A journey to the heart of the vast Mongolian landscapes

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Afterwards, you will explore Ulaanbaatar , the capital of Mongolia. You will visit the Gandantegchinlen Khiid Tibetan Buddhist monastery , the "Great Place of Absolute Joy." This iconic site houses magnificent temples and a giant Buddha adorned with gold and precious stones. It is a major center of spirituality, home to several hundred monks.

In the afternoon, explore the National History Museum . There you will admire a rich collection of objects and documents, as well as a superb gallery dedicated to the traditional costumes of the different Mongolian ethnic groups , offering a captivating glimpse into the local culture.

You'll travel to the Elsen Tasarkhai dune region, nicknamed "Little Gobi" for its dune landscapes reminiscent of the Gobi Desert. This 4-5 hour journey will take you to a nomadic family who will give you a warm welcome.

This is an opportunity to discover their daily life , centered around livestock-related activities. You'll share authentic moments with your hosts and immerse yourself in their traditional way of life. In the evening, you'll sleep in a guest yurt for a complete homestay experience. You'll stay two nights with this family.

You'll explore the Khogno Khan Uul reserve , a mountain renowned for its unique granite formations . A hike will lead you through the rocky labyrinth to the Uvgun monastery , where a few monks still live. From there, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.

For the more adventurous, the climb can continue to the mountain summit , a 2-3 hour hike from the monastery. After a picnic lunch in the heart of nature, you can explore the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes , located near the Khogno Khan Mountains, for a walk in this fascinating landscape.

You'll travel to Karakorum , the former capital of the Mongol Empire, located 90 km away (approximately a 2-hour journey). Founded by Genghis Khan in 1220, the city served as a base camp, housing women and the central administration during his military campaigns.

Upon arrival, you will explore the renowned Erdene Zuu Monastery , the first permanent Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Its construction, begun in 1586 during the reign of Abtai Khan, spanned three centuries. At its peak, the site boasted between 60 and 100 temples , with over 1,000 monks and 300 yurts housed within its walls.

You will also visit the Karakorum Museum , which traces the history of this iconic city, as well as the monument dedicated to the Mongol Empires , perched on a hill offering breathtaking views of the Orkhon Valley and the city.

You'll be driving to the Orkhon Valley , a lush, mountainous region about 150 km away ( a 4-hour drive). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this valley is famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as its larch forests that blanket the mountains.

Along the way, you'll stop at Uurtiin Tokhoi , a symbolic site of the 17th-century religious conflicts between Zanabazar of the Yellow Hat sect and Galdan Boshigt of the Red Hats. From the canyon's summit, you'll enjoy a magnificent view of the Orkhon River.

Upon arrival at the home of the nomadic family who will host you for the night, you will go for a walk to the Orkhon Falls , before spending the evening and night immersed in their traditional way of life.

Those who wish can begin the day with a horseback riding excursion , included in the program, to explore the typical landscapes of the valley. Afterwards, departure by vehicle for the Tovkhon monastery , a journey of approximately 2 hours .

Once there, you'll set off on foot to explore the area surrounding the monastery, situated in an exceptional natural setting. This spiritual place, perched on a hill, offers a peaceful atmosphere and splendid views of the surrounding area.

In the evening, return to the nomadic family for a convivial moment: you learn to prepare Mongolian dumplings , an emblematic dish, by sharing their culinary know-how. Overnight stay in a yurt.

A wooded path leads to the Tovkhon Hiid monastery , perched atop a mountain. This site was once a place of meditation and retreat for Zanabazar , a famous Mongolian lama and renowned intellectual.

From the monastery, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, offering a stunning panorama in a peaceful atmosphere.

In the evening, back at the nomadic family's home, you'll share a warm moment learning how to prepare Mongolian dumplings , a staple of the local cuisine. Overnight stay in a yurt.

You are heading to the ruins of the Ongiin Khiid monastery , located at the entrance to the Gobi Desert , about 250 km away ( 6 to 7 hours ' drive). This historical site is located in the far west of Dundgobi province, in a mountainous region crossed by the Ong River.

The monastery, once a center of spiritual life housing up to 1,000 monks , was spread across both banks of the river: the Barlim temple to the north and the Hutagt temple to the south. Destroyed in 1937 by the Russians, today only an original white stupa remains , along with a small building serving as a place of worship for the 14 remaining monks , and a yurt converted into a museum. There you will discover carved stones , religious objects salvaged from the destruction, and a few fossils.

In the evening, you settle into a yurt camp on the banks of the Ong River to spend the night.

You'll explore the Saxaoul Forest , an astonishing collection of trees typical of the Gobi Desert , adapted to this arid environment. A walk will allow you to discover this natural wonder nestled in the heart of the desert.

You then continue your journey to Bayanzag , a site renowned for its ochre-red cliffs . At the end of the day, you stroll along the edge of these spectacular formations, whose vibrant hues are illuminated by the sunset. This magical moment offers a striking contrast to the surrounding desert. Overnight stay near the site.

You are heading to the famous singing dunes of Khongor , a spectacular site where the sand dunes, bordered by a green oasis , create a unique landscape.

Along the way, you stop at the foot of Khavtsgait mountain , where you discover fascinating petroglyphs dating from 8000 to 3000 BC , witnesses to the ancient history of the region.

Once there, you'll explore the dunes and the surrounding oasis on foot. A camel ride , included in the program, also offers an unforgettable experience to admire these majestic landscapes.

Departure for Yoliin Am , a spectacular deep gorge located in the mountains of the Gobi Desert. This gorge is known for its frozen river , which remains frozen almost all year round, even in the middle of the desert.

You'll go for a walk in the canyon , enjoying the unique atmosphere and impressive scenery. In the evening, you'll spend the night in a yurt or guesthouse , depending on availability.

Early departure for Tsagaan Suvarga , a fascinating rock formation with multicolored hues , shaped by sediments and situated in the heart of the arid steppes .

Once there, you'll embark on a hike through the canyons, exploring this unique site that preserves geological traces from the time when the Gobi Desert was still covered by the sea. This timeless setting offers a captivating immersion into the region's natural history.

You take the road to Bag Gazarin Chuluu , an astonishing granite formation in the heart of the steppe. This place, sacred to the Mongols, is marked by rock drawings and paintings left in the 19th century by two monks who lived here.

During a walk, you discover these immense ochre-colored rocks , which form natural labyrinths. You come across trees adorned with blue khatag (silk offering scarves), övöös (piles of stones dedicated to spirits and ancestors), as well as other objects offered as tributes.

You will also visit the ruins of an ancient monastery , witnesses to the spiritual and cultural history of this unique site.

You depart early in the morning to reach Ulaanbaatar , a 245 km journey ( 5 to 6 hours ). Once you arrive, you take advantage of your free time to do your last-minute souvenir and cashmere shopping in the city center.

In the evening, you'll attend a traditional Mongolian performance , a blend of music, song, and dance, offering a wonderful glimpse into the country's rich culture. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar.

Transfer to the airport for your daytime return flight to Paris . End of your trip to Mongolia.