August 9 – Flight from Frankfurt to Ulaanbaatar
Flights from Frankfurt are included in the price. You are responsible for your own transport to Frankfurt Airport. A preparatory Zoom briefing will be held before the trip.
August 10 – Khogno Khan
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Breakfast, then immediate departure to the countryside. Heading west toward Arkhangai Province, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vast horizons. Arrival at a monastery for meditation and a walk in the surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt. During the trip, you will stay in tourist camp yurts, each with 4 beds. Ceremony with Karine to honor the Mongolian Earth and ancestors.
August 11 – Ovgunt / Karakorum
After a peaceful night at the foot of the sculpted rocks of the mythical Khogno mountains, we depart for Karakorum, the former capital of Mongolia. Visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first fixed-structure Buddhist monastery established in Mongolia. Explore the local market and museum. Evening circle for introductions and sharing.
August 12 – Karakorum / Natural Hot Spring
After approximately 3 hours of travel, we will be welcomed by a nomadic family in the beautiful valley of the hot spring. Arrival at Tsenkheriin Rashaan, a thermal water center with an established camp. In the heart of the Central Mongolian steppes, a beautiful hot spring long abandoned. Several hot water springs at 72°C, sulfurous and sodium-rich, recommended for external treatments for rheumatism, skin conditions, and respiratory issues. Bathing is possible. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt rented from local herders. Comfort is basic but acceptable. Traditional dinner with the nomadic family.
August 13 – Stay with Nomads of Tsagaan Sum
Enjoy panoramic views of the entire valley. Morning dedicated to experiencing the daily life of steppe nomads. Short transfer to the foot of the Khogno Mountains covered with larch trees. Afternoon: easy 3-hour hike to the Tuvkhni Mountains to visit the Tuvkhni Temple at the summit. Return by vehicle for about 20 km. Overnight in a yurt rented from the nomads.
Note: 40+20 km by 4×4, afternoon hike with moderate elevation gain, approximately 3 hours. Evening: yurt stay with nomadic families. Traditional Horhog dinner: lamb cooked with heated river stones, served with vegetables. Culinary skills of our cooks will impress once again!
August 14–19 – Days of Intensive Learning in the Orkhon Valley
During these days, in sacred sites within a beautiful natural park, we will stay in tents in nature and participate in ceremonies, individual consultations, and exercises. It will also be a time of sharing, learning, and teaching with the shamans.
August 20 – Khar Bukh Plains
Change of camp to the Khar Bukh plateaus, where the landscape opens into an endless sandy steppe dotted with succulent plants. Overnight in tents.
August 21 – Return to Ulaanbaatar
Travel eastward back to the capital. Landscapes gradually shift to arid steppe vegetation bordered by golden dunes. Return to Ulaanbaatar for dinner and an evening with the local team at the yurt camp. Approximately 260 km by 4×4. Hot meals provided at lunch and dinner.
August 22–23 – Mongolian Nomad Festival
Returning to the city after experiencing vast open spaces is challenging, but we will participate in the magnificent Nomad Festival held at Taijiin Khundii near Ulaanbaatar.
Festival Highlights:
17th World Horseback Archery Championship with over 120 elite archers from more than 30 countries. International judges, UNESCO representatives, and the World Federation of Mounted Archery in attendance.
Why This Festival is Unique:
Cultural diversity: encounter tradition-bearers from multiple nomadic countries.
Full immersion in a yurt camp with festivities, sports, arts, and crafts.
Academic context: outside the festival, discussions on preservation and sustainability of nomadic heritage.
Over 780 thematic events related to intangible cultural heritage.
International conference with academics and researchers.
Nomadic crafts: demonstrations and sales of traditional products.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change