and discover vast steppes where many herding families live and where yaks and other livestock graze. You stop in Tsetserleg, a small town nestled in a landscape of mountains covered with larches.

On site, you replenish supplies at the local market before visiting the Zayan Gegeen museum.

You arrive at the Tsenkher hot springs, where you can relax in the hot water baths of the camp.

You leave the road to join the tracks and fully enjoy the natural landscapes. The route runs along the Orkhon canyons and the verdant steppe where herds of nomadic families roam. You are then welcomed by a herding family in the heart of the Orkhon Valley, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

On the way, 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 unveils 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 and a stroll around the camp area.

Those who wish can set out on a horse trek along the Orkhon Valley from the camp to the Orkhon Falls.

For others, it is possible to reach the falls on a hike of about 6 km, or by vehicle depending on your preferences.

Route to Kharkhorin, the ancient 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 transferred to Beijing by Kublai Khan. Today, only a few remains of the capital survive, reminding us of the historical importance of this place marked by the passage of the great khans.

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 stretch of sand of approximately 80 km, which earned it the nickname of "mini Gobi".

You take the road back to Ulan Bator. Along the way, the last herds of horses crossing the road and the last yurts glimpsed in the distance accompany you until you reach the outskirts of the capital.

You then arrive in the city center and check in at your hotel, where you can rest for a few moments.

The rest of the day is free. Accompanied by your guide, you explore the city's shops to do your last shopping and enjoy the atmosphere of Ulan Bator one last time.