Hiking and nomadic horseback riding in the heart of Mongolia

Road to Karakorum, the former Genghis Khanid capital. Built in the Orkhon Valley, the

The cradle of the nomadic people, in the 13th century it was completely razed by Ming troops.

century later, and only vestiges of it remain today.

Visit the spectacular Buddhist monastery: Erdene Zuu, surrounded by 108 stupas. It dates from the

16th century and is built on the ruins of the former imperial capital. It was one of the first

"sedentary" monasteries; the other monasteries housed in yurts followed the cycles of

nomadism.

An early start and you begin your horseback riding adventure in the company of your equestrian guides.

You will travel over ten kilometers across gently rolling plains. The terrain presents no difficulties. Arrival near the small village of Sant.

Setting up camp for the night in a bivouac.

At the village of BatOlzi, you turn off into a valley which you follow all day towards the Khangai Mountains (the elevation gain is minimal). Along the way, you pass a few nomadic encampments and set up camp for the night near one of them. You cover approximately 30 km.

A day in autonomy (that is to say without the support of the vehicle which you will only find again in the evening) and also a long day: about 6-7 hours on horseback!

The goal is to visit the beautiful Tuvkhun Buddhist hermitage nestled in the wooded foothills of the Khangai Mountains. This lovely 17th-century building, perfectly integrated into its natural surroundings, was built for Zanabazar, the first religious leader of Mongolia.

Images of verdant plains dotted with steaming yurts and basalt rocks, horses and yaks roaming freely, drinking at a riverbank, sheep and goats being herded by a herder, and more. The Orkhon Valley is one of the most densely populated in Mongolia due to its fertile soil. Numerous scenes of nomadic life can be observed. The area is often ideal for long gallops.

Arriving at the Orkhon waterfalls, you have traveled 25km, or about 3 on horseback. Visit the falls, which are 24m high.

You now set off for 3 days on foot, without support vehicle, accompanied by pack horses, on the splendid natural site of Naiman Nuur, of the "eight lakes".

At an altitude of 2200m, this protected area is a vast crater of an ancient, dormant volcano, home to eight lakes that reflect the surrounding mountains and coniferous forests. A rich array of flora and fauna characterizes this region: sable, deer, argali, wild boar, ibex, and chevrotain, as well as irises, gentians, bellflowers, buttercups, edelweiss, and medicinal plants. You'll travel from lake to lake through a wild environment mostly inaccessible to vehicles, enjoying breathtaking landscapes of wooded steppes.

You will encounter a few nomadic families living on the site, whose hospitality is boundless. Return to the initial camp in the Orkhon Valley on the afternoon of day 9.

Upon arrival, you are immediately immersed in the Saharan scenery of the Petit Gobi dunes.

Walking in the dunes: you enjoy the light that begins to golden the sand. It's a sensory walk: the silence of the desert, the fine sand under your feet, and the view of the Khugnu Khaan mountain range that awaits you next.

Then, you leave the sand for the granite. The contrast is immediate and striking.

Hike to Uvgun Temple: Exploring the ruins: You reach the remains of the 17th-century monastery. By exploring these "lost walls," you will understand why the monks chose this place: it is a true natural fortress, hidden from the prying eyes of the steppe.

Return to town, depending on the arrival time, shopping in town in Mongolian handicraft shops, cashmere, market..

At 6:00 PM, a traditional Mongolian song and dance performance.

Farewell dinner at the restaurant with your support team!

Transfer to the airport according to your departure time.