Horseback Riding in Mongolia

Mongol Horse Trails

Overview

On this trip you will explore two very different environments on horseback: First, ride across the vast treeless steppe, which is summer pastureland of Mongolian herders. Gradually you will come through the very scenic forest steppe and up into the southern taiga zone of the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area. You will experience steppes, wooded meadows, forests and mountains and enjoy camping along winding rivers. You will undertake this horse ride without vehicle support, in wild terrain. All the luggage will be loaded onto yak carts; even a ger (Mongolian yurt) will be carried to serve as the mobile restaurant.

This horseback journey offers close encounters with Mongolian horsemen, nomadic people who have thus far been able to withstand modern pressures and lifestyles. There is no other nation in the world that depends on horses to such an extent. Mongolian horsemanship is famous and in many ways different than anywhere else. The herders keep their horses in a semi- wild condition, allowing them to live freely in harem groups. During the harsh winter with extreme subzero temperatures, the horses fend for themselves and protect their foals against predators such as wolves. Fences or stables are virtually unknown.

Accommodations on the first and last nights are in a hotel in Ulaanbaatar, clean and comfortable, but not luxurious. While on trek, nights are spent in Tentipi Safir tepee tents or gers (felt tents) with foldable cots, with two nights in a permanent ger tent with additional facilities.

Food is prepared by the camp cooks, who are adept at western, vegetarian and Mongolian meals.

  • Overview:
    Sturdy Mongolian horses and English type tack is used.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Mongolian
  • Trip Pace:
    Walk, trot and canter
  • Tack:
    Russian style English
  • Weight limit:
    190 lb (riders between 190-220 lb /85-100 kg can participate with an additional supplement)

Chinggis Khan international airport in Ulaanbaatar

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Ulaanbaatar

Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Tour briefing after dinner.

Day 2

To the Steppes

After breakfast, visit the Gandan Monastery, the centerpiece for the revival of the Buddhist Lamaism in Mongolia. With luck you can catch the prayer times. Then drive out of the city to Gants Mod and gradually the wide open Mongolian landscape unfolds before your eyes. Have a picnic lunch on arrival, pitching camp near some nomadic families, where you will stay for 2 nights. Here you will meet the local herders with the yak carts and horses. Get to know the horses and go an short trial ride, and spend the next day riding in the area.

Naadam Itinerary

On the Naadam itinerary you spend Days 2 and 3 in Ulanbaatar at the festival, traveling to Gants Mod on Day 4. The rest of the itinerary follows the progression below.

Day 4

Steppe ride

All the provisions, camping equipment and luggage will be loaded onto yak carts. Even a ger (yurt) will be brought, and you will learn how to set it up. Ride across open steppe, but also cover hilly terrain with occasional patches of birch forest. Throughout the ride you will have the chance to meet with local herdsmen, often relatives and friends of our local guides. On the second day, forests will suddenly start to appear and you are now riding towards the Khentii wilderness area, which includes the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area and
Gorkhi Terelj National Park. In Mongolia the Siberian boreal forest meets the Central Asian desert and steppe and will be riding through the transitional zone between grasslands and northern Larch forests. Spend two nights in the Khan Khentii  wilderness area here.

Day 6

To Sharbulag Valley

The horses will enable you to ride through the Larch forests, up the slopes of the mountains and to follow ridges that offer views of superb scenery, whilst the yak carts will follow along the broad river valleys. You will arrive and pitch camp at Sharbulag Valley. Spend two nights here, which will allow for some flexibility in the middle of the ride.

Day 8

To Jalman Meadows

Ride towards Jalman Meadows, famous for its wildflowers, and reach the semi-permanent ger camp, which is situated next to a beautiful wooded meadow on the upper parts of the Tuul River. Here you say good bye to the herders and their yak carts caravan. You will stay at Jalman Meadows Ger Camp for two nights, having a superb last day ride in the surrounding area.

Day 10

To Ulaanbaatar

You are picked up by a driver and return to Ulaanbaatar. Check into your hotel with time to see the capital city on your own. Distances are
short and nearly all points of interest may by reached on foot. Your guide is standing by to assist you in your shopping or sightseeing activities. Have a farewell dinner in local restaurant as well as entertainment.

Day 11

Departure

Transfer to the airport for departure

Itinerary Addendum

The Naadam Itinerary includes two extra days at the festival in Ulaanbaatar at the start of the trip. This is a suggested itinerary only. Changes to the itinerary and camp locations may occur due to weather and other unforeseeable circumstances. The trip may be done in reverse.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

The June 30-July 10 trip includes a visit to the Naadam festival in Ulaanbaatar, the additional 2 days have a supplement of $1010.

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Jun 15, 2024
Jun 25, 2024
Jun 30, 2024
Jul 10, 2024
Jul 21, 2024
Jul 31, 2024
Aug 17, 2024
Aug 27, 2024
Sep 1, 2024
Sep 11, 2024

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $2,550

  • Pricing Variation
  • $1,010Naadam supplement Jun 30-Jul 10
  • Single Supplement
  • $450

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Contact Megan Barrett

The Spirit of the Reindeer Herders Ride was our 5th Equitours trip overseas and they have all been amazing! This year in Mongolia was so far our most exotic adventure and once again far exceeded our expectations. Equitours does a great job of contracting with excellent tour companies and makes it so easy to arrange for all aspects of travel.  Our guide and her crew were SO fantastic! They became like family and were so VERY patient. Mongolia is beautiful and must have the most hospitable people on earth! We even got to see a wedding! The entire trip was perfect!

Jeannie Bunt, 2012