Nomadism in Central Mongolia

Driver pickup at airport exit. Transfer to your hotel, check-in and rest time to recover from your journey. Meeting at noon at your hotel with your guide, who will recommend a good restaurant of your choice for lunch.

Dive into the heart of Mongolian history by visiting the magnificent National History Museum. Over three floors, the tour traces a rich and contrasted past, from prehistory to the Soviet period, with a section dedicated to the creation of the great Mongolian empire by Genghis Khan.

Stroll through downtown Ulaanbaatar, discovery of the central Genghis Khan Square and Parliament, at the heart of Mongolian urban life.

Around 6:00 PM, attend a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh, combining folk dances, contortion acts and khoomi, throat singing.

Before leaving Ulan Bator, you visit the Gandantegchinlen monastery. Monks gather there each morning for prayer and can answer your questions at the Buddhist Center of Mongolie.

You head towards the Amarbayasgalant monastery. Built in the 18th century in memory of the first Bogd Gegeen Zanabazar, then head of Mongolian religion, it is considered one of the country's major monasteries. Located north of Selenge province, it benefits from a remarkable setting, conducive to contemplation.

In the morning, you visit Amarbayasgalant monastery. Built nearly three centuries ago, the complex stands out for its coherent and refined architecture: a style primarily Chinese, enriched by Mongolian and Tibetan influences. The complex follows a symmetrical plan, with the main buildings aligned on a north-south axis, while secondary buildings occupy parallel axes. Today, 28 constructions are visible, including a two-storey temple of approximately 32 m², still dedicated to worship.

You cross vast areas of crops and wheat fields before arriving in Erdenet. This city is among the country's major economic centres and is home to one of the world's largest open-pit copper mines.

You take the road towards the Uran Togoo volcanic park. Uran Uul, the most emblematic of Mongolian volcanoes, was active 20 to 25 million years ago. The site today has particularly rich fauna and flora: the ancient lava flows have shaped fertile soils, giving rise to a verdant environment and conducive to biodiversity.

You set off on a hike in the heights of Uran Uul to take advantage of the panoramic views offered by this volcanic region. The trail crosses through woodlands, amid Siberian larches, before reaching the edge of the crater. Along the way, you observe a wide variety of plants as well as numerous birds and insects. At the bottom of the crater lies a small lake surrounded by dense vegetation, adding a peaceful note to this natural discovery.

You resume your journey eastward and cross the rolling landscapes of Arkhangai province heading towards Ögii Lake. Nestled in the heart of the steppe, this fish-filled lake is also a cherished refuge for migratory birds. Bird-watching enthusiasts will find an ideal location to observe these species in a calm and unspoiled environment.

You take the road towards Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongols. Founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan, this emblematic city was one of the important stages of the Silk Road. It was from Karakorum that the Mongol empire was administered before Kublai Khan transferred the capital to Beijing. Today, only a few remnants of this ancient city still testify to its major role in the country's history.

Visit to the magnificent Erdene Zuu monastery, built in 1586 by a nomadic prince. Its buildings, inspired by Chinese and Tibetan architecture, are surrounded by 108 sacred stupas that emphasize the spiritual dimension of the place.

The discovery continues at the Karakorum museum, dedicated to the history of the ancient capital and its region.

Visit to the center dedicated to Mongolian calligraphy. At 3:00 PM, an introduction is offered to you to discover this ancestral art. You can then initiate yourself into the practice and create your own calligraphic work.

Short transfer across the vast Arkhangai steppes to reach the Tsenkher hot springs.

On site, you freely enjoy the hot water baths of the camp, a relaxing moment appreciated in the heart of a peaceful environment.

Road heading towards the Orkhon Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This emblematic region fully embodies Mongolian nomadism: each summer, numerous herding families establish their camps there, offering a living landscape where steppes, yurts and herds compose an authentic setting.

Along the way, you set off on an excursion to Tovkhon Monastery. The ascent is made on foot to the summit of the Öndör Ulaan hill, where the Tovkhon hermitage is located. It was here that Zanabazar, the first religious leader of Mongolie, created the Soyombo alphabet. Located at 2,312 meters above sea level, the monastery offers an extensive panorama over the Khangai range.

Picnic takes place in a remarkable setting, with the Orkhon Valley as a backdrop.

You arrive at a nomadic herding family's home where you will stay for two nights. This stay allows you to discover the nomadic way of life and share in their daily routine. Depending on the activities of the moment, you will be offered the opportunity to participate in animal milking, the making of traditional dairy products or even the gathering of herds on horseback.

Those who wish can set off on a horseback ride along the Orkhon Valley, from the camp to the Orkhon Falls. For others, it is possible to reach the falls on foot during a hike of approximately 6 km, or by vehicle according to your preferences.

Visit to the Ulan Tsutgalaan Falls, where a clear stream cascades down dark rock, sometimes crossed by a ray of sunlight that draws a fleeting rainbow. Standing 16 meters high, these falls were formed nearly 20,000 years ago, as a result of a rare combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

At the end of the day, you watch the preparation of a Mongolian barbecue, then share this traditional meal in the company of your hosts in a warm atmosphere.

You progress towards the Khangai mountains, where the track becomes more demanding due to the passage of a pass located at 2,800 meters altitude. As you climb, the landscapes gain character until you reach the very remote Naiman Nuur National Park, "eight lakes", a high-altitude territory composed of larch forests and lakes nestled between the reliefs. This mountainous area remains cool for much of the year: it is not uncommon for snow to fall there even in June, or from mid-August.

You spend 2 nights with a family of nomadic herders settled in this mountainous area. This immersion allows you to share their daily life and exchange around their pastoral activities, in a preserved natural setting.

You enjoy a peaceful day in the fresh air of this highland region. A hiking excursion takes you to discover the landscapes of the park, right up to the great Shireet Lake, considered the most remarkable in the area.

Back with your host family, you savor simple everyday moments: a cup of milk tea shared with your hosts or a game of knucklebones to extend this warm immersion.

In the morning, you set off on a camel ride along the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, a gentle immersion into the arid landscapes of the Bayan Desert. This leisurely journey allows you to appreciate the serenity of the place and the contrasts between open steppes and bands of golden sand.

You head towards the Khustai Reserve, a protected territory home to Przewalski's wild horses (takh). Dusk offers ideal conditions for observing them. A walk takes you near their watering point, a place they frequent regularly, where you can contemplate them in complete tranquility, without disturbing their natural behavior.

You spend your last night in the steppes of Mongolie, welcomed by a nomadic family settled on the outskirts of the national park. This immersion allows you to share a simple and warm moment at the heart of pastoral life.

Return to Ulan Bator. Along the way, the last wild horses crossing the track and the yurts glimpsed in the distance accompany your progress to the gates of the capital.

Upon your arrival in the city center, you settle into your hotel and enjoy a moment of rest.

Accompanied by your guide, you browse the city's shops to make your last purchases and enjoy one last time the atmosphere of Ulan Bator.