Trekking among the nomads of the Orkhon
In the heart of the Mongolian steppes, between volcanic waterfalls and authentic nomadic encounters
Durée
14 jours
À partir de
2 290 €/pers.
Saisons idéales
Jun, Jul, Aoû, Sep
Style
Expéditions
Confort
rustique
Voyageurs
Solo, Entre amis, Couple
L’esprit du voyage
The first rays of the sun set the Orkhon valley ablaze, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the hoofbeats of nomadic horses still echo. In this immensity sculpted by volcanoes and rivers, each step reveals a deep Mongolie, far from the beaten path.
The eight-day trek takes you from the spectacular Ulan Tsutgalaan waterfalls to the eight sacred lakes of Naiman Nuur, through the Khangaï mountains. Yurt villages, yak herds, natural hot springs and herding families punctuate this journey where self-sufficiency becomes a way of life. Evenings are shared around the fire, between nomadic tales and stargazing in absolute silence.
Zanabazar, Mongolie's first spiritual leader, chose these lands to meditate and create the Soyombo alphabet. Today, perched monasteries and sacred stupas still bear witness to this spirituality rooted in the landscape. This circuit reveals the authentic Mongolian soul, the one that is passed down from generation to generation at the rhythm of pastoral seasons.
Les étapes de votre voyage
Points forts
Itinéraire jour par jour
Welcome and visit to Ulaanbaatar
Upon your arrival, you are welcomed by our driver at the airport exit, before being transferred to your hotel to settle in and rest.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Mongolian history with a visit to the National History Museum. Spread over three floors, it traces a rich and complex past: from prehistory to the Soviet era, including the creation of the great Mongol empire founded by Genghis Khan.
You continue with a stroll through the city center of Ulan Bator with the discovery of Gengis Khan central square and Parliament, the institutional and cultural heart of the capital.
At 6:00 PM, you attend a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh ensemblecombining folk dances, contortion and khoomi, the famous diphonic singing that resonates like a deep echo of nomadic culture.
On the way to Karakorum, gateway to the Orkhon
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.
Visit to the Erdene Zuu monastery, built in 1586 by a nomadic prince. The complex, inspired by Chinese and Tibetan architecture, is surrounded by 108 sacred stupas, which testify to the spiritual importance of the site. The discovery continues at the Karakorum museum, dedicated to the history of the former capital and its region.
Stay with the Nomads of the Orkhon
You leave the road to join the tracks and fully enjoy the natural landscapes. The route runs along the Orkhon canyons and the verdant 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.
Depuis Orkhon Valley
On the way, you make a stop for an excursion to the Tövkhön monastery. The ascent of the summit of the Öndör Ulaan hill, accessible only on foot, leads to the Tovkhon hermitage, where Zanabazar, Mongolia's first religious leader, composed the Soyombo alphabet. Located at 2,312 m altitude, the site reveals a vast panorama over the Khangai Range. You enjoy a picnic in this exceptional setting, with the Orkhon valley below.
2-night stay with a family of nomadic herders. You will discover the nomadic way of life and share their daily life in complete simplicity. Depending on the season, you may be offered the opportunity to participate in milking animals, making traditional dairy products or even herding livestock on horseback.
(Activities subject to seasonal availability)
Trek at Orkhon with Baga Falls
Orkhon Valley → Vallée d'Uuragt
Start of your 8-day hiking trip with 7 days of self-guided trekking between the Orkhon Valley and the Naiman nuur National Park. Your logistics and personal belongings will be transported by yak, allowing for a smooth progression throughout the journey.
Visit to the Ulan Tsutgalaan waterfalls, where clear water cascades over dark stone, sometimes crossed by a ray of sunlight creating an ephemeral rainbow. Standing 16 meters high, they formed nearly 20,000 years ago as a result of a rare combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
You continue your hike through the heart of Orkhon Valley and reach Baga waterfalls, where you stop for lunch. The route continues through the forested areas of Uuragt, Unit and Khöshigt, before setting up camp for the night.
Hiking time: 5h45
Elevation gain: negligible
Autonomous trekking in the heart of Khangaï
Vallée d'Uuragt → Naiman nuur
You begin the independent part of your hiking.
You progress through the heart of a valley framed by the Khangaï range and reach the Böörögiin oroï valley, which will serve as your campsite for the night.
Hiking time: 5h30
Elevation gain: +700 meters / -200 meters
Trekking visits to Naiman Nuur lakes
Vers Naiman nuur
You continue your progression along the Khangai valley. You cross a wooded area before climbing towards theNaiman nuur national park.
You first visit Khuis lake, then the Bugat, Döröö and Khaya lakes, before setting up your camp on the shores of Shireet lake.
Hiking time: 5h15
Elevation gain: +300 meters / -400 meters
Mountain hiking and nomadic encounter
Trek
You hike on the heights of Shireet hill and take time to visit the Shurangiin Tsokhoi stone, an emblematic landmark of the area.
You then join a nomadic family settled in this mountainous zone. You enjoy a rest period and share with your hosts some moments of daily life, as close as possible to their way of life.
Hiking time: 5h30
Elevation gain: +600 meters / -100 meters
Descent of Mount Shireet
Vers Rivière Shuranga
You begin your descent from Mount Shireet, then walk along the Ulziitiin Am mountains before setting up camp on the banks of the Shuranga River.
Hiking time: 5h45
Elevation gain: +50 metres / -700 metres
Walk along the rivers
Trek
You hike in the heart of the Ulziitiin Am mountains. After lunch, you continue your trek along two mountain streams that lead you to the sources of Övör Gyatruu, where you set up camp.
Hiking time: 5h00
Elevation gain: +200 meters / -300 meters
Hiking in the Khaytruunii Hills
Vers Sources chaudes d'Ar Khyatruun
You set off for a hike through the Khaytruunii hills (2200 meters). This crossing gradually leads you to the Ar Khyatruun hot springs, where you set up camp for the night. This stage in the heart of nature allows you to appreciate the tranquility of the region and enjoy a setting conducive to rest after your day of hiking.
Hiking time: 5h00
Elevation gain: +100 meters / -200 meters
Return to our local guides
Vers Orkhon Valley
You follow the course of the Khyatruun river before joining the Orkhon river. Upon arrival, your vehicle awaits you to drive you back to the family who welcomed you on your first night in the valley.
Hiking time: 4h30
Elevation gain: negligible
At the end of the day, you will witness the preparation of a Mongolian barbecue, then share this traditional meal with your hosts in a warm atmosphere.
Khogno Khan Desert Zone
Then, you hike to the Khambiin Khiid Monastery. Perched in the mountains, this 17th-century monastery was built by Zanabazar in honor of his spiritual master, the monk Erdene. The peaceful atmosphere that prevails there and the view over the surrounding area make it a remarkable cultural and spiritual stop.
Orkhon Valley → Khogno Khan
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 band of sand approximately 80 km long, which earned it the nickname "mini Gobi".
Walk along the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai. You explore this emblematic dune ridge, which offers a striking contrast with the surrounding steppes.
Return to the Mongolian capital
You take the road back to Ulan Bator. Along the way, the last herds of horses crossing the road and the last yurts glimpsed in the distance accompany you to the outskirts of the capital.
You then arrive in the city center and settle into your hotel, where you can rest for a few moments.
Good return and until next time!
Breakfast at the hotel. The driver will take you to Ulaanbaatar international airport. The return transfer will take place at the time you wish, depending on your flight.
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 Flights
- Mongolia Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal expenses and tips
- Single Room Supplement
Inclus
- Airport / Hotel / Airport Transfers
- 2 nights in a *** hotel in Ulan Bator, breakfast included
- Full board during the excursion
- Private Transport
- English-speaking accompanying guide
- Drivers
- Hiking equipment
- Yaks as porters
- Entrances to parks and tourist sites
- Tumen Ekh Folk Show
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
