Horseback riding in the Khenti Mountains

This morning, we leave the city and bid farewell to civilization to reach the vast expanses of Khentii.

After about 3 hours of driving, we reach the outskirts of Khentii National Park, renowned for its majestic landscapes, deep forests and amazing rock formations.

This is where many nomadic herders still live, surrounded by their horses, yaks, sheep, and goats that graze freely in the vast valleys. Along the way, you'll already feel the unspoiled soul of deepest Mongolia.

We meet our nomadic equestrian guides near a camp. After preparing the packhorses and distributing the equipment, we set off on our first horseback ride, lasting 3 to 4 hours, to get to know our mounts and immerse ourselves in the rhythm of the journey.

We set up our tent camp at the entrance to the valley, surrounded by nature.

A new life begins, under the vast sky of Khentii.

Today, we continue our ride through the small green hills of Khentii, towards the majestic Tuul River, one of Mongolia's iconic waterways.

Along the way, we take a lunch break in the middle of the forest, in a calm and shady setting, conducive to rest and contemplation.

In the afternoon, we resume our journey on horseback, immersed in the vast open valley where forests, meadows and panoramic views stretch as far as the eye can see.

The rhythm becomes more fluid, the bonds with the horses are strengthened, and everyone gradually finds their place in this journey through nature.

At the end of the day, we set up our bivouac in a tent, in a peaceful spot on the edge of the valley.

As evening fell, under the starry sky, the silence of the steppe accompanied our first real night on the move.

We are sinking deeper into the wilderness each day, leaving behind the last traces of civilization.

Today, our route takes us across the Tuul River, following a path that is sometimes wet and marshy, depending on the terrain conditions.

Following the river upstream, we will reach the isolated Khar-Us valley, a haven of calm and raw beauty, where we will set up camp for the night, surrounded by nature.

A stage rich in sensations, between horseback riding, silence and connection with the elements.

After breakfast, we gradually leave the Tuul Valley and enter a tundra area, a wild territory where moose roam freely. By the end of the day, you'll likely be able to recognize their tracks without hesitation!

Our ride continues in a setting reminiscent of Siberia, before tackling the slopes covered with dense forests, home to iconic wildlife: wolves, bears, deer and moose.

Crossing a wooded pass, we descend towards the majestic and calm Khagyn Khar Nuur (Black Lake), bordered by golden sand beaches where we will set up camp for the night.

As we progress north, the landscapes are transformed: we enter the deep silence of pine forests, populated by eagles, woodpeckers and many species of birds.

The day ends at the confluence of the Tuul and Hagiin rivers, before rejoining the Tuul and its vast open valleys, dominated by silent, wooded peaks. A powerful stage, in the heart of magnificent and unspoiled nature.

After breakfast, we continue our ride up the Tuul River. We cross Khulur Hill and then ford the river on horseback. Along the way, we stop for lunch in the open countryside.

In the afternoon, we reach Khagiin Khar Nuur Lake, nicknamed the Black Lake, an isolated jewel nestled in the heart of the mountains.

We set up camp by the lake, where we will spend two nights in a setting of rare and unspoiled beauty.

After breakfast, we leave Khagiin Khar Nuur Lake, leaving its deep waters behind to continue our horseback journey south.

Along the way, it's not uncommon to spot wild animals or observe birds endemic to this still pristine territory. For the more curious and adventurous, it's possible to climb the surrounding mountains, from where spectacular panoramas of vast forested expanses await.

At the end of the day we reach the Jikuste River, known for the purity of its water and its abundance of fish.

We set up camp there for the night, in a particularly isolated, peaceful and wild location, ideal for recharging in the heart of Mongolian nature.

After breakfast, we begin our ride through the deep Khongoryn Gol valley, framed by an imposing mountain range. We follow the river to its confluence, progressing through the heart of vast and wild valleys, reminiscent of the Mongolian Wild West.

Along the way, we pass through a majestic forest, populated by impressively sized cedars, pines, and birches. Lunch is enjoyed en route, in the heart of this magnificent forest landscape.

In the afternoon, we continue our progress towards the rocky summit of Mount Bukht, before descending to reach our bivouac site: the rocks of Khukh Khad, a powerful and mineral site, where we set up camp for the night.

Night in a tent, surrounded by stone, forest and silence.

We begin the day with a horseback ascent on a steep path, which leads us to a pass overlooking the landscapes of Khentii, very close to Altan Ögii peak (2,646 m), nicknamed the “Golden Cradle”, one of the highest and most symbolic peaks in the region.

From these heights, the view is spectacular, revealing all the power and majesty of this wild land.

We then descend the other side to have lunch by a crystal-clear river, lulled by the murmur of the water.

In the afternoon, we resume our ride through the Dund Bayan Gol valley, following a winding path between forests and mountains, the true living heart of Khentii.

At daybreak, after a comforting breakfast, we resume our ride through the great open valleys of the Mongolian steppe, bathed in golden light and soothing silence.

As the hours pass, the rhythm of the horses leads us to a nomadic family, true guardians of ancestral traditions, who welcome us with simplicity and generosity. This moment of sharing is an authentic immersion into nomadic daily life, made up of precise gestures, warm hospitality, and deep connections with nature.

The day ends under the sign of encounter.

Night in a tent, enveloped by the gentleness of the steppe, the stars above us, and the murmur of the wind like a lullaby.

This morning, after breakfast, we took the time to experience life at the nomads' pace, sharing their daily routine and observing the preparation of traditional dishes. A highlight of the day was tasting the famous "Khorkhog," an iconic Mongolian dish cooked on heated stones – a truly convivial and authentic feast.

In the afternoon, we resume our journey on horseback for a 2 to 3 hour ride towards the statue of Genghis Khan, visible on the horizon.

The site visit is not included in the program, but this symbolic ride marks the end of our great crossing of the Khentii.

We spend our last night in the tent, lulled one last time by the silence of the steppe and the feeling of having touched something essential.

Returning to the city, after so many days in the great outdoors, always has something strange and moving about it.

Back in Ulaanbaatar, you can enjoy a well-deserved shower before spending the rest of the day at your leisure, according to your desires: strolling around town, artisanal shopping or simply relaxing.

In the evening, we gather for a convivial dinner under the yurt, a moment of sharing to beautifully conclude this unique adventure.

Spend the night in the yurt village, on the outskirts of the city, for a smooth transition between nature and civilization.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport.