GIRMongolia
La Grande Boucle
21 days / 20 nights
4-10 people
Moderate
Horseback Adventure
Trip Overview
This 15-day Mongolian odyssey represents a flagship product for clientele seeking authenticity and total cultural immersion. The itinerary magnificently traverses all the country's emblematic ecosystems: from the forested and lacustrine northern regions to the vast desert expanses of the Grand Gobi, passing through the infinite steppes of the central plateau. Your clients will experience a natural progression through an exceptional mosaic of natural environments, discover world-class historical vestiges, and enjoy privileged encounters with authentic nomadic families. Each stage of the journey offers increasing immersion into the millennial pastoral universe, Tibetan Buddhist spirituality, and Mongolia's preserved nature, alternating panoramic hiking with traditional homestays. This circuit perfectly meets the expectations of clientele seeking profound cultural experiences coupled with spectacular natural discoveries.
Trip Highlights
- Complete traversal of Mongolian ecosystems from Lake Khövsgöl to Gobi dunes
- Authentic homestays with nomadic families featuring total cultural immersion
- Discovery of Lake Khövsgöl (2,760 km²) and hiking in Alag Tsar valleys
- Exploration of Karakorum, historical cradle of Genghis Khan's empire
- Paleontological sites of Bayanzag, famous dinosaur cemetery
- Spectacular hiking in the singing dunes of Khongor
- Visit to emblematic monasteries of Amarbayasgalant and Erdene Zuu
- Therapeutic relaxation at natural hot springs of Tsenkher
- Orkhon Valley UNESCO World Heritage site
- Ascent of Khorgo volcano (2,240m) with exceptional panorama
Day-by-Day Itinerary
J1Cultural Immersion in Ulaanbaatar
Cultural Immersion in Ulaanbaatar
Personalized welcome at Chinggis Khan airport and transfer to selected accommodation in the capital's heart. Guided visit of the national history museum, a true condensed version of Mongolian history from prehistory to contemporary Soviet era. Walking discovery of the historic center with mandatory passage through the emblematic Genghis Khan square, epicenter of Mongolian urban life. Evening show at Tumen Ekh theater, national artistic reference offering a complete program of regional folk dances and traditional throat singing demonstrations.
J2Journey to Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Journey to Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Morning dedicated to visiting Gandantegchinlen monastery, the capital's active spiritual center housing a 26-meter golden statue. Departure via the northern route to the Amarbayasgalant monastic complex, an architectural jewel erected in the 18th century in memory of the first Bogd Gegeen Zanabazar, major figure of Mongolian Buddhism. This monastery, considered among the most significant of national religious heritage, marks the entry into Mongolia's northern landscapes.
J3To the Extinct Volcanoes Natural Park
To the Extinct Volcanoes Natural Park
In-depth exploration of Amarbayasgalant's architectural complex and its Sino-Mongolian-Tibetan stylistic specificities, unique testimony to Asian cultural synthesis. Crossing of the industrial city of Erdenet, the country's second city renowned for its copper deposits among the world's most important. Progress toward Uran Togoo natural park, a preserved geological sanctuary harboring ancient volcanic formations in a setting of verdant steppes.
J4Arrival at Lake Khövsgöl Shores
Arrival at Lake Khövsgöl Shores
Morning hike on Uran Uul reliefs offering the unique opportunity to discover a preserved volcanic crater and its specific high-altitude vegetation. Route to the natural wonder of Lake Khövsgöl, a 2,760 km² expanse of pure water nestled in an amphitheater of peaks exceeding 2,000 meters altitude. Installation at Alag Sar camp, traditional yurt camp ideally positioned for observing this lacustrine jewel nicknamed 'Mongolia's blue pearl'.
J5Hiking on the Great Blue Lake Shores
Hiking on the Great Blue Lake Shores
Day of total immersion with local herders and their yak herds, with options for hiking or horseback riding in the forested valleys of Alag Tsar. Exploration of high-altitude meadows carpeted with edelweiss and other endemic flowers of the circumpolar region. Unique experience of overnight stay in traditional mobile yurt, erected according to ancestral techniques with direct assistance from local nomadic families.
J6En Route to Central Steppes
En Route to Central Steppes
Morning discovery of Uushigiin Övör archaeological site, exceptional megalithic ensemble adorned with deer stone steles featuring remarkably preserved prehistoric engravings. Logistical stop in Mörön, capital of Khövsgöl aimag, for resupply and immersion in a Mongolian provincial town atmosphere. Progress toward central highlands with spectacular crossing of high-altitude passes exceeding 2,000 meters, offering striking panoramas over steppe immensity.
J7Lakes and Volcanoes Region
Lakes and Volcanoes Region
Transport to Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur natural park, natural sanctuary located at 2,060 meters altitude in the Khangai mountains. Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan, nicknamed 'the great white lake' forms with the surrounding volcanic ensemble an emblematic geological site of striking beauty. Installation with an authentic nomadic family for direct immersion in traditional pastoral lifestyle, including participation in daily livestock activities.
J8Hiking on Khorgo Volcano
Hiking on Khorgo Volcano
Technical hike along Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan shores toward the extinct Khorgo volcano, culminating at 2,240 meters altitude. Accessible but rewarding ascent offering exceptional 360-degree panorama over the lake ensemble and surrounding hills. Geological exploration of solidified lava flows that shaped a unique volcanic landscape, true open-air geomorphology lesson for curious clients.
J9Relaxation at Tsenkher Hot Springs
Relaxation at Tsenkher Hot Springs
Crossing of Arkhangai aimag, highland region renowned for the beauty of its steppe landscapes populated by transhumant herders. Cultural stop in Tsetserleg, regional capital, with visit to Zayan Gegeen museum retracing local history and resupply. Day's highlight at Tsenkher natural hot springs, true thermal spa in pristine nature offering welcome relaxation after hiking stages.
J10Nomadic Life in Orkhon Valley
Nomadic Life in Orkhon Valley
Transport to the prestigious Orkhon Valley, UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional historical and cultural value. Excursion to Tovkhon monastery, sacred hermitage perched at 2,312 meters altitude where venerable Zanabazar composed the national Soyombo alphabet. Privileged installation with a selected nomadic herder family to authentically discover millennial pastoral traditions and life rhythm dictated by seasons.
J11Horseback to Orkhon Falls
Horseback to Orkhon Falls
Horseback or walking hike according to preferences toward the spectacular Ulan Tsutgalaan falls, 16-meter high waterfall formed by geological phenomenon dating back 20,000 years. Discovery of this remarkable natural site and participation in preparing traditional Mongolian barbecue according to ancestral techniques, privileged convivial moment of cultural sharing with nomadic hosts.
J12In Genghis Khan's Ancient Capital
In Genghis Khan's Ancient Capital
Route to Karakorum, the ancient imperial capital founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan and epicenter of the Mongol empire at its peak. Guided visit of Erdene Zuu monastery, major religious complex protected by 108 sacred stupas according to Buddhist tradition. Exploration of Karakorum archaeological museum presenting vestiges of the historical capital. Traditional Mongolian calligraphy initiation workshop, particularly appreciated participative cultural activity.
J13En Route to a Legendary Desert
En Route to a Legendary Desert
Spectacular geographical transition between the verdant Khangai mountains and legendary aridity of Gobi desert. Discovery of Ong lamasery historical site, monastic ensemble witnessing tumultuous religious history with its temple vestiges destroyed during 1937 purges and contemporary reconstructions undertaken since 2002, striking illustration of Mongolian cultural resilience.
J14Flaming Cliffs and Dinosaurs
Flaming Cliffs and Dinosaurs
Penetration into the Grand Gobi and discovery of the famous 'Three Beauties', emblematic geological formation. Visit to legendary Bayanzag cliffs with flaming ochre and red hues, nicknamed 'flaming cliffs' by Western explorers. Exploration of the world-renowned paleontological site, true 'cemetery of dragons' where the first dinosaur eggs and bones were unearthed in 1922, revolutionary discovery for world paleontology.
J15Arrival in Khongor Dunes
Arrival in Khongor Dunes
Early morning departure to reach the exceptional Khongor sand dunes site, spectacular sandy formation extending in a long golden belt of over 180 kilometers at the foot of Three Beauties national park mountains. These singing dunes, among Central Asia's highest at 300 meters height, offer grandiose natural spectacle and constitute the crowning achievement of this integral Mongolia discovery.
Price includes
- Varied accommodation in selected hotels, traditional yurt camps and homestays
- Full board with all meals mentioned in program according to local cuisine
- Specialized French-speaking guide-escort throughout the circuit
- All land transportation in adapted vehicles
- All cultural visits and activities detailed in the program
- Airport transfers and on-site assistance
Price excludes
- International flights
- Visa and entry formalities
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and personal extras
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Visa fees and potential airport taxes
Practical Information
Physical condition
Best season
Group size
4 to 10 participants
