On Horseback in Khan Khentii

Welcome by your driver at your airport exit, then transfer to your hotel. You settle in and take time to rest before starting your journey.

Meet at noon at your hotel with your guide, who then accompanies you to a restaurant of your choice for lunch.

Dive into the heart of Mongolie history by visiting the stunning national history museum. Over three floors, the tour traces a dense and contrasting past, from prehistory to the Soviet period, with a dedicated space for the creation of the great Mongolie empire by Gengis Khan.

Stroll through downtown Oulan-Bator. You discover the central Gengis Khan square as well as Parliament.

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

Route towards Gorkhi-Terelj national park, a natural haven at the gates of the capital, where eroded rock formations, pine-covered mountains, plains dotted with edelweiss, rivers and lake areas succeed one another.

Stop at Turtle Rock, from where we set off on an excursion to Aryaval Monastery.

You head towards the northern part of the park and join a herder family settled on the banks of the Terelj River, in a peaceful setting. You enjoy a first discovery of nomadism and an excursion around the campsite.

You are now in the saddle to begin your trek. During this 9-day ride, you venture into the remote areas of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and Khan Khentii, discovering the park's natural landscapes. This trek is conducted independently, with logistics and your personal belongings transported by pack horses.

On this first day, you follow the banks of the Terelj River before joining the Tuul River. You cross a vast grazing area where many herders are settled with their herds. With a bit of luck, you will be invited to share a cup of milk tea. This is also an opportunity to experience your first gallops in the Mongolian steppe.

On the second day, the steppe gradually fades away to reveal a more mountainous landscape. A few gallops are still possible, but you soon leave the main path to enter the Khan Khentii, a wild and very sparsely populated area. Encounters become rarer, although a few yurts still appear here and there.

You continue your progress through the surrounding forests and cross several river arms on horseback. Since Mongolian horses are small in size, your boots may get wet if the water level is high.

The steppe disappears completely. Today, you cross the Khavirga hill to reach the pastures of Khar Usan Tokhoï. You progress among tall grasses and colorful flowers, while below the river winds between the rocks.

From the mountain slopes, the landscape unfolds gradually, offering an expansive panorama of the surroundings and peaks with persistent snow. Caution: the last meters before the camp include a steep descent.

Today, you set your course towards Lake Khagiin Khar, nicknamed the "black lake". You first cross plains dotted with heather, with a clear view of the snow-capped peaks that dominate the horizon. You then ride again among tall grasses, sometimes so dense that they hide the path. The mixture of greens and purples gives the plain a particular two-tone hue.

You reach the black lake in early afternoon. Formed during a glaciation period several thousand years ago, it rests at the top of the mountain of the same name and is surrounded by fragrant grasses. The lake is home to many perch: you can attempt some fishing, and the most courageous can swim in it. Warning: difficult route in case of rain due to slippery terrain.

Ride along the mountainside towards your next campsite. After crossing a river, you reach the summit of Khavirgiin Hill, from where a vast panorama of the valley and its multiple shades of colours unfolds.

You then cross two forests and progress through a true sea of greenery before arriving at a small plateau, where you set up camp for the night.

You continue your ride through the mountains, with a steep descent marked by an ascent on a rocky and unstable trail. After this more technical section, you take a break in a pasture filled with multicolored flowers. You take the opportunity for a moment of contemplation near the local ovoo.

Since the descent is tricky, you can do it on foot while leading your horse. The path crosses a shaded forest, which makes the journey pleasant.

You have lunch in a clearing where fresh springs flow. There is then only a short distance left before reaching your campsite, set on the riverbank. On this section you find a few vast expanses where it is possible to ride at a fast pace.

Today, you ride towards the ruins of the Gunj monastery. The steppe reappears and gives way to stunning rock formations, some of which seem to balance on top of the mountains. As you advance, you spot several winter camps of Mongolian herders, these small log houses designed to shelter families, herds and hay reserves during the winter.

You then continue until you reach the monastery, which you arrive at at the end of the journey.

Today, you join the Baruunbayan River, which you follow throughout the day before setting up camp on its banks. You first take a narrow passage between the mountains, followed by a rocky descent that you complete on foot.

Gradually, the mountainous landscape opens up again onto the steppe, offering vast spaces where you can ride at a brisk pace through postcard-worthy landscapes.

Return to the herder family's camp along the Terelj river. The ride will take place in the steppe and you will be able to enjoy long gallops, but it will be short-lived. We take advantage of the afternoon to rest by the river or share some good times with our hosts.

Return to Ulaanbaatar. Along the way, the last herds of wild horses crossing the road and the smoking yurts in the distance accompany your final moments in the steppe, until the gates of the city. Upon your arrival in the city center, you settle into your hotel and well-deserved rest after the adventures.

Rest of the day is free. Accompanied by your guide, you browse the city's shops to do your last shopping.