Day 1. Mini-Gobi and Kara Khorum
Day 2. Erdene Zuu Monastery and Orkhon Valley
Day 3-5. Naiman Nuur (8 Lakes) protected area
Day 6. Orkhon Waterfall.
Day 7. Mogoit Hot Spring.
Day 8. Tovkhon Monastery
Day 9. Orkhon Valley
Day 10. Back to Ulaanbaatar
Optional: fishing
Day 1. Kara Khorum
You will leave Stepperiders in the morning and drive towards Central Mongolia to your destination Kara Khorum. On the way you will stop at the Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes, where you will see many camels. Those dunes are located in the middle of the steppe and we call this area the mini-Gobi. If you wish you will have the possibility to rent camels to go on a short camel ride. You will then continue to Kara Khorum,Chinggis Khan’s Ancient Mongolian Capital city where you will camp for the night.
Day 2. Orkhon Valley, meet with a nomadic family
In the morning you will start by visiting the Erdene Zuu Monastery which is now one of the most important Buddhist Monastery of the country. After the visit you will drive to the Orkhon Valley stopping at the national park’s entrance to see the beautiful view of the Orkhon River and its valley. You will then drive to the nomadic family who will provide the horses for your horse trek. You will spend the rest of the day with them and will have the chance to observe nomadic life: herding and milking the animals, preparing food etc.. You can even have try if you wish !
You will sleep overnight in a ger.
Day 3. 8 Lakes – Shireet Lake
In the morning you will start your horse trek accompanied by pack yacks as the area is protected and not allowed to your vehicle. You will ride to Shireet Lake, which is the biggest lake of the area. You will experience a total immersion in nature in this protected area untouched by humans. Beautiful flora and wild animals can be seen. Camping
Day 4-5. 8 Lakes and Shavart Mountain
You will continue your trip further in the protected area seeing other lakes. On the way you might meet nomadic families and stop to say hi and share some milk tea in their ger.
Camping
Day 6. Orkhon waterfall
You will ride back to the Orkhon Valley and follow the river until you reach its famous waterfall called Ulaan Tsutgalan, Orkhon Waterfall. If you are not afraid of heights and cold water you can walk down the valley walls and swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall.
Day 7. Mogoit hot spring
You will ride to the Mogoit (Snake) hot springs. You will go and see this source of natural hot water having the reputation to cure people. If you watch your steeps carefully you might have the chance to catch the glimpse of a snake! The ger camp next to the hot springs uses the spring water and provides thermal baths. If you are interested please let your guide know and bring appropriate bath clothing.
Camping
Day 8. Tovkhon monastery
You will ride to the Tovkhon monastery, a small buddhist monastery located on top of a forested mountain. The view from there is beautiful! You will be able to walk around and see caves in which monks have meditated for years! It is not possible to reach the monastery with a car so you will see many people going there on horseback or hiking. You will then ride back to the Orkhon River where you will camp for the night.
Day 9. Orkhon Valley
This will be your last day of horse riding with your wonderful horses. Enjoy some last races in this beautiful steppe. At the end of the day you will go back to your nomadic host family where you will be able to help them with their daily activities such as milking the yacks. You will celebrate the end of your trek with your guide and horsemen around a great dinner. Listen to some beautiful songs about Mongolia, love and horses.
Night in a ger
Day 10. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar
You will drive back to Ulaanbaatar where we will drop you off at Stepperiders or at your accommodation in UB>
Set departure tour, Dates & Tour Price:
Departures:
June to mid-September – contact us to book your dates
April, May and October also possible with an adapted version of this tour, contact us for more information.
Confirmed dates:
Please contact us to organise new dates.
Tour grade: Easy – Moderate
Covering distance: 30-40km/day
Tour Price:
7 – 8 pax: 1,700 USD per person
4 – 6 pax: 1,870 USD per person.
2 – 3 pax: 2,040 USD per person.
Price Includes:
Pick up / drop off (Airport: anytime, Ulaanbaatar city: 09:00 or 16:00)
English speaking tour guide
Horse fees & horse keeper
All meals
Accommodation in tent
Entrance fees for national parks and museum