Karakorum, the Former Capital of the Mongols
In the Footsteps of Genghis Khan, from the Khustain Steppes to the Remains of the Ancient Mongolian Capital
Durée
4 jours
À partir de
550 €/pers.
Saisons idéales
Jun, Jul, Aoû, Sep
Style
Circuit accompagné
Confort
classique
Voyageurs
Couple, Solo, Entre amis
L’esprit du voyage
At twilight, near the watering hole of the Khustai reserve, Przewalski's horses gather in silence disturbed only by the breath of wind across the steppe. These wild horses, last witnesses of an ancestral Mongolia, open the path toward Karakorum, the ancient capital founded by Genghis Khan in 1220. The Erdene Zuu monastery deploys its 108 sacred stupas around the remains of this mythical city, a crossroads of the Silk Road where Chinese, Persian and European merchants crossed paths.
The journey continues toward the rock formations of Khogno Khan, this "mini Gobi" where semi-desert steppes border golden dunes over nearly 80 kilometers. On horseback, the trails lead to the monastery of Erdene Khambiin, built in the 17th century by Zanabazar in homage to his spiritual master, nestled in the mountain like a refuge outside of time.
This region of central Mongolia preserves the memory of the largest empire in history, when Genghis Khan's cavalry dominated territory stretching from China to Europe. Here still echoes the sound of conquests that shaped medieval Asia and exchanges between East and West.
Les étapes de votre voyage
Points forts
Itinéraire jour par jour
Discovery of Khustai Reserve and its wild horses.
You head towards the Khustai reserve, a protected territory where Przewalski's wild horses (takh) roam. Twilight offers the best conditions to observe them. A walk will take you near their watering point, a place they frequent regularly, where you can admire them in complete peace, without disturbing their natural behavior.
You spend your first night in Mongolia with a nomadic family settled at the edges of the national park. This stay immerses you in the heart of their daily life and offers you an authentic first contact with Mongolian pastoral life.
Historic Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery
Road to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongols. Founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan, this mythical city was one of the great stages of the Silk Road. From Karakorum, l
Visit of Erdene Zuu monastery, built in 1586 by a nomadic prince. The complex, influenced by Chinese and Tibetan architecture, is surrounded by 108 sacred stupas.
You continue with a visit to the Karakorum museum, dedicated to the history of the ancient capital and its region.
Discovery of Khogno Khan and the Elsen Tasarkhai dunes
Departure to the Khogno Khan rock formations. You discover a park with contrasting landscapes: semi-desert steppes, taiga zones, granite massifs and a long sand fracture of nearly 80 km, which earned it the nickname "mini Gobi".
Horseback riding to the Erdene Khambiin monastery. Located in the mountains, this Monastery of the Monk Erdene, built in the 17th century by Zanabazar in tribute to his master, offers a peaceful discovery at the pace of your mount.
Visit to the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, a surprising landscape where the steppe meets a long band of sand, creating a contrasting scenery in the heart of the "mini Gobi".
Return to Ulaanbaatar
Return to Ulan Bator. Along the way, the last herds of wild horses and 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. The rest of the day is free.
Accompanied by your guide, you browse the shops in the city to make your last purchases and enjoy one last time the atmosphere of Ulan Bator.
Tarif par personne
Tarif indicatif par personne, base chambre double. Chaque voyage est personnalisé selon vos envies.
Ce voyage peut être adapté selon vos envies
Cet itinéraire constitue une excellente base de découverte, mais il peut être entièrement personnalisé. Nos conseillers locaux construisent chaque voyage sur mesure selon votre budget, vos dates et vos envies.
Non inclus
- International Transportation
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals in Ulan Bator
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Inclus
- Full board during the excursion
- 1 night in a 2-star hotel in Ulan Bator, breakfast included
- Mineral water
- 1 night in comfortable yurt camp with hot shower
- 2 nights with a local host, in a host family's yurt
- 4x4 or minibus transfers + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide
- Assistant for groups > 8 participants
- Horse ride
- Local guides during trekking
- I need to see the text about park and museum entrance fees that you'd like me to translate. Please provide the content you want translated to English.
- Kitchen equipment (camping tables and chairs) and sleeping gear (sleeping bag)
Informations pratiques
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Mongolia depend on your nationality. The information below provides general guidance for tourist stays. We recommend verifying the specific conditions applicable to your situation with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence, as well as with your own authorities, before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays, while others must obtain a visa before departure.
If a visa exemption applies to your nationality, the authorites may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation or your travel itinerary.
For specific information regarding visa requirements and any exemptions applicable to your nationality, please contact the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Affairs Office (GASI). For stays of 30 days or less, registration is generally handled by your hotel or accommodation provider.
It is recommended to keep a copy of this registration throughout your stay, as Mongolian authorities may request it during checks.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Mongolia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
routine immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
tick-borne encephalitis, particularly if planning trekking or staying in rural areas,
rabies, if there is a possible risk of contact with wild or stray animals.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. All travellers should verify the specific requirements applicable to them with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for assistance-repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for reporting a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Notre partenaire assuranceVoyagez l’esprit tranquille avec notre partenaire Chapka. Annulation, rapatriement, frais médicaux, bagages… Toutes les garanties pour un voyage serein.
Partez en toute sérénité — je m’assureQuestions fréquentes
Les ressortissants français peuvent séjourner jusqu'à 30 jours en Mongolie sans visa. Passeport valide au moins 6 mois après l'entrée requis. Pour un séjour plus long, un visa s'obtient auprès de l'ambassade de Mongolie. Les conditions évoluent régulièrement : vérifiez avant le départ.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 160 et 260 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement (yourtes, lodges), repas, 4x4 avec chauffeur et guide francophone. Les vols internationaux (800-1200 euros A/R) sont en supplément. La Mongolie offre une immersion nomade hors du temps.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
Parlons de votre aventure — Central Steppes
Passeuse de culture et de rencontres mongoles, basé·e à Oulan Bator
Les plus beaux souvenirs de Mongolie naissent souvent d'une rencontre inattendue, autour d'un bol de thé ou d'une porte de yourte qui s'ouvre avec le sourire.
— Emelyne
