Khangai Flavors

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 band of sand of about 80 km, which earned it the nickname of "mini Gobi".

Walk along the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai where we discover the arid landscapes of the Bayan desert.

Those who wish can set out on a horseback riding trip 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 depending on your preferences.

Start of your 4-day trek which takes you through the Khangai Range, from the Orkhon Valley to the Tsenkher hot springs.

After a short vehicle transfer, you begin your trek on the north bank of the Orkhon River. An initial ascent awaits you in the morning, followed by a descent into the valley at the foot of Öndör Shireet hill.

Lunch is planned near the winter camps of nomads, where you can observe petroglyphs dating back to the Bronze Age.

You then begin the ascent of Öndör Shireet hill to reach the charming hermitage of Tövkhön, where Zanabazar, Mongolia's first religious leader, composed the Soyombo alphabet. From this monastery perched at 2,312 meters altitude, you enjoy a vast panorama of the Khangai Range.

The trek is carried out with the assistance of a support vehicle.

Crossing the Lower Khangaï. You find the valley you traveled through the day before and climb it for several kilometers before turning toward a more forested area. Many herders live here, and you encounter herds of yaks as well as several nomadic camps. A vast plain opens up before you before lunch.

You then continue your progression through the valley, cross the bed of a river and climb over one last hill. Your camp for the night is located just after the small pass, at the entrance to the valley.

Early in the morning, departure to reach the Tsetserleg River at lunchtime. You advance along the valley reached the day before, then cross the pass before descending towards the Tsetserleg.

Lunch by the river, with the possibility of swimming in June, July and August. After this moment of relaxation, you set off again for an hour's walk going up the riverbed. Camping on its banks.

For this last day of hiking, you cross the Tsetserleg and progress along its western bank before turning towards a pass. A ritual offering is made at the summit ovoo. You then walk along a larch forest until reaching the Tsenkher river. Lunch.

The afternoon begins with an easy ascent towards a pass, then you continue on the opposite slope, along a pleasant forest trail. At the end of the descent, a vast plain opens up before you, at the end of which are the Tsenkher hot springs, where you can relax in the hot water baths of the camp.

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

There, you resupply at the local market before visiting the Zayan Gegeen museum.

Then heading 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 surrounding it an emblematic site of the Arkhangai province.

2-night stay in a yurt camp set on the shores of Terkhiin Tsagaan lake, offering a welcome break after your trek in Arkhangai.

Route for 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 transferred 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.

Route in the direction of Khustai nuruu national park, a vast protected territory famous for being home to the last Przewalski's horses, called Takhi locally. Successfully reintroduced into the Mongolian steppes, these wild horses now roam in complete freedom.

At the end of the day, when the light becomes softer and the animals more active, a walk takes 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 will spend your final night in the steppe, welcomed by a nomadic family settled on the outskirts of the national park.

Return to Ulan Bator. The last herds of wild horses sometimes cross the road before your eyes, while the last smoking yurts in the distance remind you of the steppe until the gates of the city. You then arrive in the city center and settle into your hotel, where you can rest as long as needed.

Rest of the day free. Accompanied by your guide, you browse the city's shops to make your last purchases.