The Trail of Genghis Khan

After breakfast, we will board off-road vehicles. The trip will take about 5 hours, on the way we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we reach Karakorum, the capital of the Mongol Empire, founded as a war camp by Genghis Khan in 1220. The entire site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also visit the largest and one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Mongolia, the Erdenedzuu chijd, built in the 16th century. The monastery grounds are surrounded by 108 sacred stupas, symbolizing enlightenment. We spend the night near Karakorum, in a tourist gers.

In the morning we say goodbye to the Karakorum and set off in 4×4 vehicles to the beautiful Orchon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We have about 150 kilometers to cover that day, which will take about 4-5 hours. We head along the river, admire the overwhelming green pastures and summer camps of nomadic shepherds. In the second half of the day, we reach the family, where we join the daily activities. Our main task is to build a ger according to traditional methods, where we will then spend the night.

On this day, we saddle up our horses and head out into the steppe. A light ride awaits us, about 15 km, and our destination is the breathtaking Ulaan Tsutgalaan waterfall. Its creation dates back to more than 20,000 years ago, caused by a volcanic eruption and an earthquake. The water here falls from nearly 20 meters directly onto the black rocks. If the sun shines then small rainbows often form at the foot of the waterfall. In the afternoon, we return to the Mongolian family and spend the night again in the ger. Khorkhog is planned as part of dinner.

After breakfast we set off on our way. About 40 km in the saddle awaits us. The trail leads along the mountain range up to the 17th century Buddhist monastery of Tövkhön. It was here that Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar, one of the most important spiritual leaders in the country’s history and the first Javidhandamba (head of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia), created the soyombo script used to write the Mongolian language. According to legend, Zanabazar saw luminous signs in the sky, wrote them down and then turned them into an alphabet. The monastery buildings are located at an altitude of 2312 meters above sea level and offer a magnificent panorama of Khangay. In the evening we set up camp surrounded by nature and sleep in tents.

This day we again have 40 kilometers to cover. We cross the Tsagaan Sum River and gradually venture into less settled areas. The trail leads through the endless steppe, with mountains visible on the horizon. This is an ideal place for long gallops. A mid-day stopover is scheduled. In the afternoon we reach our destination, the Dutut hills, at the foot of which we will pitch our tents.

After breakfast, we continue our journey, our today’s section is 40 km. The trail takes us further and further north. Soon after setting off we enter the Tsenkher district. Long gallops through the steppe await us, but we will also cross a nearby mountain range. In the late afternoon we will reach a bend in the river, where we will let the horses cool off. Here we set up camp. We sleep in tents.

We are moving towards the town of Cecerleg, the capital of the ajmak (province). The origins of the settlement date back to the 17th century and are associated with the construction of the Lamai monastery Dzajyn chüree, unfortunately destroyed by the communists in the 20th century. The area is slowly becoming more populated, there will be an opportunity to visit a Mongolian family and drink ajrag (kumys). In total we will cover about 40 km. Overnight again in tents, surrounded by nature.

After breakfast we proceed on our way, the route is about 40 km. Our destination this day is Taikhar Chuluu, or Taikhar Rock. It is a 20-meter high formation on the banks of the Choid Tamir River in Ikhtamir Soum. It is covered with 150 types of writing in many different languages and from different periods (runic script, Sogdian, Uyghur, Mongolian, Nangiadz, Tibetan). The oldest is runic writing, associated with the Turkish period in the 6th and 7th centuries. A owoo, or place of worship, was placed on top of the rock. Since 1994, the rock has been under protection. In the evening we camp near the town of Ikh Tamir.

On this day, the longest stretch awaits us – 50 km. The terrain becomes flatter, as if made for long, fast gallops. Along the way we will encounter many herds and shepherds’ settlements. In the late afternoon we will reach a bend in the river, where we can take a swim, if there are amateurs of the chilly water. Overnight in tents.

Gradually we are entering more and more populated areas. The region is famous for having the largest number of yak herds in all of Mongolia. Our stretch today is 45 kilometers. We will gallop to the town of Ondor Ulaan, where we will refill our supplies. Then we set off again into the wilderness, towards the Chuluut Gol River flowing restlessly along the canyon floor. Our camp is planned in the shade of the scenic cliffs.

Ahead of us again is a 45 km route. We move at a brisk pace and soon reach the foot of Mount Khorgo, an extinct volcano. The landscape changes completely, the route leads through vast fields of lava solidified eight thousand years ago. Here we leave the horses in a safe place and set out to hike up the slopes of the volcano. Our goal is the summit (2210 meters above sea level), which offers a unique view. On the horizon looms the pearl of Mongolia – one of the country’s most beautiful reservoirs: Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, called the White Lake. We reach its shore in the afternoon. Overnight – for the last time – in tents.

In the morning we say goodbye to the horses and head east. We have 370 kilometers to drive, which will take about 6 hours. We will stop near Khogno Khan to admire the remarkable granite formations. It is worth mentioning that Khogno Khan mountain itself has been considered sacred since prehistoric times, and sacrificial ceremonies are still held there today. We will also visit Elsen Tasarkhai, known as Little Gobi. It is a range of sand dunes stretching for about 80 kilometers. Here we will enjoy a one-hour ride on Bactrian camels. We spend the night nearby, in an extremely picturesque location. This time we are accommodated in eco-friendly ger.

After an early breakfast, we get into our cars and set out on the road back to Ulaanbaatar. We have 250 kilometers ahead of us. On the way, we stop at Khustai National Park, where we embark on a hike. Our goal is to find and see a herd of the world’s last wild horses, the Przewalski’s horses. In the late afternoon we check into the hotel, the rest of the day is free time. We can go on a souvenir hunt together. We eat dinner in the city at a restaurant of our choice. Overnight at the hotel.

This is the day to return home. The entire group will be driven to the airport,