Yoga and horseback riding in the Mongolian steppes

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the hustle and bustle of Ulaanbaatar to delve into the mythical landscapes of central Mongolia.

Journey to the cradle of the Nomads

The road leads to Karakorum, the legendary city chosen by Genghis Khan to become the center of the largest land empire in history. Built in the 13th century in the Orkhon Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — this capital was a crossroads of civilizations, once welcoming merchants, philosophers, and diplomats from all over the world.

Although it was razed by Ming troops a century after its creation, the energy of the place remains palpable through its precious remains, notably its famous Stone Turtles, immutable sentinels of the ancient city.

Spiritual immersion in Erdene Zuu

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the spectacular Erdene Zuu monastery

1. Sacred architecture: This jewel of Tibetan Buddhism is surrounded by a huge white wall adorned with 108 shining stupas.
2. A pioneering monastery: Unlike nomadic monasteries that moved in yurts according to the seasons, Erdene Zuu was one of the first sedentary spiritual centers in Mongolia, built largely with stones from the old imperial capital.

The day begins with a morning yoga session (15-30 minutes), and then the adventure takes on a more tangible dimension. You meet the riders who will accompany you on this immersive experience: your equestrian guides. These "horsemen" introduce you to your mounts. The Mongolian horse, though small, is a sure-footed colossus of endurance. After the usual adjustments, we leave civilization behind and venture into the steppe.

The first few kilometers are a revelation. You ride across endless plains and gently rolling, grassy hills. The terrain is ideal for getting warmed up: soft and open, it allows novice riders to find their balance and gently familiarize themselves with Mongolian riding. Here, the feeling of freedom is immediate.

We cover approximately 25-30 km at a leisurely pace, perfect for disconnecting. At the end of the day, we reach the wild Polo site. It is here, far from everything, that we set up our bivouac. Arrival is a time for sharing: we unsaddle the horses before pitching the tents together. Then it's time for yoga: slow movements and postures stretch the areas that have been used, release tension, deeply relax, and prevent soreness.

The evening stretches out around a campfire, under a starry sky of absolute purity, marking your first real night in total communion with Mongolian nature.

Waking up is in harmony with nature's rhythm. Before setting off again, we dedicate 15 to 30 minutes to a morning yoga practice. This ritual gently awakens the body, tones muscles, and loosens joints for greater ease in the saddle. Through work on centering and breathing, you cultivate a mindful presence, ideal for connecting with your horse from the very first steps.

Our ride takes us today to the village of Khujirt, where we turn off to ascend a majestic valley towards the Khangai Mountains. The landscape transforms: the endless steppes give way to the first hills. Although we begin to climb, the elevation gain remains moderate, allowing for a smooth ascent through increasingly wild scenery, dotted with yak encampments.

In the late afternoon, we set up camp near a nomadic family. It's time for the evening practice (1 hour): a slow session focused on stretching the areas used during the day's riding. By deeply releasing tension, you prevent soreness while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the site. A meditation facing the peaks of the Khangai Mountains concludes the day, offering a complete reconnection with the sacred immensity of Mongolia.

In the morning, the steppe awakens in a crystalline light. We begin the day with our yoga ritual (15 to 30 minutes) : a targeted preparation to awaken the body, tone stabilizing muscles, and loosen joints. This work on centering and breath allows you to establish a solid presence and grounding, essential for connecting with your horse throughout the ride ahead.

We resume our journey into the heart of a timeless, unspoiled Mongolia. The landscape is a living painting: verdant plains stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with dark basalt rocks and yurts from which a wisp of blue smoke rises. Here, nomadic life thrives. You'll encounter herds of goats and sheep led by skilled horsemen, while horses and yaks roam freely, drinking peacefully by the riverbanks.

After a day filled with equestrian excitement, we return to our camp. This is when the evening practice begins (1 hour) . Through slow movements and held postures, we stretch the areas used in the saddle, release residual tension, and deeply relax the body. This session is complemented by a guided meditation, an invitation to immerse oneself in the vibrant and sacred atmosphere of Mongolia, under the benevolent gaze of the surrounding mountains.

The day begins at sunrise with our physical warm-up (15 to 30 minutes). This yoga session is essential before a long day in the saddle: we gently awaken the body, strengthen grounding, and loosen movements to offer your horse a supple and responsive presence. Breathing synchronizes with the vastness of the landscape, preparing you for total immersion.

We then enter the famous Orkhon Valley, the historical cradle of the Mongolian people. Thanks to its fertile land, the valley is a vibrant area of ​​life: you will observe numerous scenes of nomadic life, from herds being moved to families busy around their white yurts. The vast, flat terrain offers the ideal space for long gallops, providing a feeling of absolute freedom in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site. We reach the spectacular Orkhon Falls, where the water plunges from the middle of a basalt canyon.

In the evening, after hiking 30 to 35 km, we set up camp. The one-hour yoga session is then dedicated to recovery: slow postures stretch the back and hips, release tension, and prevent muscle soreness. The day ends with a guided meditation, a sensory immersion in the vibrant and sacred atmosphere of these ancient sites, before a peaceful night under the stars.

Each morning begins with our preparation ritual (15 to 30 minutes). Facing the horizon, we awaken the body with toning and strengthening movements, essential for maintaining correct posture in the saddle. By loosening the joints and working on your breathing, you establish a deep centering and complete openness to your horse for the rest of the journey.

The journey continues into the heart of the Orkhon Valley. These two days include a visit to Tovkhon Temple, a sacred hermitage perched atop a wooded hill. Founded by Zanabazar, this place of meditation offers breathtaking views of the forest and steppe. It's the perfect spot for group meditation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant and spiritual atmosphere of this historic site. We cover approximately 30 km per day, a pace that allows for genuine interaction. We stop with a nomadic family to share their daily life, learn about dairy production, and delve into their ancient culture.

In the evening, after sharing tea with our hosts, we practice an hour of slow yoga. These restorative postures target the deep relaxation of the muscles used, thus preventing fatigue while calming the mind. These two days of immersion, between spirituality and human encounters, offer you an intimate understanding of the Mongolian soul.

The day begins with our morning practice (15 to 30 minutes), a suspended moment to awaken the body in the face of the vastness. This toning and flexibility work prepares the pelvis and back for the long journey, while establishing a serene grounding. The breath, synchronized with the silence of the steppe, prepares your mind for total openness to the final expanses of the valley.

We continue our horseback trek through the Orkhon Valley. These two days are dedicated to contemplation. The landscape unfolds like a dream: the meandering river, the distant herds, and the changing light on the basalt hills. We cover about thirty kilometers each day, savoring the now-solid bond with our horses. This return journey offers the opportunity to refine our riding skills and enjoy the final gallops in this space of absolute freedom, where the horizon seems to recede with every step.

In the evening, at the campsite, we dedicate an hour to slow practices. These targeted postures stretch the meridians, release accumulated tension, and eliminate fatigue in a lasting way. Each session concludes with a deep meditation, a true immersion in the vibrant atmosphere of the sites we have visited. It's a time to integrate the emotions of the journey and allow ourselves to be infused with the sacred energy of the Mongolian land, before gradually returning to civilization.

One night in a tent and one night in a yurt

The day begins with our morning yoga ritual (15 to 30 minutes). This centering moment is essential to awaken the body and prepare the grounding necessary for the day's activities. By loosening the joints and toning the deep muscles, we establish a physical and mental presence that will allow us to fully appreciate this new, contrasting landscape, between steppes and sand dunes.

We reach the Khugnu Khaan massif, nicknamed the "Little Gobi." This spectacular site blends granite mountains, forests, and golden dunes. We begin a hike to the Uvgun Temple, a monastery nestled in a rocky cirque offering breathtaking views of the plain. The atmosphere is steeped in history and spirituality, an ideal setting for guided meditation. The afternoon shifts pace with a camel ride on the Elsen Tasarkhai dunes. A unique sensory experience where we are gently rocked by the animal's swaying gait in the heart of the desert.

In the evening, we dedicate an hour to a restorative yoga practice. These slow movements and opening postures allow us to release the tension accumulated during the hike and climb. We conclude with a final meditation to soak up one last time the vibrant atmosphere of these sacred sites, savoring the silence of the desert before our gradual return to the capital.

The morning marks our gradual return to civilization. After a final breakfast overlooking the vast steppes, we set off towards Ulaanbaatar. This journey offers a final inner transition, allowing the wild landscapes to unfold behind the vehicle windows, while the bustling capital city looms on the horizon.

The afternoon is dedicated to the gentle charm and local craftsmanship of a visit to cashmere factory outlets. Renowned as some of the finest in the world, Mongolian cashmere reflects a preserved pastoral tradition. It's the perfect opportunity to select some precious souvenirs, symbols of the warmth and refinement of this country.

At the end of the day, we immerse ourselves in Mongolian culture with a performance of traditional songs and dances. You will be transported by the throat singing (Khöömii) and the captivating melodies of the horsehead fiddle (Morin Khuur), which resonate with the landscapes you have just traversed. The evening concludes with a warm farewell dinner. Around a convivial table, in the company of your interpreter and driver, we celebrate the success of this journey. It's a time to share our fondest memories and thank those who made this adventure possible, before a final comfortable night at the hotel.

All good things must come to an end, but the spirit of Mongolia will stay with you. After a final breakfast at the hotel, it's time for last-minute preparations. Depending on your flight schedule, you'll enjoy some final free time exploring the streets of Ulaanbaatar for a last taste of the city or a bit of last-minute shopping.

Then comes the moment of farewell. Your driver will transfer you to Chinggis Khaan International Airport. As you fly over the steppe and mountain landscapes you've traversed one last time, you'll carry away much more than just photos. You'll leave with a sense of inner clarity, the result of your daily yoga sessions, and the quiet strength gained from your connection with your mounts and the vast Mongolian landscapes. The journey ends here, but the connection with this sacred and authentic spirit will remain etched within you for a long time.