From the desert to the steppes, meeting the nomads
Mongolia

Adventure

Nature

Tailor-made

Every morning, wake up at a different point in the vast desert (...) relax your arms, stretch out half-naked in the cold, pure air; become intoxicated with light and space; experience, on waking, the carefree exhilaration of just breathing, just living" This quote from Pierre Loti could sum up your encounter with the Gobi Desert, a jewel of a thousand colours. Discovering the immensity of the Khongoriin Els sand dunes on a camel, admiring an oasis, then plunging into the Orkhon valley, within the natural parks, waterfalls and steppes, nature offers you a unique spectacle every day...

Prices are variable and should be requested from the agency

Length of stay

14 days / 13 nights

Minimum number of participants

Maximum 8 people Minimum 4 people
Customisable programme

Highlights

Beautiful landscapes
Meetings with Mongolian families
Discovery of numerous archaeological remains
Activities with Mongolian families

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Day 1

Ulan Bator

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Welcome at the airport by our team. Transfer to the hotel. Rest time at the hotel.
Lunch in a traditional restaurant to sample the famous Mongolian barbecue. Then
we set off to discover Ulaanbaatar, a city of astonishing contrasts. This
Soviet-style capital, still marked by its history, is now well on the map.

alive. At the crossroads of Eastern and Western influences, it seems to be in full
transition, torn between communist and capitalist economies, nomadic lifestyles and
sedentary.
Visits to the National History Museum and the Gandan Monastery, the world's largest religious centre.
of Mongolia, will give you a good historical and cultural basis for your trip.
discovering the country.
An evening of traditional song and dance by the Mongolian National Academic Ensemble,
an unforgettable show.
Night at hotel L/D

Day 2

Tsagaan Suvarga

Adventure in the Gobi desert

Adventure in the Gobi desert

Early in the morning, we leave the hustle and bustle of the capital to begin our adventure by
towards the Gobi desert.
We headed south across the vast steppes and were amazed to discover our first
images of Mongolia: herds of wild horses galloping along the side of the track, a yurt
at the bottom of an irrigated valley... We stop at an "Ovoo" to take a breath of fresh air...
ask the spirits for protection during our journey by performing a ceremony
offering. An opportunity to discover shamanism and pastoral animism, the first of its kind in the world.
Mongolian beliefs. Lunch at a local restaurant in Mandal Gobi, capital of the
Dund Gobi province (Central Gobi).
We then continue south to the Tsagaan Suvarga cliffs.
(White stupas). The semi-desert steppes that we cross at full speed
are reminiscent of the wild landscapes of the United States.
A short hour's walk and we're facing these immense stupa-shaped cliffs.
A few million years ago, they were covered by an ocean.
Today, the traces of this marine world are still present. With a height of 30
m long and 400 m deep, this astonishing limestone rock reveals a wealth of treasures.
such as ammonites or fossilised wood.
Then we are warmly welcomed by our first nomadic family. In the
in the cosy yurt, we enjoy our first 'Suutei Tsai', the traditional Tsai tea.
salted milk, as well as 'Aaruul', a dry Mongolian cheese.
At the end of the day, we help make dinner: Mongolian ravioli. The whole
Everyone can get their hands dirty in a friendly atmosphere!
Journey by vehicle: (450 km on tarmac road or about 5 - 6 h), on foot: 1 - 2 h, overnight
in a yurt with local people

Day 3

Yoliin Am

Gobi and its three beauties

Gobi and its three beauties

Today we enter the Gobi-Gurvan Saikhan National Park, the Gobi and its three
beauties, referring to the 3 mountain ranges that cross the park. We
Here we are in the country's largest park. It is home to some remarkable flora and fauna:
saxaul, black-tailed gazelle, lizard, bearded vulture, etc.
Lunch in a local restaurant in Dalanzadgad, capital of the Umnu Gobi province
(Southern Gobi).
We set off for a walk along a stream leading to the Yolin Am Gorge. This
The gorge, whose name means Valley of the Bearded Vultures, is known for its highly diverse ecosystem.
particular. Located in the middle of the Gobi Desert, temperatures reach 30°C in summer.
And yet you can find eternal ice cream here!

From the entrance to the site, it's a half-hour walk to the gorge.
Here, the layer of ice is several metres thick and several kilometres long,
at the end of winter (horseback riding is also available).
It's an ideal place to observe the life of bearded vultures and eagles. If you are
If you're lucky, you may even see wild goats on the mountain tops.
the surrounding area. At the end of the day, we'll enjoy "Jimbii", the special traditional dish from
the region.
Journey by vehicle: ( 180 km on tarmac road 3 - 4 h), on foot: 1 - 2 h, overnight in a yurt
home stay

Day 4

Khanan Khets

Amazing place

Amazing place

A surprising place awaits us today. The Khanan Khets mountains. These mountains
which have emerged from the earth through tectonic movement, are located one after the other on a
parallel line, while creating the architectural magic of our motherland. Once
When you're there, Gaudí's Sagrada Familia is a must.
We're going to take an unforgettable walk through this surreal place. If we're lucky
with us, we can see rare animals, such as the wild goat and even the
snow leopard.
Journey by vehicle: 180 km on the track or around 4 - 6 hours, overnight in a yurt with the locals

Day 5

TsagKhanan Khetsaan Suvarga, Yoliin Am

Discovering the mountains

Discovering the mountains

A day exploring the Khanan Khets mountains. We'll be walking between these
mountains that stretch in a straight line from east to west. We walk among the
strange rock shapes that are incredibly reminiscent of Goudi architecture.
Walking distance: 3 - 4 h, overnight in a yurt with the locals

Day 6

Khanan Khets

The Khongor dunes

The Khongor dunes

On the road between the dry steppes and the mountains, we discover the Khongoriin dune.
Els, the longest in the country, stretching 180 km long and 20 km wide.
Located in the Gobi-Gurvan Saïkhan National Park, in a basin surrounded by mountains,
This immense dune contains a stream at its foot, forming a lush green oasis. Visit
dune is also known as "Duut Mankhan" (singing dune) due to the sound produced by the
moving masses of sand.
It's in this surreal setting, a mix of dunes and plains, that we'll be doing a
camel trekking. You can also hike to the top of the
dune to enjoy a remarkable panorama.
After these sporting activities under the Gobi sun, a good shower awaits you at the
and a cold beer.
Journey by vehicle: 100 km on the track or approx. 3 - 4 hours, on foot: 1 - 2 hours, by camel: 1 hour,
Overnight in a tourist camp

Day 7

Khongor

The Uushpour cliff for the horse

The Uushpour cliff for the horse

We begin our long ascent towards the Khangaï massif. Several stages
our route. First we cross a vast steppe
desert of Ingen Khuuvriin Gobi, where your gaze wanders to the horizon. In the distance, the imposing
Arts Bogd mountain range rises up as we go along.
Spectacular crossing of the range over the Namiin Khooloi pass. Lunch in a

narrow canyon. At the end of the range, we'll discover petroglyphs dating back to the Middle Ages.
bronze.
Then we arrive at the . Impressive mountains rise up out of the
the valley, colouring the landscape in shades of red and orange. Going up a path to
Through these rocks, we arrive on a steppe plateau offering a magnificent panorama.
The reddish colours in the foreground contrast with the valleys and mountains.
tinted blue by the atmosphere. In the evening we will be welcomed by a
family of camel breeders, who will introduce us to the trade through activities such as
milking and making bags from the wool of these camelids. (Please note that the activities
depending on the state of the pasture, the herd may wander away from the camp in search of food.
of food).
Journey by vehicle: 230 km on the track or about 4 - 6 hours, on foot: 1 - 2 hours, overnight in a yurt
home stay

Day 8

Khujirt

The province of Uvur Khangai

The province of Uvur Khangai

Here we are in the province of Uvur Khangai (southern Khangai), which is famous for its
natural diversity.
Leaving the Great Gobi behind us, we cover our last few kilometres before the
Khangai massif. For the Mongols, Khangai refers to a mountainous region
with abundant resources, where animals graze peacefully sheltered from the wind.
The aim of this day is to familiarise ourselves with the equestrian culture of Mongolia, the country of the Mongolian horse.
of the horse.
First of all, on the steppe of Arvaikheer, we will discover the monument created to honour
legendary racehorses. Breeders and racehorses find protection here
racehorse trainers. In Mongolia, winning this competition is a great honour.
honour, and all those who hope to win come here to pray.
Lunch in Arvaikheer, capital of Uvur Khangai province (southern Khangai).
We will then meet the family of Lkhavgaa, a horse breeder who lives on the slopes of the
of the Khangai range. We will then be introduced to the activities associated with livestock farming
of horses.
Journey by vehicle: 260 km, i.e. 200 km on the track and 60 km on the tarmac road, or
approx. 5 - 6 h, on foot: 1 - 2 h, overnight in a yurt with the locals

Day 9

Orkhon Valley

Cradle of the Mongolian nomadic people

Cradle of the Mongolian nomadic people

Today we plunge into the heart of the famous Orkhon Valley, the birthplace of the
Mongolian people, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The diversity of the landscape makes
This region is a sumptuous picture of a thousand and one colours. The Orkhon Valley is one of
one of the most densely populated. Its favourable climatic conditions have attracted many families from all over the world.
nomads living from their livestock. It also contains numerous remains of
dating back to the 6th century.
We cross the valley from east to west to reach the camp for our next stop.
nomadic family, some fifty kilometres away, at the bottom of the valley. Surrounded by
ancient volcanoes, we travel across vast grassy plains, dotted with
basalt rocks. Alongside us, the Orkhon follows its course, winding its way through flowerbeds and pastures.
edelweiss and steep gorges. Here we will discover the unexpected waterfall
Ulaantsutgalan. This waterfall, some 20 m high, appeared 20,000 years ago as a result of
repeated earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Our slow progress along the damaged track will give us plenty of time to observe the
different scenes from nomadic life.
Journey by vehicle: 100 km on the track or approx. 3 - 5 h, on foot: 1 - 2 h, overnight in a yurt
home stay

Day 10

Orkhon Valley, Kharkhorin

At the nomad camp

At the nomad camp

A day of rest and relaxation with our nomadic friends in the heart of the
peaceful Orkhon valley.
Those who wish to do so can take part in the various daily tasks related to
yak farming. This marvellous natural setting is ideal for outdoor activities. La
The valley is ideal for walking and horse-riding. It is also possible to
stay at the camp to relax.
Those who wish to do so can take a two or three hour horse ride.
in the beautiful Orkhon valley (optional)
Night in a yurt with the locals

Day 11

Tuvkhun - Tsenkher

Cultural Day

Cultural Day

We have a cultural day ahead of us today.
After thanking our nomad hosts, we set off to visit the Tuvkhen monastery.
dating from the 17th century. Built into the mountainside to the south of the Khangai range,
We reach the site after 3-4 kilometres on foot. It is possible to make the journey on horseback.
It was only when we reached the foot of the monastery that we discovered it,
perfectly integrated into its natural surroundings. Immediately we feel the
the calm, serenity and contemplation that emanate from this sacred place, dedicated to the cult of
Zanabazar, the first Buddhist spiritual leader of the Mongols.
We then continue our journey northwards. We cross the high mountains
of the Khangai range and enter the territory of Arkhangai province.
(Northern Khangai), whose beauty is often praised in songs and poems.
Mongols. Here we discover the Tsenkher hot springs, gushing up to 86.5°C.
Set in magnificent surroundings, these springs feed outdoor and indoor pools.
which you can bathe in. Containing hydrogen sulphate, this water is
renowned for its many healing properties. We take full advantage of the various
pools to relax in.
Journey by vehicle: 140 km on the track or about 3 - 4, on foot: 2 - 3 h, night in camp
tourist

Day 12

Kharkhorin - Khugnu Khan

The magic of Mongolian nature

The magic of Mongolian nature

Today, we discover Kharkhorin, the legendary city of Genghis Khan, founded in
1220, capital of the Mongol Empire and a prosperous centre on the Silk Road in the 13th century.
In the 19th century, it played an important role in the economic, political and cultural life of the world.
All that remains of this town is the important Erdenezuu monastery. Built on the initiative of
Zanabazar at the end of the 16th century, it is often considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world.
monasteries of the country, and is of great historical interest. The 108 stupas surrounding it
and the 3 main temples, of remarkable beauty, have been miraculously spared
enemy attacks.
After lunch, drive to the Khugnu Khan nature reserve. This is where the magic of
Mongolian nature takes on its full meaning. Indeed, there is a strange marriage between the
green steppe and the great sand dune, placed here like a whim of Mother Nature.

In the afternoon, a beautiful hike among the strange rock formations of Mount Khugnu
Khan takes us to the ruins of an ancient monastery.
Journey by vehicle: 240 km, of which 200 km on tarmac road and 40 km on track or dirt road
approx. 3 - 5 h, on foot: 2 - 3 h, overnight in a yurt with the locals

Day 13

Ulan - Bator

Souvenirs

Souvenirs

This is our last journey to Ulaanbaatar, where we will arrive around
noon. Transfer to the hotel.
Free afternoon (souvenirs, visits, walks in the city...)
Journey by vehicle: 280 km, i.e. 240 km on tarmac road and 40 km on dirt track or
approx. 4 - 6 h, overnight in hotel

Day 14

Return to France

Return to France

Transfer to the airport

Price per person from €1668 incl. VAT

- Based on 4 participants

The price includes:

● Airport/hotel/airport transfers
● Accommodation: 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, 2 nights' tourist camp accommodation, 9
nights in a yurt with local people
● Minibus + driver + petrol
● French-speaking interpreter
● Full board for 13 days
● Entrance fees to the parks and museums mentioned
● Traditional song and dance show
● Camel ride
● Local guides

It does not include :
● Air ticket for international flights
● Visa fees
● Travel insurance (assistance, repatriation)
● Additional meals (excluding the 3 daily meals) and drinks
including drinking water
● Tips

For a group request (from 10 people) or to customize your trip, please contact us.

Comfort

Nights in a tourist camp - A hotel establishment consisting of several yurts, with separate buildings for toilets (to European standards), showers (with hot water) and the bar-restaurant. Each yurt generally has two to four beds, a table, small chairs and a wood-burning stove for heating.
Nights in a yurt with the locals - A yurt with a maximum of 5 beds is set up next to the family yurt (each group will have its own yurt). Turkish-style toilet in a wooden hut close to the camp. Some families offer hot baths in metal tubs if you wish to wash up. This will be much appreciated if you carry and heat the water yourself (especially for families living in the Gobi desert). Otherwise, ask your companions or family members.

Climate and equipment

The climate is hot in summer and extremely cold in winter (temperatures can drop to -40°C).
Little rainfall

Health

Since some diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes, it is advisable to apply personal protective measures. Mosquito repellent, long sleeves.
The recommended vaccinations are : Yellow fever, Diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A, B, Typhoid, Meningitis A, C, Y, W135, Rabies and Measles, Tick-borne encephalitis.
It is advisable to take with you any medicines you may need for your stay. Health conditions in Mongolia are difficult
Not recommended to drink tap water
More information on www.diplomatie.gouv

Formalities

PASSPORT & VISAS

The Mongolian government decided to reintroduce the visa requirement on 1 January 2016.
For more information, visit www.diplomatie.gouv.

Our opinion

Designed in close collaboration with nomadic families, this tour will take you through two of Mongolia's most beautiful regions, while bringing you closer to the herding families who will welcome you into their homes... 14 days of authenticity and wonder await you!

The + humans trip

- Possibility of modifying the programme (we are here to help you create the trip that suits you)

- Accompanied by a driver and an English or French-speaking interpreter

- An ethic of solidarity with Mongolian hosts

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  • seamless support from our teams
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