Horseback riding in Mongolia from the Orkhon to the Gobi Desert

Before leaving Ulaanbaatar, visit Gandantegchinlen Monastery, a major center of Mongolian Buddhism. In the morning, you can attend the monks' prayers and, if you wish, speak with them at the Mongolian Buddhist Center.

Then departure for Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Empire. Founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan, this legendary city was a major stop on the Silk Road. The empire was governed from this city until Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing. Today, only a few vestiges of this mythical capital remain.

Visit the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 by a nomadic prince. Inspired by Chinese and Tibetan architecture, its temples are surrounded by 108 sacred stupas. Also explore the Karakorum Museum, which recounts the fascinating history of this ancient capital.

We're back in the saddle for the start of our trek in the magnificent Orkhon Valley. From Kharkhorin, our ride will take us for five days through the verdant landscapes of the valley. This trek is supported by a logistics vehicle and involves yurt-to-yurt accommodation: each night, you'll be welcomed by a nomadic herding family.

For this first day, we follow the Orkhon River in the heart of the valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. An ancestral land of nomadism, it sees many herders set up their seasonal camps every summer.

From our mount, we discover the fascinating daily life of nomads. At the end of the day, we reach Khujirt, renowned for its hot springs with curative properties.

Stay with a local family and spend the night in a yurt, for an authentic immersion in the Mongolian steppe.

We continue our ride across the verdant steppe. Around us, herds of yaks, sheep, goats, and horses graze freely, offering a glimpse of authentic and picturesque Mongolia. At every turn, the landscapes reveal new surprises.

We reach the place called "Uurt Bend", at the foot of the Khangai Mountains, where we settle for two nights with a family of nomads from the region, under the yurt, in the heart of nature.

From the "Uurt Bend" camp, we set off for a beautiful day on horseback through mountains and forests, towards the Tovkhon Monastery. It was here that Zanabazar, the first religious leader of Mongolia, composed the Soyombo alphabet, which has become a national symbol.

Perched at an altitude of 2,312 meters, the monastery offers a spectacular panorama of the entire Khangai Mountains. We enjoy our picnic in this exceptional setting, with the Orkhon Valley stretching out below us.

Back to our host family in the afternoon, for another evening in the yurt.

Today, we ride to our local guides' camp, ideally located in the heart of the Orkhon Valley. There, we meet their family and discover their daily life as herders: milking animals, making dairy products, chopping wood, preparing meals…

These shared moments are rich in exchanges and emotions. We savor the simplicity and authenticity of nomadic life, sharing the small joys of everyday life — like a game of jacks with the children — in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Today we set off on a star-shaped ride along the Orkhon Valley, from the camp to the spectacular Ulan Tsutgalaan Falls.

These 16-meter waterfalls, formed 20,000 years ago as a result of a unique combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, offer a magical spectacle: the white water cascading over the black stone sometimes transforms into a rainbow under the sun's rays.

At the end of the day, return to our hosts to witness the preparation of a Mongolian barbecue, to be enjoyed in their company, in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

A day of transition between two ecosystems, with arrival in the Saikhan Ovoo sum. These mid-altitude mountains, along the Ongii River west of Saikhan Ovoo, offer an ideal setting for rest between northwestern Mongolia and the Gobi Desert. The river's bends reveal the remains of two ancient monasteries: Barlim Monastery on the north bank and Khutagt Monastery on the south bank.

Explore the site, known as the Ong Lamasery, and its small associated museum. These dwellings and monasteries, which once housed up to a thousand monks, were almost entirely destroyed during the Soviet purges of 1937. Monks returned in 2002 and undertook the reconstruction of the temples, with limited resources but great devotion.

Last day of driving before reaching the Great Gobi Desert.

A visit to the Bayanzag Cliffs, better known today as the "Flaming Cliffs" due to their ochre and red hues, where the "Dragon Graveyard" is located. These cliffs, along with the surrounding saxaul forests, bear witness to a time when the earth was still populated by gigantic creatures: dinosaurs. Paleontologist Roy Andrews Chapman was the first to discover dinosaur bones and eggs there in 1922, which can now be seen at the Natural History Museum in Ulaanbaatar and in many other museums around the world.

We got up early to head to Khavtsgait Mountain. After a short jeep transfer, we began our hike. The ascent of Khavtsgait Bagh Mountain is challenging, but the view of the desert from the summit is magnificent. Here you can admire numerous rock paintings of mouflon sheep, horses, camels, and other ancient men hunting.

We then head west in a jeep to reach the Khongor sand dunes, "light bay sand", which stretch in a belt at the foot of the "Three Beauties".

A visit to the Khongor dunes. These dunes are the most spectacular in Mongolia, stretching over 180 km long and 20 km wide, and averaging 80 meters in height, with the highest reaching 120 meters. The view of the desert from their summit is truly breathtaking. From there, you can hear the sound produced by the shifting sand masses, hence the name "singing dunes." Beyond the dunes, the steppe stretches as far as the eye can see.

We are staying with a Bactrian camel breeder, who is hosting us for two nights. A unique opportunity to discover their authentic way of life and legendary hospitality.

Wandering through the Gobi Desert on camelback is an unforgettable experience. These animals, with their leisurely gait, lead us serenely along the dunes and the Khongor River, nicknamed "Clear Bay," which meanders sometimes above ground and sometimes underground. Our route takes us to a small Khongor oasis nestled at the foot of the dunes, where a few shrubs grow, including the precious saxaul, highly prized by camels and considered one of the most valuable woods by the Mongols.

On foot, we begin the ascent of one of the dunes. From the summit, the panorama over the desert is spectacular: in the distance, the peaks of the "Three Beauties" are visible, and if the wind allows, we will be able to perceive the mysterious song of the dunes , this unique murmur produced by the moving sand.

We take the track heading east from the "Three Beauties" and the canyon region. First stop at Dungenee Canyon, where we leave our vehicle for a fascinating first hike along the river, which winds through the heart of impressive gorges.

We continue with Yol Canyon, known as the Bearded Vulture Canyon. The hike takes place at its bottom, covered by a near-perpetual blanket of ice. Due to the canyon's narrowness, the sun's rays only manage to melt the ice from August onwards; the rest of the year, it covers the canyon, creating a striking and almost surreal landscape.

We are crossing one of the most isolated regions of Mongolia. Between rocky deserts and semi-arid steppes, we reach the Baga Gazriin Chuluu mountains, where impressive granite rock formations stand, sculpted by the often violent elements of this region.

In the 19th century, two revered monks lived there, and their inscriptions carved in the rock are still visible today. According to legend, Genghis Khan stayed in this splendid region, an ideal place to walk and contemplate the power and serenity of Mongolian nature.

Return to Ulaanbaatar. Along the way, we encounter a few more herds of wild horses crossing the road before our astonished eyes, and glimpse the last smoking yurts in the distance. The steppe accompanies us until the very last moment, before entering the city. Arrival in the city center and check-in at your hotel, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest.

The rest of the day is free. Accompanied by our guide, you will have the opportunity to browse the city's shops to make your last purchases and find souvenirs.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will then drive you to Ulaanbaatar International Airport. The return transfer will be arranged at a time of your choosing, depending on your flight schedule.