Nomadic Journey through Central Mongolia

Driver pickup at the airport exit. Transfer to your hotel, check-in and rest time to recover from your journey. Meeting at noon at your hotel with your guide, who will recommend a good restaurant of your choice for lunch.

Dive into the heart of Mongolian history by visiting the magnificent National History Museum. Over three floors, the tour traces a rich and contrasted past, from prehistory to the Soviet period, with a section dedicated to the creation of the great Mongol empire by Genghis Khan.

Stroll through the center of Ulaanbaatar, discover the central Genghis Khan Square and Parliament, at the heart of Mongolian urban life.

Around 6:00 PM, attend a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh, mixing folk dances, contortion acts and khoomi, the diphonic singing.

Before leaving Ulan Bator, you visit the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. The monks gather there each morning for prayer and can answer your questions at the Buddhist Center of Mongolie.

You head towards the Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Built in the 18th century in memory of the first Bogd Gegeen Zanabazar, then head of Mongolian religion, it is considered one of the country's major monasteries. Located in the north of Selenge province, it benefits from a remarkable setting, conducive to contemplation.

In the morning, you visit the Amarbayasgalant monastery. Built nearly three centuries ago, the complex stands out for its coherent and refined architecture: a style primarily Chinese, enriched with Mongolian and Tibetan influences. The complex follows a symmetrical plan, with the main buildings aligned on a north–south axis, while secondary buildings occupy parallel axes. Today, 28 structures are visible, including a two-storey temple of approximately 32 m², still dedicated to worship.

You cross vast areas of crops and wheat fields before arriving in Erdenet. This city is among the country's main economic centres and is home to one of the world's largest open-pit copper mines.

You take the road towards the Uran Togoo volcano natural park. Uran Uul, the most emblematic of Mongolia's volcanoes, was active 20 to 25 million years ago. The site today is home to particularly rich fauna and flora: ancient lava flows have shaped fertile soils, giving rise to a verdant environment conducive to biodiversity.

You set off on a hike on the heights of Uran Uul to enjoy the panoramas offered by this volcanic region. The trail crosses through woodlands, amid Siberian larches, before reaching the edge of the crater. Along the way, you observe a wide diversity of plants as well as numerous birds and insects. At the bottom of the crater nestles a small lake surrounded by dense vegetation, adding a peaceful note to this natural discovery.

You resume your journey east and cross the rolling landscapes of Arkhangai province heading towards Ögii lake. Nestled in the heart of the steppe, this fish-rich lake is also a cherished refuge for migratory birds. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find an ideal place to observe these species in a calm and unspoiled environment.

You head toward Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongols. Founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan, this iconic city was one of the important stages on the Silk Road. It was from Karakorum that the Mongol Empire was administered before Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing. Today, only a few remains of this ancient city still testify to its major role in the country's history.

Visit the magnificent Erdene Zuu monastery, built in 1586 by a nomadic prince. Its buildings, inspired by Chinese and Tibetan architecture, are surrounded by 108 sacred stupas that emphasize the spiritual dimension of the place.

The discovery continues at the Karakorum museum, dedicated to the history of the ancient capital and its region.

Visit the center dedicated to Mongolian calligraphy. At 3:00 PM, an introduction is offered to you to discover this ancestral art. You can then practice and create your own calligraphic work.

Short transfer across the vast steppes of Arkhangai to reach the hot springs of Tsenkher.

Once there, you can freely enjoy the hot water baths of the camp, a moment of relaxation appreciated in the heart of a peaceful environment.

Road heading towards the Orkhon Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This emblematic region fully embodies Mongolian nomadism: each summer, numerous herding families set up camp there, offering a living landscape where steppes, yurts and herds create an authentic setting.

Along the way, you head on an excursion to Tovkhon Monastery. The ascent is made on foot to the top of the Öndör Ulaan hill, where Tovkhon Hermitage is located. It was here that Zanabazar, Mongolia's first religious leader, created the Soyombo alphabet. Located at 2,312 meters above sea level, the monastery offers an expansive panorama of the Khangai mountain range.

The picnic takes place in a remarkable setting, with the Orkhon Valley as a backdrop.

You arrive at a family of nomadic herders with whom you will stay for two nights. This stay allows you to discover the nomadic way of life and share their daily life. Depending on their current activities, you will be offered the opportunity to participate in animal milking, the production of traditional dairy products or even the gathering of herds on horseback.

Those who wish can set off on a horseback ride along the Orkhon Valley, from the camp to the Orkhon Falls. For others, it is possible to reach the falls on foot during a hike of approximately 6 km, or by vehicle according to your preferences.

Visit to the Ulan Tsutgalaan Falls, where a clear stream cascades down dark rock, sometimes crossed by a ray of sunlight that draws a fleeting rainbow. At 16 meters high, these falls 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 watch the preparation of a Mongolian barbecue, then share this traditional meal in the company of your hosts in a warm atmosphere.

You progress towards the Khangaï mountains, where the track becomes more demanding due to a pass at 2,800 metres altitude. As you climb, the landscapes gain in character until you reach the very remote Naiman Nuur National Park, "eight lakes", a high-altitude territory composed of larch forests and lakes nestled between the reliefs. This mountainous area remains cool for much of the year: it is not uncommon for snow to fall there even in June, or from mid-August.

You spend 2 nights with a family of nomadic herders settled in this mountainous area. This immersion allows you to share their daily life and exchange about their pastoral activities, in a preserved natural setting.

You enjoy a peaceful day in the fresh air of this high-altitude region. A hiking excursion takes you on a discovery of the park's landscapes, all the way to the great Shireet Lake, considered the most remarkable in the area.

Back with your host family, you savor simple everyday moments: a cup of milk tea shared with your hosts or a game of jacks to extend this warm immersion.

In the morning, you set off for a camel ride along the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, a gentle immersion into the arid landscapes of the Bayan Desert. This ride allows you to appreciate the tranquility of the place and the contrasts between open steppes and bands of golden sand.

You head towards the Khustai Reserve, a protected territory where Przewalski's wild horses (takhi) live. Dusk offers ideal conditions for observing them. A walk takes you near their watering point, a place they frequent regularly, where you can admire them in complete peace, without disturbing their natural behavior.

You spend your last night in the steppes of Mongolia, welcomed by a nomadic family settled at the edge of the national park. This immersion allows you to share a simple and warm moment at the heart of pastoral life.

Return to Ulan Bator. Along the way, the last wild horses crossing the track and the yurts glimpsed in the distance accompany your progress to the gates of the capital.

Upon your arrival in the city center, you settle into your hotel and enjoy a moment of rest.

Accompanied by your guide, you browse the city's shops to make your last purchases and enjoy one last time the atmosphere of Ulan Bator.