Discovery of Mongolia by train? It is a cheapest and ecological way to discover this vast country of steppes and mountains. On the unique railway which crosses the country from north to south, you will go to conquest the mythical Gobi Desert and the central steppes of Mongolia, aboard of Mongolian trains that the rhythm will leave you all the time to admire the change of the landscape. Except the discovering of Mongolian beautiful nature, this trip will offer you a real opportunity to encounter the inhabitants of this country, whether it is in the corridors of the train or in a yurt. We shall indeed take a time to stopover in a nomadic family for 2 days in order to share their everyday life. Ancient steles, petroglyphs, Buddhist monasteries … Such historic sites are also included in the program as well as the observation of endangered animals which find refuge in the natural reserves either the discovery of fossilized dinosaur bones, perfectly preserved by the continental climate of the Gobi Desert.
Finally, you will have the leisure to gallop through the vast Mongolian steppes, with the accompaniment of Mongolian proud riders.
This journey of 10 days, original and comfortable by its mode of transport, will also allow you to appreciate totally the various cultural heritages of Ulan Bator, the young Mongolian capital.

Day 1: Ulan-bator
Reception at the airport by our team. Transfer to the hotel. After lunch, we go to explore Ulan-bator, an amazing city. This Soviet-style city still marked by its history is very much alive today. At the crossroads of Eastern and Western influences, it seems in transition between communist and capitalist economy, nomadic and sedentary lifestyle. Visits of National Museum of History and of Gandan Monastery, the largest religious center of Mongolia, will provide a clear historical and cultural basis for exploring the country. Evening at the national academy for a traditional songs and dances performance.

Night: in a guesthouse, lunch at restaurant

Day 2: Ulan-Bator – Shivee Ovoo
In the morning (9:50),  we will take the train on the legendary Trans-Mongolian railway. By the rhythm of the train which moves slowly, we will have al the opportunity to observe how the landscape changes from a mountainous steppe area to a desert area. We go off at the Shivee-Gobi station, where our driver awaits us. A short road on car, will bring us to the Ikh Nart Natural Reserve.

Night: in tent,  7 h on train, 3- 4 h of drive

Day 3: Ikh Nart
We will spend this day for the exploration of the Ikh Nart Natural Reserve. The reserve is established, in order to protect wildlife of the Gobi Desert. This reserve is created around a valley, which is the only elevated area of the region, where wild animals can find water source. We will have the leisure to see rare animals such as: the ibex, lynx, wild ass, wild goat and birds such as eagles and vultures. In addition to wildlife observation, we can also discover some historic sites such as petroglyphs and ancient tombs.

Night: in tent, 4-6 h of hike

Day 4: Ikh Nart – Khamriin Khiid – Burdene Bulag
Today, after a short road to the south, we will reach Sainshand, the capital of the Dornogobi (East Gobi) province. Then we will arrive at the Khamriin Khiid monastery. This monastery which was the center of Nyingma, one of the oldest four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, in Mongolia, is recognized today by the Mongolians, as an energy center.  Many Mongolians come here on pilgrimage.  The monastery which is perfectly integrated in its natural environment is full of surprises. In the afternoon, we shall reach the majestic sand dune Burdene Bulag.

Night: in tent, 4-6 h of drive, 2-3 h of hike

Day 5: Burdene Bulag – Sain shand – Ulan-Bator
Burdene Bulag sand dune is one of the most interesting natural secrets that the Gobi Desert preserves us.  Here we will find indeed large and small dunes interspersed by several small lakes.  This is an ideal place to have a time for relaxation. The dune is known for its ability to cure diseases and there is a spa facility treats with the oil sands.  Possibility to do a camel riding.
In the afternoon, we return to Sainshand in order to catch our train to Ulan-bator.  

Night: on train (sleeping couch with 4 beds), 3-4 h of drive

Day 6: Ulan-Bator - Erdenet
We will arrive at Ulan-Bator in the morning and as we will take another train in the evening, we have plenty of time to visit Ulan-Bator. First, we will go to the Zaisan Memorial, located on a hill in the south of the city, it offers a nice panoramic view over the city. Then we will visit the winter palace of Bogd Khan, the last emperor and religious leader of Mongolia. In the afternoon, possibility to visit  Naran Tuul market, Grand Bazaar, where we can find everything. In the evening, we will take another train, which will take us, this time, to the central steppes of Mongolia. (20:20 -08:00 +1)  

Night: on train (sleeping couch with 4 beds), lunch and dinner at restaurant

Day 7: Erdenet – Encampment of nomads
Your driver will meet you upon your arrival at the railway station of Erdenet, the second biggest city of Mongolia. Then we will begin our adventure across the vast central steppe of Mongolia. Soon, we will be greeted by our 1st nomadic family.  We will spend the afternoon with our hosts. Those who wish can participate in various daily tasks of herding: treat animals, accompanying herds to pasture, and manufacture of dairy products and so on. In this way, we can understand the real life of Mongolian herders and to discover their pleasures such as their constraints.

Night: in yurt of host family,  3-4 h of drive

Day 8:  Erdenet – Uran Togoo
We will continue our journey across the vast Mongolian steppes to reach the natural site of Uran and Togoo. The site presents unique landscapes because of the fertility of its volcanic soil. In the afternoon, a short hike will allow us to reach the crater of extinct volcanoes Uran.  (1687 m)

Night: in yurt of host family, 3-4 h of drive, 2-3 h of hike

Day 9: Uran Togoo
Let’s saddle up our horses! We gallop as proud Mongolian riders through the vast steppes of Mongolia. Galloping through its endless green plains you will feel the immensity that the great warriors of the time aspired.  
Night: in yurt of host family, 4-6 h of horse riding

Day 10: Uran Togoo – Amarbayasgalant
Today an important Buddhist architectural treasure awaits us: Amarbayasgalant Khiid, the "monastery of tranquil bliss." This Chinese-style building was erected in the eighteenth century by a Manchu emperor. The Buddhist center was particularly alive and had several monastic colleges when it's flourishing period. It is one of the few survivors of the great religious repression of the 1937. In the evening we will get on our train which will bring us back to Ulan-Bator.  Arrival at 07:10 (+1)