GIRMongolia
Trek et Gobi
15 days / 14 nights
4-10 people
Moderate
Horseback Adventure
Trip Overview
This 15-day expedition offers your clients total immersion into Mongolia's soul, combining exceptional trekking with deep cultural discovery. The itinerary crosses three emblematic ecosystems: the infinite steppes of the central plateau, the sacred peaks of the Khangaï mountains, and the mystical expanses of the Gobi Desert. The program centers around a 7-day trek through the Lower Khangaï mountains, covering 134 km of hiking through the Orkhon Valley UNESCO World Heritage site. This adventure allows travelers to walk ancestral lands, from the ancient capital of Karakorum to the blood-red cliffs of Bayanzag, passing through Tövkhön hermitage perched at 2312m altitude. The experience is enriched by authentic encounters with nomadic families, millennial guardians of unique traditions, and culminates with exploration of the legendary Gobi Desert, its singing dunes of Khongor and canyons sculpted by time.
Trip Highlights
- Exclusive 7-day trek in Khangaï mountains (134 km hiking)
- Orkhon Valley UNESCO site, cradle of Mongol empire
- Tövkhön Monastery at 2312m altitude, created by Zanabazar
- Karakorum ancient capital and Erdene Zuu monastery
- Authentic immersion with traditional nomadic families
- Gobi Desert and Khongor singing dunes (180 km long)
- Bayanzag flaming cliffs and 'dragon cemetery'
- Bactrian camel trekking experience
- Yoliin Am canyon with unique microclimates
- Millennial petroglyphs of Khavtsgaït
Day-by-Day Itinerary
J1Arrival in Ulaanbaatar and capital discovery
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar and capital discovery
Personalized welcome at Chinggis Khan airport and transfer to selected accommodation in Ulaanbaatar's heart. Check-in and adaptation time. Free day allowing first approach to Mongolian capital, its striking contrasts between Soviet architecture and modernity, and lively markets. Rest recommended before departure to vast spaces.
J2Journey to steppes and Khogno Khan mini-Gobi
Journey to steppes and Khogno Khan mini-Gobi
Morning visit to Gandantegchinlen monastery, Mongolia's largest active religious center, housing a 26-meter Buddha statue. Departure to spectacular Khogno Khan geological formations, nicknamed 'mini-Gobi' for their resemblance to the great desert. Exploration of Erdene Khambiin monastery, nestled in rocks, and discovery of Elsen Tasarkhai dunes, unique ecosystem mixing sand, steppe and mountains. First night in traditional ger.
J3Karakorum and ascent to Tövkhön hermitage
Karakorum and ascent to Tövkhön hermitage
In-depth discovery of Karakorum, legendary Mongol empire capital founded by Ögödeï Khan in 1235, and visit to Erdene Zuu monastery, Mongolia's first Buddhist monastery built in 1586 on ancient capital ruins. Approach hike to Tövkhön monastery, perched at 2312m altitude on sacred rocky pinnacle. This exceptional site was created by Zanabazar, Mongolia's first spiritual leader and remarkable artist. Camp setup and trek preparation.
J4Trek beginning - Biluut Valley and Khestuut pass
Trek beginning - Biluut Valley and Khestuut pass
Inauguration of exceptional 7-day trek in Lower Khangaï mountains. 25 km hike from Tövkhön monastery through preserved mountain landscapes to secret Biluut valley. Constant progression to Khestuut pass offering spectacular panoramas over surrounding valleys. Crossing high-altitude pastures where nomadic herds graze. Bivouac setup in protected natural site, in heart of intact wilderness.
J5Khetsuu crossing towards Mount Tsalgai
Khetsuu crossing towards Mount Tsalgai
Morning crossing of Khetsuu pass, technical passage point offering breathtaking view over Khangaï expanses. Crossing Khushuun Tal high-altitude steppe, true green carpet dotted with wildflowers by season. Progressive ascent of Yantsat pass then progression towards Mount Tsalgai foothills. 22 km route through changing landscapes alternating protected valleys, rocky ridges and grassy plateaus. Camp setup at Mount Tsalgai foot, in grandiose environment.
J6Entry into UNESCO Orkhon Valley
Entry into UNESCO Orkhon Valley
Memorable 21 km hike to mythical Orkhon Valley, UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape representing nomadic culture evolution. Mount Tsalgai crossing via ancestral paths used for millennia by nomadic herders. Progressive descent to valley with refreshing pause at small natural waterfall nestled in green setting. First discovery of this legendary valley, Mongol empire cradle and witness to 2000 years of continuous pastoral history.
J7Progression from Undur Khyasaa to Uliastai
Progression from Undur Khyasaa to Uliastai
Technical 21 km trek day through Khangaï's most secret mountain passages. Progression through remote valleys with preserved ecosystems, true sanctuaries of Mongolian wildlife. Crossing Undur Khyasaa pass, gateway to nomadic tribes' ancestral territories. Strategic camp installation beside Uliastai river, crystalline watercourse winding through steep valley bottom. Contemplative evening in exceptional natural setting, far from modern civilization.
J8Uliastai Valley ascent to sacred sites
Uliastai Valley ascent to sacred sites
Exceptional 23 km hike ascending Uliastai river course towards legendary Ogotoni Bulan and Yamaat Bulan sites. These preserved places, considered sacred by local populations, offer spectacular rocky cliff formations sculpted by millennial erosion. Evolution through high mountain landscapes with successive deep gorges, alpine meadows and remarkable geological formations. Possible encounter with endemic wildlife: marmots, pikas and high-altitude raptors. Bivouac in grandiose mineral environment.
J9Final crossing of Deed Khurd pass
Final crossing of Deed Khurd pass
Ultimate trek day with 22 km route crowning this exceptional mountain adventure. Technical crossing of Deed Khurd pass, journey's culminating point offering 360° panorama over entire Khangaï massif. Progressive descent to peaceful lake with crystalline waters, true natural jewel set in mountain setting. This pure water expanse, refuge for rare birdlife, constitutes symbolic end point of this exceptional trek. Last high-altitude bivouac setup in absolute serenity atmosphere, far from modern world.
J10Orkhon Falls and authentic nomadic immersion
Orkhon Falls and authentic nomadic immersion
Discovery of Orkhon waterfall, spectacular 16-meter waterfall bursting from basaltic plateaus, formed by ancient earthquakes and millennial erosion. This exceptional natural site marks transition between Khangaï mountains and central steppes. Privileged stay with traditional nomadic family with total immersion in their ancestral lifestyle: mare milking, cheese making, herd guarding. Friendly evening around traditional Mongolian barbecue and local specialties tasting under steppe stars.
J11Route to Gobi and Ongi monastery
Route to Gobi and Ongi monastery
Spectacular transition from Khangaï's green mountains to Gobi desert's mineral expanses. Long journey through changing landscapes revealing Mongolia's exceptional geographical diversity. Major cultural stop at Ongi monastery, historical religious complex under meticulous reconstruction after systematic 1937 destructions under communist regime. This site testifies to Mongolian Buddhism renaissance and nomadic people's cultural resilience. First approach to desert climate and its striking thermal contrasts.
J12Flaming cliffs and dragon cemetery
Flaming cliffs and dragon cemetery
Exploration of legendary Bayanzag cliffs, nicknamed 'flaming cliffs' for their incandescent orange-red colors at sunset. This exceptional geological site, true 'dragon cemetery', revealed to world first fossilized dinosaur bones and eggs discovered by Roy Chapman Andrews expedition in 1920s. Hike through these spectacular rock formations dating from Cretaceous, witnesses to 80 million years of geological history. Fossil searching and fossilization mechanisms discovery in this open-air natural laboratory.
J13Khavtsgaït petroglyphs and singing dunes
Khavtsgaït petroglyphs and singing dunes
Morning hike to millennial Khavtsgaït petroglyphs, true open-air rock art museum engraved on black schist rocks. These prehistoric representations of wild animals, hunting scenes and shamanic symbols testify to 6000 years of human presence in Gobi. Spectacular arrival at Khongor singing dunes, exceptional dune massif extending 180 km long, 27 km wide and peaking at 200 meters height. Installation with Bactrian camel herder family, secular guardians of these world-unique pastoral traditions.
J14Bactrian camel exploration
Bactrian camel exploration
Unique desert exploration experience on Bactrian camel back, these extraordinary two-humped mammals perfectly adapted to Gobi's extreme conditions. Camel trek along dune cordon and Khongor river, paradoxical watercourse winding at giant dunes' foot. Major dune ascent to admire grandiose panorama over golden sand ocean extending endlessly. Discovery of singing dunes acoustic phenomenon, mysterious rumbling produced by fine sand sliding under wind effect. Magical night in desert's absolute silence.
J15Yoliin Am canyon and Gobi microclimates
Yoliin Am canyon and Gobi microclimates
Final trek in spectacular Yoliin Am and Mukhaart Shiveet region, exceptional geological formations of Altai Gobi mountains. Exploration hike in legendary Yoliin Am gorge, canyon with vertiginous walls peaking over 200 meters height. This extraordinary site shelters unique microclimate allowing eternal ice survival even in midsummer, creating striking contrast with surrounding aridity. Specialized fauna observation: Siberian ibex, Argali sheep and bearded vultures. Last immersion in Gobi's grandiose landscapes before capital return.
Price includes
- Varied accommodation: comfort hotel in Ulaanbaatar, nights in traditional gers, camping with professional equipment provided, authentic stays with nomadic families
- Full board: all meals mentioned in program including Mongolian specialties and traditional barbecue
- Complete transfers and transport according to itinerary with 4x4 vehicles adapted to Gobi tracks
- French-speaking guide expert in trekking and Mongolian culture
- All mentioned visits and activities: monasteries, UNESCO sites, hikes, camel riding
- Professional camping and trekking equipment: tents, sleeping bags, mats, cooking equipment
Price excludes
- International flights to Ulaanbaatar
- Mongolia entry visa
- Travel and repatriation insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
- Personal hiking equipment
Practical Information
Physical condition
Best season
Group size
4 to 10 participants
Next departure
+3 more dates available
3 more dates available
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