Mongolia — Life on the Steppe

Arrival & Discovering Mongolia's Capital

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, where the group is met by their guide and transferred into the city. After settling into the accommodation, visit the Chinggis Khaan Museum for an overview of Mongolian history, empire and identity, followed by a walk through Sukhbaatar Square to see the civic heart of modern Mongolia. The evening brings a traditional music and dance performance and a welcome dinner.

Journey to the Orkhon Valley

Travel out of the city into the Mongolian countryside towards the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cradle of Mongolian civilisation, passing sweeping grasslands and volcanic formations. On arrival, meet a local yak-herding family, sample homemade dairy products and learn about daily life on the steppe. A gentle walk leads to the Ulaantsutgalan Waterfall, set among basalt cliffs. Overnight in a traditional ger.

Kharakhorum: Empires, Monasteries & Living Crafts

Continue to Kharakhorum, once the capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit the local museum to understand the city's historical importance, then explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia's oldest Buddhist temple complex, built on the ruins of the ancient capital. In the afternoon, work with local artisans in a hands-on felt-making workshop, learning how traditional crafts combine creativity, practicality and survival in nomadic life.

Travel east through changing landscapes, stopping at Khognokhan Nature Reserve where granite mountains meet open steppe, then on to the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. Meet camel herders and take a camel ride across the dunes, with lunch a traditional Mongolian hot-stone barbecue illustrating communal nomadic cooking. In the afternoon, arrive at Khustai National Park, home to the rare Takhi wild horses, learn about conservation work and hike in search of wildlife. Overnight in an eco-camp within the park.

Begin with time outdoors in the vast Mongolian landscape before arriving at the Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center in the early afternoon for an immersive cultural programme. Visit Mongolian and Kazakh nomad families, taste traditional foods, observe camel and ox-cart transport and experience folk music and singing. A live eagle-hunting demonstration is followed by horseback riding across the valley, a traditional calligraphy workshop and time to reflect on nomadic values of community, resilience and harmony with nature.

Travel to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, the largest of its kind in the world, with panoramic views from the viewing platform across surrounding mountains and river valleys. Return to Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon with time for souvenir shopping, from felt crafts to cashmere, before a farewell dinner and reflection on the trip.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return departure.