This mixed tour is made for nature and large open spaces lovers. We'll start with a 4-days pony trek from Tsenkher hot springs to Orkhon Valley, riding across the wonderful landscapes of lower Khangai. Then we'll leave for a 4-days self-sufficient hike in the Naiman Nuur National Park.
This is the perfect tour for the inexperienced horsemen/women who wish to taste the joys of the gallop in the steppes and enjoy a natural hike in the lower Khangai.
Arrival at the airport, meeting with our driver. Transfer to your hotel, settling in, and rest.
Appointment at 12 o'clock at your hotel with your guide. He will take you to the restaurant of your choice.
Let's immerse ourselves in the heart of the Mongolian history, in the wonderful National History Museum. Three floors of a rich, glorious, violent and noble past, from prehistory to Soviet period, including the creation of the great Mongolian Empire by Genghis Khan.
Walk in the centre of Ulan-Bator. Discovery of Gengis Khan Square and the House of Parliament.
At 18 o' clock, Mongolian traditional show at Tumen Ekh: folkloric dances, contortion, and of course khoomi, the overtone singing.
Visit of Gandantegchinlen Monastery. In the morning, lamas get together to pray. They will answer your questions at the Mongolian Buddhist Centre.
Journey to Kharkhorin, the former capital of Mongolia. The legendary city of Genghis Khan was founded in 1220 and was one of the stages of the silk road. The Mongolian Empire was governed from this city until Kubilai Khan set up the capital in Beijing. Today, there are only a few vestiges left of the former capital.
Visit of Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 by a nomad prince. The Chinese and Tibetan-inspired buildings are surrounded with 108 sacred stupas. Visit of the Museum of Kharkhorin.
We go riding along the Orkhon River, in the Orkhon Valley that is inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. Orkhon Valley is a land of nomadism where many breeders settle their summer camp. We will attend the daily nomadic life.
We reach Khujirt, where there are famous hot springs that have curative properties. Mongolians enjoy them a lot.
We go on riding in the green steppe. Here, herds of yaks, sheeps, goats and horses graze in total freedom outside our dumbfounded eyes. A picturesque Mongolia stretches outside us and we go from surprise to surprise. We go to the place called "bend of Uurt" at the foothills of the Khangai Mounts.
From our camp in Uurt, we ride through mountains and forests until Tovkhon Monastery, where Zanabazar, the first religious leader of Mongolia, created the Soyombo alphabet. The monastery is located 2312 metres (1,44 mile) above the sea level and from that place we'll have a wonderful view on the whole Khangai range. We'll picnic in exceptional surroundings, facing Orkhon Valley.
Today, we ride until the camp of our local guides, perfectly located in the heart of the valley. We meet their family and discover their way of life : milking the animals, making dairy products, cutting the wood, etc. Rich and gentle moments with the family, we can enjoy the small pleasures of life, such as playing thucklebones with children.
Visit of Ulan Tsutgalaan falls, white flood flowing on the black stone, transformed in rainbow by a short sunray… These 16-metres (52,49 feet) falls are just magic ! They were formed 20.000 years ago, as a result of a unique combination of earthquakes and volcano eruptions.
Horseriding until the entrance of Naiman Nuur National Park. We'll follow our path across the steppes scattered with edelweisses, then we'll ride along the forests of larches and pines, before stopping for the night at Boorgiin Oroi, on the edge of a small wood, in front of the mountains of Naiman Nuur Park.
We start the self-sufficient part of our hike. We hike in a valley surrounded by the Khangai chains. We reach the small Lake Tsagaan Azarga, where we camp tonight.
We walk along Khangai Valley. We walk through a tree-filled area, walk up towards the pass of Khangai Nuruu. Picnic. We go up the gorges of the Khokh Davaa River, before reaching the Naiman Nuur National Park. First, we visit Lakes Doroo, Khaya and Khuis, then we set up our camp on the banks of Lake Bugat.
Visit of the several lakes of the area : Lakes Bugat, Khaya, Doroo, Khaliut, Khuis, and then Lake Shireet where we set up our camp.
We hike on Shireet Hill and visit Shurangiin Tsokhoi stone. Then we join a nomads family and rest.
Stay with a nomads family living in this mountainous area, with whom we'll share moments of their daily life.
We arrive at the splendid rocky formations of Khogno Khan. Discovery of the park : semidesert steppes, taiga, stunning rocky formations, 80-kilometre (49,71 miles) long sand dunes, are characteristic of this arid area nicknamed "Mini-Gobi".
Walk until Erdene Khambiin Monastery. "Monk Erdene's Monastery" dates from 17th century and was built in the mountain. Zanabazar built it in honour of his teacher, monk Erdene.
Camelback trek along the sand dunes of Elsen tasarkhai.
Back to Ulan-Bator. Last herds of wild horses crossing the road outside our dumbfounded eyes, last yurts smoking far away, the steppe will be with us until the last moment.
Arrival in town and settling in at your hotel, where you can rest a few moments.
Rest of the day free. With our guide, you can go shopping in the centre of the city.
Breakfast at the hotel. We go with you to the international airport of Ulan Bator. The transfer can be organized at the time you want, according to the schedule of your flight.