See all travels from this receptive More informations about this receptive
Duration : 21 days
Theme : Adventure
Difficulty : Difficile
Group : from 3 to 10 participants
Then we took the northern route and reached a large blue lake, the mountains were all around us. We discovered another world, where magic and shamanism persist. From teepees to gers, breeders of the taiga, the Tsaatans, to breeders of the steppe, we will discover what makes of Mongolia a diverse country.
STEP 1 - ULAANBAATAR, CITY TOUR : Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia (called UB). You will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to Dream hotel, a 2 star establishment that’s conveniently located in downtown UB within walking distance from major attractions in the city. Depending on your arrival time, your guide will accompany you around this ‘soviet-esque’ city that offers some rich cultural attractions and museums. You will first head for Gandantegchinlen, a Tibetan-style monastery with 150 monks in residence. This is one of the very few monasteries which escaped the massive destruction during the communist period in the 1930s. The monks in residence usually pray in the morning, a ceremony open to visitors. The Buddhist Centre will be also ready to answer any of your questions. You will then visit a cashmere factory, one of Mongolia’s best known exports. This will be followed by lunch in a local restaurant to work your taste buds on Mongolian cuisine. In the afternoon, you will visit the National History Museum where three floors Mongolia’s rich and glorious past await you - from pre-historical ages to the soviet era without forgetting the glories of Genghis Khan’s period of reign. You will then head for our office to collect details of your trip: the itinerary, advice and to address any doubts or questions. At 6 pm, the Tumen Ekh traditional show will provide an exposé on traditional Mongolian folk arts including folklore dances, contortionism and Khoomi - the famous overtone singing style. PICK UP AT THE AIPORT LUNCH IN A RESTAURANT, DINNER NOT INCLUDED, OVERNIGHT IN AN HOTEL.
STEP 2 - ULAANBAATAR - KHUVSGUL LAKE : Flight for the Khuvsgul province and its capital, Moron. 1h15 flight for a total change of landscapes. Around 3 hours driving to reach the small village of Khatgal located at south of Lake Khuvsgul, one of the natural wonders of the world. Imagine 2760 square meters of pristine crystal waters so pure you can drink it – this is Khuvsgul lake. As a transition zone between Central Asian Steppe and Siberian Taiga, the lake is surrounded by several mountain ranges with peaks above 2000 meters. The surrounding pine forests and lush pastures are home to yaks, horses and wildlife such as ibex, wolf, and musk deer. We leave Hatgal for Alagsar ger camp on the east shore of the lake. BREAKFAST IN HOTEL, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN A GERS CAMP JEEP : 4 HOURS LOCAL FLIGHT : 1H30
STEP 3 - ALAG SAR (EAST SHORE) - ONGOLOG (WEST SHIRE) : After breakfast, we leave for 2 hours motorboat to reach Ongolog on the western shore of the lake. The afternoon will be devoted to two hours of canoeing along the bank or a walk for those who prefer. The lake is a national natural reserve and homes 291 species of birds and nine species of fish. In the evening we set up our camp nearby. BREAKFAST IN CAMP, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN TENT BOAT ; 2 HOURS CANOE OR HIKE : 2 HOURS
STEP 4 - ONGOLOG - OLIIN DAWAA : After breakfast, we go by jeep to the south west. Tsaatans camps are isolated in the taiga and mountains in the northwest of the lake, and several days of travel will be required to reach them. Our journey drives us to Oliin Dawa. A collar with nearly 13 Ovoos. The Ovoos are stacks of stone and wood which are usually found on the mountain passes and sacred places. The Mongols turn three times around and let offerings: stones, tougrig, milk, vodka ... We set up our camp nearby. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN TENT JEEP : 5 HOURS
STEP 5 - OLIIN DAWAA - TSAGAAN NUUR : We drive to north towards Tsagaan Nuur, the country of Tsaatans. Landscapes of rivers and plains, we cross few passes to stop at Tsagaan Nuur Lake . We set up our camp near the lake. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN TENT JEEP : 4 HOURS
STEP 6 - TSAGAAN NUUR - MOOROG UUL : Today, we meet the herders who will accompany us during our journey and we start our horseback riding. We go through the landscapes of taiga (meaning forest in Russian). You are travelling in the farest point from the ocean. In summer the wilderness and uninhabited taiga is difficult: swamps, mosquitoes and flies are with us !This is not the easiest part of your trip, but accompanied by your local guide and interpreter you can enjoy this day to share and discover the traditions of Mongolian herders. By late afternoon, we set up our camp near the river Moorog where we enjoy a well deserved rest. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN TENT HORSE RIDING : 5 HOURS
STEP 7 - MOOROG UUL - CAMP OF TSAATANS : On horseback, we still ride to north through the mountainous taiga. The Tsaatans live in teepees, and not in yurt and live exclusively thanks to their herds of reindeer for food, clothing and currency. There are only 44 families for a total of 200 to 400 people. In late afternoon you will discover first tepees. The camp of the Tsaatan is close!! WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT WITH A FAMILY, IN A TEEPEE FOR GUESTS HORSE RIDING : 3 TO 4 HOURS
STEP 8 - CAMP OF TSAATANS, MEETING AND REST : This day will be dedicated to the discovery of the Tsaatans culture. Observe, participate in daily duties, ride the reindeer, listen to stories, legends and myths, learn some games and cooking recipes… A part of the day will be devoted to shamanism discovery. The Tsaatan are breeders and hunters, living in homes that are similar to that of Native Americans. 3 MEALS WITH THE FAMILY, NIGHT IN A TEEPEE FOR GUESTS
STEP 9 - CAMP OF TSAATANS - GANZ UULIN KHAR NUUR : This is the day of departure. After a great adventure in the land of Tsaatans we begin our horseback riding to south. At the end of the day we set up our camp around the lake Ganz Uuliin Khar Nuur. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN TENT HORSE RIDING : 3 TO 4 HOURS
STEP 10 - GANZ UULIN KHAR NUUR - TSAGAAN NUUR : We continue our journey through the taiga and arrive late in the day to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, where we set up our camp. Farewell party with the herders during which you may have the opportunity to share a glass of local vodka before listening to some Mongolian songs. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN TENT HORSE RIDING : 3 TO 4 HOURS
STEP 11 - TSAGAAN NUUR - BELTES GOL : We drive towards Moron. We settle our camp near the river Belts. On the road you discover another landscape between steppe, mountain and rivers. If the weather permits it will be an opportunity to observe the mongolian sky, full of stars. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN TENT JEEP : 5 TO 6 HOURS
STEP 12 - BELTES GOL - IDER : We leave the Khuvsgul today for the Khangai. Stop on the road in Moron where we buy extra food in a local market. We stop on the banks of the Ider where we spend the night in a gers camp. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN A GERS CAMP JEEP : 6 TO 7 HOURS
STEP 13 - IDER - TERKHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE : We begin what will be the most difficult day of your stay, here we are in in a hellish dust road. Reward of this day, the lake of Terkhiin Tsagaan which is situated at a 2060 meter height above the sea level. This lake, nicknamed " The big white lake " as well as the volcanic region which surrounds it is the highlight of the Arkhangai province. Still a wild area, it is ideal to camp and waters being very rich in fishes. We settle our camp, for two nights at a nomads' family next to the lake.WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT WITH A FAMILY, IN A GER FOR GUESTS JEEP : 7 HOURS
STEP 14 - TERKHIIN TSAGAAN, HIKING TO HORGO VOLCANO : Together with local breeders, we go hiking along the banks of the lake. We take the direction of the Southeast where is the Horgo volcano peak at 2965 meters. From there you will enjoy a scenic view on the surrounding area. Near the volcano, you will explore an original and very different landscape formed with lava flows.WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT WITH A FAMILY, IN A GER FOR GUESTS HIKE : 4 HOURS
STEP 15 - TERKHIIN TSAGAAN - TSETSERLEG - HOT SPRINGS OF TSENKHER : We take the track of the South, the raised regions, on the West you can admire the chain of Khangai and its summits peaking more than 3000 meters high. Stop to Tsetserleg, small charming village coiled in mountains covered with Larches. Supplying in the local market and visit of the temple & museum of Zayan Gegeen. The last 30 kilometers of this day will lead us to the Tsenkher hot springs, pamper yourself in the warm water baths of the camp. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN A GERS CAMP JEEP : 6 TO 7 HOURS
STEP 16 - HOT SPRINGS OF TSENKHER - ORKHON VALLEY : We cross the Khangai range to go to the Orkhon valley, classified by UNESCO as "world heritage". On the way, we go and visit the Tovkhon monastery where Zanabazar, the first religious leader of Mongolia, composed the Soyombo alphabet which the first letter became the symbol of the country. From this monastery, located at 2 312 meters high, we have a magnificent panorama on all the Khangaï chain. After this visit we go down to the valley and reach the settlement of our host family.. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT WITH A FAMILY, IN A GER FOR GUESTS JEEP : 4 HOURS HIKE : 2 HOURS
STEP 17 - ORKHON VALLEY, THE WATERFALLS : This will be a day of rest and reflection by the beautiful Orkhon waterfalls while experiencing the simple Nomadic life. After herding cattle with the family, you will proceed to the Ulan Tsutgalaan waterfalls by horse or by foot. Formed more than 20,000 years ago by a rare combination of earthquakes and volcanic activity, these 16 meters high waterfalls are simply magical. Spend time taking in the white shimmering mass of water crashing on black stone and splashing a rainbow of colors with the sun. In the evening, pitch in to help prepare and feast on ‘Horhog', also called mongol barbecue, a traditional Mongolian stewed meat dish.WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, MONGOLIAN BARBECUE AND OVERNIGHT WITH A FAMILY, IN A GER FOR GUESTS HIKE : 4 HOURS
STEP 18 - ORKHON VALLEY - KHARKHORIN : By jeep, you will arrive at Kharkhorin, the old capital city in the afternoon. The legendary city of Genghis Khan was established in 1220 along the Ancient Silk Road. It remained Mongolia’s capital city until Kubilai Khan later moved it to Beijing though the ruins of the great city still remain today. After this you will visit Erdene Zuu monastery which was built in 1586 by a nomad prince. The monastery has been built with inspiration from China and Tibet and is surrounded by 108 sacred stupas. We meet a family who welcomes us and we discover the life in villages. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH IN A LOCAL RESTAURANT, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT WITH A FAMILY, IN A GER FOR GUESTS JEEP : 4 TO 5 HOURS
STEP 19 - KHARKHORIN - KHOGNO KHAN NATIONAL PARK : Today, you will go by jeep to the Khogno Khan natural reserve about 200 km/125 miles east. You settle in your teepees and then hike in the Khogno Khan natural reserve: semi-arid steppes, taiga and amazing rocks. You might spot ibex, wolves and many varieties of hawks. You will visit the Erdene Khambiin; the ‘Erdene monk’s Monastery’. It has been built in the 17th century by Zanabazar in honour of its teacher Erdene. Then, ride camel to the sand dunes of Elsen tasarhai. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN A TEEPEE CAMP JEEP : 4 HOURS CAMEL RIDING : 2 HOURS
STEP 20 - KHOGNO KHAN NATIONAL PARK - ULAANBAATAR : After your breakfast in Eden ger camp, you will depart for Ulaanbaatar. This will be last chance to bid farewell to the Mongolian countryside as you catch your last glimpse of gers, horses and sheep grazing in the steppes. BREAKFAST IN CAMP, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER NOT INCLUDED AND OVERNIGHT IN A HOTEL JEEP : 5 HOURS
STEP 21 - DEPARTURE : Breakfast at the hotel. Return transfer can take place at the desired time, depending on your flight time.