Horseback Expedition in the Heart of the Khangai

Today, you will discover the remarkable Khogno Khan region, often referred to as the "Mini Gobi". This unique natural wonder features an 80-kilometre-long corridor of sand dunes stretching through the heart of the Mongolian steppe, reaching up to 7 kilometres in width.
Fed by the Tarnyn Gol River, which flows from the granite massif of Khogno Khan (1,967 m), this surprising landscape combines golden dunes with lush vegetation, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding semi-arid environment. The area is also home to diverse wildlife and offers spectacular scenery framed by rugged mountains.
The harmony between rocky outcrops, rolling sand dunes and endless grasslands makes Khogno Khan one of Mongolia's most beautiful and unexpected landscapes.

Overnight at a tourist camp.

Enjoy an authentic stay with a family of Bactrian camel herders in a peaceful and unspoiled setting. Discover their traditional nomadic way of life, with the option to experience a camel ride (optional, at an additional cost).

Set out on a hike through the sacred Khogno Khan Mountains, explore the surrounding sand dunes and the small nearby lake, then visit the historic Erdene Khamba Monastery, an important landmark of Mongolia's spiritual heritage.

Overnight in a traditional ger (yurt) with a local camel-herding family.

Today, you will discover Karakorum, the legendary capital founded by Genghis Khan in 1220. Located in the Orkhon Valley, this historic site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.

Explore the remains of the ancient imperial city, including the old defensive walls, the foundations of the Great Khan's palace, the historic irrigation system, and the famous carved stone turtles that once marked the four corners of the capital.

Included visits:

* Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and one of the country's best-preserved religious sites.
* Karakorum Museum, showcasing exceptional archaeological discoveries from the Orkhon Valley and the former Mongol capital.

Overnight at a tourist ger camp.

Today, you will explore the Orkhon Valley National Park, a vast 365,000-hectare protected area and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Located 360 kilometres southwest of Ulaanbaatar, this remarkable landscape is home to an exceptional ecosystem, with more than 400 plant species, 48 species of mammals, and nearly 280 species of birds.

Step into the cradle of Mongolia's nomadic civilizations. Inhabited for over 60,000 years, the Orkhon Valley has been home to successive cultures, including the Huns, Turks, Uyghurs, and Mongols. Once a major crossroads between East and West, the valley is recognised by UNESCO as an outstanding testimony to over two millennia of nomadic pastoral traditions.

Along the way, admire the spectacular scenery of the Khangai Mountains, dense mountain forests, ancient volcanic landscapes, and the hot springs of Mogoit before reaching the impressive Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall, also known as the Orkhon Waterfall.

Overnight in an authentic ger with a local nomadic family.

Your horseback adventure begins with a full day of riding through the unspoiled landscapes of the Orkhon Valley. Crossing rolling hills and vast open steppes, you will make your way to the magnificent Orkhon Waterfall, one of the region's most iconic natural landmarks.

Along the trail, you will encounter the mysterious deer stones—ancient carved monoliths that bear witness to Mongolia's prehistoric cultures. These remarkable monuments, adorned with intricate engravings, offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's distant past and add a rich cultural dimension to your ride.

This first day on horseback provides the perfect introduction to Mongolia's wide-open spaces, combining spectacular scenery with a remarkable historical heritage.

Overnight camping in the heart of nature.

The second stage of your horseback journey takes you deeper into the vast wilderness of Mongolia. Today's 22-kilometre ride follows the trail from Uurgat to Tsagaan Azarga, passing through breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, open valleys, and endless steppe.

As you ride at the relaxed pace of your horse, take time to appreciate the region's rich and diverse wild flora. This peaceful day in the saddle offers a unique opportunity to experience Mongolia's untouched landscapes and observe the remarkable steppe ecosystem in its natural state.

Far from any signs of modern civilisation, this is a true immersion into the wild heart of Mongolia, where nature and silence take centre stage.

Overnight camping in the wilderness.

The third stage of your horseback adventure covers 19 kilometres, taking you to the peaceful shores of Lake Khuis. Along the way, you'll ride through a stunning variety of landscapes, from rolling grasslands and meandering rivers to untouched wilderness.

As you approach the lake, a tranquil natural setting unfolds before you, offering the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of Mongolia's remote countryside.

Overnight in a traditional ger with a local nomadic family.

Today, you'll enjoy a full day on horseback exploring the breathtaking Eight Lakes region, nestled at an altitude of 2,400 metres in the heart of the Khangai Mountains. This protected area, covering 11,500 hectares, is renowned for its spectacular volcanic landscapes, where ancient lava flows and black volcanic rock create a truly unique setting.

Ride through alpine meadows and forests of Siberian pine and larch, discovering the region's eight legendary lakes: Shireet, Khaliut, Bugat, Khaya, Khuis, Muhhar, Duruu, and Bayan Uul.

Accessible only on foot or horseback, the sanctuary remains wonderfully secluded, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Keep an eye out for the area's abundant wildlife, including grey wolves, red deer, wild boar, marmots, and more than 50 species of birds that thrive in this protected wilderness.

Overnight in a traditional ger with the same nomadic family.

Today, you'll discover Lake Shireet, a true turquoise gem set within a spectacular volcanic landscape. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, this beautiful alpine lake reaches depths of 16 metres and offers a peaceful atmosphere where the only sounds are those of nature.

Widely regarded as one of the highlights of the trek, Lake Shireet perfectly blends ancient volcanic scenery with lush alpine meadows, creating one of the most picturesque settings in the Khangai Mountains.

Overnight in a traditional ger with the same nomadic family.

Today's 24-kilometre ride takes you from Lake Shireet to Buurug, following scenic trails through the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the Eight Lakes region.

Overnight at a tourist ger camp.

Today's ride follows the banks of the Orkhon River, the lifeblood of central Mongolia.

As you ride alongside the river, the scenery gradually changes, with abundant water bringing fresh, green landscapes that contrast beautifully with the vast open steppes crossed earlier in the journey.

Overnight camping in the heart of nature.

The final stage of your horseback adventure covers 11 kilometres, beginning at Baga Tsutgalan Waterfall and bringing your unforgettable journey through the landscapes of central Mongolia to a close.

You will return to the Orkhon Valley, stopping to visit the nomadic family who welcomed you at the start of your trek, bringing this remarkable horseback expedition full circle. After a warm reunion with your hosts, you will meet your vehicle once again, marking the end of eight memorable days in the saddle.

Overnight in a traditional ger with the nomadic family.

After breakfast, you will travel 180 kilometres from the Orkhon Valley to Lake Ugii, a beautiful freshwater lake located at an altitude of 1,337 metres in Arkhangai Province. Recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, the lake is one of Mongolia's most important bird sanctuaries.

Home to around 150 species of waterbirds, Lake Ugii attracts swans, cranes, herons, ducks, geese, spoonbills and Dalmatian pelicans, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Connected to the Orkhon River, the lake also supports an abundance of fish, including pike, perch, carp and lenok trout.

After the adventure of your horseback trek, this peaceful stop offers the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of Mongolia's natural landscapes.

Overnight at a tourist ger camp.

Today, you will explore Khustain Nuruu National Park, also known as the "Birch Mountain Range", located 90 kilometres southwest of Ulaanbaatar. Covering 500 square kilometres, this protected area was established in 1992 and became a national park in 1998. It is internationally renowned for the successful reintroduction of the Przewalski's horse, or *takhi*, the world's last truly wild horse.

Visit the park's interpretation centre to learn about the remarkable conservation programme that brought the takhi back to its native habitat. You will also discover the surprising Moltsog Els sand dunes, whose vegetation-covered slopes create a striking contrast with the surrounding steppe, as well as ancient Turkic monuments that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage.

Overnight in a traditional ger with a local nomadic family.

After your unforgettable journey through Mongolia's remote landscapes, return to the vibrant capital of Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace, relax, or shop for last-minute souvenirs.

You will also have the opportunity to visit a cashmere factory and discover how Mongolia's world-renowned cashmere is produced, from raw fibre to beautifully crafted garments.

This final day offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on your adventure while enjoying your last moments in Mongolia.

Overnight at the hotel.