On the Trail of Genghis Khan

We head for the most westerly point of our tour: the White Lake and the dormant volcano, Khorgo. On our way we'll spot some of Mongolia's oldest archaeological sites, particularly in Tamir Valley. We experience a change of scenery for the last few miles on tracks through lava fields close to the volcano.

Today, you can spend the day exploring White Lake and its surrounds. You're free to do as you wish: you can take the day off to relax or set off to the volcano in the morning (by foot, by car or both) and hop on the bikes for an afternoon ride to the small Khadat Lake.

We head east towards Tsenkher’s Hot Springs. We alternate between roads and tracks, mixing things up as much as possible so we don't take the same route we came on. We have lunch at a local place and pass through Tsetserleg market to pick up some food in preparation for our stay with some nomads.

We take a day off riding to relax in the hot springs. You can take a walk to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the surrounding larch forests. For those of you who can't get enough of the track, there is an excellent route nearby (with some stretches requiring a little more technique than usual) which passes a sacred site at the top of a hill, enveloped in a wonderous ambiance.

The track takes us into the heart of the Orkhon Valley with several water crossings and small hills. The landscapes become ever more mountainous as the steppes gradually give way to the rugged foothills of the Khanghai volcanic mountains. We arrive mid-afternoon at our hosts' place, near the Orkhon waterfalls.

The day begins with a scene of yaks being milked at sunrise, offering a rustic and authentic spectacle. Exploring one of Mongolia's most breathtaking waterfalls, we'll have the choice of a 45-minute horseback ride or a motorbike ride, each option promising a unique experience. Back at the friendly Nomad Family, a sumptuous lunch of Khorchos, emblematic of traditional Mongolian cuisine, awaits us. In the afternoon, a three-hour motorbike ride through the district offers a chance to soak up the local atmosphere and discover the hidden treasures of this nomadic community. A memorable day, combining traditions, majestic nature and moments of tranquillity. Second night in guest yurts with a family. Three to five people per yurt.

Our day begins with an exploration of the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we travel 125 kilometres through natural landscapes rich in Mongolian flora and fauna. On horseback along the Orkhon River, the longest in Mongolia, we will follow its winding course for an authentic experience. Lunch will be a picnic in the heart of unspoilt nature. Our journey will take us to Kharkorum, the historic capital of the Mongol Empire. Here we will have the opportunity to visit Erdene zuu, Mongolia's oldest Buddhist monastery, a precious witness to the country's spiritual history. A day combining wild nature and cultural heritage. Overnight in a yurt camp.

Today, we visit the Khogno Khan dunes, nicknamed "Mini Gobi". For eons the steppe winds have carried sand to the foot of Mount Khogno Khan (1,967 m), creating a long stretch of dunes spanning around 50 miles. Called Elsen Tasarkhai, the name literally means "an isolated torn-off piece of sand". We take on plenty of tracks and make the most of some wild riding, as the end of the tour is in sight!

We make our way back to Ulan Bator on a wonderful stretch of asphalt crossing the desert plains, then the steppes. This is our last day to soak up these mind-blowing landscapes. We end the day in the capital. You’re transferred to the hotel and you have a free late afternoon and evening.

Those with a late flight can have a free day in the city. You can enjoy the capital’s unique atmosphere, which is both harsh and welcoming at the same time. Ulan Bator is one of those cities that everyone has an opinion about. A taxi will take you to the airport.