Mongolie Express
In the heart of the Mongolian steppes, among wild horses and nomadic families.
Duration
7 days
From
€1,090/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Przewalski's horses emerge on the horizon, wild silhouettes in the golden light of Khustai's twilight. This journey takes you from the reserve of the last wild horses to the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, passing through the ancient capital of Karakorum where the echoes of Genghis Khan's empire still resound.
In the Orkhon valley, UNESCO-listed, you share the daily life of a family of nomadic herders. Milking yaks at dawn, making mare's cheese, gathering herds on horseback: these age-old gestures reveal the essence of Mongolian way of life. The excursion to Tovkhon monastery, perched at 2312 meters, offers a breathtaking panorama over the Khangai range.
This circuit reveals authentic Mongolie: that of vast expanses where the nomadic spirit still gallops, where the dunes of the mini-Gobi border endless prairies, where each encounter weaves a unique bond with this land of freedom.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and Discovery of Przewalski's Horses
Oulan Bator → Parc national de Khustai
Airport reception by your accompanying team.
Road towards 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 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.
A bit of culture in the former capital
Khustai → Kharkhorin
Route 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 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.
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, dedicated to the history of the ancient capital and its region.
Stay with the Nomads of the Orkhon
You leave the road to reach the tracks and fully enjoy the natural landscapes. The route runs along the Orkhon canyons and the green steppe where herds of nomadic families evolve. You are then welcomed by a herding family in the heart of the Orkhon Valley, listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
From Orkhon Valley
On the way, you make a stop for an excursion to the Tövkhön monastery. The ascent to the summit of 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.
2-night stay with a nomadic herding family. You will discover the nomadic way of life and share their daily routine in all its 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 seasonal availability)
Horse trekking to Mogoit and nomadic barbecue
Orkhon Valley → Mogoit
You set off on a horse riding trek to the sources of Mogoit. You follow the Orkhon before venturing into a valley surrounded by larch forests that stretches southwards.
Those who wish can travel by vehicle and take an 8 km hiking trek to the sources.
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 → Orkhon cascades
Those who wish can set off on a horse ride 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.
Visit to Ulan Tsutgalaan waterfall, 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.
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 about 80 km, which earned it the nickname of "mini Gobi".
Camel ride at the foot of the dunes
In the morning, camel ride along the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes and discover the arid landscapes of the Bayan desert, characterized by the alternation of sand, steppe and rocky massifs.
You take the road back to Ulaanbaatar. Along the way, the last herds of horses crossing the road and the last yurts glimpsed in the distance accompany you to the outskirts of the capital.
You then arrive in the city center and settle into your hotel, where you can rest for a few moments.
Good to have you back and see you next time!
Breakfast at the hotel. The driver will accompany you to Ulaanbaatar 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 drinks / alcohols
- Meals in Ulan Bator
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Included
- Airport / hotel / airport transfers
- 1 night in a *** hotel in Ulan Bator, breakfast included
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- 3 nights in comfortable ger camp with hot shower
- 2 nights with locals, under a host's yurt
- 4x4 or minibus transfers + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide
- Assistant for groups > 8 participants
- Horse Rides
- Camel ride
- Local guides during hikes
- Entrance fees for parks and museums mentioned
- Traditional show
- Camping kitchen equipment (tables and camping 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
