Hiking and horseback riding across Mongolia

The road leads to Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan in 1220. This historically significant site was a major crossroads on the Silk Road before being eclipsed by Beijing under Kublai Khan. Today, only a few remnants bear witness to its past power.

Upon arrival, you will explore the Erdene Zuu monastery, built in the 16th century on the ruins of the city. Its temples, with Chinese and Tibetan influences, are surrounded by 108 stupas, symbols of protection and wisdom.

The day ends with a visit to the Karakorum Museum, where artifacts and objects from the archaeological excavations of the ancient city are on display.

From Kharkhorin, you embark on a five-day horseback adventure through the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An immersion into the heart of the Mongolian steppes, accompanied by a logistics team responsible for transporting equipment and setting up camp.

For this first day on horseback, you'll travel along the meandering Orkhon River, in a region steeped in nomadic tradition. Throughout the journey, the white yurts of the herders dot the landscape. From your mount, you'll observe the daily life of nomadic families, with herds of yaks, horses, and sheep roaming freely across the meadows.

In the late afternoon, you reach Khujirt, a village renowned for its hot springs with curative properties, highly prized by the Mongols.

Setting up camp on the banks of the Khujirt River, followed by dinner in the tent. The day ends with a first night in the wilderness, lulled by the silence of the steppe.

The ride continues into the heart of the Orkhon Valley, across a verdant steppe that seems to stretch to infinity. All around, nomadic pastoral life is fully expressed: herds of yaks, horses, sheep and goats graze freely, creating a vibrant and authentic landscape.

At the steady pace of the horses, you cross a silent and breathtaking Mongolia, where every valley and hill seems steeped in ancient history. Only the whisper of the wind and the tinkling of the herds' bells disturb the tranquility of the place.

In the late afternoon, you reach the “Uurt Bend”, a secluded spot nestled at the foot of the Khangai Mountains, considered sacred in Mongolian culture. The camp is set up in this magnificent natural setting, between mountains and open steppes.

You share dinner in the tent, before spending another night under the stars, in total immersion in the immensity of the steppe.

From the Uurt Bend campsite, you resume your ride through mountains and forests towards Tovkhon Monastery, one of Mongolia's major spiritual sites. Nestled at an altitude of 2,312 meters, this hermitage was the retreat of Zanabazar, a renowned religious leader and artist, who created the Soyombo alphabet there, which has become a national symbol featured on the Mongolian flag.

From the monastery's heights, the view is breathtaking: the Khangai Mountains stretch to the horizon, and the Orkhon Valley unfolds below in an awe-inspiring silence. A picnic in the heart of nature allows you to savor this moment of tranquility, surrounded by pine trees and vast vistas.

In the afternoon, you descend back to the Orkhon plain and continue your journey on horseback to the banks of the Orkhon River. You set up camp for the night in a peaceful setting, serenaded by the murmur of the water and the gentle breeze sweeping across the steppe.

Today, you will ride on horseback to your local guides' camp, located in the heart of the Orkhon Valley. Upon arrival, the herding family will warmly welcome you and introduce you to their daily life, a blend of tradition and simplicity.

You participate in the activities of nomadic life: milking animals, making dairy products, cutting wood, maintaining the camp… Gestures passed down for generations, which still set the rhythm of life in the steppes today.

The day unfolds in a convivial atmosphere, filled with moments of sharing. You play knucklebones with the children, taste airag, this typical fermented milk, and chat with your hosts around the fire, as the sun sets over the steppe.

In the evening, we set up camp near the family yurt for a night of immersion, as close as possible to Mongolian culture.

You'll set off again on horseback towards Ulan Tsutgalaan Falls, where the Orkhon River plunges 16 meters over black basalt cliffs. Formed over 20,000 years ago by the combined action of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, these falls offer a breathtaking spectacle. Through the mist, an ephemeral rainbow sometimes appears in the sunlight, adding to the magic of the place.

After this impressive stop, the ride continues towards the outskirts of Naiman Nuur National Park, nicknamed the “Region of Eight Lakes”. The trail leads you through flowery steppes, pine and larch forests, and peaceful valleys, where horses and yaks graze freely.

In the late afternoon, you reach Böörgiin Oroi, located on the edge of a forest, facing the Naiman Nuur mountains. Set up camp for the night in a calm and majestic setting, at the gateway to a wilder territory.

You resume your ride towards the Ulan Tsutgalaan Falls, where the Orkhon River plunges powerfully from a height of 16 meters over black basalt cliffs. Formed over 20,000 years ago by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, they offer a highlight of the journey. In the mist, a fleeting rainbow sometimes appears, accentuating the beauty of the site.

The route then continues towards the outskirts of Naiman Nuur National Park, also known as the “Eight Lakes Region”. On horseback, you cross a varied landscape: steppes covered with edelweiss, pine and larch forests, tranquil valleys where yaks and horses graze freely.

At the end of the day, you reach Böörgiin Oroi, on the edge of a forest, with an unobstructed view of the Naiman Nuur mountains. The campsite is set up in this peaceful setting, marking the entry into a wilder and more isolated area.

The day begins with a horseback ride through the heart of the Khangai Mountains, across a narrow valley nestled between forests and high-altitude pastures. You'll first ride through a wooded area before gently ascending to the Khangai Nuruu Pass, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. A picnic lunch in the open air will round off this morning in the wilderness.

In the afternoon, the ride follows the Khökh Davaa River gorge, then you reach the first lakes of Naiman Nuur National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its pristine landscapes. You'll discover the lakes of Döröö, Khaya, and Khuis, whose clear waters reflect dense forests and isolated peaks.

At the end of the day, you set up camp on the shores of Lake Bugat, in a quiet and serene setting. An ideal place to enjoy the tranquility and unique atmosphere of this remote area.

You continue your hike through Naiman Nuur National Park, shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions. The path crosses pine forests, flowery meadows and hills from which spectacular views open up over lakes nestled in this wild landscape.

At the end of the trail, you reach Lake Shireet Nuur, often considered the pearl of the Khangai. You follow its shores from the heights, enjoying breathtaking panoramas of its deep blue waters, framed by volcanic slopes and dense forests. This place perfectly embodies the unspoiled wilderness of central Mongolia.

Setting up camp on the banks of Shireet Nuur, for a peaceful evening facing the lake, under a starry sky in a pure and silent atmosphere.

The trek through Naiman Nuur National Park continues on foot, across a landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions from the Khangai massif. The trail winds between pine forests, flowery meadows and panoramic hills, offering striking views of the lakes scattered throughout this remote territory.

At the end of the hike, you reach Lake Shireet Nuur, considered one of the most beautiful in the park. From the heights, you walk along its sparkling shores, bordered by wooded volcanic slopes, in a setting that is both magnificent and pristine. This deep lake, with its intense reflections, perfectly embodies the raw and silent nature of central Mongolia.

At the end of the day, we set up camp by the lake for a peaceful evening. The calm water, the mountains in the background, and the starry sky created the perfect setting to end this day immersed in nature.

You leave the Khangai lakes behind and head towards the arid region of Khogno Khan, with its contrasting landscapes. Here, the steppe gives way to a semi-desert area where spectacular rock formations, isolated taiga, ochre sand, and wind-sculpted rocks coexist. This territory, sometimes called the "mini Gobi," impresses with its diversity: every turn reveals a new balance between raw minerality and vast expanses.

In the heart of this setting, you will visit the Erdene Khambiin monastery, founded in the 17th century by Zanabazar in homage to his spiritual master. Nestled against the mountain, this site blends preserved temples and ancient ruins in an atmosphere imbued with contemplation and serenity, accentuated by the majestic surrounding landscape.

A stage between spirituality and magnificent landscapes, marking the transition towards the end of your journey.

The morning begins with a camel ride along the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, in the heart of the Bayan Desert. This experience, at the slow and soothing pace of the animals, immerses you in the atmosphere of Mongolia's semi-desert landscapes, between golden sand and mineral silence.

You then resume your journey towards Ulaanbaatar, with one last look at the Mongolian steppe. Along the way, you might still encounter a few herds of wild horses, isolated yurts smoking in the distance, and those endless horizons that give Mongolia its profound depth.

Arrive in town in the afternoon, check into your hotel and relax. The rest of the day is free, accompanied by your guide if you wish: an opportunity to stroll through the markets and artisan shops, and choose some authentic souvenirs before your departure.

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