A Dash of the mongolian highlights

Departure for the magnificent 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 approximately 80 km long, which earned it the nickname "mini Gobi".

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

Route for 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 herding family in the heart of the Orkhon Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You are going on a walk along the Orkhon valley from the camp to the Orkhon waterfalls. This hike allows you to progress at the pace of the steppe and fully appreciate the open landscapes that border the river.

You are progressing towards the Khangaï mountains, where the track becomes more demanding due to the passage of a pass peaking at 2,800 meters. As you climb, the landscapes become more dramatic until reaching the very remote Naiman nuur national park, "eight lakes", a high-altitude territory made up of larch forests and lakes nestled between the reliefs.

This elevated region remains cool for much of the year: it is not uncommon for snow to fall there still in the month of June, or from mid-August.

You enjoy a peaceful day in the fresh air of this high-altitude region. A walking excursion takes you to discover the landscapes of the park. Your hiking leads you to the great Shireet Lake, considered one of the most remarkable in the area.

Back with your host family, you savor simple moments of daily life: sharing a cup of milky tea with your hosts or taking part in a game of knucklebones to extend this warm immersion.

You experience a day of transition between two ecosystems. After leaving the green mountains of Khangai, you head towards the Gobi. The road crosses a verdant steppe where pastures and open spaces succeed one another.

You reach Arvaikheer, the provincial capital, where a stop is planned to restock at the local market. An opportunity to observe daily Mongolian life and discover the region's products before continuing towards the arid landscapes of the south.

You arrive in the sum of Saikhan Ovoo. These medium-altitude mountains, located along the Ongii river west of Saikhan Ovoo, offer a welcome break between northwestern Mongolie and the Gobi desert. The river's meanders shelter the remains of two monasteries: the Barlim monastery on the north bank and the Khutagt monastery on the south bank.

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

Early start to reach the western part of the Three Beauties park and discover the Khongor sand dunes, "light bay sand", which stretch out in a long belt at the foot of the mountains.

Visit to the Khongor dunes. This vast expanse of sand, stretching for nearly 180 km long and 20 km wide, features dunes approximately 80 metres high, with the highest reaching 120 metres. From their summit, the view opens up onto the immensity of the desert, while the movement of sand produces a natural booming sound, which is at the origin of the name "singing dunes". Beyond the golden ridges, the steppe unfolds as far as the eye can see.

You take the track heading East of the "Three Beauties" to reach the canyon region.

You traverse one of the most isolated areas of Mongolie, a territory where rocky desert and semi-arid steppes alternate as far as the eye can see. As you progress through this mineral and barren landscape, you reach the white stupa, Tsagaan Suvarga. This abrupt formation approximately 30 meters high, whose silhouette evokes a stupa, is an ancient place of veneration for Mongols.

The landscapes surrounding Tsagaan Suvarga surprise with their almost lunar appearance: eroded reliefs, mineral colors and vast expanses devoid of vegetation give the whole a singular atmosphere. By observing the walls and ground, you will be able to notice numerous fossils, vestiges of a distant time when this region was still covered by the sea. A fascinating site, marked by time and the elements.

You are traveling through one of Mongolia's emptiest regions. Between rocky desert and semi-arid steppes, you reach the Baga gazariin chuluu rocky formation, 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, Genghis Khan is said to have 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.

Rest of the day free. Accompanied by your guide, you explore the city's shops to make your final purchases.