Horseback Riding in Mongolia

Spirit of the Reindeer Herders

Overview

This remote and inaccessible region of northern Mongolia is inhabited by the Tsaatan people, nomadic reindeer herdsmen. The Tsaatan herd reindeer not only for their horns, which they sell to local traders, but also for riding, milking and meat. It is no wonder they are called ‘Reindeer People’.

There are only 30-40 herding families still living this traditional lifestyle as they have done for centuries, moving constantly in search of a particular type of moss on which their reindeer feed. They maintain a culture completely separate to that of the traditional Mongolian nomads. On horseback you journey deep into the taiga-forest area and make contact with this unique group of people during this horse riding tour in Mongolia.

After leaving the Tsaatan people, the itinerary continues by horseback to the shores of the tranquil Khuvsgul Lake. The surrounding area, part of the Lake Khuvsgul National Park, comprises of high mountains, meadows of wildflowers, dense taiga forest and clear rivers. After camping here for two days to soak up the serenity and wild scenery, you will fly back to Ulaanbaatar and explore the sights of Mongolia’s capital city.

The first and last two nights will be spent at a hotel in Ulaanbaatar.  The rooms are clean and comfortable, and have all the modern conveniences.  Extra luggage can be left at the hotel while you are riding.  Once away from Ulaanbaatar, all the nights will be spent in small western-style tents.

In general, the food will be simple and healthy to ensure a balanced diet. Most of the provisions will be locally produced and the menus will be based on the best possible harvest available. Mongolia is generally a meat-eating country but vegetarian requests can be catered for with plenty of advance notice.

  • Overview:
    The horses used are supplied by local nomad horseman, and although small are tough and responsive. They are adept at negotiating sand dunes, open steppes and rocky mountains. Their owners have no objection to impromptu races, and you will be surprised at the speed and agility of these tough little horses. Mongolian horses are usually unshod except in very rocky areas of the country. Mongolian tack generally comprises a head collar (halter) and lead rope, which is never removed from the horse, a bridle with a simple steel snaffle, hobbles and either a Russian steel- framed or an Australian Stock saddle.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Mongolian Ponies
  • Trip Pace:
    moderate to fast
  • Tack:
    English trekking, Australian stock
  • Weight limit:
    200 lbs

Ulaanbaatar

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

International Arrrival

Arrival at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport. After clearing immigration formalities, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. After lunch visit the Bogd Khan Palace, a series of beautiful traditional buildings where the last religious king of Mongolia resided. The Palace is now a museum displaying fascinating artifacts and costumes associated with the king, as well as his collection of European furniture and stuffed animals. A welcome dinner will be held at a local restaurant, including local music, food, and entertainment.

Overnight at local 3 star hotel. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 2

Flight to Moron - Darkhad Valley

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Moron either in the morning or afternoon. You will be met at the airport by vehicles and staff and will be driven towards the Darkhad Valley to the west of Lake Khuvsgul. Camp near a small village called Toom.

Overnight in tented camp with kitchen support. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 3

Soyot-Khog River

Drive to the small village of Soyot near which the base camp will be made next to the Khog River. You might want to try the wild berries, which grow in profusion nearby and are made into a delicious jam by the locals. You will also meet the local horsemen who will accompany you on your journey.

Overnight in tented camp with kitchen support. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4

Five days riding to Reindeer herders

Days 4-8: Depending on your level of experience, an appropriate horse will be selected for you by the expert horsemen. When you watch the packhorses being loaded, you will be amazed about how much these small, sturdy horses can carry. Nevertheless, we recommend that you take as little as possible with you on this part of the trip. Remember, the horses will carry the tents and food as well as your luggage. Essentials are, however, raingear and a waterproof pack. You can leave extra baggage at the base camp. The ride itself takes you through spectacularly beautiful and remote country sides. En route, spend some time with the Tsaatan (west taiga) people at one of their mountain camps. We ask you to remember that when we visit these people, we are guests in their homes, so it is appropriate to offer them small gifts in return for their hospitality. You might want to discuss this with your guide. You will be camping overnight in tents.

Overnight in tented camp with kitchen support. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 9

Terelj National Park

Days 9-12: Refreshed and relaxed from base camp, you are back on the horses today. This time you are on a linear route to Lake Khuvsgul. At first the terrain will be wide-open valleys, then rocky mountain slopes, and will finally take you down a forested mountain path to the crystal-clear blue waters of the lake. On the fourth day overnight at ger camp.

Overnight in tented camp with kitchen support. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 13

Day at the lake

Spend a day of leisure around the lake at the base camp. You can just relax, or if you still have some energy left, you can swim, fish or hike. Overnight at ger camp.

Overnight ger camp. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 14

Flight back and drive to Tuul Lodge

In the morning, pack up camp and head south to Moron. On the way you’ll stop and explore Uushgiin Uvur deerstone complex, which dates back from the Bronze Age. After the lunch you will reach Moron in time for the late-afternoon flight to Ulaanbaatar and directly transfer to Tuul Riverside Lodge. An intimate and fully sustainable traditional Mongolian ger camp on the foot of the Bayanzorik Mountain, the beautiful camp’s surroundings invites to be explored and discovered! Your gers are prepared by a dedicated team of people, giving you a warm welcome!

Overnight at Tuul Riverside Lodge: gers with ensuite bathrooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 15

Day at Tuul Lodge

Please feel free to channel your inner discoverer and explore the beautiful surroundings of the camp! You can get an insight into Mongolia’s captivating culture through various activities. Enjoy amini cooking lesson in the morning; Mongolian traditional cooking has been enriched
with cooking traditions of many other nations which is tracked with history of 800 years ago, the time of conquest. This led to rapid culture exchange.

Then a nomadic neighbor will come with his ox and his card will take you on a ride with Mongolian arrows and bows
in tow! Legendary for their prowess with the bow, Mongols perfected this ancient practice with bows constructed from wood, animal sinew, bone, and glue made from fish bladders in a process that could take up to a year. A stone inscription dating from the 13th century claims that one of Genghis Khan’s generals hit a target from a distance of 1/3 of a mile. In the late afternoon you will learn a Mongolian traditional game using ankle bones. In the evening dine on a traditional Mongolian barbecue food, known as Khorhog, demonstrating what an important ingredient stones can be: mutton will be cooked slowly in a huge, metal urn with vegetables, water and most importantly hot stones from the flame. The meat becomes soft and tasty, and the water turns into a thick meaty broth… Quite a few Mongolian chefs affirm that they can taste the difference between river and lake stones. The day will finish with a campfire and star gazing  which is unforgettable on a clear night.

Overnight at Tuul Riverside Lodge: gers with ensuite bathrooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 16

Back to UB

After a leisurely breakfast transfer back to the UB city. Depending on the river water level transfers will be arranged by airboat or by people carrier truck over the mountain pass. You will have time for shopping. There will be an evening program of traditional song and dance, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at local 3 star hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 17

International departure

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport for departure.

Itinerary Addendum

This itinerary is flexible and may be modified at the guides' discretion due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Flight schedules are subject to alteration with little or no advance notice. The guide will make every effort to provide the itinerary as presented, but your patience and understanding are appreciated if the itinerary should change.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Aug 2, 2024
Aug 18, 2024

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $5,680

    Per person with 2-3 guests

  • Pricing Variation
  • $5,415

    Per person with 4-5 guests

  • $4,630

    Per person with 6-8 guests

  • $3,990

    Per person with 9 guests

  • Single Supplement
  • $360

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $5,680

    Per person with 2-3 guests

Additional Pricing Information:
Deposit amount is $1,300 for this ride. Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid.


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Contact Megan Barrett

The Reindeer Herders trip was better than could be described! It was phenomenal! We started as a riding group and soon felt like we were a family - great people!

Sally Rice, 2012