A Superb Trek in Steppe and Hill Landscapes, Meeting Nomadic Families
Dates: September 3rd to 14th and September 17th to 28th
English-speaking guide
Group: Maximum 6 people
Price: €1,680 per person
We offer you a fantastic trek in the heart of the Khentii massif, located at the foot of the Siberian Plateau.
The Khan Khenty National Park, covering 12,270 km², is a magnificent natural area nestled within the Khentii Mountains. It features the sacred Burkhan Khaldun Mountain, believed to be the birthplace of Genghis Khan and the suspected location of his tomb..
The park is located northeast of the capital, Ulaanbaatar. It is an area rich in endemic fauna and flora, with the main river being the Tuul, whose waters eventually flow into Lake Baikal after joining the Selenge River.
The Tuul has many tributaries, and you will cross several of them during this trek.
The Khentii massif, like many other regions in Mongolia, is an ancient volcano. This tumultuous past has created extensive underground networks from which numerous mineral springs, including some hot and sulfuric ones, emerge.
In this rugged and remote part of Mongolia, we will guide you on a trek to the source of the Tuul River, discovering the mineral springs of the massif.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
- Reception at the airport and check-in at the hotel.** City tour of Ulaanbaatar.
We will visit Tsaïsan, a small Russo-Mongol memorial located on a hill offering a panoramic view of the entire city.
Ulaanbaatar, formerly known as Urga, is built on the banks of the Tuul River, named in honor of the son of a great Mongol lord.
The name Ulaanbaatar was given to the capital upon the proclamation of the People's Republic of Mongolia, meaning "Red Hero." The streets of the capital are particularly bustling in the summer, with constant activity, even late into the night.
The city is divided into several neighborhoods with diverse characteristics, and you can still see a few yurts in the city center. The growth of Ulaanbaatar is remarkable, and you will find all the modern conveniences in the capital.
City tours and visits will be tailored to your preferences and the season's possibilities.
On this first day, a guide/translator will be with you to provide an overview of Mongolian life, customs, dos and don'ts... essentially, a brief introduction for the rest of your stay.
Day 2: Departure to Khan Khentii National Park
- Arrival at Khar Uus and meeting with Tsoodo’s nomadic family
En route, you will stop at Tsonjin Boldog, the world’s largest equestrian statue. The statue of Chinggis Khaan, standing 40 meters tall, is located 55 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar. It represents Chinggis Khaan seated on his horse.
The statue faces east and offers a breathtaking view of the birthplace of Chinggis Khaan and the Khentii Mountains, where he honed his skills as a warrior and leader. It is possible to climb inside the statue and walk along the bridge at the top of the horse’s mane to admire the surroundings.
It’s a truly impressive sight.
Next, continue your journey to the small village of Erdene Soum, and then take the dirt tracks leading into the massif to reach Khar Uus, where Tsoodo’s family will have set up their summer camp.
Experience nomadic life and settle into your guest yurt..
Day 3: Trekking Begins
- First day of trekking to Baruun Bayan and Gunjiin Sum**
The itinerary follows the Tuul River through a vast green valley where many nomadic families reside. You'll see herds of cows, yaks, sheep, and horses grazing under the blue sky. Then, you'll head towards the Baruun Bayan Valley, where the river of the same name joins the Tuul River. From there, you will travel north, following this valley that narrows somewhat.
The terrain features wooded areas and marshlands before reaching Gunjiin Sum, the famous temple of the Manchu princess. The story of the temple dates back to 1969, when a Manchu princess came to the Khalkh region to marry Dondovdorj, a high-born Mongol, and thus become a queen. At that time, Manchu kings would often gift high-ranking Mongol lords with princesses to strengthen relations. Usually, the Manchu princess, once married, would be tasked with spying and reporting on palace events.
However, the Manchu princess in question, married to Mr. Dovdondorj, never reported back to the Manchu king because she genuinely loved her husband and was loyal to him. Before her death, she requested to be buried in Mongolia, as she had become Mongolian and wanted to remain beside her husband. After her death in 1740, her wish was fulfilled, and she was buried in Baruunbayan. Dondovdorj had this temple built in her honor to commemorate his love for his Manchu queen.
The temple is now known as Gunjiin Sum, literally "the Princess's Temple."
The trek involves flat terrain for about 10 km, followed by a gentle ascent for approximately 7 to 8 km. Overnight stay in a tent.
Day 4: Trekking
Today, the route will lead you to another small valley, Dund Bayan, which means "before the beautiful place." Continuing along, you'll reach the picturesque Zuun Bayan Valley, where a small source flows in a verdant valley surrounded by larch trees, spruces, birches, and other species. This source, known as Zuugiin, which means "bee," is renowned among nomads for its medicinal properties, particularly for treating intestinal issues. The name "bee" likely refers to the abundance of flowers in this wind-sheltered valley, which attract numerous bees.
In this remote area, where few venture and the grazing grass, nourished by several small springs, is lush, you can observe a rich wildlife including deer, roe deer, elk, hares, and their predators such as foxes, lynxes, wolves, and even bears. The campsite will be set up in this peaceful corner.
-- Itinerary: 18-20 km with gentle ascent, +150m elevation gain.
Day 5: Trekking
Today, you will descend towards the Tuul River, following its course upstream to reach the area known as Bulganii Bulan, where you'll set up camp near the river.
On either side of the valley, there are higher mountain ranges with several peaks, including the highest summit in the area, Altay Ugii, which rises to 2,650 meters.
- Itinerary: 18-20 km with gentle descent, -150m elevation loss.
Day 6: Trekking – Ascension of Altay Ugii (2,650m)
Today, you will tackle the ascent of Altay Ugii. You will be trekking light, as you will not need your full pack. The hike starts with a gentle slope through lush vegetation, then you will traverse a well-forested area before making your way to the summit to enjoy a stunning panorama.
Afterward, you will descend back to your camp by the Tuul River.
- Itinerary: 15 km with a vertical gain/loss of +900m / -900m
Day 7: Trekking
The itinerary will continue following the river, leading you to a small pass with a gentle ascent (+150m), where you'll reach a well-known spring among the nomads called Gutain Rashaan, or "the women's spring." Here, you can refill your water bottles and refresh yourself. This area is one of the wildest, with pastures, forests, and valleys teeming with wildlife.
You will then proceed to a new small valley, that of the Galtai River, where you will set up your camp for the night.
- Itinerary: Approximately 18/20 km, mostly flat.
Day 8: Trekking
Today, you will head to a new valley, that of Bulnai.
As you will notice, the valleys in Khenty, like everywhere else in Mongolia, are endless. Each major valley connects with smaller valleys and rivers, which are fed by smaller streams from other small valleys. This interconnected network of valleys and waterways provides ample adventure terrain and windows into the wildlife.
You will reach the valley of the Bulnai River, which stretches for another 25 km.
After a few kilometers in the valley, you'll arrive at another mineral spring, Shar Bulag, meaning "the yellow spring," likely named for the color of its waters as they emerge from the depths of the massif and pass through a peat layer.
This spring is also known for its therapeutic properties, valued by the nomads living in the lower valleys.
You will set up your tents for the night near the spring, surrounded by a wild landscape of steppes and forests, dominated by towering peaks.
- Itinerary: Approximately 18 km, almost flat.
Day 9: Trekking
We approach the end of your journey in the volcanic massif of Khenty. Today's trek includes crossing one last river, the Bayangol. You will then climb onto the ridge of the Baruun Tsuurain mountain massif before descending again into the Tuul River valley, where many nomadic families reside during the summer.
You will have the chance to meet these nomadic families and get a brief insight into their ancestral way of life, living in harmony with nature.
Your final campsite will be near one of the family's summer camps.
- Itinerary: Approximately 15 km, with a gentle elevation gain/loss of about +250m / -250m.
Day 10: Final Trekking Stage
This last trekking day will bring you closer to the nomadic camp of Tsodo.
You'll traverse increasingly abundant pastures with growing numbers of livestock. Arrive at Tsodo’s summer camp in the afternoon for an authentic “nomadic” evening with the entire team.
- Distance: 18 km, flat terrain.
Day 11: Return to Ulaanbaatar
Travel back to Ulaanbaatar and check into your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon until the traditional music concert at around 6 PM.
Day 12: International Flight
Departure for your international flight.
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