In the Tracks of Genghis Khan

We drive to the most westerly point of our journey: the region of the White Lake and the extinct volcano Khorgo. En route, we will see some of the oldest archaeological remains known in Mongolia, many of them in the Tamir valley. The atmosphere changes on the last few kilometres of tracks near the volcano and its lava field.

A relaxing day exploring the Lac Blanc region. You are free simply to rest, or to choose between a walk to the volcano in the morning (on foot, by car or both), and a motorbike ride to the small Khadat lake in the afternoon.

We head back east towards the Tsenkher hot springs. We alternate between road and track, varying the route as much as possible so as not to drive as we did on the outward journey. We have a local lunch and stop off at the Tsetserleg market in preparation for our visit to the nomads.

A day of rest at the springs. We relax in the hot baths. There's also time for a walk to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the surrounding larch forests. If you're a keen rider, this is a great loop with a few more technical sections than usual.

The track takes us into the heart of the Orkhon river valley, with several fords and small passes. The landscape becomes more mountainous. The steppe gradually gives way to the rolling foothills of the Khangai volcanic mountains. Arrive mid-afternoon at our hosts' home, not far from the Orkhon Falls. Overnight in a yurt with a nomad family.

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 aim for the dunes of Khogno Khan, nicknamed the Little Gobi. The steppe winds carry the sand to the foot of Mount Khögnö Khan (1967 metres), and have formed a long strip of dunes stretching for around 80 kilometres, called Elsen Tasarkhai, ('fragmented dunes'). We fill up on tracks and wild rides, as the end of the journey approaches.

We take the road to Ulan Bator. We follow a magnificent ribbon of tarmac across the desert plain, then the steppe. A final day of immersion in these grandiose landscapes. We arrive in the capital mid-afternoon. Transfer to the hotel.

Journée libre pour ceux qui ont un vol en fin de journée. Nous profitons de l’ambiance unique de cette capitale rude et chaleureuse à la fois. Oulan Bator est une ville qui ne laisse pas indifférent. Un taxi viendra vous chercher à l’hôtel pour vous amener directement à l’aéroport.