Trekking with the nomads of the Orkhon
In the Heart of the Mongolian Steppes, Between Volcanic Waterfalls and Authentic Nomadic Encounters
Duration
14 days
From
€2,290/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
The first rays of the sun set the Orkhon Valley ablaze, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the hoofbeats of nomadic horses still echo. In this vastness carved by volcanoes and rivers, every step reveals a deep Mongolie, far from the beaten path.
The eight-day trek takes you from the spectacular Ulan Tsutgalaan waterfalls to the eight sacred lakes of Naiman Nuur, through the Khangaï mountains. Yurt villages, herds of yaks, natural hot springs and herding families punctuate this crossing where self-sufficiency becomes a way of life. Evenings are shared around the fire, between nomadic tales and stargazing in absolute silence.
Zanabazar, Mongolie's first spiritual leader, had chosen these lands to meditate and create the Soyombo alphabet. Today, perched monasteries and sacred stupas still bear witness to this spirituality rooted in the landscapes. This circuit reveals the authentic Mongolian soul, one that is passed down from generation to generation at the rhythm of pastoral seasons.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and visit of Ulaanbaatar
Upon your arrival, you are welcomed by our driver at the airport exit, before being transferred to your hotel to settle in and rest.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Mongolian history with a visit to the National History Museum. Spread over three floors, it traces a rich and complex past: from prehistory to the Soviet era, passing through the creation of the great Mongol empire founded by Genghis Khan.
You continue with a stroll through the city center of Ulaanbaatar with the discovery of Genghis Khan central square and Parliament, the institutional and cultural heart of the capital.
At 6:00 PM, you attend a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh ensemble combining folk dances, contortion and khoomi, the famous diaphonic singing that resonates like a deep echo of nomadic culture.
On the way to Karakorum, gateway to the Orkhon
Route to Kharkhorin, the former capital of the Mongols. Founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan, this emblematic city was one of the major stops on the Silk Road. It was from Karakorum that the Mongol empire was administered until the capital was transferred to Beijing by Kublai Khan. Today, only a few vestiges of the capital remain, recalling the historical importance of this place marked by the passage of the great khans.
Visit of the Erdene zuu monastery, built in 1586 by a nomadic prince. The complex, inspired by Chinese and Tibetan architectures, is surrounded by 108 sacred stupas, which testify to the spiritual importance of the site. The discovery continues at the Karakorum museum, dedicated to the history of the ancient capital and its region.
Stay with the nomads of the Orkhon
You leave the road to join the trails and fully enjoy the natural landscapes. The route runs along the Orkhon canyons and the verdant steppe where herds of nomadic families roam. You are then welcomed by a family of herders in the heart of the Orkhon Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Orkhon Valley → Тovkhon
On the way, you stop for an excursion to the Tövkhön monastery. The ascent to the summit of the Öndör Ulaan hill, accessible only on foot, leads to the Tovkhon hermitage, where Zanabazar, Mongolia's first religious leader, composed the Soyombo alphabet. Situated at 2,312 m above sea level, the site unveils a vast panorama over the Khangai range. You enjoy a picnic in this exceptional setting, with the Orkhon valley below.
2-night stay with a nomadic herding family. You will discover the nomadic way of life and share their daily routines in complete simplicity. Depending on the season, you may be invited to participate in animal milking, traditional dairy product making or herding livestock on horseback.
(Activities subject to seasonality)
Trek at Orkhan with Baga Falls
Orkhon Valley → Vallée d'Uuragt
Start of your 8-day hiking trip of which 7 days self-guided between the Orkhon Valley and the Naiman Nuur National Park. Logistics and your personal belongings will be transported on the backs of yaks, allowing for a smooth progression throughout the journey.
Visit of the Ulan Tsutgalaan waterfalls, where a clear flow cascades over dark stone, sometimes crossed by a ray of sunlight that creates an ephemeral rainbow. Standing 16 meters high, they formed nearly 20,000 years ago, as a result of a rare combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
You continue your hike through the heart of the Orkhon Valley and reach the Baga waterfalls, where you take a break for lunch. The route continues through the forested areas of Uuragt, Unit and Khöshigt, before setting up camp for the night.
Hiking time: 5h45
Elevation gain: negligible
Independent trekking in the heart of Khangaï
You start the independent part of your hike.
You progress through the heart of a valley framed by the Khangaï mountain range and reach the Böörögiin oroï valley, which will serve as your campsite for the night.
Hiking time: 5h30
Elevation gain: +700 meters / -200 meters
Visits to Naiman Nuur Lakes on Trek
To Naiman nuur
You continue your progression along the Khangai valley. You cross a wooded area before heading up towards the Naiman nuur national park.
You first visit the Khuis lake, then the Bugat, Döröö and Khaya lakes, before setting up your camp on the shores of the Shireet lake.
Hiking time: 5h15
Elevation gain: +300 metres / -400 metres
Mountain hiking and nomadic encounter
Walking tour
You trek on the heights of Shireet hill and take the time to visit Shurangiin Tsokhoi stone, an emblematic landmark of the area.
You then join a nomadic family settled in this mountainous zone. You enjoy a rest period and share with your hosts some moments of daily life, getting closer to their way of living.
Hiking time: 5h30
Elevation gain: +600 meters / -100 meters
Descent of Mount Shireet
You begin your descent from Mount Shireet, then hike along the Ulziitiin Am mountains before setting up camp on the banks of the Shuranga River.
Hiking time: 5h45
Elevation gain: +50 meters / -700 meters
Walk along the rivers
Walking tour
You trek in the heart of the Ulziitiin Am mountains. After your lunch, you continue your progression along two mountain streams that lead you to the springs of Övör Gyatruu, where you set up your camp.
Trekking time: 5h00
Elevation gain: +200 meters / -300 meters
Trekking in the Khaytruunii Hills
To Sources chaudes d'Ar Khyatruun
You set off for a walk through the Khaytruunii hills (2200 meters). This crossing gradually leads you to the Ar Khyatruun hot springs, where you set up camp for the night. This stage in the heart of nature allows you to appreciate the tranquility of the region and enjoy a setting conducive to rest after your day of hiking.
Hiking time: 5h00
Elevation gain: +100 meters / -200 meters
Return to our local guides
To Orkhon Valley
You follow the course of the Khyatruun river before joining the Orkhon river. Upon arrival, your vehicle is waiting for you to take you back to the family who welcomed you on your first night in the valley.
Hiking time: 4h30
Elevation gain: negligible
At the end of the day, you attend the preparation of a Mongolian barbecue, then share this traditional meal with your hosts in a warm atmosphere.
Khogno Khan Desert Area
Then, you head off on a hike to the Khambiin Khiid Monastery. Perched in the mountains, this 17th-century monastery was built by Zanabazar as a tribute to his spiritual master, the monk Erdene. The peaceful atmosphere that reigns there and the view over the surroundings make it a memorable cultural and spiritual stop.
Orkhon Valley → Khogno Khan
Departure for the splendid rock formations of Khögnö Khan. You discover a park with varied landscapes, between semi-desert steppes, taiga zones, granite massifs and a long stretch of sand approximately 80 km, which earned it the nickname of "mini Gobi".
Walk along the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai. You explore this emblematic dune ridge, which offers a marked contrast with the surrounding steppes.
Return to the Mongolian capital
You take the road back to Ulan Bator. Along the way, the last herds of horses crossing the road and the last yurts glimpsed in the distance accompany you until you reach the outskirts of the capital.
You then arrive in the city center and settle into your hotel, where you can rest for a few moments.
Good return and see you next time!
Breakfast at the hotel. The driver will accompany you to Ulan Bator international airport. The return transfer will take place at your preferred time, depending on your flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Mongolian visa
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal Expenses and Tips
- Single room supplement
Included
- Airport / Hotel / Airport Transfers
- 2 nights in a ** hotel in Ulan Bator, breakfast included
- Full board during the excursion
- Private Transport
- English-speaking guide
- Drivers
- Hiking equipment
- Yak porters
- Entrances to Parks and Tourist Sites
- Tumen Ekh Folk Show
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Mongolia depend on your nationality. The information below provides general guidance for tourist stays. We recommend verifying the specific conditions applicable to your situation with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence, as well as with your own authorities, before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays, while others must obtain a visa before departure.
If a visa exemption applies to your nationality, the authorites may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation or your travel itinerary.
For specific information regarding visa requirements and any exemptions applicable to your nationality, please contact the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Affairs Office (GASI). For stays of 30 days or less, registration is generally handled by your hotel or accommodation provider.
It is recommended to keep a copy of this registration throughout your stay, as Mongolian authorities may request it during checks.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Mongolia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
routine immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
tick-borne encephalitis, particularly if planning trekking or staying in rural areas,
rabies, if there is a possible risk of contact with wild or stray animals.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. All travellers should verify the specific requirements applicable to them with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for assistance-repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for reporting a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A stay in Mongolia is possible without a visa for a limited duration. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry is required. For a longer stay, a visa can be obtained from the Mongolian embassy. Entry conditions change regularly: check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Mongolian consular authorities before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation (yurts, lodges), meals, 4x4 with driver and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros round trip) are additional. Mongolia offers a timeless nomadic immersion.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Steppes
Horsewoman of the great Mongolian steppes, based in Oulan-Bator
In Mongolia, you'll experience a rare sensation: the feeling of having space, time, and the impression that the horizon has no end.
— Emelyne
