Horseback riding in winter in Mongolia

After breakfast, we board our 4x4 for an immersion in the spectacular landscapes of the Khentii steppes in winter. At this time of year, the low-angled light, crystalline snow, and often clear skies offer a true festival of colors and shadows. As the temperatures drop, the sky becomes more intense, ablaze with blue and gold hues.

We travel approximately 98 km through the heart of the country, across silent valleys covered in icy snow, until we reach a horse-herding rancher, settled in one of the most remote corners of the region.

For this excursion, remember to equip yourself with very warm outer clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, a hat, insulated gloves, and sturdy hiking boots, essential for facing winter conditions.

Upon arrival, dinner and overnight stay with a nomadic family, in a traditional heated yurt, for a warm and authentic immersion.

As the morning progresses and the light gradually transforms the landscape, you take the time to absorb these magnificent scenery, shaped by titanic geological movements. Here, black basalt flows extend over granite bases, while phonolite columns pierce the plateaus, raising veritable fingers of stone with unreal shapes towards the sky.

A few touches of snow highlight the contours, reinforcing the wild and mysterious character of the Khentii massifs, classified as a Natural Park since 1998, a treasure still little known.

In the afternoon, you set off for your first explorations on horseback, discovering the valleys and fascinating rock formations surrounding the camp.

In the evening, you are welcomed under the yurt of a nomadic herding family, for a moment of exchange and human warmth.

At daybreak, the horses are saddled, ready for another ride across the frozen steppe. We set off towards Zuun Tsagaan Rashaan, a mineral spring renowned for its beneficial waters, nestled in the heart of a pure and silent winter landscape.

The snow crunches under our hooves, the icy air transforms every breath into a cloud, and around us, the steppe stretches to infinity, dotted with powdery hills and trees frozen in frost. The approach to the spring is one of quiet contemplation, like an invisible sanctuary beneath the ice, bathed in silence and white light.

After a moment of rest and contemplation, we begin our return journey. The pace slows, as if nature itself were setting the tempo. The silence is profound, broken only by the sound of horses' hooves and the whisper of the wind.

As night falls, we return to the warmth of the yurt. The fire crackles gently, salty tea is passed from hand to hand, and shared laughter warms the atmosphere. Over a simple but generous meal, we experience genuine Mongolian hospitality in this cocoon of canvas and wood, far from everything… yet so close to what truly matters.

We continue our winter journey towards Bulagny Bulan, a peaceful valley where the icy silence of the vast steppes reigns. The snow absorbs every sound; only the breathing of horses and the gentle whisper of the wind remain. Moving through this frozen world brings a feeling of intimate communion with nature, as if silence itself becomes a language.

At the end of the day, we are welcomed into a warm yurt, opened by a new nomadic family. The stove crackles, the flatbreads are warm, and salted tea is passed from hand to hand. Here, Mongolian hospitality is experienced in its most sincere form: in simplicity, sharing, and human warmth.

Today, our ride takes us to Gunjiin Sum, the princess's monastery, nestled in a snow-covered valley. The landscape becomes sacred: the snow muffles all sounds, the hills seem frozen in prayer. The horses forge their path through the powder, following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims.

Suddenly, the ruins of the monastery appear, majestic despite the passage of time. This place, steeped in history and spirituality, still whispers the echoes of songs and souls of the past. We pause to contemplate this living memory of Mongolia, amidst silence, stone, and wind.

At dawn, we resumed our journey towards the Shivert Mountains, a more rugged territory where nature reveals its raw power. The horses moved forward between icy slopes and frozen forests, guarded by trees like silent sentinels. The wind became sharper, the landscape more imposing, and we fully felt the power of the Mongolian winter.

Upon arrival, a yurt-refuge awaits us, a stark contrast to the harshness outside. There, in the warmth of the stove and the soft light inside, fatigue melts away. Each bowl of tea, each smile exchanged, becomes a victory over the cold and a celebration of humanity in this extreme setting.

The final ride felt like a farewell. Each step echoed in the snow, reminiscent of days gone by, each breath of wind caressing the steppe one last time. As we approached Terelj, the vastness gave way to more familiar landscapes. The horses stopped. The silence gently broke. We parted with gratitude, touched by their strength and loyalty. From there, we continued our journey to Ulaanbaatar, where a comfortable hotel awaited us. After so many nights in the yurt, the city seemed almost unreal.

This contrast underlines the richness of the experience: a passage between two worlds — that of ancestral traditions, and that of rediscovered modernity.

After the vast, silent expanses of the steppe, Ulaanbaatar welcomes us with all its modern energy. The Mongolian capital reveals its many faces: living monasteries imbued with Buddhist spirituality, museums rich in history, lively markets, and vibrant streets where tradition and modernity intertwine.

This striking contrast between the nomadic world and the city highlights the country's rich cultural diversity. It's an opportunity to stroll freely, browse local crafts, or visit the capital's iconic landmarks, before a final, convivial dinner to conclude this unforgettable adventure.

In the morning, transfer to Ulaanbaatar airport for your return flight. Your heart is heavy but filled with memories. The horses, the yurts, the laughter, and the white landscapes will remain etched in your memory as a timeless journey. Arrival in Europe around midday.