Transhumance and Nomadic Life
Experience the unique thrill of transhumance and nomadic life with us! Twice a year, in spring and autumn, join us on a tour of the Orkhon Valley and watch a nomadic family move their herd of horses, yaks, sheep, and goats while you help to disassemble and reassemble the gers. It's an experience like no other
from 1590$ per person
Horse riding trip
11 days
ACCOMMODATION
3 nights in comfortable ger camp
2 night in 2 star hotel in Ulaanbaatar
5 nights in nomad family, in guest ger
STRONG POINTS:​
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Discover nomadic life and herders
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City tour of Ulaanbaatar
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Relocate the horses, yaks, sheep, and goats from their winter camp to their summer camp
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Discover Orkhon Valley and the important sites of Valley
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Khustai national park, home of the Przewalski's horses
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Desert Oasis: Exploring Elsen Tasarkhai, Mini gobi
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Tumen ekh ensemble's show
DAY 1
45 km - 1h
ULAANBAATAR CITY TOUR
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Welcome by your interpreter and your driver at the airport of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.
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The first day program starts at noon. We start with a lunch with the Mongolian team.
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Visit the superb National Museum of Mongolian History, the largest museum in Mongolia where you will learn the great history of Mongolia.
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Walk in the city center of Ulaanbaatar and on the main square of Genghis Khan
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The fabulous traditional Mongolian show of Tumen ekh. You will discover Mongolian instruments, traditional dances, religious dances, traditional songs, overtone songs and contortions.
Hotel 2 star
DAY 2
140km - 3h
PRZEWALSKI'S WILD HORSES
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Before heading to the countryside, we'll to visit the Gandantegchilen Monastery. This monastery is a significant cultural and religious site in Mongolia, and it is a must-see attraction for tourists. The monastery is located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar and is easily accessible. It is a peaceful and serene place, and visitors can witness the daily rituals and practices of the monks. The monastery also houses a museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Mongolia. Overall, visiting the Gandantegchilen Monastery is a great way to experience the spiritual and cultural side of Mongolia.
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Arrival at the Khustai National Park where there are the ancestors of the horses: the wild horses of Przewalski. We settle in the ger camp then we will leave for a few hours of observation of Przewalski's horses (5-7 p.m., the ideal time to see them because they come down from the mountain to drink water).
Hotel 2 star
Local restaurant
Ger camp
Ger camp
DAY 3
210km - 4h
ANCIENT CAPITAL OF MONGOLIA
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Today, we are embarking on a journey to explore the rich history and culture of Mongolia by visiting one of its ancient capitals, Kharkhorin. This city, also known as Karakorum, served as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the Mongol Empire during the 13th century. It was founded by Gengis Khan's son, Ögedei Khan, and continued to flourish under the rule of his successors. Kharkhorin was not only a center of power but also a melting pot of different ethnic groups and religions, making it a fascinating destination to discover.
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Visit to Erdene-zuu Monastery. The 29th descendant of Gengis khan, Abtai Khan, wanted to create a big monastery, but he couldn't choose the right place. Then the 3rd Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso advised him to build this monastery on the ruins of the ancient capital of Mongolia. In 1586, Abtai Khan then built Erdene-Zuu.
Made by team
Made by team
Ger camp
Ger camp
DAY 4
150km - 4h30
NOMADIC LIFE
- Today we are going to heart of Orkhon valley, an unforgettable journey through the vast expanses of Mongolia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a place of nomadism where herders set up their summer camps every year. You can discover the culture and way of life of Mongolian nomads by exploring this magnificent region. The landscapes are breathtaking, with majestic mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and endless green steppes. In the afternoon, we will arrive at the nomadic family's home with whom we will do the transhumance.
- We will learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life. We will help them with their daily chores such as milking cows, making traditional dairy products, and gathering firewood. We will also have the opportunity to ride horses and explore the beautiful landscape of the Orkhon valley. This experience will give us a unique insight into the nomadic way of life and allow us to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of living close to nature.
- On the way, we will visit the Tovkhon monastery, beautiful and historic site located in the mountains of Mongolia. The monastery dates back to the 17th century and is known for its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings. Visitors can explore the various temples and shrines on the grounds, as well as take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Made by team
Made by team
Nomad family
Nomad family
DAY 5-7
80km in 3 days
TRANSHUMANCE
- Upon awakening, we find ourselves in the company of a nomadic family. Stepping outside the ger, we are greeted with a breathtaking view of vast herds of horses, yaks, sheep, and goats. The children play close by, while the women tend to milking the yaks and the men endeavor to capture our horses with their lassos.
- The following three days are dedicated to a transhumance, where we will assist in moving a nomadic family and their animals (including goats, sheep, yaks, cows, and horses) from their spring camp to their summer camp using horses. In Mongolia, the camps are changed four times a year based on weather conditions and the availability of grass for the animals. For instance, during winter, nomads search for warmer locations for their animals, while in summer, they move to the steppes near a river. Over the course of these three days, we will transport all of the family's belongings and approximately 500 animals. Each day, we will construct and dismantle a ger, which will serve as our overnight shelter. The process of transhumance is not a simple one, as it necessitates careful planning and coordination. The nomadic family, alongside their trusted horses, work tirelessly to ensure the safe and efficient movement of their animals and possessions. It is truly remarkable to witness their profound connection with nature and their ability to adapt to the changing seasons. As we embark on this journey, we are filled with awe and admiration for the nomadic way of life, where each day presents new challenges and rewards.
Day 5
Made by team
Made by team
Nomad family
Nomad family
Day 6
Made by team
Nomad family
Nomad family
Nomad family
Day 7
Made by team
Nomad family
Nomad family
Nomad family
DAY 8
15km - 3h
RELAXING DAY
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Today will be a relaxing day for us after three days of hard work with the animals. We are at a summer camp with a nomadic family, and we have the opportunity to visit a famous waterfall called Ulaan Tsutgalan, which is close by. Additionally, the nomadic family will prepare a Mongolian barbecue for us. This delicious dish is made by grilling thin slices of marinated meat, usually beef or lamb, on a hot metal plate. The wonderful smell of the sizzling meat fills the air, making us excited to eat. We gather around the barbecue, and the nomadic family skillfully flips the meat to ensure it cooks perfectly. The mouthwatering aroma mixes with the sounds of laughter and conversation, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. We eagerly await our turn to enjoy the juicy meat, knowing that this traditional Mongolian dish will be a delightful treat for our taste buds. The nomadic family's kindness and cooking skills make this experience even more memorable.
Made by team
Made by team
Nomadic family
Nomadic family
DAY 9
180km - 4h30
MINI-GOBI
- Once we have bid farewell to the breeders, we will make our way back to our 4x4s. Our next destination will be Khogno-khan Park, which is also known as mini-Gobi. This park boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including a lake, sand dunes that stretch for 80km, trees, and mountains. Once we have arrived and settled into our ger camp, we will have the opportunity to explore the 18th century Erdene khamba monastery and take a leisurely stroll through the sand dunes. ​
Made by team
Made by team
Ger camp
Ger camp
DAY 10
280km - 4h30
BACK TO CITY
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We will arrive in Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon. This is an opportunity to do some last souvenir shopping. Your guide will help you find the necessary shops for your desires: souvenirs, cashmere, and small Mongolian objects.
Made by team
Local restaurant
Hotel 2 star
DAY 11
45km - 1h
THANK YOU AND SEE YOU AGAIN
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After breakfast, we will accompany you to the international airport of Ulaanbaatar according to the schedule of your flight.
Hotel 2 star
