Hiking & Gobi - Nomadays

Mongolia

Hiking & Gobi

Immerse yourself in the heart of Mongolia with a journey that links open steppes, the mountains of the Khangai, UNESCO-listed valleys, and the mineral expanses of the Gobi Desert . This itinerary invites you to feel the power of wild landscapes, to trek for several days through the valleys of the Lower Khangai and the Orkhon valley , and to share privileged moments with nomadic families.

As the journey unfolds, you’ll explore Mongolian history in Karakorum, reach the hilltop hermitage of Tövkhön

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Day 1Welcome to Mongolia

Day 1Welcome to Mongolia

  • Upon arrival, your driver will meet you as you exit the airport and handle your transfer to the hotel. You’ll have time to settle in and rest after your journey. (early check-in not included)

  • Meet your guide at your hotel at noon. He will take you to the restaurant of your choice for lunch.

  • Let’s dive into the heart of Mongolian history at the wonderful National History Museum. The museum’s three floors showcase a rich, glorious, at times violent yet noble past — from prehistory to the Soviet era, and of course the rise of the great Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan.

  • Walk in the centre of Ulan-Bator. Discovery of Gengis Khan Square and the House of Parliament.

  • At 18 o' clock, Mongolian traditional show at Tumen Ekh: featuring folk dances, contortion, and of course khoomi, the famous throat singing.

Meal and accommodations

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

4h 30m-280km

Day 2Heading into the steppe toward the Mini Gobi

Day 2Heading into the steppe toward the Mini Gobi

  • Before leaving Ulaanbaatar, we visit the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. In the morning, the monks gather there for prayers, and they may answer your questions at the Mongolian Buddhist Centre.

  • We arrive at the splendid rocky formations of Khogno Khan. Discovery of the park : semidesert steppes, taiga, stunning rocky formations, 80-kilometre (49,71 miles) long sand dunes, are characteristic of this arid area nicknamed "Mini-Gobi".

  • Walk until Erdene Khambiin Monastery. "Monk Erdene's Monastery" dates from 17th century and was built in the mountain. Zanabazar built it in honour of his teacher, monk Erdene.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: 3 Star Hotel

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: tent camping

1h 30m-110km
1h 45m-42km

Day 3Nomadic life in the Orkhon Valley

Day 3Nomadic life in the Orkhon Valley

  • Journey to Kharkhorin, the former capital of Mongolia. The legendary city of Genghis Khan was founded in 1220 and was one of the stages of the silk road. The Mongolian Empire was governed from this city until Kubilai Khan set up the capital in Beijing. Today, there are only a few vestiges left of the former capital.

  • Visit of Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 by a nomad prince. The Chinese and Tibetan-inspired buildings are surrounded with 108 sacred stupas. Visit of the Museum of Kharkhorin.

  • After lunch, you will set off forTovkhon Monastery.

    From the starting point, you will begin your first hike through this region renowned for its unique atmosphere, where the landscape gradually reveals beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. You will reach Tovkhon Monastery, where Zanabazar, Mongolia's first religious leader, created the Soyombo alphabet. Located at an altitude of 2,312 meters, the monastery offers a panoramic view of the Khangai mountain range and the Orkhon valley.

    After the visit, you descend and return to your campsite. You spend the night camping west of Tuvkhun, in the heart of unspoiled nature.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: tent camping

6h-25km
Khangai Mountain

Day 4Hiking in the mountains of lower Khangai

Day 4Hiking in the mountains of lower Khangai

  • We begin our exceptional hike in the Orkhon Valley and Lower Khangai, immersing ourselves in the heart of varied landscapes combining mountains, forests, and open steppes. Over seven days, you will traverse isolated mountain passes, follow rivers, and explore secluded valleys rarely visited by travelers.

    This trek combines adventure, nature, and authentic encounters with nomadic families, particularly when discovering the Orkhon waterfall and spending time with a local family. Each day reveals new panoramas and stages designed to fully appreciate the diversity of this region. This trip, suitable for travelers in search of wide open spaces, offers a balance between effort and breaks in the heart of nature.

    Hiking with logistical vehicle support.

  • The adventure begins at Tuvkhun Monastery, where you will set off on a hike heading west. After about 12 km, a lunch break is planned near the Davkhar spring, before continuing your journey across the pass to reach the Biluut Valley. You end the day on the edge of the Khestuut Pass, after a journey marked by the diversity of landscapes between mountains, forests, and steppes. Total distance: 25 km

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: tent camping

Khangai Mountain
5h 30m-22km
Khangai Mountain

Day 5Passage from Khetsuu to Mount Tsalgai

Day 5Passage from Khetsuu to Mount Tsalgai

  • After breakfast, you will cross the Khetsuu Pass before reaching the vast Khushuun Tal steppe, where you will have lunch. In the afternoon, you will continue your journey by climbing the Yantsat Pass, then set up camp at the foot of Mount Tsalgai. The day will alternate between mountain passes and crossings of large plains. Total distance: 22 km.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: tent camping

Khangai Mountain
5h 15m-21km

Day 6Arriving in the Orkhon Valley

Day 6Arriving in the Orkhon Valley

  • In the morning, you will set off on a hike towards the Orkhon Valley. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this valley is a mecca for nomadic life, where many herding families set up their summer camps each year.

    You will cross Mount Tsalgai before descending into the valley. You will cross the river near a small waterfall, where you will stop for lunch. The afternoon will be spent walking through the heart of the Orkhon Valley to your camp near Undur Khyasaa. Total distance: 21 km.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: tent camping

Day 7Transit from Undur Khyasaa to Uliastai

Day 7Transit from Undur Khyasaa to Uliastai

  • Today, you continue your journey through mountain passes and valleys. After crossing Undur Khyasaa, you have lunch near the Baadai Pass. In the afternoon, you cross a small river before walking along the peaceful Uliastai River, where you set up camp for the night in a peaceful, natural setting. Total distance: 21 km

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: tent camping

Day 8Hiking along the Uliastai Valley

Day 8Hiking along the Uliastai Valley

  • You start the day with a hike upstream in the Uliastai Valley, where the landscapes become more rugged and distinctive. After lunch in the heart of the valley, you continue on to the sites of Ogotoni Bulan and Yamaat Bulan, known for their rocky cliffs and wooded mountains. This route leads to one of the most unspoiled places in the Orkhon Valley, known mainly to locals. Total distance: 23 km.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: tent camping

Day 9Deed Khurd Passage

Day 9Deed Khurd Passage

  • Last day of hiking through the Uliastai Valley. You will have lunch at the foot of the Deed Khurd Pass, then cross it before reaching the shores of a peaceful lake, where you will spend the night under the stars. Total distance: 22 km.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: tent camping

1h 30m-50km
Orkhon waterfalls

Day 10Orkhon Falls and immersion among the Nomads

Day 10Orkhon Falls and immersion among the Nomads

  • After breakfast, you will take a short drive through the Orkhon Valley to visit a nomadic family. On the way, you will stop at the Orkhon Waterfall, also known as Ulan Tsutgalaan. The water cascades down a dark basalt wall, sometimes creating a fleeting rainbow when the sun reflects off it. Standing 16 meters high, these falls were formed nearly 20,000 years ago by a combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

  • We arrive at the home of a nomadic herding family, where you will spend the night. This is an opportunity to discover the nomadic way of life and observe their daily activities.

    At the end of the day, you will watch a Mongolian barbecue being prepared, which you will then share with your hosts.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: made by the family Mongolian barbecue "Khorkhog"

Day 11Let's hit the road to Gobi desert !

Day 11Let's hit the road to Gobi desert !

  • A day marked by the transition from one ecosystem to another. You leave the green mountains of Khangai and head towards the Gobi.

  • Let's discover this site, best known as Ong lamasery, and the museum. In 1937, the Soviets almost completely destroyed the homes and monasteries where one thousand lamas were living. In 2002, some lamas came back and began to rebuild the monastery, with few resources but much enthusiasm.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: tent camping

Day 12Flaming cliffs and dinosaurs

Day 12Flaming cliffs and dinosaurs

  • Last day of track before reaching Great Gobi and its "Three Beauties", the three highest peaks of this part of the Gobi-Altai range : Baruun Saïhan, "the Western Beauty" ; Dund Saïhan, "the Middle Beauty" ; Züün Saïhan, "the Eastern Beauty", the highest (2846 metres, 1,77 miles).

  • Visit of the cliffs of Bayanzag, today are best known as "flaming cliffs", owing to their ochre red colour, where is located the "cemetery of dragons". The cliffs and the saxaul forests that surround them are the evidence of the time when Earth was still inhabited by huge creatures: dinosaurs. Palaeontologist Roy Andrews Chapman was the first man to discover in 1922 some bones and eggs of dinosaurs that we can see today in the Natural History Museum of Ulan Bator and in other museums in the world.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Gobi tour gers camp

1h-40km
Khavtsgait

Day 13Riding a camel among the dunes

Day 13Riding a camel among the dunes

  • We wake up early today to hike on the Khavtsgait mountain. After some time on the jeep, we will start our trek. The ascent is quite sportive, but will provide a truly amazing view over the desert. From there it is possible to see numerous petroglyphs representing wild mountain sheep, horses, camels and men in the process of hunting.

  • We ride towards the west of the park to reach Khongor sand dunes, "light bay sand". These dunes extend at the foot of the "Three Beauties".

  • Visit of the dunes of Khongor. These dunes are the most spectacular ones of Mongolia, they extend on more than 180 kilometres (111,85 miles) long and 20 kilometres (12,43 miles) wide, and have an average height of 80 metres (262,47 feet), the highest one being 120 metres (393,70 feet) high. From the top, the view on the desert is quite amazing. From this place, it's also possible to hear the moving masses of sand, hence the name of "singing dunes". Beyond the dunes, the steppe extends for as far as the eye can see.

  • We'll stay with a Bactrian camels' breeder for two nights. It's a unique chance to discover their authentic way of life and their legendary hospitality.

Meal and accommodations

Dinner: Made by the family

Day 14Hiking in the canyons

Day 14Hiking in the canyons

  • Camelback hike. Camelback hiking in the Gobi Desert is an unforgettable experience. The nonchalant animal will take us with its peaceful gait along the dunes and the Khongor River, "light bay", that flows alternately on the surface and under the ground. We'll go until a small oasis at the foot of the dunes, where some bushes grow, such as saxaul. Camels are very fond of saxaul and Mongolians think it's the most precious wood.

    We will walk until the top of a dune and will have a wonderful view of the desert. Far away, we will see the peaks of the Three Beautiful and, if we listen carefully, we might hear the song of the dunes.

  • Journey on the track towards the east of "the Three Beauties" to reach the area of canyons. Stop at Dungenee Canyon. We leave the vehicle to start our first magic hike along the river that flows between huge canyons.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: tent camping

Day 15Hiking in the canyons

Day 15Hiking in the canyons

  • Enjoy a day of trekking in the region of Yoliin am and Mukhaart Shiveet, two iconic sites in the Gobi Desert. The morning begins with a hike in the heart of the Yoliin Am Gorge, known for its high cliffs and unique microclimate, where patches of ice sometimes remain until late summer. You will follow a narrow path surrounded by rock walls and keep an eye out for wildlife; it is not uncommon to spot a golden eagle or ibex on the heights.

    After lunch in the great outdoors, you will continue on to Mukhaart Shiveet, an even more isolated area characterized by its underground rivers and springs hidden among the dunes. The trail reveals a variety of landscapes: desert areas, green valleys, and contrasting reliefs, offering beautiful opportunities for observation and photography.

    This day of walking combines exploration, tranquility, and immersion in varied environments, while revealing the diversity of the Gobi's ecosystems. An itinerary designed for travelers who want to discover the region in an authentic way, far from the hustle and bustle.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: tent camping

Day 16The granite formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu

Day 16The granite formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu

  • Visit of Mountains Baga Gazriin Chuluu, where we'll observe stunning granite rocky formations eroded by the violent elements of this area. In the 19th century, two respected lamas lived here, and we still can see their inscriptions in the rock. According to the legend, Genghis Khan too is supposed to have lived in this wonderful area where it's pleasant to walk.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: made by the family

Accommodation: Yurt for guests with a family

Day 17The granite formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu

Day 17The granite formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu

  • Experience an unforgettable day of trekking in Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Gobi Desert. This region, renowned for its impressive granite rock formations, immerses you in a wild and mystical landscape. During your hike, you will cross majestic canyons and explore ancient caves once used by Buddhist monks. You will also be able to admire the ruins of an ancient monastery, a testament to Mongolia's rich spiritual past. The local wildlife, including majestic eagles, ibexes, and other endemic animals, will add a touch of magic to this adventure.

    Along the way, we will treat you to a picnic in the heart of nature, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views. This authentic experience, far from the beaten track, will allow you to discover the raw beauty and soothing tranquility of the desert. A perfect day for nature and adventure lovers, where every step reveals a new natural treasure.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: made by the family

Accommodation: Yurt for guests with a family

Day 18Back to the Mongolian capital

Day 18Back to the Mongolian capital

  • Back to Ulan-Bator. Last herds of wild horses crossing the road outside our dumbfounded eyes, last yurts smoking far away, the steppe will be with us until the last moment.

    Arrival in town and settling in at your hotel, where you can rest a few moments.

  • Rest of the day free. With our guide, you can go shopping in the centre of the city.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Flight back

Day 19Have a nice journey and see you soon !

Day 19Have a nice journey and see you soon !

  • Breakfast at the hotel. We go with you to the international airport of Ulan Bator. The transfer can be organized at the time you want, according to the schedule of your flight.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: 3 Star Hotel