Shamanism in the Steppe

Meet at noon at your hotel, where your guide will greet you before accompanying you to a local restaurant for lunch. This first moment of exchange is an opportunity to get to know each other, discover the highlights of your adventure and slowly immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Mongolia.

Immerse yourself in Mongolian history with a visit to the National History Museum. Spread across several floors, the museum traces the country's rich past, from the first nomadic civilizations through 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.

A stroll through downtown 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 bustle of this astonishing city, between Soviet heritage and nomadic culture.

Around 6 PM, you attend a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh, famous for its performances blending folk dances, traditional music, contortion acts and khoomi, the fascinating Mongolian throat singing inscribed in the intangible cultural heritage.

Discovery of the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the country's main Buddhist center. Each 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 present on the site.

Then, you hike to the Khambiin Khiid monastery. Perched in the mountains, this 17th-century monastery was built by Zanabazar in homage to his spiritual master, the monk Erdene. The peaceful atmosphere that prevails there and the view of the surroundings make it a remarkable cultural and spiritual stop.

2-night stay with a nomadic herding family. You will discover the nomadic way of life and share their daily routine in complete simplicity. Depending on the season, you may be offered the opportunity to participate in animal milking, traditional dairy product making or even herding livestock on horseback.

(Activities subject to seasonality)

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 were 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 in the company of your hosts in a warm atmosphere.

Visit of 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, devoted to the history of the ancient capital and its region.

You visit the Bogd Khan museum and palace, the last residence of Mongolia's religious sovereigns. This remarkable museum houses a collection of personal objects, works of art and artifacts tracing the life of the eighth Bogd, a major spiritual figure in the country.

You then continue with a ride to the Russian Zaisan memorial, perched on a hill overlooking the city. From there, the panorama of Ulan Bator and the Tuul valley is striking, offering a magnificent contrast between nature and urban life.

Morning arrival in Sainshand, at the gates of the eastern Gobi desert. You immediately set off to discover the Khamar monastery, founded in the 1820s by Danzanravjaa, a prominent Mongolian educator, poet and man of letters. A spiritual landmark of the country, this monastery was once a major center of Buddhism of the "red sect", where teachings, theater and meditation coexisted harmoniously. To the north of the site, you can also explore the meditation caves, where monks would retreat to pray and meditate in the silence of the desert.

In the afternoon, you reach the Bayanzurkh mountain, which peaks at 1031 meters altitude. This small mountain range is another major place of veneration, where Jamiyandanzan, the third greatest lama of the Gobi, was buried. Many temples and monuments have been erected in his memory.

A trail dotted with stupas and ovoo leads to the summit, from which a 360° panoramic view unfolds over the Sainshand region, bathed in light and silence — an ideal setting for contemplation and meditation.

A little further on is one of the most sacred places of Mongolian Buddhist spirituality: Shambala. Considered the gateway to a mythical spiritual realm, a symbol of joy, balance and harmony, this site is today a highly respected place of energetic pilgrimage in Mongolia.

This morning, we set out to meet a family of camel herders, an opportunity to discover Mongolian hospitality in all its authenticity. We share a traditional lunch at our hosts' home and exchange about their way of life, closely linked to the vast expanses of the desert.

We continue with a camel ride through the heart of the desert landscapes of the Sainshand region, an immersive experience allowing you to appreciate the serenity and vastness of the Gobi

After lunch, return to Sainshand for a visit to the Danzanravjaa, dedicated to the life and work of this major 19th-century poet, educator and spiritual master.

Upon your arrival at Ulaanbaatar International Station, a transfer takes you to your hotel, ideally located in the city center. You can rest there for a moment and enjoy some quiet time before the rest of the day (*early check-in not included*).

The rest of the day is free. Accompanied by your guide, you will have the opportunity to browse the shops in the capital to make your last purchases, discover local crafts or simply stroll through the lively streets of Ulaanbaatar.