Shamanism in the steppe - Nomadays

Mongolia

Shamanism in the steppe

Immerse yourself in a spiritual journey in Mongolia, where the endless steppe becomes a place of introspection. Guided by a Mongolian shaman, you will explore spiritual highlights between Ulaanbaatar, the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley, Karakorum, and the Gobi Desert. Meditation at the foot of the dunes, shamanic ceremonies, hot baths in Tsenkher, and horseback rides to the Orkhon Falls… each stage of the journey intertwines ancestral practices with breathtaking landscapes. You will share the daily...

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Day 1Arrival and first discoveries in Ulaanbaatar

Day 1Arrival and first discoveries in Ulaanbaatar

  • 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.

4h 30m-280km

Day 2Shamanic meditation in the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai

Day 2Shamanic meditation in the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai

  • Before leaving Ulaanbaatar, we visit the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. You will attend the monks' morning prayers, filled with incense and Buddhist chants. At the Mongolian Buddhist Center, you will also have the opportunity to talk with some of the monks to deepen your understanding of Mongolian Buddhism.

  • You will then set off with your Mongolian shaman, who will accompany you throughout this spiritual journey. Head for the splendid rock formations of Khögnö Khan , a fascinating natural park where semi-desert steppes, taiga, and sand dunes meet. This area, nicknamed the “mini Gobi,” offers a striking contrast between massive rocks and arid plains.

  • On the way, take a stroll to the Khambiin Khiid Monastery, also known as the “Monastery of the Monk Erdene.” Built in the 17th century by Zanabazar in honor of his spiritual master, it nestles in the heart of the mountains and exudes an atmosphere of deep peace.

  • You then continue on to the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, a veritable oasis of sand in the heart of the steppe. It is in this majestic setting that you take part in your first meditation session guided by Bolortsetseg, a unique experience combining spirituality, silence, and connection with nature.

Day 3Stay with the nomads of the Orkhon

Day 3Stay with the nomads of the Orkhon

  • This morning, you leave the roads behind for good and venture onto the Mongolian tracks, through magnificent landscapes dotted with canyons, green hills, and endless steppes. You will travel along the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic location in central Mongolia where nature and nomadic culture coexist in perfect harmony.

  • You will join a family of nomadic herders who will warmly welcome you into their yurts in the heart of this legendary valley. This two-night homestay immerses you in the daily life of Mongolian nomads, which is governed by the seasons and the care of their herds.


    Accompanied by Bolortsetseg, you will enjoy this exceptional natural setting as you listen to her shamanic teachings and deepen your connection with the earth and the elements.


    During your stay, you will have the opportunity to participate in traditional activities: milking animals, preparing dairy products, or even gathering herds on horseback. Each experience is an opportunity to exchange, learn, and share, in keeping with the values of hospitality and authenticity that characterize the Mongolian people.


    The activities offered may vary depending on the season.

Meal and accommodations

Dinner: made by the family Mongolian barbecue "Khorkhog"

Accommodation: Yurt for guests with a family

1h 30m-8km
Orkhon waterfalls

Day 4On horseback or on foot to the Orkhon Falls

Day 4On horseback or on foot to the Orkhon Falls

  • This morning, those who wish to do so can ride on horseback along the Orkhon Valley from the camp to the famous Orkhon Waterfalls. For others, it is possible to get there by hiking about 6 km or by vehicle, depending on your preferences and physical condition.

  • You will discover the Orkhon Falls, also known as the Ulan Tsutgalaa Falls, a true natural gem of central Mongolia. This torrent of white water pours over black volcanic rock, and when a ray of sunlight reflects off it, it creates a fleeting rainbow of striking beauty. These 16-meter-high falls were formed about 20,000 years ago as a result of a rare combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

  • At the end of the day, return to camp where you will watch the preparation of a traditional Mongolian barbecue (khorkhog), a moment of sharing and conviviality that you will enjoy in the company of your nomadic hosts.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Dinner: made by the family Mongolian barbecue "Khorkhog"

Day 5Relaxation in the warm waters of Tsenkher

Day 5Relaxation in the warm waters of Tsenkher

  • The morning is devoted to an excursion to the Tövkhön Monastery, one of Mongolia's most iconic spiritual sites. Located at the top of Öndör Ulaan Hill, this place is only accessible on foot, via a trail offering superb views of the Orkhon Valley.

    Upon arrival, you will discover the Tovkhon Hermitage, perched at an altitude of 2,312 meters. It was here that Zanabazar, Mongolia's first religious leader and a major figure in Mongolian Buddhism, composed the famous Soyombo alphabet, a national symbol. From the monastery, the view stretches as far as the eye can see over the Khangai Mountains, providing a majestic backdrop for your midday picnic.

  • In the afternoon, you continue your journey through the lower Khangai, a region of green hills and pine forests. You then reach the Tsenkher hot springs . Settle into camp and relax in the hot springs, true thermal treasures known for their soothing and revitalizing properties.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Included

Day 6Visit to Mongolia's oldest monastery

Day 6Visit to Mongolia's oldest monastery

  • This morning, you will set off for Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan, this legendary city was the political and commercial center of the world's largest empire for several decades, before Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing. Located on the ancient Silk Road, Karakorum was a crossroads of cultural and spiritual exchange between East and West. Today, only a few archaeological remains bear witness to its past greatness.

  • Next, you will visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. Built in 1586 by a nomadic prince, it was constructed using stones from the ancient city of Karakorum. Its temples, blending Chinese and Tibetan influences, are surrounded by 108 sacred stupas, symbols of purity and wisdom in Buddhism.


    The day continues with a visit to the Karakorum Museum, which traces the fascinating history of the region and the Mongol Empire through objects, maps, and reconstructions.

Meal and accommodations

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Anja gers camp

Day 7Observation of Przewalski's wild horses

Day 7Observation of Przewalski's wild horses

  • This morning, you will set off for the Khustai Nuruu Nature Reserve , located about 40 km away, an iconic site for the preservation of Mongolian wildlife. This vast expanse of steppe and hills is home to Przewalski's horse, locally known as takh, one of the last true wild horses still on Earth.


    At the end of the day, at dusk, you will set off on an observation walk in the reserve. This is when the horses approach the watering holes to drink, offering the best opportunity to admire them in their natural habitat without disturbing them.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Anja ger camp

Lunch: Included

2h 30m-130km
10h 40m-450km

Day 8Return to Ulaanbaatar and night train to Sainshand

Day 8Return to Ulaanbaatar and night train to Sainshand

  • Final moments in Khustai National Park, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the steppes one last time before heading back to Ulaanbaatar.

  • Back in the capital, visit the Bogdo Khan Museum and Palace, the last residence of Mongolia's religious rulers. This remarkable museum houses a collection of personal items, works of art, and artifacts tracing the life of the eighth Bogd, a major spiritual figure in the country.

    You then continue with a walk to the Russian Zaisan Memorial, perched on a hill overlooking the city. From there, the view of Ulaanbaatar and the Tuul Valley is breathtaking, offering a magnificent contrast between nature and urbanity.

  • In the early evening, you will board the local Trans-Mongolian train bound for Sainshand, at the gateway to the Gobi Desert. This train, mainly used by Mongolians, promises an authentic and friendly atmosphere. Spend the night on board in a closed compartment with four berths. You will arrive in Sainshand in the morning, ready for the next stage of your adventure.

Day 9Mystical stay in the Shambala region

Day 9Mystical stay in the Shambala region

  • Arrive in Sainshand in the morning, at the gateway to the eastern Gobi Desert. You will immediately set off to explore Khamar Monastery, founded in the 1820s by Danzanravjaa, a prominent Mongolian educator, poet, and man of letters. A spiritual center of the country, this monastery was once a major center of “red sect” Buddhism, where teachings, theater, and meditation coexisted harmoniously. To the north of the site, you can also explore the meditation caves, where monks would retreat to pray and meditate in the silence of the desert.

  • In the afternoon, you will reach Bayanzurkh Mountain, which rises to an altitude of 1,031 meters. This small mountain range is another important place of worship, where Jamiyandanzan, the third greatest lama of the Gobi, was buried. Numerous temples and monuments have been erected in his memory.


    A path dotted with stupas and ovoos leads to the summit, offering a 360° panoramic view of the Sainshand region, bathed in light and silence—an ideal setting for contemplation and meditation.

Day 10Among the camel breeders of the Gobi Desert

Day 10Among the camel breeders of the Gobi Desert

  • This morning, we set off to meet a family of camel herders, an opportunity to discover Mongolian hospitality in all its authenticity. We share a traditional lunch with our hosts and talk about their way of life, which is closely linked to the vast expanses of the desert.

  • We continue with a camel ride through the desert landscapes of the Sainshand region, an immersive experience that allows you to appreciate the serenity and immensity of the Gobi.

  • After lunch, return to Sainshand to visit the Danzanravjaa Museum, dedicated to the life and work of this major 19th-century poet, educator, and spiritual leader.

  • In the evening, we board the night train to Ulaanbaatar. We spend the night in a sleeper compartment (four-person cabin) before arriving in the capital the next morning.

10h 40m-450km

Day 11Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Day 11Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

  • Upon arrival at the international train station in Ulaanbaatar, a transfer will take you to your hotel, ideally located in the city center. You can rest for a while and enjoy some quiet time before continuing with the rest of the day (early check-in not included).

  • The rest of the day is free. Accompanied by your guide, you will have the opportunity to browse the capital's shops for last-minute purchases, discover local crafts, or simply stroll through the bustling streets of Ulaanbaatar.

Flight back

Day 12See you soon in Mongolia!

Day 12See you soon in Mongolia!

  • After breakfast at the hotel, we will accompany you to Ulaanbaatar International Airport for your return flight. The transfer will be organized according to your flight schedule.


    We wish you a safe journey home and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for more discoveries in Mongolia.