The Great Loop of Mongolia

You head down the road 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 particularly remarkable setting.

You cross wheat fields and large agricultural areas before arriving at Erdenet. This city is one of the country's major economic centers and is home to a vast open-pit copper mine.

You head towards the natural park of the volcanoes of Uran Togoo. Uran Uul, an ancient volcano active 20 to 25 million years ago, today hosts varied fauna and flora. The former lava flows have made the soils particularly fertile, offering a rich and pleasant environment to explore.

You set off on a hiking expedition on the heights of Uran Uul to enjoy the panoramic views of this volcanic region. The trail winds through woodland, among Siberian larches, before reaching the crater. Along the way, you observe a wide variety of plants as well as numerous birds and insects. At the bottom of the crater nestles a small lake surrounded by dense vegetation.

Arrival at Lake Khövsgöl, one of the natural wonders of the world. Imagine 2760 km2 of a mountain lake, with water so pure that you can drink it, and surrounded by a dozen peaks reaching altitudes of over 2000 meters and covered with pine forests and lush meadows where yaks and horses graze!

You head east, towards the verdant valleys of Alag Sar, where you settle in a small ger camp located on the shores of the lake.

You visit the site of the deer stones of Uushigiin Övör, a remarkable megalithic ensemble decorated with stones engraved with animal motifs.

You stop in Mörön to buy fresh food provisions at the market, then have lunch in town before continuing on your way.

You take the road towards the country's center: the track crosses several passes and descends into isolated valleys where landscapes change rapidly. The altitude exceeds 2,000 meters at the passes.

As you progress, the panoramas become increasingly diverse, inviting you to make multiple stops to enjoy the views and take some photos.

You head to 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.

You spend the night with a nomadic family, in the mountainous part of the park.

You set off on a hiking trip along the shores of the lake, heading South-East towards the Khorgo volcano, which rises to 2,240 meters. You climb it, following an accessible and progressive route. From the summit, the view unfolds over the lake and the surrounding hills.

Near the volcano, lava flows shape a singular landscape, contrasting with the environments encountered so far.

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 larches.

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

You arrive at the Tsenkher hot springs, where you can relax in the hot water baths of the camp.

You leave the road to join the tracks and fully enjoy the natural landscapes. The route runs along the Orkhon canyons and the lush steppe where herds of nomadic families graze. You are then welcomed by a herding family in the heart of the Orkhon Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On the way, excursion to the Tövkhön monastery. The ascent to the summit of the 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 Khangaï range. You enjoy a picnic in this exceptional setting, with the Orkhon valley below.

Return to your hosts' home then a stroll around the campment surroundings.

Those who wish can set off on a horse trek 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.

You take the road 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, reminding us of the historical importance of this place marked by the passage of the great khans.

A transition day between two ecosystems: you leave the green mountains of Khangai to head towards the Gobi.

You arrive in the sum of Saikhan Ovoo. These medium-altitude mountains, located along the Ongii River west of Saikhan Ovoo, offer a welcome break between northwestern Mongolia and the Gobi Desert. The river's meanders shelter the remains of two monasteries: the Barlim monastery on the north bank and that of Khutagt on the south bank.

Last day of track before reaching the gates of the Great Gobi and its "Three Beauties", the three highest peaks of this section of the Gobi-Altai range: Baruun Saihan, the Western Beauty; Dund Saihan, the Central Beauty; and Züün Saihan, the Eastern Beauty, which peaks at 2,846 meters.

Early start to reach the western part of the Gobi Desert and discover the Khongor sand dunes, "light bay sand", which stretch out in a long belt at the foot of the mountains.

Visit to the Khongor dunes. This vast expanse of sand, stretching for nearly 180 km long and 20 km wide, features dunes approximately 80 meters high, with the tallest reaching 120 meters. From their summit, the view opens onto the vastness of the desert, while the shifting sand produces a natural humming sound, giving rise to the name "singing dunes". Beyond the golden ridges, the steppe stretches out as far as the eye can see.

You take the trail heading East of the "Three Beauties" to reach the canyons region.

You travel through one of the most empty regions of Mongolie. Between rocky desert and semi-arid steppes, you reach the Baga gazariin chuluu rocky formation, where imposing granite formations appear, shaped by the often harsh elements of this area.

In the 19th century, two venerated monks lived here, and their inscriptions carved into the rock are still visible. According to legend, Gengis Khan stayed in this region, which is pleasant for hiking.

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 right up to the city gates. 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.