Immersion in a Nomadic Family

Transfer by vehicle to the camp of the nomadic family with whom you will share the next few days, in the south of the Töv region.

On the road, you discover the first images of Mongolia: vast green steppes, free-roaming herds, isolated yurts and riders galloping on small, sturdy horses.

Arrival at your host family's home. A welcome ceremony of salted milk tea, offered by the family. Introductions and initial contact. Then, you learn how to set up the yurt ("ger" in Mongolian) in which you will spend the night. Along the way, you discover the symbolism of the many elements that make up the dwelling, as well as the traditions to be respected within it.

Afternoon spent around the camp for a first glimpse into the organization of nomadic life. Dinner and evening with the family.

You will enjoy three days of complete immersion with your host family to discover the nomadic way of life and slip, for the duration of your stay, into the shoes of a Mongolian herder.

Between milking cows and mares, capturing calves, and caring for foals, you'll learn the age-old skills that structure daily life. You'll accompany flocks of sheep and goats to pasture on horseback, help collect wood (or dried dung) for the fire, and fetch water by cart.

On the culinary side, you will learn how to prepare Mongolian tea, regional dishes and traditional dairy products: airag (fermented mare's milk), tarag (yogurt) or aruul (dry cheese).

Livestock farming is a constant, relentless activity. Through these tasks, you grasp the crucial interdependence between the farmers' survival and the well-being of their herds. You discover a rigorous family organization where every task is meticulously planned.

We arrived in Kharkhorin in the afternoon, a city built on the site of Karakorum, the ancient capital of Genghis Khan's empire. Located in the heart of the Orkhon Valley, the true cradle of nomadic peoples, the city was founded in the 13th century before being razed by Ming troops a century later. Today, only a few vestiges bear witness to its past grandeur.

You will then visit Erdene Zuu, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia still in operation. This architectural gem, surrounded by a wall adorned with 108 stupas, dates from the 16th century and was built partly with stones from the former imperial capital.

Your day begins with the ascent to the Buddhist hermitage of Tövkhön, a veritable eagle's nest perched on the wooded foothills of the Khangai Mountains. This peaceful sanctuary was built in the 17th century by Zanabazar, Mongolia's first spiritual leader and visionary artist.

After an ascent of about an hour on foot (or horseback), you reach the summit to discover a breathtaking panorama of the Khangai ridges.

You then continue your journey towards the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to its fertile soil, it is one of the most densely populated regions of Mongolia. Along the way, you will observe numerous scenes of rural life, from yurt camps to vast herds of livestock on the move.

The morning begins with a visit to the spectacular Orkhon Falls, where the river plunges 24 meters into a basalt canyon. A walk around the site allows you to appreciate the power of this geological formation.

You then embark on a wild crossing of the Khangai massif, from south to north. The track winds through landscapes of wooded mountains and verdant valleys to reach the Tsenkher hot springs.

At the end of the day, it's time to relax: enjoy a swim in the specially designed outdoor pools. The water, which springs from the rock at a temperature of 86.5°C, is renowned for its medicinal properties and its richness in minerals. A moment of absolute relaxation under the Mongolian stars.

Road to Tsetserleg. Capital of the aimag (province) of Arkhangai, its name means "garden"; it is also considered one of the greenest and most attractive cities in the country.

You ascend a nearby mountain to admire a superb panorama of the city nestled at the foot of the mountains. You then visit the Zaya Gegeen (Zayaan Khüree) monastery-museum, an architectural gem nestled in the rocks, which testifies to the spiritual richness of the region.

Finally, you immerse yourself in the excitement of the local market: a colorful stroll to discover crafts and typical everyday Mongolian products.

In the afternoon you will reach the Ikh Tamir valley, to the home of a yak herder.

Here, life adapts to the altitude and the temperament of the yak. ​​You participate in the milking of the females, whose milk, particularly rich and creamy, is used to make the famous yak butter and öröm (a delicious thick cream on local bread).

Alongside your hosts, you'll learn to round up the herd on the steep slopes and discover the uses of yak wool, renowned for its exceptional softness and warmth. In the evening, gathered around the yurt's stove, you'll share authentic moments of life, punctuated by stories of transhumance and the unique taste of farm products.

Route to the magnificent Khögnö Khan reserve. This exceptional site offers a unique ecosystem, a true natural crossroads where the grassy steppe meets the beginnings of the desert.

You enjoy a Bactrian camel ride through the stunning sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, nicknamed the "Little Gobi". These dune ridges, stretching amidst green plains and rock formations, create a striking contrast.

A unique immersion in this "mixed" landscape, characteristic of Mongolia's wild diversity.

After crossing the vast steppes one last time, you return to the bustling city of Ulaanbaatar. The afternoon is dedicated to a shopping spree in the famous cashmere factory outlets, an opportunity to bring back a precious souvenir of Mongolia's "golden fiber".

In the early evening, you will attend a traditional show of songs and dances: the opportunity to vibrate one last time to the sound of the khöömii (throat singing) and the horsehead fiddle ( morin khuur ).

To conclude this human adventure, you share a warm farewell dinner with your interpreter and driver, your companions throughout this epic journey.