Trek and Gobi

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 strip of sand of about 80 km, which earned it the nickname of "mini Gobi".

Stroll along the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai where we discover the arid landscapes of the Bayan desert.

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 remains of the capital survive, recalling the historical importance of this place marked by the passage of the great khans.

You leave the road to join the tracks and fully enjoy the natural landscapes. The route runs along the Orkhon canyons and the green 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.

You spend the night camping west of Tuvkhun, in the heart of unspoiled nature.

We begin our hiking in the Orkhon Valley and Lower Khangai, an immersion into the heart of varied landscapes combining mountains, forests and open steppes. Over 7 days, you progress through isolated passes, follow river courses and explore secluded valleys, rarely visited by travelers.

This trek combines adventure, nature and authentic encounters with nomadic families, particularly during the discovery of Orkhon waterfall and a shared moment with a local family. Each day reveals new panoramas and stages designed to fully appreciate the diversity of this region. This stay, adapted for travelers seeking wide open spaces, offers a balance between effort and breaks in the heart of nature.

Hiking with logistical vehicle support.

The adventure begins at the Tövkhön Monastery, from where you start a hike towards the west. After approximately 12 km, a lunch break is planned near the Davkhar spring, before continuing your progress through the pass to reach the Biluut valley. You end the day at the edge of the Khestuut pass, after a journey marked by the diversity of landscapes between mountains, forests and steppes.

Total distance: 25 km

After breakfast, you cross the Khetsuu pass before reaching the vast Khushuun Tal steppe, where you have lunch. In the afternoon, you continue your journey by climbing the Yantsat pass, then set up camp at the foot of Mount Tsalgai. The day alternates between mountain passages and crossings of large plains.

Total distance: 22 km

In the morning, you set out on a hiking trip towards the Orkhon Valley. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this valley is a major center of nomadism, where numerous herding families establish their summer camps each year.

You cross Mount Tsalgai before descending towards the valley. The river is crossed near a small waterfall, where you take a break for lunch. The afternoon unfolds at the pace of a hike through the heart of the Orkhon Valley, until you reach your camp located in the surroundings of Undur Khyasaa.

Total distance: 21 km

Today, you continue your progress 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 following the peaceful Uliastai river, along which you set up your camp for the night, in a calm and natural environment.

Total distance: 21 km

You begin the day with a hike upstream in the Uliastai valley, where the landscapes gain in relief and character. After lunch in the heart of the valley, you continue your path towards the sites of Ogotoni Bulan and Yamaat Bulan, recognized for their rocky cliffs and forested mountains. This itinerary leads to one of the most preserved places in the Orkhon valley, known mainly to locals.

Total distance: 23 km

Last day of hiking through the Uliastai valley. You have lunch at the foot of the Deed Khurd pass, then cross it before reaching the shores of a peaceful lake, where you spend the night under the stars.

Total distance: 22 km

After breakfast, you set off on a short drive through the Orkhon Valley to meet a nomadic family. Along the way, you stop at the Orkhon Waterfall, also called Ulan Tsutgalaan. Water cascades down a dark basalt cliff, sometimes creating a fleeting rainbow when the sun reflects off it. Standing 16 meters high, these falls were formed nearly 20,000 years ago as a result of a combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

A transition day between two ecosystems: you leave the green mountains of the Khangai to head towards the Gobi.

Last day on the trail before reaching the gates of the Great Gobi and its "Three Beauties", the three highest peaks in this part of the Gobi-Altai range: Baruun Saihan, the Western Beauty; Dund Saihan, the Central Beauty; and Züün Saihan, the Eastern Beauty, which peaks at 2,846 meters.

Early in the morning, you will head towards Khavtsgait Mountain. After a short transfer, you begin your hike. The ascent of Khavtsgait Bagh mountain requires sustained effort, but the view over the desert from the summit is remarkable. You will observe many rock paintings depicting bighorn sheep, horses, camels and human figures in hunting scenes.

We then head west of the park to reach the Khongor sand dunes, or "clear bay sand". They extend in a wide belt at the foot of the "Three Beauties", forming one of the most emblematic landscapes of the Gobi desert.

Visit to the Khongor dunes. This long expanse of sand, stretching nearly 180 km long and 20 km wide, features dunes of approximately 80 meters in height, with the highest reaching 120 meters. From their summit, the view opens onto the immensity of the desert, while the movement of sand produces a natural humming sound, at the origin of the name "singing dunes". Beyond the golden crests, the steppe unfolds as far as the eye can see.

You then take the track heading east towards the "Three Beauties" and the canyon region.

Experience a day of trekking in the Yoliin am region and Mukhaart Shiveet, two emblematic sites of the Gobi desert. The morning begins with a hike through the heart of Yoliin Am gorge, recognized for its high cliffs and particular microclimate, where ice patches sometimes persist until late summer. You follow a narrow path surrounded by rock walls and remain attentive to wildlife; it is not uncommon to spot a golden eagle or an ibex on the heights.

After lunch in the heart of nature, you continue towards Mukhaart Shiveet, an even more isolated area, characterized by its underground rivers and hidden springs in the middle of the dunes. The path reveals an alternation of landscapes: desert zones, verdant valleys and contrasting reliefs, offering fine opportunities for observation and photography.

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

You traverse one of the emptiest regions of Mongolie. Between rocky desert and semi-arid steppes, you reach the Baga gazariin chuluu rocky formation mountains, where imposing granite formations appear, shaped by the often harsh elements of this area.

In the 19th century, two venerated monks lived here, and their inscriptions carved into the rock are still visible. According to legend, Gengis Khan stayed in this region, which is pleasant for walking.

You traverse one of the emptiest regions of Mongolie. Between rocky desert and semi-arid steppes, you reach the Baga gazariin chuluu rocky formation mountains, where imposing granite formations shaped by the often harsh elements of this area appear.

In the 19th century, two venerated monks lived here, and their inscriptions carved into the rock are still visible. According to legend, Gengis Khan stayed in this region which is pleasant for walking.

Return to Ulan Bator. The last herds of wild horses sometimes cross the road before your eyes, while the last smoking yurts in the distance remind you of the steppe right up to the city gates. You then arrive in the city center and settle into your hotel, where you can rest as long as needed.

The rest of the day is free. Accompanied by your guide, you explore the city's shops to make your last purchases.