mongolia horseback riding tour

Choose from 6 trips in Mongolia

Mongolia is a unique area of unsurpassed geographical and human diversity, with forest, desert, steppe and lake lands populated by over 15 distinct ethnic groups. join us on a horseback riding adventure in mongolia to experience this culture first hand and from the saddle..

Horses are deeply embedded within Mongolia’s culture; they are an indication of a man’s wealth. The pace of life is governed by the speed of the horse and horses are woven into Mongolian song, verse and history. Infants are taught to ride before they walk, and a young man’s prowess is measured by his skill as a horseman.

There is a great deal of wildlife in the country to include the Argali sheep, snow leopard, Gobi bear, brown bear, Siberian Ibex, the indigenous bactrian camel (two humped), wolverines, wolves, gazelle and flocks of birds such as rare pelicans, eagles, storks and woodpeckers.

This offers an ideal setting for a small adventurous group to experience a way of life unchanged since the days of the Golden Horde, when Ghengis Khan’s “devil horsemen” created the largest empire the world has ever known.

An English-speaking, native Mongolian guide will accompany the group at all times.  A cook will accompany the camp gear.  In addition, the services of local herdsmen will be hired along with their animals.  The horsemen come from local families who follow a traditional lifestyle in the area where you will be riding.

  Peak Season

June, July , August

  Quiet Season

May, September

  Timezone in Mongolia

  international airports.

Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Ulaanbaatar

Climate in Mongolia

Mongolia is a land of weather extremes. The winters can be arctic, to the point where there may be snow in the Gobi Desert as late as April. In the northern region of Lake Khovsgol, July and August can bring hot sunny days, drenching rain, wind, and below-freezing temperatures – sometimes all in one day. Especially at the higher elevations, the permafrost creates wetlands, ponds and boggy areas. In general, days in July and August average 52º F. It is also the wettest time, and you should be prepared for rain.

  Average Temperature

90 °F » 40 °F

Browse 6 Trips in the destination Mongolia

Spirit of the Reindeer Herders

Location: Mongolia

Duration: 16 nights

On horseback you journey deep into the taiga-forest area and make contact with the unique Tsaatan people, nomadic reindeer herdsmen. There are only 30-40 herding families still living this... Read more

Starting at $5,680 / per person

Mongolian Classic with Naadam Festival

Duration: 12 nights

This horse riding trek in Mongolia combines the lush beauty of the Blue Khentii Mountain, the austere landscape of the Gobi Desert, and the colorful Naadam Festival. The mountains... Read more

Starting at $5,015 / per person

Mongolian Classic Trek

Duration: 10 nights

This horse riding trek in Mongolia combines the austere landscape of the Gobi Desert and the lush beauty of the Blue Khentii Mountain. The mountains of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park... Read more

Starting at $4,245 / per person

Karakorum with Naadam Festival

Duration: 13 nights

This horseback riding holiday in Mongolia will take you through the Khangai Mountain range in the central region, which is drained by some of Mongolia’s mightiest rivers, including the... Read more

Starting at $4,015 / per person

Karakorum Ride

Ride through the Khangai Mountain range in the central region, which is drained by some of Mongolia’s mightiest rivers, including the Orkhon. For thousands of years the Orkhon and... Read more

Starting at $3,325 / per person

Mongol Horse Trails

This well-designed trek introduces a concept of practical and desirable travel. You will live with the horses and the camel carts in the great outdoors, choosing the life of... Read more

Starting at $2,550 / per person

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The guide was outstanding.  Excellent presentation of meals.  There were comfortable long trots and canters on wonderful little horses.

Marjorie Julian, 2008

Related Articles

Read articles related to mongolia.

A Step into Mongolia and Back in Time

Posted on: Friday, February 1st, 2013

Horseback Riding in Mongolia Ask anyone who has spent much time in Mongolia, and they will confirm that seeing the country from the back of a horse is by far the best viewpoint, and in fact the only means of transportation that makes any... Read more

Mongolia without horses? Unimaginable!

Posted on: Monday, October 16th, 2006

Ellen, from the Equitours office, was lucky enough to visit Mongolia in 2006. This remote country still has a heavy reliance on the horse, making the partnership between rider and horse a unique experience. Here is Ellen’s account of this amazing relationship. “The one... Read more

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horse riding mongolia

Your Mongolian adventure starts here

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MONGOLIAN HORSE

Mongolian horseback riding tours company.

Mongolian horses are native to the steppes of Mongolia. Over many centuries, their position in Mongolian nomads’ daily lives has remained largely unchanged. Mongolia’s horse population outnumbers the human population. Horses live outside all year, in temperatures ranging from 30 degrees Celsius in the summer to-40 degrees Celsius in the winter, and they graze and hunt for food on their own. Horses are used for both riding and transport. They are used by nomads for both everyday work and horse racing. Airag, a common national beverage, is made from mare’s milk. Mongolians have a high regard for their horses, and they are given a higher status. Mongolian horses were crucial to the Mongolian Empire’s conquests in the 13th century. “A Mongol without a horse is like a bird without wings,” as the saying goes.

Mongolia has the world’s longest and most difficult horse race, which is officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. Mongolians compete in horse races almost every year, with the exception of the winter months. The biggest and most exciting one, however, takes place during the Naadam Festival. Horses are divided into six groups based on their age. The distance of the race varies depending on the age group: two-year-old horses race 10-12 kilometers, stallions race 23 kilometers on average, and seven-year-old horses race 25-26 kilometers.

Horse jockeys are children between the ages of 5 and 12. Because of the long distances that horses must travel, jockeys tend to be light, small, and experienced. Horse jockeys are responsible for inspiring, encouraging, and raising the spirits of their horses during races by singing a song called “Giingoo.”

Until Naadam, both horses and jockeys go through months of intensive training. Horses are fed a special diet, cared for with tenderness, and loved.  The first five horses and jockeys in the race are rewarded and revered. Mongolians claim that touching the winning horse’s sweat would bring them good fortune.

Itineraries

Horseriding tours to gunjiin sum temple (5 days), destination, horseriding tour to khagiin khar nuur (7 days).

Guaranteed Departure

Horsebackriding Expedition to Northern Mongolia (9 days)

Horsebackriding tour in tsambagarav mountain (10 days).

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Canoeing kayaking in mongolia.

Self Driving Tours in Mongolia

Trekking in mongolia.

Transsiberian Train

Sightseeing tours.

Winter Tours in Mongolia

Mongolian Pictures

Spiritual Tours in Mongolia

Camel riding in mongolia, mongolian festivals.

Mongolian Fly Fishing

Bird watching tours in mongolia, cycling tours in mongolia, luxury travel in mongolia.

Volunteering Mongolia

MONGOLIAN dot TRAVEL

• Mongolian dot Travel, the opposite of Ulaanbaatar Railway Station, Teeverchid Street, Bayangol District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• (+976) 9953 82 95
• [email protected]

Social Networks

Horseriding adventure trip to otgontenger mountain (11 days), horseriding trek to khorgo-terkhiin tsagaan nuur region (11 days), horseriding trip in kharkhiraa mountain (12 days), extreme horseriding tour in tavan bogd national park (12 days), along horseriding trails with tsaatan people in khovsgol (12 days), khuisiin naiman nuur horsebackriding tour (14 days).

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Golden Eagle Festival Mongolia 2024 -2025 Locally enjoyed festival

Horse Riding Mongolia – A journey off the beaten track

Horse Archery Mongolia 2024 Tour

Winter Reindeer Herders Mongolia – Dukha Adventure Tour

Tailor-Made Tours Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar City Tour

• Destinations
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• Date: August 1 - October 1
• Duration: 15-days 14-nights
• Group size: 1 to 12 PAX
• Tour price: 3800 to 1900 USD
• Activity level: Moderate to Challenging
• Accommodation: Tented camp, Hotel, Tee-pee, Ger camp
• Transportation: Domestic flights, Local Vehicle, Mongolian horse

This Horse riding Mongolia journey offers stunning picturesque destinations you can enjoy while riding your trusted steeds through beautiful Northern Mongolia. We will ride through the colorful valleys and hills of the Darkhad Depression, rich with hundreds of freshwater lakes and rivers. Spend your nights under the starry open night sky of Mongolia with your tented camp surrounded by the wilderness.

Immerse yourself in Mongolian culture while staying with the Dukha Tsaatan reindeer herders tribe at their autumn camp in the Taiga and enjoy the hospitality of a local nomad herder family.

Charming Mongolian horses are capable of great speed and endurance on different terrains, both mountain and steppe roads. And these horses will be your trusted companions for the duration of your journey around the wilderness of Mongolia.

View Horseback Riding Tour Mongolia close up here. Create your adventure of a lifetime with Nomadic Trails!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Epic scenery of the southern edge of Siberia

Mongolian Horseback riding along beautiful lakes, stunning pine tree mountains, and open big meadows.

Visit a local nomadic family with horses and other livestock.

Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Reindeer tribe of the Taiga

Being part of “Everyday life activities of Nomads ” such as making diary products.

Explore ancient rock carvings sites and historical sites!

Wildlife spotting at all our destinations rich with fauna.

BRIEF TOUR ITINERARY

Day-1 Ulaanbaatar City

Day-2 Ulaanbaatar / Murun Town / Khuvsgul Lake

Day-3 Har Us Spring

Day-4 Har Us Spring – Mogoit River

Day-5 Mogoit River – Jaraahai River

Day-6 Jaraahai River – Sharga River Valley

Day-7 Sharga River Valley – Hogorog River Valley

Day-8 Khogorog River Valley – East Taiga / Reindeer Tribe Camp

Day-9 East Taiga / Reindeer Tribe Camp – Hogorog River Valley

Day-10 Dood Tsenher Lake – Tsagaan Nuur Town

Day-11 Tsagaan Nuur Town – Hogiin River

Day-12 Hogiin River – Bayan Mountain

Day-13 Bayan Mountain – Murun Town

Day-14 Murun Town – Ulaanbaatar

Day-15 International Departure

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

Day-1 ULAANBAATAR CITY

This day is our international arrival day. Depending on your arrival time we can visit the National history museum with priceless treasures of Mongolian history. We will also visit and explore the main square of Ulaanbaatar city called Sukhbaatar square located a short walking distance away from our hotel. An authentic folk concert is available in the evening. Welcome dinner. Hotel/L,D/

Day-2 ULAANBAATAR / MURUN TOWN / KHUVSGUL LAKE

This morning we transfer to the airport and take a flight to Murun town, the center of Khuvsgul province in the northern parts of Mongolia. It takes 1 hour. Here, we visit the town and supermarket for some snacks and refreshments and drive to Khuvsgul Lake. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-3 HAR US SPRING

Today we meet our horses and ride along the shores of Khuvsgul Lake. This amazing lake is the deepest lake in Mongolia. We begin our journey by adjusting to the horse riding tempo as well as getting used to our short-stature Mongolian horses. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-4 HAR US SPRING – MOGOIT RIVER

After breakfast we start riding deep into the mountain valleys, crossing rivers as we make our way slowly towards the Jigleg Pass. With our vehicles departing before us we will travel with our horses and our one-day worth of supplies. Tonight we’ll set up camp next to a small river just before the pass. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-5 MOGOIT RIVER – JARAAHAI RIVER

This morning after a hearty breakfast, we will start our way towards and through the Darkhad Depression. This amazing ecologically unique location is rich with hundreds of freshwater lakes and rivers. We ride through the Siberian Taiga, the forested area of Mongolia. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-6 JARAAHAI RIVER – SHARGA RIVER VALLEY

On this day we will continue our journey riding through the Darkhad depression with countless mountains and flower valleys as our horse riding scenery. We will set our camp near the Sharga river valley for the night.

Night horse riding can only be done if conditions are met and interest warrants. Night riding is an interesting aspect of horse riding as we can ride horses under the billions of stars of the sky! Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-7 SHARGA RIVER VALLEY – HOGOROG RIVER VALLEY

Continuing through the beautiful Darkhad depression this day we will visit a nomadic family with livestock in Hogorog River Valley. Be a part of the locals’ culture. For the night, we will be staying in Ger – a Mongolian traditional dwelling, built by the local family. Ger stay /B,L,D/

Day-8 KHOGOROG RIVER VALLEY – EAST TAIGA / REINDEER TRIBE CAMP

Our day starts early, riding towards Taiga, the region where part of the Tsaachin or Reindeer communities lives. You will be introduced to the amazing world of the reindeer-herding people, talking with the local people and understanding their local culture and how they have managed to maintain such a traditional way of life for so long.

Spend this day staying amongst the Tsaachin people and experience their everyday life. Learn of their unique traditions such as milking reindeer and processing milk products like cheese. Tee-pee /B,L,D/

Day-9 EAST TAIGA / REINDEER TRIBE CAMP – HOGOROG RIVER VALLEY

After saying our farewell to the tribe people, we start our journey back to the Hogorog river valley while taking in the beauty of the larch forest and wildflower patches. We continue our riding journey farther to Dood Tsenher Lake and set out our camp for the night. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-10 DOOD TSENHER LAKE – TSAGAAN NUUR TOWN

This morning we’ll ride to see the ancient petroglyphs found in this region. Picnic lunch near a channel connecting two big lakes, one of which is Dood Lake, the other Deed Lake. We then continue our ride to Tsagaan Nuur town, the northern-most town of Mongolia. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-11 TSAGAAN NUUR TOWN – HOGIIN RIVER

After breakfast we ride along the mountains, passing through a rich valley of animals including sheep and goats, yaks, cows, and horses. After a picnic lunch, we continue riding to Hogiin River valley near which we set out our camping for the night. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-12 HOGIIN RIVER – BAYAN MOUNTAIN

Today we’ll ride out and head into the mountains that overlook the lake. We make our way slowly to the top of the pass while enjoying the incredible views. We then ride to the canyon of Ar Bosgot or heaven door as locals call it. Arriving at our camp, we’ll say goodbye to our trusted horses. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-13 BAYAN MOUNTAIN – MURUN TOWN

Today, we start our drive via two passes to Murun town after breakfast. From the two passes, we will stop at one, where at the 13 Ovoo or the shamanic offering place we can offer some rice or milk for a good journey back. Driving further we return to Murun town and stay at a local hotel overnight. Local hotel /B,L,D/

Day-14 MURUN TOWN – ULAANBAATAR

Early start with breakfast and drive to Murun town to take an internal flight to Ulaanbaatar. We transfer to the hotel and free afternoon with some souvenir shopping and more. With a farewell dinner, we conclude our horse riding journey through Mongolia. Hotel /B,L,D/

Day-15 INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

We will transfer you to your international departure.

HORSE RIDING MONGOLIA TOUR GALLERY

what's included

• All meals mentioned accordingly /"B"-breakfast, "L"-lunch, "D"-dinner/
• All transportation mentioned
• Local domestic flight if mentioned
• All accommodation listed
• Professional Tour Leader/Guide - English speaking
• Airport transfers
• Staff meals, accommodation and other expenses where applicable
• Entrance fees to museums, concerts, monasteries, national parks included in the itinerary. /Road charges for tourists, staff, and vehicles are also included/

• Single rooming supplement
• International flights and cost for visas
• Inoculations and personal insurances
• Video recording or photography fees at sights
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses

Tour reviews and testimonials

• Continue reading...

Very professional guiding in what you ever could want. Horse driving, driving trough landscapes, hiking, … it is organised on the most comfortable way as possible.

A Trip with Tulga is more than amazing. He knows every corner of his country and loves to share every aspect of it. He has a large contact list and is very welcome in every community. And wherever you put your tent, you will be astonished of the beauty of the scenery.

With Nomadic Trails it is easy going travelling because they take care of everything you ever could need on your trip.

So planning a trip to Mongolia? Don’t forget to contact Nomadic Trails. They will propose an itinirary on your level and expectations so it will be a once in a lifetime experience you’ll never forget.

I visited Mongolia 3 times now and planning to go next year again, offcourse with Tulga and his crew.

We had a wonderful guide Tulga fluent in English and looking after every detail as well as arranging unforgettable visits with Mongolian families to horse riding to taiga. We took a road trip without roads from Ulaanbaatar to the taiga visiting the nomadic people who lives with a reindeers. Amazing sceneries that any photos cannot fully describe! It was amazing! We really got a first hand appreciation of the nomadic way of life and a chance to see incredible Mongolian scenery as well as herds of reindeers, horses, yaks, sheep and goats. And not only about the drive to the countryside, the culture, the food and the gers, but also about the people we met. During our journey into deep countryside into a wilderness, our guides the Nomadic trails team settled beautiful lunch tables on open air, sometimes near to beautiful river, sometimes in a highlands, or woods. And food was amazing! We felt safe, happy and nourished! They was patient and helpful throughout our trip. I’m so happy and grateful to Nomadic trails for having one of the best journeys in my life!

So we had the perfect balance of being safe, whilst having a extremely exciting adventure in rugged, remote Mongolia.

I highly recommend Nomadic Trails. I was slightly hesitant to go to horse trekking in Mongolia because it is quite remote and could end up being a lousy holiday if you had a badly run tour and poor quality horses. I was recommended Nomadic Trails by a friend who had been on five trips with this company.

The Mongolian culture and people was such a pleasure. I have had several of my own horses over the years, and I have to say none have been as awesome as my Mongolia horse, he had so much personality and was a gun, so much fun to ride! Riding through Mongolia was an experience I will never forget. The country is spectacular and vast, photos and video could never do it justice, you have to see for yourself.

I am hoping to go back on another tour with Nomadic Trials again for sure. Five stars is well deserved for this crew. Definitely choose Nomadic Trails.

We spent 10 days camping with the horses in western Mongolia with a couple of days in Bayan-Ulgii and Ulanbataar. I have so many amazing memories of this trip.

Tulga, our guide, and our support crew were outstanding and we always felt very safe and well looked after. Our cook was very good. I became especially fond of Tulga and Bolat (our horseman) Tulga is friendly and funny, and Bolat was shy, but oh so cheeky once I got to know him!

We had two novice riders, with myself and another being experienced riders. Our horses were supplied by the first family we met in the Bayan-Ulgii countryside. They were exceptionally well cared for and very well behaved. These mongol horses are incredible and temperaments outstanding. They were very well picked in nature for our traveling members.

I nicknamed my horse Constable Care (Aussie joke) and he definitely lived up to his name. He was very careful and did a great job looking after me. He was so tolerant of me plaiting him up like a show pony, and not a bite or kick in him. The support crew played a joke and did his mane up in the traditional manner the next day we rode out!

My favourite memory of Constable Care was on our last day with the horses. Our novice riders walked behind with Bolat, while Tulga, myself and our other experienced rider galloped back to our first family. After riding to our slowest members, it was great to stretch our legs. Constable Care was amazingly fast.

What a way for a character building adventure! We went after peak tourist season, so the weather was a little more unpredictable, but still quite tolerable. So many fond memories, from 17 sleeping in a family Ger, tasting mares milk in the street of Bayan-ulgii, admiring Bronze Age rock art, watching a late season small town nadaam festival, our horseman singing for us, ice cream and beer on a dry day, museums, haggling for art in chiggis khan square and shopping in UB. All in the increiable landscape of Mongolia and the Altai mountains.

My wind horse was definitely reinvigorated and Mongolia is calling to me. When the time is right I will be contacting Tulga and Nomadic Trails again.

hopping on our horses to go to the Tsaatan reindeer tribe, then finally staying at one of the best camps in Murun. Everything was so well-organized. Noteworthy is Tulga’s relationship with the tribe, which is an important consideration when we were planning this trip as we want to be as respectful as possible to the tribe for them not to feel uneasy during our stay. Our group was delighted to have raw and authentic Mongolian experience without having to sacrifice comfort – we had delicious food, great accommodation and comfortable transportation all throughout our trip – thanks to the incredible team of Nomadic Trails!

expectations and we went back for another trip the next year. The culture, food, horses and especially the country were wonderful. We highly recommend Nomadic Trails if you want to see real Mongolia.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS TOUR?

• TOUR DESTINATIONS

Packing tips, horse riding equipment:

Bring good quality riding boots, rain jackets, riding gloves, and windproof jackets among others. No need to bring a saddle or bridles. Because we provide comfortable western-type saddles, and horses are taken good care of by our horse guide.

You can also bring the following for your own comfort and usage:

• Your own helmet (we do offer them in case our travelers do not bring theirs).
• Small-sized saddle bag for a water bottle and other accessories.
• Saddle pads

There are mosquitoes near rivers or lakes in the evenings in the Northern parts of Mongolia. Therefore, a mosquito spray, which is very effective, is highly advised.

Horse riding and riding time for Horseback Riding Tour Mongolia:

We have successfully organized our horse riding to the Taiga with travelers who have never ridden a horse before. Don’t worry, you will have full detailed instructions from your Tour Leader on how to ride a horse, how to sit on the saddle, hold the reins, and more. All of our team members are trained in First aid, so we are capable of giving you first aid and taking you to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. But as the ground is mossy and soft and you follow the instructions from your horse guide, there is a very small chance of you getting injured.

There are of course horse-riding time limits per day. Each day will be a bit different from another, depending on the local weather. A broad estimate for your expectation would be anything from 2-8 hours including breaks and meal stops. There will be activities where we stop at local herdsmen or sightseeing that still counted in as riding hours.

Don’t want to ride a horse but still wish to travel with your group?

A wide variety of choices will be open to you should you choose to pass on horse-riding while your friends or group-mates go horse riding. For example, our destinations allow activities such as fishing, photo shooting, and hiking through the mountains. You only need to contact us.

Tented trip food:

Our professional expedition chef will be preparing both Mongolian and European cuisine for you. Depending on the itinerary of the day for example with lengthy driving, we will also be eating a packed lunch. Please don’t forget to write in our passenger list about your dietary requirements and allergies. We will be providing you with mineral water, tea, and brewed coffee, but soda and juice will not be provided.

Reindeer related information:

Reindeer produce very little milk, so you cannot purchase it. But not to worry, you can still drink reindeer milk tea made by a local reindeer family. Some families with many reindeer sell cheese, so when you meet such families you can ask them to buy some.

After we ask the owner first, we can also ride a reindeer for a short amount of time.

Domestic local flight:

The baggage allowance for a domestic flight in Mongolia is 15kgs in total: 10kg for check-in luggage and 5kg for hand luggage. For extra luggage, you pay 3000-5000 Tugriks (local currency) per extra kilogram.

Tour guide and Leader:

Certified English-speaking experienced Tour Leaders and Tour guides will be your friend and close partner for the duration of the trip and even after your departure. All Nomadic Trails team members have been trained personally by Nomadic Trails experts and the Mongolian Professional Tour Guide Association.

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• August 9, 2023

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Horseback Riding Tour in Mongolia

Date and Pricing

This Horse riding Mongolia journey offers stunning picturesque destinations you can enjoy while riding your trusted steeds through beautiful Northern Mongolia. We will ride through the colorful valleys and hills of the Darkhad Depression, rich with hundreds of freshwater lakes and rivers. Spend your nights under the starry open night sky of Mongolia with your tented camp surrounded by the wilderness.

Immerse yourself in Mongolian culture while staying with the Dukha Tsaatan reindeer herders tribe at their autumn camp in the Taiga and enjoy the hospitality of a local nomad herder family.

Charming Mongolian horses are capable of great speed and endurance on different terrains, both mountain and steppe roads. And these horses will be your trusted companions for the duration of your journey around the wilderness of Mongolia.

• Epic scenery of the southern edge of Siberia
• Mongolian Horseback riding along beautiful lakes, stunning pine tree mountains, and open big meadows.
• Visit a local nomadic family with horses and other livestock.
• Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Reindeer tribe of the Taiga
• Being part of “Everyday life activities of Nomads ” such as making diary products.
• Explore ancient rock carvings sites and historical sites!
• Wildlife spotting at all our destinations rich with fauna.

Day-1 ULAANBAATAR CITY

This day is our international arrival day.

Depending on your arrival time we can visit the National history museum with priceless treasures of Mongolian history.

We will also visit and explore the main square of Ulaanbaatar city called Sukhbaatar square located a short walking distance away from our hotel.

An authentic folk concert is available in the evening.

Welcome dinner. Hotel /L,D/

Day-2 ULAANBAATAR / MURUN TOWN / KHUVSGUL LAKE

This morning we transfer to the airport and take a flight to Murun town, the center of Khuvsgul province in the northern parts of Mongolia.

It takes 1 hour.

Here, we visit the town and supermarket for some snacks and refreshments and drive to Khuvsgul Lake.

Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-3 HAR US SPRING

Today we meet our horses and ride along the shores of Khuvsgul Lake.

This amazing lake is the deepest lake in Mongolia.

We begin our journey by adjusting to the horse riding tempo as well as getting used to our short-stature Mongolian horses.

Day-4 HAR US SPRING – MOGOIT RIVER

After breakfast we start riding deep into the mountain valleys, crossing rivers as we make our way slowly towards the Jigleg Pass.

With our vehicles departing before us we will travel with our horses and our one-day worth of supplies.

Tonight we’ll set up camp next to a small river just before the pass. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-5 MOGOIT RIVER – JARAAHAI RIVER

This morning after a hearty breakfast, we will start our way towards and through the Darkhad Depression.

This amazing ecologically unique location is rich with hundreds of freshwater lakes and rivers. We ride through the Siberian Taiga, the forested area of Mongolia. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-6 JARAAHAI RIVER – SHARGA RIVER VALLEY

On this day we will continue our journey riding through the Darkhad depression with countless mountains and flower valleys as our horse riding scenery. We will set our camp near the Sharga river valley for the night.

Night horse riding can only be done if conditions are met and interest warrants. Night riding is an interesting aspect of horse riding as we can ride horses under the billions of stars of the sky! Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-7 SHARGA RIVER VALLEY – HOGOROG RIVER VALLEY

Continuing through the beautiful Darkhad depression this day we will visit a nomadic family with livestock in Hogorog River Valley. Be a part of the locals’ culture. For the night, we will be staying in Ger – a Mongolian traditional dwelling, built by the local family. Ger stay /B,L,D/

Day-8 KHOGOROG RIVER VALLEY – EAST TAIGA / REINDEER TRIBE CAMP

Our day starts early, riding towards Taiga, the region where part of the Tsaachin or Reindeer communities lives. You will be introduced to the amazing world of the reindeer-herding people, talking with the local people and understanding their local culture and how they have managed to maintain such a traditional way of life for so long.

Spend this day staying amongst the Tsaachin people and experience their everyday life. Learn of their unique traditions such as milking reindeer and processing milk products like cheese. Tee-pee /B,L,D/

Day-9 EAST TAIGA / REINDEER TRIBE CAMP – HOGOROG RIVER VALLEY

After saying our farewell to the tribe people, we start our journey back to the Hogorog river valley while taking in the beauty of the larch forest and wildflower patches. We continue our riding journey farther to Dood Tsenher Lake and set out our camp for the night. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-10 DOOD TSENHER LAKE – TSAGAAN NUUR TOWN

This morning we’ll ride to see the ancient petroglyphs found in this region. Picnic lunch near a channel connecting two big lakes, one of which is Dood Lake, the other Deed Lake. We then continue our ride to Tsagaan Nuur town, the northern-most town of Mongolia. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-11 TSAGAAN NUUR TOWN – HOGIIN RIVER

After breakfast we ride along the mountains, passing through a rich valley of animals including sheep and goats, yaks, cows, and horses. After a picnic lunch, we continue riding to Hogiin River valley near which we set out our camping for the night. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-12 HOGIIN R IVER – BAYAN MOUNTAIN

Today we’ll ride out and head into the mountains that overlook the lake. We make our way slowly to the top of the pass while enjoying the incredible views. We then ride to the canyon of Ar Bosgot or heaven door as locals call it. Arriving at our camp, we’ll say goodbye to our trusted horses. Tented camping /B,L,D/

Day-13 BAYAN MOUNTAIN – MURUN TOWN

Today, we start our drive via two passes to Murun town after breakfast. From the two passes, we will stop at one, where at the 13 Ovoo or the shamanic offering place we can offer some rice or milk for a good journey back. Driving further we return to Murun town and stay at a local hotel overnight. Local hotel /B,L,D/

Day-14 MURUN TOWN – ULAANBAATAR

Early start with breakfast and drive to Murun town to take an internal flight to Ulaanbaatar. We transfer to the hotel and free afternoon with some souvenir shopping and more. With a farewell dinner, we conclude our horse riding journey through Mongolia. Hotel /B,L,D/

Day-15 INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

We will transfer you to your international departure.

What’s Included

What’s Not Included

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Common Questions

Packing tips, horse riding equipment:

Bring good quality riding boots, rain jackets, riding gloves, and windproof jackets among others. No need to bring a saddle or bridles. Because we provide comfortable western-type saddles, and horses are taken good care of by our horse guide.

You can also bring the following for your own comfort and usage:

• Your own helmet (we do offer them in case our travelers do not bring theirs).
• Small-sized saddle bag for a water bottle and other accessories.
• Saddle pads

There are mosquitoes near rivers or lakes in the evenings in the Northern parts of Mongolia. Therefore, a mosquito spray, which is very effective, is highly advised.

Horse riding and riding time for Horseback Riding Tour Mongolia:

We have successfully organized our horse riding to the Taiga with travelers who have never ridden a horse before. Don’t worry, you will have full detailed instructions from your Tour Leader on how to ride a horse, how to sit on the saddle, hold the reins, and more. All of our team members are trained in First aid, so we are capable of giving you first aid and taking you to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. But as the ground is mossy and soft and you follow the instructions from your horse guide, there is a very small chance of you getting injured.

There are of course horse-riding time limits per day. Each day will be a bit different from another, depending on the local weather. A broad estimate for your expectation would be anything from 2-8 hours including breaks and meal stops. There will be activities where we stop at local herdsmen or sightseeing that still counted in as riding hours.

Don’t want to ride a horse but still wish to travel with your group?

A wide variety of choices will be open to you should you choose to pass on horse-riding while your friends or group-mates go horse riding. For example, our destinations allow activities such as fishing, photo shooting, and hiking through the mountains. You only need to contact us.

Tented trip food:

Our professional expedition chef will be preparing both Mongolian and European cuisine for you. Depending on the itinerary of the day for example with lengthy driving, we will also be eating a packed lunch. Please don’t forget to write in our passenger list about your dietary requirements and allergies. We will be providing you with mineral water, tea, and brewed coffee, but soda and juice will not be provided.

Reindeer related information:

Reindeer produce very little milk, so you cannot purchase it. But not to worry, you can still drink reindeer milk tea made by a local reindeer family. Some families with many reindeer sell cheese, so when you meet such families you can ask them to buy some.

After we ask the owner first, we can also ride a reindeer for a short amount of time.

Domestic local flight:

The baggage allowance for a domestic flight in Mongolia is 15kgs in total: 10kg for check-in luggage and 5kg for hand luggage. For extra luggage, you pay 3000-5000 Tugriks (local currency) per extra kilogram.

Tour guide and Leader:

Certified English-speaking experienced Tour Leaders and Tour guides will be your friend and close partner for the duration of the trip and even after your departure. All Nomadic Trails team members have been trained personally by Nomadic Trails experts and the Mongolian Professional Tour Guide Association.

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Mongolia Horseback Riding Tour

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Experience Mongolia by Horseback

On this memorable ride, we travel the sweeping landscapes of Gorkhi Terelj National Park. We cross snaking rivers and follow tracks through open grasslands carpeted with wildflowers, forested slopes and expansive valleys into the dramatic rock formations and granite mountains of Mongolia. This adventure is an out-of-this-world experience for riders seeking a culturally-steeped journey into Mongolia.

Follow in the Hoofprints of the Nomadic Herders

Steeped in history .

Stay in remote tented camps, with one night in traditional yurt-like nomadic ger tents. Buddhist shrines, stone cairns and ancient ruins pepper the trail. During this horse trek we’ll experience the nomadic herder lifestyle and witness the seasonal shift of communities and their herds to summer pastures and vital water sources. Our ride will cover some spectacular terrain, intriguing ancient and historical sites and intimate visits with nomadic families to share stories and meals in communal ger tents.

Wonderful trip. Stone Horse is a very professional organization. The owners Sabina and Keith are great hosts. As well, they personally select the horses, make the saddles and the tack, guide and cook on the trips. I have ridden and been involved with horses for 60 years. Their horses and staff are top notch! It was an amazing experience to ride and see first hand all that Mongolia has to offer. I loved it and I would highly recommend Stone Horse for all future horse adventures in Mongolia.” Carmen G.

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Welcome to mongolia, get oriented.

From Chinggis Khaan National Airport (UBN), also referred to as New Ulaanbaatar International Airport, we transfer to the Springs Hotel in Ulaanbaatar City. After a refresh and rest or wander, we meet our Wild Women guide for an orientation and group introductions over dinner. The hotel is a walking-friendly distance to the central city square, museums, shops and restaurants. Your Wild Women guide will be able to  recommend places and offer support if you need to locate any essential items for the trek.

Included Meals

Accommodations

Springs Hotel

Terelj River Valley

Our trek begins.

After breakfast, we travel by vehicle to the horse trek staging area in the Darkhid Valley, located one and a half hours northeast of Ulaanbaatar City. Here, we meet our horses and re-pack for our horse trek. After lunch, we begin our adventure in this rural area, which leads us to a high pass before entering Gorkhi Terelj National Park and descending into the Terelj River valley. We set up camp near the Terelj River or one of its downstream tributaries, depending on water levels and the pace of the group.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, in a tented camp

4 hours in the saddle

The Tuul Valley

Forest trails, wildflowers and open grasslands .

After breakfast, we set out for today’s ride traversing two forested passes and blooming valleys. Our lunch break is in the shade of the forest where the horses can graze and rest with us. In the afternoon, we can travel at a slightly faster pace, trotting down a wide valley. When we reach the Tuul valley, we turn north to make our way to our campsite for the night. Take a rejuvenating dip in the river (brace yourself, it’s chilly!), before enjoying a peaceful riverside dinner together.

6 hours in the saddle

Ride to Princess Camp

Sleep in a traditional ger tent.

Our morning ride takes us through fields of wildflowers before we travel up the wide open valley with the high mountains and plateaus of the Khentii Mountains ahead in the distance. We find our perfect lunch spot among the startling rock formations. Our ride continues through the mesmerizing landscape of undulating hills of grasslands and mighty rock formations of Gorkhi Terelj National Park, up and over the hills to the valley of the Princess Camp. The eco-friendly camp is the only ger camp in this remote area of the national park. If the sun cooperates, solar heaters will permit us to have a hot shower. Dinner is served in the larger communal ger.

Princess Camp, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Ride to the Ruins

Visit the princess temple.

Today, the pack team and riders split up. The packers take the pack horses to tonight’s campsite via a shorter route, while the riders head out to visit the ruins of the Princess Temple. We enjoy a long lunch break at a high point with dazzling rock formations as a backdrop.  

After lunch, we cross the valley floor to head up to another lookout and rest spot. Here, we have a panoramic of the landscapes we have traveled over the last few days. Our tented camp is just a short ride away, where tables set up with snacks and drinks await! We can choose between a refreshing cold plunge in the creek or request a camp shower, which will be set up behind a privacy screen at the camp, before enjoying our outdoor dinner with a spectacular view and our horses grazing on the nearby hills.

High Ridges Ride

Heading for the hills.

Today we split up again so riders can explore the high ridges east of the Baruun Bayn Gol Valley while the pack team sets up camp near the river. We ascend to the highest ridge for lunch before circling back, traveling down a scenic route back into the valley by late afternoon. We turn south at the memorial monument dedicated to a local park ranger before reaching our tented camp where we’ll spend the next two nights. This site is a favorite with both horses and guests as it’s set back into the shade and shelter of the forest. Surrounded by meadows of wildflowers, verdant forested slopes, rising rock formations and high mountains, this campsite is an easy one to ease into.

Two River Valleys

Visiting nomadic families .

Today is dedicated to visiting local families to learn more about their daily life and nomadic livestock husbandry practices. It’s a short distance from our camp to reach the Tuul River valley, which we follow to the confluence with the Terelj River. 

Continuing up the Terelj River valley, we reach our host family and share a hearty, traditional lunch. Depending on their schedule and daily tasks, we might be able to try making milk products or help with other chores. On our way back, we stop at our horseman’s summer home for more snacks and genuine nomad hospitality. We arrive back at our tented camp in the late afternoon and have a light meal (snacks) in the evening.

Return to the Terelj

Riding in the open valley .

Today we have the opportunity to ride at a faster pace (for those who wish), trotting or cantering up a broad valley. There are forested sections and open grasslands with pops of yellow poppies and Mongolian asters as well. In the afternoon, our trek continues over another small pass before we drop down into the big open valley of the Terelj River. After one final break in a stand of cottonwood forest, we travel a short distance to our last shaded campsite near a creek. There’s time to relax and revel in one last trek dinner together.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner 

The Darkhid Valley

Today’s ride takes us into the upper valley of the Terelj River. It’s easy riding along well-established tracks with mostly even terrain and several river crossings. Our last picnic lunch is near the river under the shade of old larch trees before we head up to cross another pass. From the top of this pass, it’s an hour’s ride back to the Darkhid Valley, where revitalizing snacks and drinks are waiting. The horses, after a quick check-up, are set loose down the valley to join the rest of the herd that stayed behind. It’s a wonderful sight to watch them roll around and trot off for their week’s break. Our shuttle back to the city should arrive at the Springs Hotel around 8–9 p.m., in time for one last dinner together.

A Fond Farewell

After breakfast there is a group transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). For those who are extending their stay in the city, the hotel staff can assist with arranging local guided tours or offer directions to museums, historic sites and souvenir shops.

Take a Deeper Dive

Want all the details in one handy package? Download the full itinerary here. 

What’s Included

• checkmark icon All accommodation, including six nights in tented camps (individual or two women per tent as preferred), one night at the Princess Ger Camp and two nights in a hotel 
• checkmark icon Comfortable saddles with safety features: outfitted with padded endurance stir-ups and safety cages 
• checkmark icon Support team, including the female trip leader, two female Mongolian guides/cooks/camp assistants and three wranglers/packers 
• checkmark icon Trekking crew and team (trained for medical issues or emergencies)
• checkmark icon Mongolian and international dishes 
• checkmark icon Safe drinking water
• checkmark icon Stress-free airport transfers

Please Note:

Dietary requirements and preferences are considered, so please contact Wild Women Expeditions if you are vegan or have other diet concerns

All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.

Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms .

Know Before You Go

Click HERE for all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including the packing list, arrival and departure details and suggested tipping information.

This trip starts in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (airport code: UBN), and finishes in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (airport code: UBN).

Today’s 9-mile (15 km) hike is rated moderately difficult due to length and the steep downhill at the beginning (with undulating hills for the remainder). It can be technically challenging in places due to wash-out and loose stones. As noted, a shuttle option is available. 

For the alternate hike option, the climb is still challenging and steep with some rocky scrambling, but shorter. Our guide will thoroughly describe both options for those who are concerned but be prepared to sweat! It will be a hot and challenging walk.

How We Support You

Ready for a big adventure? We’re in it together. On this trip, we’ll be spending many hours each day in a saddle. We suggest riding regularly for three months before your adventure (Western-style riding lessons would be most appropriate). 

Still have questions or concerns? Let’s talk about it.

What the Trip Entails

This is an active multi-day tour on horseback for intermediate riders. You must be comfortable with the following:

• checkmark icon Confident at a walk, trot and canter on a forward horse, on open ground
• checkmark icon Riding in dramatic landscapes with different terrain 
• checkmark icon Days in the saddle at a moderate pace
• checkmark icon Camping in the wilderness and contributing to an adventure as a team
• checkmark icon Staying in Ger Camps as the Mongolian nomads have done for centuries
• checkmark icon Enjoy being with horses that command our respect through their strength of character and who give their all to take care of us
• checkmark icon The mighty little Mongolian horses can carry people up to 6”4 tall (1m 95 cm) and up to 210 lbs (95 kg)
• checkmark icon Riding Ability Rating: Intermediate–Advanced (Confident at all paces, on a forward horse, but not necessarily comfortable jumping.)

Trip Dates + Prices

Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024

Price: (USD)

$4,595 (Deposit: $495)

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Horseback Riding Tours

Explore the vast mongolian steppe by horseback.

Explore the vast Mongolian steppe by horseback. To go horseback riding in Mongolia is to immerse yourself in the thousand-year-old lifestyle of nomads. This authentic experience allows you to take advantage of the wide open spaces and breathtaking landscapes that the country abounds with!

If you imagine an army, your imagination will certainly add armored personnel carriers and tanks. But in the XII century, their role was played by horses. What were the war horses of Genghis Khan, we can find out now, since the breed has not practically changed since then. Known to man, she was back in 2000 BC. This is truly one of the oldest breeds of horses.

These animals inhabit, as the name implies, in Mongolia. And the conditions are harsh. The annual temperature difference is 70-80 ° C. Strong winds almost constantly blow from the Gobi Desert, and the vegetation is very sparse. It rains almost no, and winter snow quickly melts or is carried away by the wind. But amazing Mongolian horses are able to withstand the elements. Their growth is small: 121-142 cm at the withers.

Mountain representatives of the best breeds are more stocky, Horses live, as before, in herds, in the open air. During the winter and early spring, the horse loses up to a third of its mass, in the summer the animal, which has still not gained strength, is opposed by the hot wind and debilitating insects.

We offer horseback riding as a feature of many of our tours and most people are able to participate according to their skill level and fitness.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_culture_in_Mongolia

https://mongolia-altai-adventure.com/tours-destinations/atlai-tavan-bogd-national-park/

In 2011, scientists conducted a fairly large genetic study, which showed that many Asian breeds came precisely from the Mongolian horse. Except perhapsPrzewalski’s horse , which separated before domestication. A genetic link was discovered between Mongolian horses and the breeds of Central Europe, Scandinavia, Iceland and England.

According to scientists, steppe horses came here not without the help of man. It is scary to imagine how many breeds the Mongolians are “parents”. In addition, our heroes are distinguished by great genetic diversity (this is also evident in the diversity of growth and suit).

Hardy horses are used by nomadic people almost everywhere. I especially want to highlight the jumps. Here they compete rather than for a while, but for endurance. At the same time, almost everyone takes part in the competition: each family can put its best horse to the start. Jockeys are children – they are easier. Children are taught to saddle from early childhood, so that by the age of 6 they can already participate in horse racing.

The Mongols understood the versatility of their wards in the time of Genghis Khan. Warriors preferred to ride on nursing mares so that there were no issues with provisions. In an extreme case, a wreath was cut on the horse’s neck and the owner could get enough of a small amount of blood (I hope).

Several horses were taken for campaigns for one warrior, to always be on a rested horse. Well, riders themselves, by adulthood, showed such a class of vaulting that we never dreamed of.

What our Customer say About Horseback Riding Tours

Essential Information

Ulaanbaatar means ‘Red Hero’, and this bustling city is the capital city of Mongolia, divided by the Tuul River. It is fast growing and developing in many versatile ways, but in contrast to its modern flair, it has kept historical and cultural values as well as monastery temples and other buildings of historical value.

Today, you’ll arrive in UB where you will be met by one of our guides. We’ll help you transfer to the hotel and settle into your room.

After you’ve had a little rest you will have time to see UB and to visit some attractions like The Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, the National History Museum, the Choijin Lam Temple, and the Zaisan Monument, which has a great view overlooking the city. You’ll end the day with dinner at one of our favorite restaurants!

The Altai range is Mongolia’s highest mountain range, known in Bayan-Olgiy as the Tavan-Bogd Mountains. Here, snow-capped peaks and grand mountains like Malchin Peak rise to divide Russia and Mongolia. Technically, the ridge of Malchin peak is the border. Huiten Mountain is the highest of the five peaks, about 4374km above sea level.

The Potanina Glacier, which partially covers the peaks, is 16km long and is the longest glacier in Mongolia.

Today we will fly to Olgiy- the provincial capital of Bayan-Olgiy province. We’ll head into town to have a look around the fascinating museum and perhaps visit a local mosque. Or maybe, have a walk around the town, visit the local market and climb a short way up to ‘Nairamdal Tolgoi’, where you can see the whole town.

After we visit these places, we’ll head to our hotel or ger camp and have a rest until dinnertime. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

• Hotel or House
• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Tent or Local guest GER(yurt)
• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The base camp, at 3000 meters above the sea level, is the exact spot where you will see the shocking beauty of Tavan-Bogd—the eternal snow, high peaks, and enormous glacier spreading down the mountain.

In the morning we will leave the vehicle behind and load up the camels to start trekking towards to the northwest, the edge of the Potanina Glacier, at the foot of Malchin Peak (4050m). The crew’s supplies will be carried by two-humped camels. We’ll head about five hours, or 17 km, to see breathtaking, fantastic views of the mountains and glacier.

Our base camp on the edge of the Potanina Glacier will offer panoramic views of the mountains and is a convenient base for climbs and exploring the surrounding region on day hikes. This is great trekking—exploring a unique and far-removed corner of the world.

The Malchin peak is the non-technique climbing mountain; no need for special climbing equipment. This peak is about 4050 meters above sea level and divided by two countries— one side belongs to Mongolia and the other to Russia.

Today our mission will be to conquer one of the peaks of the Altai Mountains. The tremendous views of the mountains and glaciated peaks spread over three countries: Mongolia, Russia, and China.

If today we are lucky with weather conditions, from the summit, we will be able to see Russia’s highest mountain, Belauho (5000 meters). We will spend about three hours to get to the summit and less than three hours to go back to our camp.

The best petroglyphs in the area can be found near Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain (a sacred mountain for local people). On the route between Ulaanhus and this mountain, there are more than 10,000 drawings scattered over a 15km area.

This province has over 150 man stones (balbal), over 1500 statues (stone burial marks), 56 deer stones, about 6,200 ancient graves and tombs, and thousands of petroglyphs. On this holy mountain, about 400 ibex live without any threat from locals— because of the belief and respect toward this mountain, there is no hunting here.

The animals can be seen in the early mornings or before sunset. At the foot of a mountain there are big Ovoos, where local Tuvans make offerings and do other shamanistic rituals.

Today we’ll trek down about five hours to the Tsagan-Gol Valley where our friend, a Tuvan camel herder, lives. On the way we’ll visit a Tuvan nomadic family and be introduced to their unique culture. Here, you’ll probably be offered hot milk tea, dairy products, and a special traditional alcohol drink called ‘Chimi Arhi’, or milk vodka.

When the host offers you milk vodka take it with your right hand, hold it with left hand, and put your ring finger into the cup and raise you hand to the sky. This customary tradition should be repeated three times; after that, you can have a sip. This milk vodka is distilled from yogurt made from yak milk.

Tuvan people also make wonderful felt crafts, feel free to ask them to show some if you are interested.

Shiveet Hairhan mountain is a sacred and respected place for local people. At the foot of this mountain, the biggest printed rock was found. Most rock printers depicted animals like deer, cow, horses, and the predators that chased them. It is said that at this time, the deer was a worshipped animal.

In many ancient burial sites there are representations of deer, for example, the standing deer curved stones. Historians relate these to the Scythian people, who lived on the Eurasian steep three thousand years ago.

Today we’ll trek toward ‘Worship Pass’ via Shiveet Hairhan Uul, where we will see petroglyphs from the Iron and Bronze ages. While we have lunch here, you may be able to catch a glimpse of a Siberian ibex! The area is beautiful and good pasture land for the locals— some Tuvan families have their spring shelters and wooden houses here.

Just before the animals start giving birth, the nomads have to here. Today’s trekking will be enjoyable and we’ll visit Ganaa’s family. Ganaa is a Tuvan man and a skilled archer. His wife makes traditional felt and wool embroidery and other souvenirs.

The local nomads call this pass ‘Tahilbai Pass’, or in English, ‘Worship Pass’. This pass was used by locals for ‘Otor’, pasturing animals in groups seeking good pasture away from regular pasture lands.

The elevation of this mountain chain is about 3600 metres and this pass is covered with snow for almost the whole year—it only stays open for about two months.

The pass itself is spectacular and is good for hiking as well as hiking. Here, you’ll be immersed in tremendous valleys and snowcapped mountains, almost as if you’ve stepped into another world. A locally named ‘Bear Valley’ will be our next destination. This is a beautiful valley where small streams, fed by the melting glaciers, develop into rivers and flow down the broad steppe valley.

The White River flows through this valley, with lurch tree forests escorting it all the way along on both sides.

Today will be a long day. This morning we’ll leave the campsite a little earlier than usual, and we’ll make sure that everyone has enough water and snacks, and water proved boots and warm clothes. Our journey will take about six hours, and our crew will catch up with us by lunchtime.

We’ll lunch together and then they’ll move on ahead and have the camp pitched at our next overnight spot. Overnight in a tent.

This crystal-clean heart shaped lake is located exactly along the way to our next destination. We’ll see a stunning view of the lake, surrounded by lurch tree forests. This is a good place for taking photos, bird watching, having a picnic, and just relaxing for a while.

Today we’ll have an easier trek. We’ll go about five hours along the shore of the White River and stop for lunch by Green Lake.

Tonight, our campsite will be at the end of this gorgeous valley and at the start of the lake, with stunning reflections of neighboring snowcapped peaks drifting on its surface. Overnight in a tent.

The dramatic steep valley, surrounded by snowcapped mountains from the south, is where many Kazakh nomadic families spend their summer time. Even people from Olgiy city who have relatives here like to pass their vacations in this serene place. The area very famous for its hot spring; a lot of locals come here to receive treatment.

Fishing is not a main pursuit for nomads, but if they have got free time, they sometimes fish here. The melt water from Altai Tavan Bogd is a source for the lakes. The mix of lakes, rivers, mountains and forests makes this not only a haven for fauna, but also a great place for riding, hiking and other outdoor pursuits.

On horseback in Mongolia, the world is at your doorstep. What greater freedom is there than to ride through this snowcapped, mountainous, lake-filled landscape without the restrictions of roads and paths? From the saddle, look out for ibex, Altai marmot, and golden eagles. Elk, wolves, brown bears, hares, lynx and the very rare snow leopard also inhabit this area.

Today we’ll trek about five hours towards to the southeast, where we’ll go past some ancient burial sites and man stones (Balbal from the 6th and 7th Centuries) and Aral-tolgoi military base, which means that we are now less than 10km away from the Chinese border.

On the way to our campsite we will cross a few old, wooden bridges and visit some Kazakh herders and their families, who will supply us with copious quantities of tea (locally known as ‘chai’). We’ll pitch our camp on the bank of the lake. Overnight in a tent.

The Kazakh ger (yurt) is bigger than the Mongolian ger, and it’s measured by the number of poles. The minimum size would be 60 to 70 poles, the largest, 80 to 100 poles. In ancient times, some wealthy families lived in gers that had 150 poles and big walls.

It was difficult to get the poles into the right position, so people often rode horses while setting it up. Kazakh gers are extravagantly decorated with hand stitched embroidery done by women.

Today we’ll travel to the edge of Lake Khoton, near where it joins with Lake Khurgan, in an area known as Sirgali. Snow caps with lurch tree forests below, crystal clean lakes surrounded with the whistles of herders herding their livestock, and the delighted screams of children playing with their horses makes this area one of the most beautiful parts of this trip. It is also good place for bird watching and fishing.

We’ll stay two nights here and on the second day hike to beautiful Baga Turgen Valley where there are three waterfalls- the area is right on the Chinese border. On the way we’ll visit a Kazakh nomad eagle hunters family. Overnight in a tent.

• Tent or Yurt

This area is beautiful, with snowcapped mountain chains, forested hills, and sound of waterfalls that seem to display the power of nature. At the top of the valley there is another beautiful small lake and the shore of the lake is full with birds. From the top of the hill, we will see the whole area and its vast beauty.

The river is sacred for some locals, according to their stories, a lady with her seven-month child with health problems was crossing river on horseback. Her child fell into the river and after that her child recovered from its illness.

Today we will hike toward the south through the valley all the way up where our waterfall is and we will be close to the Chinese border— just behind the southern mountain is China’s Altai mountain range. We will hiking on the ridge of the mountains on the way back and visit a Kazakh eagle hunter’s family. Overnight in a tent.

Today we’ll wake up full of experiences and adventures from our trip. After a good breakfast, it will be time to make ourselves ready for driving. We will drive for six hours via Sengel and Ulaanhus villages. Back in Olgiy, we’ll check you in at a local hotel and reward ourselves with a dinner at Olgiy’s finest— Pammukale Restaurant.

After early breakfast we driving to local airport to register for the return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Meet our guide in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to hotel.

After an early breakfast, you’ll transfer to Chingis Khan International Airport and fly out from Mongolia.

• The weather condition Mongolia is an acutely continental climatic country. Summers are hot and dry, sometimes with occasional rain, the temperature can fluctuate as much 18 degrees centigrade between day and night. Sometimes severe weather can occur in mountain areas. We are surely ready for any weather condition.
• What to take along – Waterproof clothes, long underwear for travel in the high mountains, sunscreen, a hat, gloves, comfortable footwear, lip balm, sanitary hand wipes, sunglasses, prescription medications, binoculars, a flashlight.
• Transport – 4×4 drive car with an experienced driver will take us to the national parks and will pick us up on our way back. We’ll hire local herdsmen with his animals while we are riding and camping. Our herdsmen will choose good horses (saddled up) for us to ride. The tour supplies and gear will be loaded on Bactrian camels. Herdsmen will lead us until the end of the horse ride.
• Staff – Most of our tours will be guided by Erlan and an assistant guide. Erlan has been leading these kinds of tours for 10 years and he speaks English, Russian, Mongolian, and Kazakh. Also, a cook will follow with an assistant cook. Herdsmen follow us only when we are riding.
• Food & Meal – Our cooks are excellent at preparing meals. There always will be vegetables available. For vegetarians, our cooks can make food with advanced notice. Every day you will have fresh hot meals for breakfast and dinner. The exception will be lunch, while we are riding. Lunch will be prepared in boxes with snacks and taken with us.
• Includes – English speaking guide, food (3 times per day), cook, packing horse or camels, all overnights in gers and tents, camping equipment and all local transport /ULN-ULG-ULN flights/, border and national park permits.
• Excludes – Alcohol, single hotel rooms, international flight tickets.
• Date – 2017- from 20th of June to 20th of September, weekly.

Horse Riding Holidays in Mongolia

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From historical sites like Gunjiin Sum to the Altai Mountains or the Gobi Desert, our Mongolian horseback tours have it all. Ride past gorgeous lakes, rivers, and glaciers, experience cultures such as the Kazakhs and Tubans, and visit national parks like Bogd Khan Uul National Park.

When you book a tour through Horse Tours Club, we will help you find the best horseback riding vacations for you. You’ll travel to Mongolia and get the adventure of a lifetime.

Equestrian History in Mongolia

As you may know, horses have played a pivotal role in Mongolian culture for thousands of years. Historians believe horses were first domesticated in the Mongolian area about 4,000 to 5,000 years ago when nomadic tribes realized the value horses have.

They captured and tamed the animals, revolutionizing transportation. Their nomadic lifestyle adapted to cover large distances more easily.

But horses weren’t only used for transportation. The animals were essential for Mongolian warfare. Chinggis Khan (Genghis Khan), the first leader of the Mongol Empire, created the largest contiguous empire in history largely through the use of horses. Mongol warriors were experts in mounted archery, allowing them to capture huge territories quickly.

Horses are still an important part of Mongolian culture. In fact, it is said there are more horses than people in the country.

Mongolian Horse Breeds

Mongolian horses, also known as Przewalski's horse, the Takhi, the Dzungarian horse, and the Asian wild horse, are native to Mongolia and have remained mostly unchanged since Genghis Khan’s time. The breed has gone extinct in the wild, but efforts are being made to reintroduce it.

This breed is short and stocky, with large heads but short necks. They have fantastic stamina—able to gallop for more than 6 miles (10 km) without a break (most horses can only go about 2 miles without tiring).

The Misaki, Taishu, Kiso, Tokara, Yonaguni, Hokkaido, Noma, and Miyako breeds—all Japanese breeds—are believed to be descendants of distant Mongolian ancestors.

What You Can Do on Horse Riding Holidays in Mongolia

Your Mongolia horse trip will take you all across Mongolia.

You can visit the Princess Temple near a small village called Gunjiin Soum. This temple is dedicated to a Mongolian nobleman and his wife. She was known as the Peaceful Princess, and though she was Chinese, she loved Mongolia and its people. On the journey to the temple, you will cross a large river, trekking through stunning landscapes with rivers, forests, steppe valleys, and mountains. Camp by the river, go for a swim, and relax by the fire.

Visit the Altai Mountains, deep in Western Mongolia. Here you can see the highest mountains in Mongolia, home to many rivers, glaciers, and glacier lakes. From the top of Malchin Mountain, you can see the Potaina glacier and across the border into Russia and Kazakhstan.

Meet Mongolian and Kazakh nomads and local shamans. The Kazakhs are eagle hunters with a tradition of hunting with trained golden eagles that goes back centuries. These locals will introduce you to their aerial counterparts, and you may just get to see them in action.

In the Tsagaan Gol valley, you’ll meet the Tubans, local shamans who perform authentic rituals to offer guidance and heal the sick. Spend the evening with a Tuban family learning about their beliefs and culture and sharing your own.

Or on your equestrian tour, you can visit Bogd Khan Uul National Park, the oldest national park in the world. Bogd Khan Mountain has been protected as a sacred mountain since the 12th century, and the national park has been protected since 1778. The area is brimming with life with more than 220 plant and animal species. Nearby you’ll find the ruins of the Manzushir Monastery, a former gompa (a Buddhist monastery or temple) that was established in 1733. It was destroyed in 1937 by Mongolian communists.

On your horse riding tour, ride across Mongolia on the vast steppes to Hustai National Park. The park is the natural habitat of the Takhi or Przewalski, famous horses that were the last truly wild horses in the world. Your horse trekking will pay off as you take new paths and meet nomadic families who’ve raised horses, sheep, and yaks for centuries. The lush hills and grasslands here will take your breath away.

Or your riding holiday can take you to the lovely Gorkhi Terelj National Park. Take a trail through the park to see its picturesque views of alpine forests and rocky mountains. The park is near Ulaanbaatar, where you’ll find the incredible statue of Ghenghis Khan atop a noble horse. The stainless steel statue is 130 feet tall (40 m), making it the tallest equestrian statue in the world.

Ride through Khan Khentii, a protected area in the Khentii Mountains. The landscape here is virtually untouched, and you’d be hard-pressed to find any other people. Spend the night marveling at the quiet beauty of the area and sleeping under the stars. Trek through the Khavirga Pass, which reaches an elevation of 6,811 feet (2,076 m), surrounded by astonishing sights.

After spending a few days traveling through mountains, along muddy paths, over grasslands, and among forests, take a day to rest at a gorgeous lake where you can hike in the surrounding area or swim in the freshwater. Camp by the lakeside, enjoying a relaxing fire.

In the summer, you can experience the Naaadam festival, a Mongolian festival that focuses on horseracing, wrestling, and archery. Young jockeys and their horses spend weeks preparing for the competition. During the competition, jockeys chant the Giingoo, a horse song that creates a thrilling atmosphere.

You’ll find all this and more on a tour in Mongolia. Horse Tours Club offers worldwide horse riding expeditions, ensuring quality and safety for our customers. Book your Mongolian horseback riding tour through us today!

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31. Mega Tour Mongolia

32. Morindoo

33. U-Adventures Tours & Expeditions

34. Elite Tour Monoglia

35. Modun Tours of Mongolia

36. Kharaa hostel & tours

37. Nomade Mongolia Travel & Tour

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39. Bulbul Jamak Travel

40. Mongolian Travel Agency

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42. TTR Mongolia

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47. Mongol Drive - Driver and Accomdation booking service Mongolia

48. Wanderlust Mongolia

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50. Happy Holiday LLC

51. 몽골리아세븐데이즈

52. Let's Travel

53. bek travel.

54. Gana's guesthouse and tours

55. Munkhsaikhan Avir

56. Sk travel

57. Grand Mongolian Adventures - Day Tour

58. Magic Tour Mongolia

59. Kazakh Eagle Travel

60. Local Friends in Mongolia

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• Mongolia Horse Riding Tours

Our Horse Riding Tours Across Mongolia

Our  Mongolia Horse Riding Tours places among the  people of Mongolia who used to love singing while roaming through the county, until not too long ago entertainment became omnipresent, starting with self-fitting cassette players into the Russian UAZ  Jeeps, our days through mobile phones. Along our  Mongolia Horse Riding Tours you’ll understand that  being out in nature, makes every heart wanting to express its feelings of love and awe. In the songs of Mongolia, love is firstly projected to the mother but right after to the horse.  The union between man and horse is unique and the Mongolian horse is very special too!

Our horse riding  clients sometimes would smile about the horses at the beginning of the journey: The horses look small and thin and are not necessarily groomed as much. But no more belittlement after the trip, rather the recognition that the Mongolian horse is strong, durable, short footed and very capable to take us hours and hours unfailingly through all kind of ground conditions. The fact, that the horses do live most of their time away from people, free in the surrounding valleys and mountains – while its owners live in a ger – the Mongolian horses have to cope with the wilderness, the cold and the wolfs, requires them to be more intelligent and have a better judgment, then horses in the west.

To move through Mongolia’s wilderness on horseback is a wonderful experience. Our horse trekking itineraries take you up high, to 4000 meters over sea level, hundreds of kilometers far, to places that no vehicle ever can reach. The horse is making travel much less strenuous then walking and if it rains or is cold, the horse gives you warmth, if there are too many flies, the horse will feed them. And when you get used to your horse it becomes a very joyful experience that makes you wanting to sing to your horse as well!

On our  Mongolia Horse Riding Tours, we  provide Australian Stock saddles with all our riding trips. They have been purpose built for Mongolian horses, their tree is narrower, therefor fits on their back and causes no harm to the horse. Australian Stock saddles are very safe for people that are not too familiar with horse-riding, as they have support that prevents the rider from falling forward when the horse suddenly puts its head down or stops and makes sudden turns. With every tour the guide and the horsemen give instructions on how to respond to the horse, what to avoid and what to make sure of. We recommend our clients to wear helmets. If wished, our horsemen are happy to lead rope clients to begin with, until they gain enough confidence to ride themselves.

Quick Reference List

• Nomads Expeditions Across Mongolia
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Nomads Tour Categories

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Mainly Camel and Horse Riding Tours

• Altai Naadam Festival – Horse & Camel Riding
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• Mongolia Winter Festivals – Ice, Eagle & Camel
• Mongolia’s Great Khuvsgul Lake & Karakorum
• Searching for Chinggis via Hiking & Horseback
• Discover Zavkhan – Horses, Camels & Camping
• Altai Kings – Hiking & Climbing in Tavan Bogd
• Hiking & Climbing Tavan Bogd – Altai Peak
• Short Stay Excursions: Western Mongolia Culture
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• Short Stay Excursions: Khuvd and Khar Us Lakes
• Short Stay Excursions: Hiking Altai Mountain
• Short Stay Excursions: Tuul Riverside Lodge
• Short Stay Excursions: Walk and Camp at Terelj
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• Short Stay Excursions: Karakorum and Waterfall
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Climbing Western Mongolia – Altai Kings – Mongolia Nomads Tours

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Mongolia Horseback Ride – Wilderness Camping – Mongolia Nomads Tours

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Mongolia Horse Riding Tour

Group tour price $1858, steppe rider horseback tour 12 days.

• Duration: 11 nights/12 days
• Tour grade: Soft
• Group size: 1 to 15 PAX
• Available: 15 May to 1 October

Traveling Mongolia on horseback is a real taste of Mongolia. The strong Mongolian horses with a shoulder height of 1.6 m may look like ponies. Even though, the horses played a significant role when Genghis Khaan and his successors conquered half of the world in the 13th century. On this horse riding tour, we will head to Naiman Nuur/Eight Lakes lie 2400 m above sea level in the Khangai Mountain Range. This scenic place is accessible on horseback or hiking from the northern side. The Eight Lakes are called Shireet, Mukhar, Khaliut, Bugat, Khaya, Duruu, Khuis, and Onon located 500 m to 3 km to each other. A volcanic eruption created the lakes. 11,500 hectares area of the Eight Lakes has been protected under state protection since 1992 and being kept well due to its remoteness. The first half of our riding will take place in hilly steppes while the last days will be in mountainous and forested areas. Visiting and learning about the distinctive way of nomadic life is an inseparable part of our horseback adventures. Moreover, you visit and see the top attractions of central Mongolia except for the horseback tour. The attractions are Elsentasarkhai semi-desert, Kharkhorin & Edenezuu Monastery in the Orkhon Valley, Tovkhon Monastery, Ulaantsutgalan waterfall, Tsenkher hot spa, and Ugii Lake.

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and city tour

Our guide and driver will welcome you at the airport/railway station and transfer to a hotel. After being refreshed, you will be taken on a city sightseeing tour if the time permits. First, we will visit the Gandantegchilen monastery. The monastery is a favored place for locals as well as foreigners due to its interesting religious artifacts and peacefulness. A 26 m gilded statue of a Buddha is another thing of interest. Next, visit the National Museum of Mongolia followed by a drive to Central Square and Zaisan Hill to see the panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Leave Ulaanbaatar, meet horse herding nomads and get accustomed to your horses

Our countryside tour will start heading Elsentasarhai Elsentasarhai is a unique place represents features of the Gobi desert, mountain steppes, and grasslands in an area. Arrive at Elsentasarkhai by lunchtime and have an authentic Mongolian barbeque for lunch. Next, we will see how the equestrians catch the horses, get instruction about local riding techniques, the best way to treat Mongol horses, their character, and have a 2-3 accustom riding in the semi-desert area of Elsentasarkhai. Continue the journey to Kharkhorin and stay overnight in a ger camp.

Accommodation: Ger camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Visit Erdenezuu Monastery and the riding starts heading Naiman Nuur/Eight Lakes

In the Orkhon River Valley, the stunning Erdenezuu monastery coexists with Kharkhorin town. The monastery was built on the ruins of Mongolian ancient capital Kharkhorum using old materials of the destroyed city. Erdenezuu is the first and the largest monastery in Mongolia has a history of over 400 years. See some valuable religious items in the temple museum and view its stunning architecture. Seeing some remains of the ancient city and visiting the Kharkhorin Museum is a part of our today’s tour. After lunch, we mount on the horses and ride along the Orkhon River Valley.

Accommodation: Camping Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: The landscape changes into the mountainous area and riding along the Orkhon River Valley

The riding continues along the Orkhon River. The valley is picturesque, full of nomads and their countless animals. If you like, you visit as many nomad families as you wish. Overnight in a tent in the Orkhon River River Valley.

Day 5: Riding to Ulaantsutgalan waterfall

Ulaantsutgalan is the biggest waterfall in central Mongolia falls from a 24 m lava cliff. From today, we will see more yaks than we saw flocks of sheep, goats, and horses on past days. The riding takes place along basalt covered valleys crossing some rivers and streams. Arrival at Ulaantsutgalan late afternoon and discover the beautiful area and lava cliffs. If you are a good swimmer, why not challenge yourself swimming through and around the waterfall. Overnight in a tent near the waterfall.

Day 6: Reach the main destination Eight Lakes/Naiman Nuur

The riding becomes more challenging as we will ride through more obstacle areas and narrow trails of forested mountains into more remoteness. Even though, nature will be pristine and untouched. We will reach our main destination Eight Lakes. Overnight in the tent on the shore of Khuis Lake.

Day 7: Ride between the lakes and relax

It is a day to relax or optional activities such as ride/walk between the beautiful lakes, walk around, watch birds and flowers, etc.

Day 8: Ride back from the mountain

Today you will ride back down into the Buureg valley and meet the support valley. Continue the riding to a ger located 5 km further the Ulaantsutgalan waterfall. Check-in at a ger camp.

Day 9: Riding to Shiveet Ulaan Mountain

The scenic riding continues back through the Orkhon Valley. Arrive at the bottom of forested Shiveet Ulaan Mountain. Stay overnight in the tent.

Day 10: Hiking to Tovkhon Monastery, drive to Ugii Lake

In the morning, you will hike or ride to the top of Shiveet Ulaan Mountain to visit Tovkhon Monastery . Tovkhon Monastery was established on the 2312 m rocky top of forest-covered Shiveet Ulaan Mountain. Visit the monastery and the meditation caves. Vistas are fascinating from the top of the mountain. Return to the campsite, lunch and time to say goodbye to the horses and equestrian. The journey continues driving to Ugii Lake . Stay overnight at a ger camp enjoying the view of the mountain steppe lake.

Accommodation: Ger Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Drive back Ulaanbaatar

We will arrive in Ulaanbaatar at lunchtime. Have lunch and check-in a hotel. Free afternoon.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Transfer to the airport/railway station.

We will transfer you to the airport/railway station.

Meals: Breakfast

• 2 PAX 2890$
• 3 PAX 2524$
• 4 PAX 2082$
• GROUP TOUR 1950$
• For children of a FAMILY TRIP
• One free space for every 16 PAX
• Group traveler discount
• EARLY BOOKING discount
• Please contact us for more TRIP DETAILS
• 2 nights in a 3* hotel (Double/twin share)
• 3 nights in ger camps (Double/twin share)
• 6 nights in the tent
• Luggage and riding horses
• English speaking biking guide
• Support vehicle and transfer services
• Daily bottled
• Travel shower
• Entry fees to the museums and the national parks
• Camping gears and cooking equipment
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Items of personal nature
• Alcoholic drinks, beverages and bar bills
• Bar Bills, Laundry, Telephone Calls
• Travel and Medical Insurance
• International transportation
• Optional activities and additional services
• Single supplements
• Gratiuty for the guides and drivers

The 12-days tour includes 9 days of horse riding adventures, a day city tour, and an overland four wheels driving on the other days. The tour is suitable for advanced riders. We planned the tour with maximum of 40 to 45 km riding depends on the terrain. Even though you can have your optional riding after we settle the camping if the 40 km is not long enough for you. A support vehicle will follow you 4 of the 7 days horse riding. So that the riders can choose their riding distance and drive if necessary. We will put our tents after 7-8 hours including 1-1.5 field lunch and relaxing time since we start the tour in the morning. Therefore, you can have enough free time in the evening. The equestrian and guide will teach the local riding techniques, the best ways to treat Mongol horses, and their character at the beginning of the tour. We ride at walking speed in burden areas. Cantering and trotting will help us to cover the distance faster when available. You can gallop on the steppes and in flatter areas if you wish.

Mongolian tourism depends highly on the season, and seasonal accommodation ger camps are fully open between 15 May and 25 September. It could be earlier or late. However, we will be traveling in central Mongolia and most ger camps start earlier and close late autumn. Nomad family home stays are available if you are a keen traveler and would like to discover more about the nomadic life. The company will provide good quality camping gear. Bringing your sleeping bags suitable for as low as -10°C is recommended. Alternatively, we can provide sleeping bags. The tour includes 3 overnight stays in Ger camps. So that you can do washings and be refreshed from the adventures. 6 nights in the tent among outstanding nature and under starry skies and 2 nights in a hotel in Ulaanbaatar. For more detailed information about the main accommodation ger camp, please visit Mongolia Ger camps and Mongolia hotels

Most of our company guides are English speaking. We also have some guides who speak German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Japanese. They are all friendly, helpful and most of them were born and grown in the countryside. Therefore, they have good knowledge about every aspect of Mongolia, good at horse trekking and have at least three years or more years of guiding experience. Except for your interpreter-guide, one or more nomad men will be your equestrian depends on the riders’ number. Your guide will be a cook for a small group of 2-4 people, and we will provide a cook if the group has more than 4 PAX.

Most of our tours were designed with four wheels driving Japanese or Korean vans driven by experienced, friendly and good mechanic-drivers. For bigger groups, the Russian van will be used due to its capacity and load capacity. Different types of vehicles are available on request.

The most suitable time to take the tour is between 15 May and 15 September. The day temperature in July and beginning of August could rise to +38°C. Therefore, consider your health issue of horse riding in hot. On the contrary, July and the beginning of August could be the wettest time of the year. Therefore, be prepared for some occasional rains. May, June, August, and September are the most suitable months for riding. Mongolian weather fluctuates a lot seasonally, daytime, and at night. We suggest you expect and be ready for sudden weather changes such as in hot temperature you ride in T-shirt and later ride wearing your woolen hat and gloves on the same day. Weather in May and September is cold in the evenings and at night. It could even snow in mountainous areas. For your pre-departure preparation and an idea to prepare for this inflexible weather condition, you may check our detailed packing list of the horse riding tours .

To plan your dream holiday or customize the tour exclusively for you, what to do and see in Mongolia page may help you.

As well as, please check attractions in Central Mongolia , and Northern Mongolia .

Search a Pearl Hidden in the Wild Horse Riding

The pearl we will search for is Khagiin Khar, a glacial lake in the depths of Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area. The lake lies at 1817 m above sea level, surrounded by coniferous forests.

Gobi Desert & Mountain Steppes Horse Trek

The most recommended horse trekking holidays of Mongolia includes horse riding without time and space limit, many interesting activities, attractions and experiences such as nomadic life discovery, learn to cook and try traditional meals, authentic Mongolian barbecue.

Horse Riding to the Reindeer Tribe Tour

This horse riding adventure tour will be held in Khuvsgul, the remotest northern province of Mongolia where you will ride through Taiga forests to visit the Reindeer/Tsaatan people/Dukha tribe. In Khuvsgul, there is a beautiful Lake Khuvsgul located sticking into the Taiga forest.

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MONGOLIA HORSE RIDING TOURS

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THE 10 BEST Horseback Riding Tours in Mongolia, Asia

Horseback riding tours in mongolia.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Horseback Riding Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
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2023 Mongolia Horse Riding Tours with Stone Horse Expeditions

Contact us about special prices for 2 people , or a group of 3 or more , booking together.

2023 Mongolia Travel on Horseback

2023 Mongolia Horse Riding Tours with Stone Horse Expeditions offer our classic treks in Gorkhi Terelj National park and the horseback explorations of the Khentii Wilderness. As in 2022, our horse trek season in Mongolia will extend into late October. In September, when autumn colors are most vibrant, the days are typically glorious for riding and large herds of horses roam free in the park as nomadic herders begin winter preparations,  we offer a new ride, the “Autumn Colors in the Khentii” .

Stone Horse Expeditions 2023

Stone Horse Expeditions in 2023 include six 10 Day tours in Gorkhi Terelj National Park in June, July, late August and October, two 12 Day tours in Gorkhi Terelj National Park in September, and one 14 Day Wilderness Conservation Adventure Expedition into the Khentii Mountains.

We recommend to plan your 2023 travel to Mongolia early! While Mongolia has a new airport with larger capacity, flights are still limited while interest in adventure travels in Mongolia is growing.

Contact us with your questions about travel to Mongolia and Horse Riding Tours 2023 with Stone Horse Expeditions.

Gorkhi Terelj National Park Horseback Expeditions

10 day summer horse riding expeditions (june, july, august) .

15 – 24 June, 2023 – 7 places open

1 – 10 July, 2023, with Naadam Special –  fully booked

16 – 25 July, 2023 – fully booked

19 – 28 August, 2023 –  7 places open

12 Day Rides “Autumn Colors of the Khentii” (September)

September is too good a time to not spend all month riding in Gorkhi Terelj Park. Its the best time for autumn colors, from the yellow/golden of the predominant larch forest to red and brown hues of the grasslands and brush in the valleys. Our horses love the time it too. Insects are gone, and many herds of horses, and other livestock, roam free in the park.There is more human activity in the park now as nomadic herders are preparing for winter at their winter camp sites. The sun is still warm most days, and in recent years it can get even hot still. Nights can be around or below freezing, and we prepare for that with heated group tents, double/triple layer sleeping bags, and hot water bottles.

Autumn Colors in the Khentii

To experience this great time in the park to its fullest, we are introducing the “Autumn Colors in the Khentii” Riding Tour. We spend 10 days riding, with less moving than on summer rides, but setting up tented base camps from where we explore the Autumn Colors of the Khentii on day rides. The dates are:

September 3 – 14

September 19 – 30

10 Day Late Autumn Horse Riding Expeditions (October)

Golden october rides.

Since 2022 we have extended our riding season into late October, and now we offer two “Golden October Rides”; these are 10 day tours with 8 days of riding when the landscape hues are deep yellows as the Siberian larch turn before dropping their leaves to make the forest floors a carpet of gold.

The “Golden October Rides” can meet with colder weather and snow; therefore we arrange for warmer accommodations in heated gers for some nights, and meal times are enjoyed in an insulated, heated shelter, the ingenious Shiftpod, that we have tested also on Gobi winter trips.

06 – 15 October, 2022 – 8 places open

21 – 30 October, 2021 – 8 places open

Khentii Mountains Wilderness Expeditions

14 day wilderness conservation adventure.

Our award winning Wilderness Conservation Adventure, is a horseback expedition that travels through Gorkhi Terelj National Park and into the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area. Not just a ride, but an expedition with a special purpose, when we partner with park authorities, researchers or conservation initiatives to actively contribute to wilderness conservation.

31 July – 13 August, 2021 – 8 places open

Short treks (two days/one night, three days/two nights, four days/three nights) are not in our schedule, but if agreed early we may be able to run a short trek in the first half of June or between scheduled tours. Contact us to discuss your time-frame and number of people in your group.

The season for day rides starts in March/April IF weather and snow conditions permit. We need at least several days advance notice, as our herd is roaming free and for your safety and comfort we prepare well for morning coffee and picnic lunches and our guides will travel to the staging area. Our day rides include pick-up and drop-off at your residence in Ulaanbaatar city. We make exceptions, but generally, a minimum of two guests is required for day rides.

Day rides are a great way to get away from the office and city for a day. They take you to the upper Terelj Valley of Gorkhi Terelj National Park or into  areas of the Green Zone of Ulaanbaatar city, some of which are surprisingly wild and pristine, and habitat of diverse wildlife including wolves, bear, red deer, roe deer and more.

Watch former guest riders talk about their riding and camping experiences with Stone Horse Expeditions

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Western Mongolia Horse Trek/Snow Leopard Tour

Most remote Kharkhiraa Turgen Mountains, Legendary Altai Tavan Bogd National Park,

Arkhangai Horse Trekking

Old Capital City Kharkhorin, Wild Horses, Beautiful Arkhangai, forests and Mountains and The Tamir River Valley, Nomadic Life

Northern Mongolian Horse Trekking

Blue Pearl Kovsgol lake, Red Taiga, Visting to Reindeer people's settlement, Ride through high mountains of Koridol Sardig and Darkhad Depression

Steppe Trails Ride/Short Horse Treks

Mongolian great steppe is one of the steppe in the world untouched. Ride your horses, feel the freedom,there are no limitation.

Khagiin Khar Lake Horse Trekking

Adventure horse pack horse trekking through taiga forest of Eastern Mongolia, Khan Khentii,discover the glacier lake hidden in the forest.

Gobi Desert&Central Mongolia Tour

Gobi Desert, Orkhon Valley, Eight Lakes region

Tours Mongolia Welcome to Horse Trails Mongolia! We are offering horse trekking adventures as well as customized jeep tours around beautiful Mongolia, combined with horses and camels. We run both short and long tours, near and far from Ulaanbaatar, the capitol of Mongolia. Horse riding is the perfect way to see the true Mongolia; to see the nomadic life style first hand and to become part of the wilderness, to feel the countries unique heritage and great history. The Mongols have a long and lively equestrian tradition. Our ger camp(Mongolian traditional acommodation-yurt) is located just a few miles away from Ulaanbaatar and this is where you will first be taken. You will meet extraordinary locals who teach horse riding, and all the people who will help make your stay an amazing adventure. Our country is 12 times the size of Great Britain with less then 1,000 kilometres of surfaced roads and no fences! So you will ride freely and without any distractions. Discover your true freedom in one of the last unspoilt countries of the world.

Discover the hidden beauty of nature on horseback

Steppe Trails Ride

if you don't have a enough time, Steppe Trails horse riding is suits for you experience authentic Mongolia. NomadicMongolian life style, Mongolian horse culture, wide open Mongolian steppe.

Western Mongolia Horse Trek/Snowleopard Tour

Western Mongolia is the most remote region of the capital city. It is also the most ethnically diverse, mountainous, and scenic region of Mongolia, with thousands of years of history.

Horse Trekking in Northern Mongolia

The Lake Khovsgol National Park where is inhabited by many nomads herding families. Here, man and nature exist side by side in the balance that has remained essentially unchanged for thousands of years

Gobi Desert Central Mongolian Tour

The Central Mongolian trip will offer you both cultural and adventure tours. Highlights of this trip will be Mongolia’s oldest Monastery ErdeneZuuHiid and Mongolian Wild horses, legendary Gobi desert..

Tours to Gobi Desert Mongolia

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Classic Jeep Tours in Mongolia

Our services.

We offer all the specialized services required to your interests and needs, Among the services offered by the company stands out the coordination of itineraries for individuals or groups, including hotel reservations, transport, tours, car & ATV rentals, local flights, logistical support activities and any other special requirements necessary. Our company gives the opportunity to feel the rural Nomadic Mongolia friendliness with the professionalism that always characterizes our service.

Ticket Ordering

We can handle your domestic flight tickets to Western Mongolia as well as Northern Mongolian Horse trekking tours.

Costumized Tours

We work with you to make tailor-made tours around Mongolia, which can combined with horse trekking or just by foot and camel trekking,supported by jeeps.

Ger Camp(Lodging)

Our Ger camp located just nearby Ulaanbaatar new airport, you can take a advantage of continent location of if you night flight that don't have to drive all the long way down from Ulaanbaatar city.

Easy booking procedure! please contact to [email protected] support through facebook messender

Popular Treks

Popular Mongolian tours are designed to independent travelers, we can customize these tour in your best suits. You can ride horses from a day to multi days.

Horse Trekking in Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Short pack Horse trekking click here

Mongol Naadam Tour

festival, event tours in Mongolia Click here

Horseback Trekking to Khagin Khar Lake in Khentii

Horse trekking to the glacier lake Click here

Horse Trekking in Arkhangai Province

10 days package tour to Arkhangai Click here

Our Gallery

Steppe trails ride,central mongolia.

Picture 1: Horse trekking in Steppe, riding back from Zorgol Khairkhan Mountains. Picture 2: Horses near the base camp, Tov province. Picture 3: A young Mongolian nomadic horse boy catching the horses at the horse event.

Western Mongolia

Picture 1: Tour to western Mongolia, A beautiful Shazgai lake. Picture 2: travel to Western Mongolia:our trekking day1, riding up to the Turgen Mountains 2014. Picture 3: trip to Western Mongolia: Eagle hunting festival 2013.

Khagiin Khar Lake Trekking

Khagiin Khar Lake is a glacier lake which located in the forest of Khentii Mountains. This is a great adventure for keen-horse riders. You will ride through tough terrains, most remote and wildreness.

Northern Mongolia Horse Trek

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Gobi Desert Tour Mongolia

Picture1: Hongoryn Els, Gobi Gurvan Saihan National Park, Picture2 : Camel riding at The Khongor Sand Dunes, Picture 3: Sun set at Hongoryn Els. tours to Gobi Desert Mongolia

Arkhgai Horse Trekking Mongolia

1: a herd of horses at the Tamir river Valley, Picture 2: Our horse trekking in Arkhangai, horse riding next to the Tamir River Valley, Picture 3: The dinner during Arkhangai Horse trekking 2012, Central Mongolia.

Orkhon Valley,Central Mongolian Trekking

Picture 1: Next to our nomadic local horse guide Ochirs Ger with him and his 2 years old son. Picture 2: The boys hearding back the yaks to the Ger for milking. Picture 3: The Orkhon River in Orkhon River Valley, central Mongolia

Terelj National Park Trekking

Terelj National park located north east of the Ulaanbaatar city, endless untouched space punctuated only by an occasional hut or herd of sheep.wild forest and clean rivers of Mongolia.

Ger Base Camp

We are conveniently located just 20 km away from the Ulaanbaatar new airport, take advantage of our free airport pick up service, whether you’re flying out or flying in, enjoy horse ride, stay in warm cozy traditional accommodation with legendary nomadic hospitality.

Horse Trails MongoliaHorse Riding Ger Camp

• 100% Mongolian camel wool blunket for warmest night
• Horse Riding included
• Meals 
• Free pick up from the airport .

Horse Trails MongoliaHorse Riding Camp

• Mongolian Camel wool Blunket
• Mongolian 100% Sheep Wool Carpet
• Pick Up included from the Airport and Ulaanbaatar city
• Breakfast Included
• 79 exotic beach villas
• 50 luxurious water villas
• 21 fabulous spa water villas

Melani Griffith

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From the blog

Take a look at Mongolia's takhi and discover how an Asian empire was won on horseback — and how Mongolia came to be known as the land of the horse.

About Mongolia

Amartuvshin T. | 18 January 2017

Mongolian Horse Culture

Mongolian horse.

Dashdavaa is our Western Mongolian local horse guide, lives in one of Mongolian most remote and most beautiful region, Kharkhiraa Turgen Mountains national park, the national park is significant for beautiful landscape, wild animals and traditional life style. The most importantly,in the region, there are over 30 snow leopards live. Dashdavaa lives as a traditional nomadic lifestyle and contribute to the national parks as a ranger as well.

Amartuvshin Terbish(Amaraa)

Hi, my name is Amaraa as role Marketing & Sales of company and I manage Horse Trails Mongolia adventure tours around Mongolia. I have traveled in Mongolian most remote wilderness for last 9 years since my university graduate of Tourism Management as a Horse Trekking guide to make most adventurous itineraries, served to hundreds& hundreds of happy trekkers.

he graduated as a vet at the Mongolian State Agricultural University. He works at a Biology lab during winter time. His favorite trail is to Bogd Khan Uul’s peak Tsetsee Gvn. He will accompany you and will share Mongolian traditions, knowledge of Mongolian horses and our famous Naadam festival (Mongolian national holiday, including horse race and wrestling and archery) , including lots of interesting folk stories about Naadam. He take cares the horses as vet

He guides in Terelj and Khagiin Khar Lake horse trekking. He knows almost every valley of the regions and every experienced to survive in the taiga wild. In winter time, he rides his horses, go deep to the taiga for hunt, wolf and bear and wild boars. He lives as a nomad with his wife and a son in the deep away from the city.

Saikhanaa is a young nomadic horseman who lives with his 4 children in Terelj region. He takes us through Terelj national park and Khagiin khar Horse Trekkin

Baataraa: he is natural nomadic horseman,since his childhood, he is training his horses for the Mongolian traditional horse race naadam trekking, he lives in Tov province with his family and take cares the horses at our base camp.

Ochir is our a local guide from the Eight Lakes Area, he has a beautiful voice and likes to singing a song. He knows almost all Mongolian song and sing next to the campfire every night. Mongolian song suited to sing in the nature and trekking. He lives as nomad at the Orkhon Valley with his family.

Northern Mongolian guys

Amaraa, Ooskoo, Bayattai, they are a family, live in Darkhad depression of Northern Mongolia. The region is famous for beautiful landscape and Dukha people, reindeer culture

Bilguun joined to us in last summer, works as a tour guide throughout Mongolia.

Born in Arkhangai province, Central Mongolia, she proud her father who is a horse trainer for the Mongolian traditional horse race therefore she loves to ride horses. This a year graduated the medical university of Mongolia. She leads some of the treks and arranges base camp everyday actions. Her most favorite part of Mongolia is our Western Mongolian horse Trekking, and she highly recommend to do this a trekking

How to find us

We are located only 20km away from Mongolian new airport located in the Hoshigt Valley

1st Bag, Seruun Denj, Building №13, Zuunmod city, Zuunmod city Mongolia

[email protected]

• [email protected]
• 976-88220538
• EXPLORE MONGOLIA IN 28 DAYS
• GOBI DESERT TOUR MONGOLIA IN 19 DAYS
• GOLDEN GOBI, CENTRAL AND NORTHERN MONGOLIA IN 17 DAYS
• DISCOVER GOBI AND WESTERN MONGOLIA IN 17 DAYS
• DISCOVER WESTERN AND NORTHERN MONGOLIA IN 15 DAYS
• TSAATAN REINDEER HERDERS IN 15 DAYS
• LAND OF GREAT CHINGGIS KHAAN HISTORICAL TOUR IN 15 DAYS
• GOBI AND KHUVSGUL LOOP
• GOBI DESERT ADVENTURE TOUR MONGOLIA
• BEAUTY OF GOBI AND CENTRAL MONGOLIA
• JOURNEY TO THE LAKE KHUVSGUL
• BEST OF CENTRAL MONGOLIA
• BEST OF NATIONAL PARKS
• CENTRAL MONGOLIAN BEAUTIES
• GOBI DESERT TOUR MONGOLIA
• LAND OF GREAT CHINGGIS KHAAN
• HORSE TRIP MONGOLIA

GOBI AND 8 LAKES

8 lakes with nomads, being nomads in terelj national park, reaching black lake on horseback, riding through orkhon valley.

• Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
• KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
• SAND DUNES & TERELJ NP
• KHARKHORIN AND UGII LAKE
• AMARBAYASGALANT MONASTERY
• DAY TOUR TO TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
• PEARL MONGOLIA
• THOUSAND CAMEL FESTIVAL 2024 & 2025
• BLUE PEARL ICE FESTIVAL- 2024 & 2025
• TSAGAAN SAR AND LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 2024 & 2025
• NAADAM FESTIVAL MONGOLIA
• GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL TOUR 2024 AND 2025
• GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL AND EAGLE HUNTING TOUR
• GUESTHOUSE IN ULAANBAATAR
• FINDING TRAVEL COMPANIONS
• MONGOLIAN VISA SERVICES
• BEFORE YOU GO
• Destinations
• ABOUT TOUR OPERATOR
• TOUR GALLERY
• ONLINE BOOKING/PAYMENTS
• WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
• TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

HORSEBACK RIDING TOURS

8 LAKES AND ORKHON WATERFALL

Route: Ulaan Baatar- Kharkhorin- Tuvkhun Monastery- Ulaan Baatar from $650 Tour Style:  Horseback Riding Duration: 10 days, Book now

8 lakes, also known locally as Shuranga, is one of the most exotic and wild destination, which is the less touristy and best place for doing horseback riding tours around the area, with breathtaking landscape as mountains and 8 different lakes. This trip is one of our most attractive tours we offer for our customers who enjoy adventure, wild nature and want to experience local nomadic families. Tour details

Route: Ulaan Baatar- Gobi desert -8 Lakes -Orkhokhon waterfall -Ulaan Baatar from $845 Tour Style: Horseback Riding  Duration: 13 days, Book now 

It is a great combination of Jeep tours and horseback adventures. During the tour you will explore the best of the Gobi desert and a great places of Central Mongolia in a same time. 8lakes, also known locally as Shuranga, is one of the most exotic and wild destination, which is the less touristy and best place for doing horseback riding tours around the area, with breathtaking landscape as mountains and 8 different lakes. This trip is one of our most attractive tours we offer for our customers who enjoy adventure, wild nature and want to experience local nomadic families. Tour details

Route: Ulaan Baatar- Kharkhorin- Naiman Nuur- Elsen Tasarkhai- Ulaan Baatar from $390 Tour Style: Horseback Riding  Duration: 6 days, Book now 

Go where few travelers venture, and follow the trail through the authentic Kharkhorin and 8 lakes area. Hike forests and mountains, meet Mongolian hospitality, enjoy remote homestaying. We will have great chance to doing some horseback riding and camel riding through the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai. Tour details

Route: Ulaan Baatar- Terelj National Park- Ulaan Baatar from $195 Tour Style: Horseback Riding  Duration: 3 days, Book now

Have ever thought about being a nomad herder? This is an amazing chance to get experienced of real lifestyle of Mongolian herders, do horseback riding, go for herding animals. The Terelj National Park is the perfect place for doing some horseback riding and hiking around the park. Tour details

Route: Ulaan Baatar- Terelj National Park-Black Lake Ulaan Baatar from $650 Tour Style: Horseback Riding  Duration: 10 days, Book now 

During this trip, there would be a great chance to cross high mountains, crossing rivers, ride through taiga forests in the most remote and beautiful areas of the Khentii Mountain range. Deep in the forested valleys, you will discover the hidden jewel of the area – Khagiin Khar or Black Lake - in the heart of a truly pristine landscape. Bears, wolves, red deer, moose and other wild animals are the only inhabitants of this strictly protected area. Tour details

Route: Ulaan Baatar- Kharkhorin-Orkhon Waterfall- Tuvkhun Monastery- Ulaan Baatar from $390 Tour Style: Horseback Riding  Duration: 6 days, Book now 

Every horseback riders dreams for galloping across the endless steppe, crossing rivers and mountains while they are on horseback. This offer takes you to the brilliant parts of the country and letting you to gallop freely through the endless steppe and mountain area of Mongolia which is already a best part of the horseback riding treks. You will stay every night with Mongolians and will have real experience of way of Mongolian nomadic lives. Tour details

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Horse riding in The Eight Lakes

Central Mongolia

• SUMMER TOURS

This is from arrival at the first destination to departure at the end of the tour. (not including traveling from your home country, and/or traveling back home).

The number of domestic and/or regional flights which are included in the tour price.

Accommodation Rating

Accommodation facilities on certain tours may vary. Some luxurious tours may have one (or more) nights off the beaten track, where we could spend the night in a homestay, or in a simple guesthouse so we can include a location we think well worth it. On the other hand, a tour rated as 'rough' might include few good hotels throughout its route. The overall accommodation rating refers to the norm across the entire lodging facilities used on a certain tour. Moreover, the rating definitions are obviously subjective, so treat them with appropriate caution.

A tour that includes extensive camping, home stays and/or very basic local hotels. These tours are often conducted in remote regions, where travel-related infrastructure doesn’t exist.

A tour that includes extensive stays in local hotels or unrated accommodation facilities. On this type of tour, the accommodation facilities will have a very basic range of services and the overall service might be rather poor.

A tour that is mostly based on good hotels and usually goes to places where the travel-related infrastructure is well developed.

Comfortable

At the end of extensive travel day, land in a great hotel, to make a great day into a great night. These tours are based on good 4-star hotels we have hand-picked to enhance your tour.

Some of our top-of-the-range tours, we provide accommodation in hotels, the majority being 5-star or very good 4-star hotels. Sometimes they’re not rated but are nevertheless boutique hotels. If you're looking for a tour that provides both a great insight into the local culture and high level of comfort, then our luxurious tours are the ones for you!

Difficulty Rating

Any challenging physical activities optional. Easy walks and comfortable driving distances over paved roads or moderate dirt roads.

Hikes or rides of 2 to 4 hours on some days. Easy physical activities. May include one to three longer driving days.

Challenging

May include full-day hikes or rides (4 to 6 hours) over moderate terrain and occasional steep trails, or long driving distances on rough roads.

May include full-day hikes (up to 6 hours) or rides over challenging terrain, long driving distances over rough unpaved roads, or challenging weather conditions including extremes of temperature.

Expedition-style camping or stays with local families. Includes full-day hikes or rides over mountainous terrain, or other strenuous physical activity requiring good physical fitness. Extremes of weather may include very hot and dry conditions or cold, snow and ice.

Horses have played a major role in the Mongolian culture and lifestyle from the period of domestication of animals to this day. In this country of 3 million people, half of the population lives in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar while the rest live as nomads in the countryside. Having more than 4.2 million horses in a modern world proves how nomadic lifestyle is still revolving in Mongolia. The horses in Mongolia are used for transportation, herding, hunting, and horse racing. All children in the countryside learn to ride at the age of 4 and become jockeys by age of 7. Even today most Mongolians know how to ride a horse, whether they live in the city or in the countryside. Therefore, taking a horse riding tour in Mongolia is a great opportunity to feel the spirit of this nation.  

Recommended months  for Mongolia Horse Riding Tour are  June, July  and  August . Please  contact us  for more details.

Next Departures

• 6th August, 2021 Book

Dates & Pricing

Day 1. arrival in ulaanbaatar.

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital city. At 14:00 we meet our guide at the airport, and head to the city center. The short drive passes through the shanty town inhabited by those who were once nomads, but have neglected their traditional lifestyle in the hope of finding a little fortune in the city, which not too long ago has seen some rapid development. The urban landscape quickly changes into expansive shopping malls and brand new residential complexes, shifting again to the scenes of the city center, where modern high-rises are quickly built amidst soviet-era buildings. After checking into our hotel, and if time permits, we will have an orientation tour of the city center through the central square, which was recently renamed after Ghengis Khan, the nation’s forefather. Right at the heart of the square we see the figure of D. Sukhbaatar, one of the heroes of the communist revolution of 1920s, boldly raising his arm towards the statue of the Great Khan, whose name wasn’t allowed to be mentioned during the 70-year communist reign. We then visit the National History Museum, which holds a permanent exhibition on the different civilizations that have inhabited the territory of Mongolia from prehistoric times to the present. This exhibition includes a significant display of objects from the era of the Great Mongol Empire. From here we take a short walk to the drama theater where we attend an impressive folk concert, featuring some traditional Mongolian art forms. After a welcome dinner, we drive back to our hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Day 2. Ulaanbaatar – Mongol Nomadic – Elsen Tasarkhai

Today we drive back in time, to a place that recreates the lives of Mongolian nomads at the beginning of the 20th century. This was when Mongolia gained its independence from the Qing Dynasty and established itself as a reemerging nation under a living god-king. Here we shall attend a demonstration of how the nomads lived their lives during this era, and learn about some traditions that are carried on to this very day. After lunch we continue driving west for another four hours. Marking the northern edge of the great Gobi Desert, Elsen Tasarkhai stretches over 130 km north into the heart of Central Mongolia. We take a hike for a marvelous view over the dune, that seems as if it’s locked between two mighty mountain ranges. If weather permit, we witness the sun sets over the huge dune. This is also where we encounter the famous two-humped Bactrian camel, the sturdy Central Asian desert ship. Overnight in a ger camp- the cozy yet simple, Mongolian version of a lodge, consisting of traditional felt-made dwellings the nomads of Central Asia often refer to as yurt .

Day 3. Elsen Tasarkhai – The Red Waterfall

From the Khangai Mountain Range, the Orkhon River runs all the way to Lake Baikal in Siberia. A UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape, the valley has been the center of several kingdoms and empires that have ruled much of Central Asia. The UNESCO committee states: “Collectively the remains in the site reflect the symbiotic links between nomadic, pastoral societies and their administrative and religious centres, and the importance of the Orkhon valley in the history of central Asia.” ( UNESCO website ). Today we head south, driving along the river valley. Late in the afternoon we arrive to the beautiful volcanic canyon through which the Orkhon River flows. Here we will take an easy hike along the canyon floor, and end up at the pool at the bottom of the Red Waterfall. For the brave at heart, a cool swim awaits! Not far from the waterfall, we break camp and spend our first night bush camping.

Day 4. The Red Waterfall – Uliastai River

Today our Mongolia Horse Riding Tour commences. In the morning we load our luggage on the pack horses, and mount our horses. As this is our first day with our horses, we will take a rather easy ride up the Orkhon Valley. The landscape today would vary- from wide open steppes to rolling hills, and all the way to the rising Khangai Mountain range- Mongolia’s second largest mountain range. Early in the evening we reach the confluence of the Orkhon and Uliastai Rivers where we set camp for the night. Overnight bush camping.

Day 5. Uliasti River – Amgalan Lake

Our day begins with a ride along the hills running along the Uliastai River valley. We then climb up out of the valley to a mountain pass rising to some 2230 meter above sea level, for a beautiful vista over the valleys of the eastern Khangai. En route we pass and pause by the camps of nomadic families, as we stop for a cup of (salty) tea, and a friendly chat. Our destination today is the shores of Amgalan Lake, a seasonal lake that usually over summer is filled with water. We again set camp, and spend the night bush camping.

Day 6. Amgalan Lake - Huis Lake

For most of the day we shall be riding through the fertile lands of the Khangai Mountains. Khangai literally means in Mongolian- fertile, and indeed this region is known to Mongolians as the ‘the paradise of the horse herders’ because of its lush grass and open valleys. At the afternoon we start climbing into the Eight Lake Nature Reserve, reaching in the afternoon at the shores of Huis Lake, where we stay the night, bush camping.

Day 7. Huis Lake – Shireet Lake – Huis Lake

Today we cross the Eight Lakes Protected Area, lying at some 2500 meters above sea level. On the way we walk past several small lakes and in the afternoon we reach Shireet Lake, probably the most beautiful of all the lakes in this nature reserve. After a picnic lunch on the lake’s shores, we continue our ride through the southern part of the nature reserve. We pause by the beautiful Galuut and Shana Lakes, and late in the afternoon we reach back to our camp by Huis Lake, where we spend our last night of bush camping.

Day 8. Huis Lake – Borog – The Orkhon Valley

On our last riding day, we ride out of the Eight Lakes Nature Reserve. Passing by large volcanic basalt fields, and through thick forests, at time the descent would turn so steep, we would have to dismount our horses and walk beside them. At the afternoon we reach Borog, where we once again meet our vehicles. We load our luggage on to our vehicles, say farewell to the local support team which have accompanied us over the last 5 days, and take the four-hours’ drive back to the Orkhon Valley. Here we check in into a ger camp overlooking a beautiful canyon, and enjoy a much needed warm shower, and solid bed for the night. Overnight in a ger camp.

Day 9. The Orkhon Valley - Tuvkhon Monastery - Kharkhorin

Driving north along the Orkhon River, we will visit one of Mongolia’s most impressive monasteries, where we take a 3 hours’ hike (of which, about 1.5 hours uphill). Located at the top of a high hill with a view of endless pine forests, Tuvkhon Monastery was established during the 1650’s by Zanbazar, one of Mongolia’s most respected religious leaders. Fleeing the Manchu Emperor, the Zanbazar built a monastery in this hidden place, using a natural system of caves and adding small wooden buildings. In the afternoon we keep on driving up the river to Kharkhorin. Overnight in ger camp.

Day 10. Kharkhorin –Ulaanbaatar

Built by Ghengis Khan about 800 years ago, Kharkhorin, better known as Karakorum, was famed throughout Asia as the capital of the Mongol Empire. Within the walls of this spectacular city, kings were chosen, laws made, and the fate of the next city to be conquered were determined. We will visit the ruins of the old city, the Erdene Zuu monastery, and other historical monuments in the area for as long as time permits. After lunch we take the four hours’ drive back to Khustai Nuruu Strictly Protected Area (SPA). The SPA was established as part of a unique project to reintroduce the world's last surviving wild horses back to their natural environment. On the brink of extinction in the previous century, only a few Takhi or Przewalski's horses were left in zoos around Europe. This graceful steppe horse was returned to Mongolia, and today, thanks to this unique project, two herds roam the Mongolian steppes once again. Take a hike through the protected area, and learn about the tremendous efforts being put to preserve some of Mongolia's rarest flora and fauna. End the walk in a vantage point, watching the herds of horses sprinting from the mountain tops to the narrow river valley, where they come to drink as the temperatures in the low lands cool down. In the evening set in the camp for the last night in a Mongolian ger .

Day 11. Departure from Mongolia

After an early breakfast, drive to the airport for our international departing flight.

6th August, 2021–16th August, 2021

• $1,625 Per Person (For a group of 6 or more)
• $115 Single Room Supplement

All prices of Mongolia Horse Riding Tour are US dollars and per person based on twin share occupancy

Rates for private tours: 2 travelers – USD2395/ person 4 travelers – USD1862/ person

• Prices valid for payment by wire transfers. Payment facilitated by credit cards would incur a supplement of 3.8%.
• Mongolian Ways Ltd. reserves the right to change Mongolia Horse Riding Tour prices and programs due to changes in flight schedule, changes in airfares, and other local circumstances.

Upgrades (for an ensuite ger- some would have toilets and shower, some just toilets within the ger; limited availability). More information on accommodation in Mongolia .

Ulaanbaatar : Best Western Premier 5-stars +USD41/ person (1 night) Kharkhorin : Deluxe Ger +USD24/ person (1 night)

Additional Information

• Meals as indicated in the program
• 4WD vehicle
• Drinking water
• Local English speaking guide
• Local support team
• All entrance fees
• International airfare to/from Ulaanbaatar
• Travel insurance
• PCR/COVID tests, or any tests that might be required for international or domestic travel
• Expenses that might incur due to the results of COVID tests before, during or after the tour
• Mongolian Visa
• Excess luggage
• Expenses of personal nature (food and drinks beyond those provided, laundry, etc.)
• Anything not mentioned in the program

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• +44 (0) 1905 388977
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Horse riding trails in Mongolia

From the horse’s mouth.

• Wonders of Zavkhan August 2018 Kristina aged 46 Tranquility unlimited! What an amazing country and what a way to explore it! Not a trip for the faint-hearted or for those who enjoy creature comforts, but if you can put up with that you will be rewarded beyond anything you could ever imagine! A tiny and cute chestnut gelding with a fuzzy mane. I nicknamed him “The... Read all More about this trip

Across the Orkhon valley

Guaranteed departures.

• 28 Jun 2024
• 06 Aug 2024

Riding the steppes of Khentii

• 12 Jun 2024

Mongolia Grand Traverse

Wonders of Zavkhan

• 13 Aug 2024

Riding and yurts in Mongolia

Visa & health, formalities, addresses of consulates, budget and money, telephone and jetlag, country information, socio-economical data, people, culture and traditions, useful words, choosing the right riding holiday.

Mongolia is the cradle of equestrianism in Asia and is an excellent choice for an adventurous trail riding holiday. This is a big country with distinctive provinces and as such, every holiday is different. However, they all have two very important features in common: the Mongolian horse and the fantastic hospitality of the Mongol people.

• For a first taste of what Mongolia has to offer, you can choose shorter trail rides such as the Orkhon valley camping trail , our trail across the Steppes of Khentii, or opt for our riding holiday in the Gobi Desert .
• Those with an adventurous streak may choose expedition-type rides. Suitable options include a long trail ride across the Zavkhan region in the west, or our incredible 3-week trans-Mongolia riding expedition .
• If you would love to ride in Mongolia has but would prefer to avoid camping, we can offer riding tours featuring yurt accommodation – not a 4**** star, but a definite step up from a camping trail! Make sure to check our Riding and Yurts holiday , or our Orkhon Comfort tour.

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How it began

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Naiman lake horse riding & kharkhorin naadam tour (10 days), what to expect, good to know, experience nomadic life.

You will experience the life of a nomad while you are on this tour.

Experience Mountains and Valleys

On horseback you will ride through scenic mountains and valleys in the beauty of nature.

Visit Beautiful Erdene-Zuu

The monastery is the oldest one in Mongolia and is a favourite stop for many on the tour.

View Ancient Archaeological Ruins

You’ll wonder at the ruins of Karakorum, once the capital of the Mongol Empire.

Take Many Pictures

You will make many memories that you will want to remember and share with others.

• Horse riding in Mongolia is a wonderful experience.
• More of the culture and history
• New experience and love with Mongolian horse
• See Takhi, Asian wild horses - 5000 years history
• Explore nomadic lifestyle, culture, and tradition
• A chance to see how the real Mongolian authentic Barbecue is made the traditional way!
• Std twin room at 4* hotel
• Shared accommodation at Ger camp
• 2 person per tent, camping equipment
• Private transfers
• English speaking guide
• All meals as listed
• All entrance fee
• Horse ride - 6 days
• Local horse keeper
• Sleeping bag, horse gear
• Mongolian barbecue
• Letter of Invitation
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities
• Camera fee for museum & monastery
• Travel Insurance www.WorldNomads.com
• Single supplement

Ride a horse in Mongolia. Isn’t it in your bucket list? This trip would fulfill your dream about horseback riding. Not just a day but a 4 days trek through the heart of Mongolia. Imagine as you were going to visit Kharkhorin City following the silk road back in the 13th century. Mounted on the horses, packed on the yaks and camping in the tents. What trip could possibly be better than this?

The Eriin Gurvan Naadam /three manly games/ is our biggest holiday in Mongolia, a symbol of our freedom and unity. It is such a great chance to experience our culture and people’s lifestyle. The festival has its roots in the Mongol army’s unified practice, competition  and celebration that date back more than two thousand years. 

Get soaked into the holiday atmosphere and enjoy 3 manly games - wrestling, horse racing and archering. Feel how passionate the locals are when the wrestling champions show up in gallant manner or when the racing horses rush into the finish line. 

Whether you are an experienced rider or not, our staff will help you to make your adventure an enjoyable one. The best time to ride here is July to September when the horses are at their best. Come visit us and see just how much fun a person can have on horseback!

The price per person will depend on the size of the group as shown below.

• filter_vintage Authentic
• favorite Unforgettable

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Four days of Horse riding through Naiman Lake one of the most beautiful National Park in Mongolia was one of the most memorable moment in my life! We had wonderful tour guide named Ebo who was most sincere and caring tour guide I ever met and also the great chef who cooked three meals a day in the wilderness. Horse and Yak handlers did a great job throughout the journey. Most of all, I really appreciate my tour guide Ebo for taking the video of me crossing a river on my horse named Elvis. His extra effort of taking the video of me will enhance my wonderful memories of Mongolian horse riding adventure for the rest of my life. I give Discover Mongolia Travel five star rating and two thumbs up! Douglas

I have travel a lot. This time with Discover Mongolia. Mongolia is beautiful. The country is breathtaking and the people are strong but also welcoming and friendly. I learned so much about these proud people.

Our guide, Togosoo , was there for us through and through. She gave us- caring and love no matter what we need to make this a successful vacation. She even created a birthday party when She found out traveler was turning 59. She also explained the belief and the culture of the people. 

Our driver ,Nandia was fun and an awesome driver. We went horseback riding, camel riding, saw where the first dinosaur egg was found and saw a beautiful country- mountains lakes and the Gobi desert After 12 days ..I can honestly state Togosoo and Nandia have become lifetime friends and we had a trip of a life time...THANKYOU

Wonderful tour with a stunning opening ceremony of the Nadaam festival. Visually stunning country and the people were so friendly. Well organized tour  and the Gobi desert was amazing. Staying in gers was just fantastic.

Take a city tour to Gandan Monastery where you will see a huge gold plated Buddha, the symbol of Mongolian national pride and cultural revival. 

And there are other highlights - Sukhbaatar Square and National Museum of Mongolia - where you will see artifacts from Mongolia and Central Asia from the Stone Age to present time. 

Excursion to Zaisan Hill Memorial to get your bearings with a panoramic view of the whole city.

Overnight in the hotel.  (L+D)

Stay overnights in local Ger camp.  (B+L+D)

(Distance approx 500 km, 7-8 hours drive on paved/dirt road)

The Naiman Lake area was formed by volcanic eruption in the late Neogene. You still can see the lava rocks in the flat areas and barren mountain tops. With the minerals scattered around by volcano, the lake area is very fertile, and therefore rich with wildlife. 

Stay overnights in a tent. (B+L+D).

(Distance approx 25 km, 4-5 hours ride)

At the altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level, the climate here is humid and chilly.  In this Taiga like climate, deers and many other wildlife thrive. Be careful in case you encounter wild animals because the horses might be agitated a bit. 

Stay overnights in a tent. (B+L+D) (Approx. horse ride 22 km)

(Distance approx 23 km, 4-5 hours ride)

Stay overnight in a tent. (B+L+D)

(Distance approx 22 km, 4-5 hours ride)

Continue on the trip to Orkhon waterfall . Landscape changes into a flat and wide valley. Enjoy the waterfall near the Orkhon river and hike alongside the deep canyon. This will be the final day of horseback riding. But, not all the good things come to an end -- Finally a chance to take a shower!

Feel comfort in tourist camp and summarize the horse trek adventure.

Overnights in tourist camp. (B+L+D) 

Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)  

(Distance 130 km, 3-4 hours drive on paved/dirt road) 

After the Erdene Zuu Monastery, drive to Hustai NP. Hustai national park is rich with wildlife and historical monuments. 

The most important highlight of the day is Takhi, The Przewalski horses. Takhi is the only true wild horse that once nearly went extinct in the wild.  Discuss with your guide when to explore the horses. If you have a chance, you can see other wildlife such as  wolves, marmots and deers. Enjoy short hiking over the mountains and photograph the charming landscape and wildlife. 

Visit Hustai NP’s information center and souvenir shop. 

(Distance approx 280 km, 3-4 hours drive on dirt/paved road)

Today is your chance to do some shopping for souvenirs and cashmere in Ulaanbaatar . Later in the evening, you will attend a live Mongolian traditional music and dance performance. A perfect ending for a perfect journey. 

Overnight in the hotel.  (B+L+D) 

(Distance approx 180 km, 3-4 hours drive on dirt/paved road)

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport.

(Approx. paved road 25 km, 20 min) (B)

B - Breakfast L - Lunch       D - Dinner

• Guide: An English speaking Mongolian guide will accompany the group at all times. The guide will be a native Mongolian person with great local knowledge who can deal with any requests and ensure that your holiday to become one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.   
• The best time to make this trip May to September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the wettest months of the year but be assured, our climate is such that you will still have many sunny days at this time. The best time to visit the Gobi is June or September.  
• ​Accommodation: We believe that comfortable, welcoming accommodation is vital to the enjoyment of your trip. You will be staying in a standard 3-4 star hotel in Ulaanbaatar and a tourist ger camp (traditional dwelling) with currency (220V), shower and other useful services (2 to 4 people per ger) in the countryside. All accommodation offered by Discover Mongolia is personally checked by our staff to ensure high standards.   
• ​Meals: In Ulaanbaatar, you will be dining at fine European and Asian cuisine restaurants. Mutton, beef, rice, and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your meals will be based around this. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! On some days there will be lunchboxes from tourist camps. It is good food and our experience has been that guests are happy with this arrangement. Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian. Alcohol is not provided on the trip but tourists are free to bring their own.   
• Transport: Discover Mongolia use the highest level, latest model, air-conditioned private vans or 4WD vehicles for the maximum comfort on your touring days. A day's drive in the countryside will be approx 200-250km.   
• ​Personal things to bring with you: Warm thin layers of clothing are the best such as bring a waterproof jacket, and a hat and headscarf to protect you from the sun and winds. Don't forget insect repellent, sun cream, lip-gloss, water purifying tablets and first aid kit (medicine for headache, cold, diarrhea, runny nose; bandages; any medicine prescribed for you ). All your camera equipment.

Related Tours

• Ride through the landscape on horseback.
• Takhi Horses, Marmots, Deer, Birds.
• Play traditional Mongolian games.
• The homeland of Chinggis Khaan
• Experience 13th-century life of Mongolian legend

Since 2004, we have been helping people the world over to enjoy unforgettable adventures to our homeland, and we do it all with expertise and passion.

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Mongolia Horse Riding & Horse Trekking

Mongolia is a riding Shangri-la – wild landscapes & endless horizons stretch before the hooves of your trusty steed in this sparsely populated nomadic land without boundaries. Discover for yourself on one of our comprehensively researched and expertly crafted Mongolia horse treks.

Our Mongolia horse treks explore spectacular and diverse scenery – classic routes combine with hidden trails through remote wilderness terrain. Some trips are short, some longer, some are full-on riding trips, whilst some combine a bit of horse riding within a cultural overland journey.

Horse Riding Mongolia

Mongolian horses are of a stocky build, with relatively short but strong legs and a large head. They range in size from 12 to 14 hands high. Despite their small size, they are horses, not ponies! Mongolian horses have great stamina, although they have smaller body they can gallop for 10 km without break.

The hooves are very robust, and very few animals are fitted with horseshoes. On our Mongolia horse treks we source horses and wranglers from local nomadic herdsmen – selected carefully by us to ensure the quality and range of horses available (size, stamina, speed, temperament), and the skill of the wranglers in every aspect (horsemanship, knowledge of the area, animal welfare, client care/instruction, professionalism & enthusiasm).

The saddles are equipped with adjustable strirrup straps with protective covering providing comfort for rider and animal; wide girth straps; and local stylised stirrups that add character but also safety with their wide step. Underneath the saddle are locally-made felt saddle pads providing support and comfort.Many of our Mongolia horse treks do not have vehicle support, due to the remote expeditionary nature of our riding trips, so we provide pack horses which carry equipment and provisions.

There is usually 1 pack horse for every 2 guest riders. Robust saddle bags are provided, plus extra waterproof duffle-style bags are provided within to ensure certain things – rest mats, sleeping bags – remain dry under all circumstances. Plastic sheeting is also available to cover packhorses whilst on the move and to shelter saddles and equipment at camp in times of inclement weather.

Eating & Sleeping

We provide high-quality tents & rest mats, plus a dining tent when horse riding in Mongolia . A cook accompanies all trips, who dishes up 3 top quality hearty meals a day. A typical breakfast may include pancakes, porridge, bacon, bread & jam, juice, and tea and coffee. Lunches are packed and may include a sandwich, salad, cold noodle or rice dish, plus fruit, snacks and chocolate. Dinner is often a hearty meaty/noodle broth, a stew, stir-fry, barbecue or similar. Drinking water is provided by using a Katadyn water filter and/or boiling water from nearby fresh water streams, rivers and/or lakes. Sleeping bags are not provided, but can be hired for a small extra charge (including fresh linen liners).

Communications, Orientation & Safety

On any Mongolia horse trek where mobile communication and vehicle access is compromised, we provide a satellite phone for use in emergencies. Your guide will carry this and will be fully briefed on its usage. We also provide topographic maps of the area for reference and review purposes, and there may also be a GPS handset as well. For medical emergencies that do not require evacuation, we provide a fully-equipped Life Systems First Aid kit suitable to the trip type and group size.

An overview selection of our Mongolia horse riding trips can be seen on the following pages, according to your itinerary preference: Group Tours Adventure – Private Tours Weekenders – Private Tours Short Breaks – Private Tours Longer Journeys

Terelj & Khan Khentii National Park, Eastern Mongolia

Conveniently located 60-100km from Ulaanbaatar (depending on start point), the lesser-visited areas of Terelj - and beyond to the more remote hills of Khan Khentii - offer a conveniently accessible wilderness escape for anything from 2 days to 2 weeks.

Scenery highlights - Mesozoic rock formations, undulating hills, nomadic families, lush wide valleys, rivers & streams, Khagiin Khar Lake, Burkhan Khaldun (sacred mountain of Chinggis Khaan - on bespoke longer treks only)

Trip suggestions – Trails of Terelj (short) or Eastern Explorer (longer)

TRAILS OF TERELJ

The lesser-visited areas of Terelj National Park offer an accessible wilderness escape on horseback. Saddle up for 5 days riding through undulating hills, valleys, along rivers and through larch forests. Overnight camping during your trek combines with a ger camp and authentic family homestay near the Tuul River, optional kayaking, and visiting the Chinggis Statue before returning to Ulaanbaatar. Click here to view the Route Map

EASTERN EXPLORER

Explore the trails of Terelj and Khan-Khentii on foot – this wilderness trek combines stunning countryside with ease of accessibility from Ulaanbaatar. After crossing the Terelj River, head up the wide Tuul Valley, dotted with nomadic families, dog-leg to the hilltop Gunjin Temple, and then on towards Altan Ulgii Mountain, before reaching the sacred Black Lake. Return on the east side of the Tuul River and visit the remarkable Chinggis Statue at Erdene and relax at Gun Galuut Nature Reserve before heading back to UB. Click here to view the Route Map

Arkhangai Province, Central Mongolia

The nomadic heartland of Mongolia, with a range of classic routes and lesser-known trails through steppe, desert, hills, meadows, rivers and lakes. Ideal for longer treks to combine with overland cultural highlights by jeep on the 2 day outward and return journey to/from Ulaanbaatar.

Scenery highlights - Open steppe, dune outcrops, rolling hills, yak herding nomadic families, forested hills, hot springs, Tovkhon Khiid hilltop monastery, Orkhon Waterfall, Naiman Nuur (8 Lakes)

Trip suggestions – " Among Nomads " (short) or Orkhon Valley Ride or " Heart of Mongolia " (both longer)

AMONG NOMADS – HEARTLAND

Immerse yourself in the culture of Mongolia’s nomadic heartland, with diverse landscapes and homestays in guest gers next to local families. Spend time with your hosts and also use these fabulous wilderness locations as a base to explore the surrounding area on foot, by horse, camel and by vehicle. You will experience a range of cultural traditions – music, cookery, ankle-bone games, archery, felt-making, ger building may all feature at some stage along your way. You will also take in the historical and architectural highlights of Uvguun Khiid, Erdene Zuu Monastery and Tovkhon Khiid. Click here to view the Route Map

ORKHON VALLEY RIDE

A cultural overland adventure combines with an 8-day ride in the Khangai hills and Orkhon Valley in Central Mongolia. Head west from UB, seeing the Przewalski horses at Khustai National Park, the dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai, and hiking around Khogno Khaan Mountain. Relax at Tsenkher Hot Springs before saddling up for a horse trek – wild camping combines with homestays and visits to the hilltop Tovkhon Khiid and the Orkhon Waterfall before returning to UB via Kharkhorin and Erdene Zuu Monastery. Click here to view the Route Map

Khovsgol Province, Northern Mongolia

Mongolia’s northernmost province contains some of the country’s most inaccessible but stunning scenery and riding trails, as well as being home to the remote ethnic group of reindeer herders – the Tsaatan. Domestic flights between Ulaanbaatar and Muron, the provincial capital, cut down on travel time so you can spend more time in the saddle (as well as bumpy rides in the vehicles to get to trek start points!)

Scenery highlights - Larch forests, rocky mountains, Siberian taiga, reindeer herders, Lake Khovsgol

Trip suggestions – " Northern Shores Mini " (short) or " Reindeer Trails " (longer)

NORTHERN SHORES

An abridged version of one of our longer journeys. Discover the wild side of Lake Khovsgol with a 3 day horse trek up the eastern side of the lake, topped and tailed with a stay in a small eco-camp on the shores of this crystal clear ‘blue pearl’ of Mongolia, and kayaking on the Delger River west of Muron. The rustic comfort of small, characterful ger camps combines with traditional camping in the remote wilderness. Click here to view the Route Map

REINDEER TRAILS

A remote adventure to the Siberian taiga near the border with Russia, home to the last few remaining families of teepee-dwelling reindeer herders – the Tsaatan. Ride on horseback to visit their camps and explore the pristine nature of their wild surroundings. This wilderness expedition culminates with a 3 day stay on the shores of Lake Khovsgol at a secluded eco-camp on the East side of the lake. Click here to view the Route Map

Altai Region, Western Mongolia

Mongolia’s western provinces boasts the snow-capped peaks of the Altai Mountains, and is infused with rich cultural diversity including the famed Kazakh eagle hunters and khoomi (throat singing). If Mongolia seems remote in itself, how about a 3 hour internal flight, followed by a scenery-packed 8 hour drive – just to get to your Mongolia horse trek start point. Now that is adventure!

Scenery highlights - Altai Mountains, glaciers, petroglyphs, Kazakh culture, eagle hunters, Lake Khoton, Hovd River

Trip suggestions – " Eagles of the Altai " (short) or " Wild West " (longer)

EAGLES OF THE ALTAI

A unique opportunity to stay alongside eagle hunters in Western Mongolia in the Turgen valley near Sagsai – ride with them, learn how they train their birds, and experience the way of life of these Kazakh nomads. You will also have an opportunity to meet a local shaman.

An exhilarating trekking and riding expedition in Western Mongolia. Fly to Bayan Ulgii province where you will experience Kazakh culture – wild camping and homestays alongside eagle hunters; trekking on foot and on horseback through Tavanbogd National Park – including a non-technical climb/hike of Mt. Malchin, Potanii Glacier, Shiveet Khairkhan petroglyphs and Lake Khoton.​ Click here to view the Route Map

11 Things To Know Before Visiting Mongolia

I n a remote corner of Asia, sandwiched between China and Russia, is a fiercely independent, ancient land called Mongolia. The "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky," so named because its arid climate keeps it sunny about 250 days of the year, is an explosion of every color, from the green of the vast steppes to the pink of the windflowers and the gold of the ancient Buddhist shrines on white, snowy mountains. Increasing numbers of travelers are drawn to the wide-open spaces of one of the least densely-populated sovereign countries on Earth, where they can stay in a yurt with eagle tamers and yak herders or trace the path of Genghis Khan or Marco Polo atop a semi-wild horse.

Traveling to this breathtakingly unique step back into history isn't quite as straightforward as a jaunt to Paris or Cancún. Once we get a few logistical tips out of the way, we'll give you a tantalizing glimpse into one of the planet's most mysterious and thrilling locales.

Read more: 22 Underrated Tourist Destinations In Asia To Add To Your Bucket List

Know The Visa Requirements

First things first: How long can you stay without a visa? If you're an American citizen, you can stay up to 90 days, but make sure your passport is valid at least six months after the date of arrival. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, register with Mongolian Immigration within seven days of arrival or risk a fine of up to $300. After 90 days, visas are only granted for business, diplomacy, study, and various other non-tourist categories.

Many other nationalities will only have 30 days to stay in Mongolia before they'll need to apply for a visa. Those include most other countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, and more. Before 2023, Mongolia required nationals of many of those countries, including France and the UK, to possess special diplomatic passports to enter. In January 2023, the Mongolian government declared 2023-25 "Years to Visit Mongolia" and allowed citizens of 34 countries to visit for up to 30 days under any official passport.

Travel In The Summer, But Pack For All Seasons

Mongolia is a landlocked country with a climate categorized as "extreme continental." That means it can get very hot -- up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit -- in the summer and very cold -- down to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit -- in the winter. As long as you don't spend too much time in the Gobi Desert, most experts recommend traveling in the summer, when all the festivals occur and the countryside is lush and green. Highs in Ulaanbaatar average around 75 degrees Fahrenheit from June to August. Others recommend visiting in May and September when highs are around 64 degrees Fahrenheit, crowds are smaller, and prices are lower.

That said, you never quite know what you're going to get, especially at night in the steppes, valleys, and deserts. Temperatures can still drop to 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night in July and August, and the country's fierce winds are legendary. What's more, temperatures are known to change in a matter of minutes. No matter when you visit, pack for all seasons (yes, that means a jacket and gloves even in the summer), and make sure to bring a windbreaker. But also bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lots of water, and high-quality camping gear. Ulaanbaatar, the capital, has plenty of outdoor clothing and equipment stores, so you're covered if you forget anything.

Consider Getting A Tour Guide

Mongolia is the 20th largest country on Earth by area, but it's also the most sparsely populated sovereign nation. It's only just opening up to tourism, and vast swaths of the land lack paved roads, electricity, plumbing, or English-speaking locals. For many visitors, that means that the easiest way to explore as much of the list below as possible is to book a reputable tour guide. Tours can last from a single afternoon in a particular spot to a three-week odyssey across the country.

Most tour companies offer some version of a "Top Hits"-style tour that guides visitors through Mongolia's most popular attractions, including staying in a yurt, riding horses, attending festivals, and visiting mountains, forests, and temples. They also offer more specialized tours that include touring through nomadic communities nationwide, visiting reindeer herders in the north, staying with Kazakh eagle hunters, or meeting the competitors of the Naadam Festival. If you want to mix and match all these experiences, you'll probably be able to, as many tour companies allow custom tours.

Prepare If You Want To Go It Alone

All that said, if you're traveling to Mongolia at all, you're probably an adventurous spirit allergic to anything even close to a coach bus full of cameras and fanny packs. However, if you want to plan your own trip through the country and leave the comforts of Ulaanbaatar, be sure to spend a long time preparing, even if you just plan to drive.

It's best to approach the preparation as you would to any remote wilderness. Bring camping gear, a First Aid kit, a hefty supply of non-perishable foods, and filtered water. Bring water purification tablets just in case, and hydrate a lot: Much of the country is very dry, and dehydration can hit unsuspecting travelers. Don't forget medications, particularly if you have pollen allergies.

Rent a sturdy four-wheel drive vehicle that can travel on unpaved roads, and get a few spare tires. Think of every travel insurance policy you can, then get another one. It's best to drive in either June or September since the grass of the steppes can be waterlogged in July or August. Cell service is unreliable in the wilderness, so map out your trip beforehand and get a GPS tracker that will allow a support office in Ulaanbaatar to locate you if you run into trouble. And just like any good road trip, stock up on downloaded podcasts, music, audiobooks, and actual books. One book to remember is a Mongolian phrasebook: Outside Ulaanbaatar, not everyone speaks English.

Address Dietary Needs Beforehand

Mongolia is a carnivore's paradise and a vegetarian's surmountable challenge. Much of the country makes a living through herding, so many animals eventually end up on plates. Staples of the Mongolian diet include mutton, beef, goat, horse, and camels. Meat finds its way into most dishes, whether it's inside steamed dumplings (buuz), fried dumplings (khuushuur), stir fry (tsuivan), or the iconic Mongolian barbecue (khorkhog).

Milk is equally popular, and some popular local dishes include aaruul (made from boiled yogurt), airag (a slightly alcoholic beverage made from fermented mare's milk), or khoormog, which is yogurt made from camel milk.

The standard local diet can present a challenge if you're a vegetarian, lactose intolerant, or kosher. What's more, if you plan to stay with nomads, it is considered disrespectful not to eat the food they cook for you. Make sure to communicate any dietary preferences with your tour guide ahead of time so you can plan the trip accordingly. When you start your trip in Ulaanbaatar, go to supermarkets and stock up on nonperishable foods you can bring with you on the rest of the trip. The capital city also boasts a range of international restaurants, including some vegan spots that serve plant alternatives to traditional Mongolian cuisine.

Start In Ulaanbaatar

No matter where you're coming from, chances are you'll land in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's thriving capital of around 1.5 million people. Nearly half the country lives here, and it shows -- there are gleaming skyscrapers, fancy hotels, restaurants from all over the world, jazz clubs, opera, and even standup comedy in English. As mentioned, if you plan to head out into the wilderness, you can stock up on whatever you need here.

The city is a destination unto itself, and it's best to give yourself a few days to enjoy its treasures. As a former Buddhist monastic center, Ulaanbaatar is a garden of breathtaking monasteries and temples, including the Gandan Khiid Monastery, which boasts an 86-metre-high statue of Avalokitesvara, the tallest indoor statue in the world, the Choijin Loma Temple Museum, the active Gandantegchilen Monastery, and many more. As a long-time seat of power, it is home to the grand Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, once home to a powerful Tibetan monk who ruled Mongolia at the turn of the 20th century.

You can learn all about Mongolia's past and present by visiting Sükhbaatar Square, home to the State Parliament House and a large statue of the infamous conqueror Genghis Khan nearby. The National Museum of Mongolia houses over 50,000 historical objects from the Neolithic era to the present, while the Mongolian National Library houses over 3 million books, many of which are ancient Buddhist texts.

Ride A Horse Through The Steppes

Horses are deeply embedded in Mongolian culture. Many infants are taught to ride before they can walk, and horse racing is one of the "Three Manly Sports of Mongolia," alongside archery and wrestling. In the 13th century, Genghis Khan's so-called "Devil Horsemen" created the largest empire in the world thanks largely to their prowess on horseback.

Today, Mongolia's steppes look much the same as they did 700 years ago, and a horse is one of the best ways to experience the vast, empty, windswept fields. Most Mongolian tours will include some form of horseback riding and some multi-day tours are devoted exclusively to crisscrossing the country on horse. At first glance, the steppes may look like big empty fields, but there's a lot there. The trusty steeds can take you to Buddhist monasteries, alongside beautiful lakes and rivers, and into dense forests and mountains. Some tours explicitly allow you to embrace your inner conqueror by following the paths of Genghis Khan and the Golden Horde.

A few things to remember: Most Mongolian horses are considered "semi-wild," so it's best to have some horseback riding experience. Check with your guide beforehand. Mongolians also approach their horses from the left and stand while they're riding them. Don't make any sudden motions, or you may wind up like Joe Biden, who made a gift horse buck when he tried to tie two ceremonial scarves around its neck during a visit to Mongolia in 2011.

Ride A Camel Through The Gobi

It's a remarkable and rare country that boasts both reindeer and camels. In the country's south, near the border with China, the grassy steppe gradually makes way for the Gobi Desert, which, at 500,000 square miles, is the fifth largest desert in the world. There's no more exciting way to explore the desert than in between the two large humps of a Bactrian camel , a rare breed full of wool and fat that help them withstand the Gobi's extreme temperatures of anywhere from minus 38 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit.

Several tours include leisurely camel treks through the desert's fascinating scenery. Gobi translates to "semi-desert," and it is only five percent sand –- though the 260-feet Khongoryn Sand Dunes are nothing to scoff at. But the Gobi also contains steppes, green valleys, rivers, lakes, and the Flaming Cliffs, the fiery red cliffs where the first known collection of dinosaur eggs was discovered and are still teeming with fossils. You're also likely to spot gazelles, ibex, wild sheep, wolves, foxes, golden eagles, bears, and maybe even snow leopards.

But if camels are your true passion, schedule your trip in March, when the annual Thousand Camel Festival features everything from camel racing to a camel parade to camel polo.

Visit National Parks

As you may have guessed, Mongolia is home to a stunningly diverse array of mind-blowing natural wonders. The best way to enjoy as many of them as possible is through visiting some of the country's 99 protection areas, which cover 17.4% of its territory. The first created was Bogd Khan Uul, a 7,400-foot mountain just outside Ulaanbaatar, that was proclaimed one of the world's first protected areas in 1778, over a century before the U.S. named Yellowstone its first national park. Today, the mountain offers panoramic views of the city alongside forests, streams, flowers, birds, and even ski and golf resorts.

About two hours east of Ulaanbaatar is Gorkhi-Terelj, a grassy paradise teeming with multicolored wildflowers, flowing rivers, elk, moose, bears, and dramatic granite rock formations resembling turtles. The park also features a glacial lake and the Yetsii natural hot springs. Swimmers who don't mind colder water will adore Lake Khövsgöl, one of the country's largest, deepest, purest lakes dotted with four islands. From the glassy, deep blue water or one of the many hiking trails surrounding it, you may observe ibex, bears, or over 250 species of bird.

And if you'd like to climb to the "Top of Mongolia," head to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, which features Khüiten Uul, the tallest mountain in Mongolia at 14,291 feet above sea level. Just for good measure, the park includes four other towering peaks, two beautiful lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and eagle hunters.

Stay In A Ger

No trip to Mongolia is complete without a stay inside the iconic ger tent, more commonly known in the West as a yurt. A ger typically contains two elaborately decorated beds, a central wood-burning stove, a shrine, and, increasingly often, modern conveniences like a satellite dish, solar panels, or charging outlets.

Over half the country's population lives in these lightweight, portable, circular tents, including in Ulaanbaatar. In the countryside, that expands to nearly 90%. Travelers can opt to stay at a ger camp, which is often a cluster of 30 or more tents geared toward tourists. The camps often have toilets, showers, electricity, and a central restaurant.

You can also book a homestay with a nomadic family, which is most often organized through a tour company. In addition to spending the night, you'll also be able to observe a slice of Mongolian life as you shadow the family through their daily tasks, whether it's milking a yak or herding cattle. At night, you'll join several generations enjoying a communal meal together. All good ger guests should remember a few etiquette rules in mind and confer with your guide beforehand. It's customary to bring gifts and eat all the food you're given. Enter through the left and sit down immediately, but wait until you've been served tea to begin talking. Don't lean against the walls, don't throw trash into the fire, and accept everything with your right hand.

Attend Traditional Festivals

Would you rather watch an eagle swooping down to catch a fox, a five-year-old riding a horse before of a cheering crowd, or wrestling on top of a frozen lake? Or, as mentioned earlier, camel polo? Mongolia is famous for its many festivals, which often combine outstanding athleticism with incredible animals, music, dance, food, and traditional costumes. They take place at different points in the year, but no trip to the country is complete without catching at least one.

The most high-profile is the Naadam Festival in July, which is something like the country's own Olympic games. The festival begins with a dazzling, televised opening ceremony in Ulaanbaatar, awash with music, dance, pageantry, and color. Sites across the country host competitions in each of the "Three Manly Sports": wrestling, archery (open to men and women, despite the aforementioned moniker), and horseback riding (open to children as young as five.)

In October, head to western Mongolia for the Golden Eagle Festival, where ethnic Kazakh eagle hunters compete to see whose birds catch the most prey with the most precision and speed. March sees the Thousand Camel Festival, which shows that any competition you can have on a horse can also be held atop a camel.

If you prefer a more non-competitive -- and chilly -- vibe, come in February for Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian Lunar New Year, where you'll celebrate the New Year with a traditional feast of dumplings, mutton, horse, rice, cookies, and airag.

Keep An Eye On The Trans-Mongolian Railway

Long, long ago, anyone who didn't want to see Mongolia via a horse, camel, or bumpy Jeep ride could board a luxurious train that could show them most of Mongolia while they sipped tea and ordered from the onboard restaurant. Some traveled all the way from Moscow to Beijing through Mongolia.

The coronavirus pandemic and war in Ukraine means that travel between Russia and China is a thing of the distant past, but we're hopeful that one day travel on the Trans-Mongolian Railway will return. That seems unlikely in the near future, but it can't hurt to check periodically to see if the travel gods have smiled upon you.

This is because the train was a marvelous way to experience Mongolia - and Russia,  the Great Wall of China , Lake Baikal, and countless attractions in between via the Trans-Siberian Railway, which went from Moscow to Vladiovostok. The nearly 5000-mile journey crossed through eastern Mongolia, giving passengers a chance to see the steppes, the Gobi Desert, and Ulaanbaatar. Tours booked around the train ride would plan stops along the way, allowing passengers to experience the country's best. Then they'd return to climate-controlled splendor that could show them some of the best of the Eurasian landmass. Those days may be long gone, but if you can ever ride even a portion of the train, it's worth the effort. In the meantime, we still have all of Mongolia to enjoy.

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