Nomadic Transhumance: The Journey to Summer Pastures

Welcome from our driver at your airport exit. Transfer to your hotel, check-in and rest. Meeting at noon at your hotel with your guide, who will take you to lunch at the restaurant of your choice.

Let's dive into the heart of Mongolian history, at the magnificent National History Museum. Three floors of a rich and glorious past, violent and noble, from prehistory to the Soviet period, of course passing through the creation of the great Mongol empire by Genghis Khan.

Stroll through the center of Ulan Bator. Discovery of the central Genghis Khan square, and Parliament.

At 18:00, traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh: folk dances, contortion and of course khoomi, throat singing.

Before leaving Ulaanbaatar, we visit the Gandantegchinlen monastery. The monks gather at the monastery to pray in the morning, and will be able to answer your questions at the Buddhist Centre of Mongolia.

Departure for the splendid rock formations of Khogno Khan. Discovery of the park: semi-desert steppes, taiga, impressive rock formations, a sand fracture stretching 80 km characterise this arid region nicknamed "the mini Gobi".

Then, hiking to the Erdene Khambiin monastery. The "Monastery of the Monk Erdene" dates from the 17th century and was built in the mountain by Zanabazar, in honour of his teacher, the monk Erdene.

Route to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongols. The legendary city of Genghis Khan was founded in 1220 and was one of the stages of the Silk Road. It was from this city that the Mongol empire was governed until Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing. Today, only a few remnants of the capital remain.

Visit to the magnificent Erdene Zuu monastery, built in 1586 by a nomadic prince. The buildings, inspired by Chinese and Tibetan architecture, are surrounded by 108 sacred stupas. Visit to the Karakorum museum.

We will continue with a felt-making workshop. The activity involves discovering different types of animal hair and participating in the steps that allow you to make felt. You will also be able to create a small drawing with the fibers and transform it into a felt piece to take home with you.

This morning, we will attend an introduction to Mongolian calligraphy, and you will be able to take part in the activity and create your own calligraphy.

We leave all roads behind to experience the joys of off-road travel. We skirt the sumptuous landscapes formed by the Orkhon canyons and the verdant steppe where the herds of the region's many nomads graze.

We arrive at the home of a herding family who will welcome us in the heart of the Orkhon Valley, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. During your stay, you will discover the way of life of the nomads.

In the morning, we will begin our adventure by dismantling the gers at the spring camp. Since there are several gers to move, we will use a truck to transport the structures and belongings. Meanwhile, we will prepare the horses to accompany the herds toward the summer location, following the Mongolian tradition of seasonal migration.

On the way, we will discover the spectacular nature of the Orkhon Valley, we will cross the great Orkhon River on horseback — a thrilling and unforgettable moment of the journey. Since the spring herds are not yet very strong, we will make a stop to spend the night in the valley. This break is essential to avoid tiring the animals and to respect the natural rhythm of Mongolian transhumance.

Around the fire, we will share a traditional dinner and listen to stories about nomadic life and the ancient customs of the Mongolian people.

We'll start the morning with breakfast in nature, in the heart of the Mongolian landscape. Then we'll resume our horseback journey, enjoying the vast steppes and the calm of nomadic life. Since it's the birthing season in the herds, we cannot travel as quickly. By midday, we'll reach the summer camp site.

After lunch, we'll participate in the raising of yurts, a craft passed down from generation to generation. This moment will be a true immersion in Mongolian nomadic culture: learning traditional gestures, discovering the ancestral philosophy of the steppe people and sharing a unique moment of exchange and authenticity.

Stay 3 nights with our family.

Those who wish can set out on a horseback ride along the Orkhon valley, from the camp to the Orkhon Falls. For others, it will be possible to reach the falls by doing a 6 km hike, or by vehicle.

Visit to the Ulan Tsutgalaan Falls, a white torrent cascading over black stone, which a ray of sunshine transforms into an ephemeral rainbow. These 16-metre falls are simply magical! They were formed 20,000 years ago as a result of a unique combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

At the end of the day, you will watch the preparation of a Mongolian barbecue, which you will enjoy in the company of your hosts.

In the morning, we set off on an excursion to Tovkhon monastery. At the summit of the Öndör Ulaan hill, which we can only reach on foot, we discover the Tovkhon hermitage where Zanabazar, the first religious leader of Mongolie, composed the Soyombo alphabet. From this monastery located at 2312 meters altitude, we will have a magnificent panorama over the entire Khangaï chain. We have a picnic in an exceptional setting, the Orkhon valley at our feet.

Arrival at the Tsenkher hot springs, where you can relax in the hot water baths of the camp.

We resume our journey eastward, crossing the Arkhangai province to reach Ögii Lake.

Nestled in the middle of the steppe, this small fish-filled lake also attracts numerous migratory birds that ornithologists can observe at leisure.

Road towards the Khustai reserve which is home to the wild Przewalski's horses (takh). Dusk is the best time to observe the takh. We will go for a walk near the place where they come to drink, where we can observe them without fear of disturbing them.

Tonight, we sleep at a nomadic family's home living near the national park.

Return to Ulan Bator. Last herds of wild horses crossing the road before our amazed eyes, last yurts smoking in the distance, the steppe will accompany us until the last moment, at the entrance to the city.

Arrival in the city center and check-in at your hotel where you can rest for a few moments.

Rest of the day is free. Accompanied by our guide, you will browse the city's shops to make your last purchases.