Highlights
- An exciting 5-day adventure on a horseback
- Magnificent landscapes of Mongolia and exploration of the great steppe
- Mountains, wild nature of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
- Meetings with nomads, visits to yurts and traditional Mongolian cuisine
- Ulaanbaatar – attractions of the Mongolian capital
Overview
Mongolia is a country with a rich culture and thousands of years of impressive history. The most valuable treasure of this country is its nature – unspoiled, virgin and on the contrary to popular belief, extremely diverse. Although the landscape is ruled by the grassy steppe here, we will also have a chance to admire high mountains, wild larch taiga and huge desert dunes. The landscape is complemented by crystal lakes and rapid streams.
The Mongolian steppe has not changed much since the times of Genghis Khan. Yurts and huge herds of grazing animals – sheep, goats, horses, yaks and camels – are the inseparable elements of the landscape. The old traditions and customs are still present during festivals as well as in everyday life. Mongols are very happy to invite guests to their yurts.
There is probably nothing as much connected with the impression of the steppe as the hoof beats and sound of the galloping riders. Horses have become the pride of the Mongols and the symbol of their unrestrained freedom on the great steppe. That’s why the horseback riding tour in Mongolia is an amazing and unique adventure!
Itinerary
Day 1: Meeting in Ulaanbaatar and first steps in the capital of Mongolia
We meet in the early morning in front of the hotel or at the airport in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. We go through the necessary formalities and go for a typical Mongolian meal. Before noon, we visit the Gandan Monastery, which is the most important Buddhist centre in the country and famous for the 26 meters high statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. In the afternoon we go to the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park by cars. Visit in the park is our first contact with the Mongolian landscapes, the holy owoo mounds and the everyday life of the steppe inhabitants. Overnight stay in yurts.
Days 2-6: Horseback riding tour in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
We start the horseback tour through the picturesque valleys, mountains and passes of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, famous for interesting rock formations and natural beauty. The route leads through a varied terrain – wide „gallop” steppes, over the meandering streams, sometimes in the forest and sometimes along the mountain paths. We will visit the shepherds’ yurts, where we will taste the famous salty milk tea and kumis – a drink made of mare’s milk, homemade cheese, traditional archi vodka and other delicacies of Mongolian cuisine. Additional meals we prepare together. Overnight stay in yurts or tents.
The trek is open to experienced riders, skilled in riding outdoors and able to ride independently and smoothly at all three gaits. We ride in a group or loose formation, using different gaits depending on the terrain. In some areas, we may need to lead the horses on foot. If conditions allow, we may split the group into two – those who want to ride faster and those preferring a slower pace. Each group is supervised by at least one guide, and all riders stay within sight of one another.
We mount Mongolian horses – one of the oldest domesticated breeds. They are calm and walk well in file. Their size, build, strength and character resemble the well-known Huculs. Every day we spend about 5-7 hours on a horseback, taking a few breaks during the ride. We are accompanied by trusted and experienced local guides, and all our equipment is transported by additional pack horses.
Day 7: Visit to the Mongolian capital
In the morning we begin our way back to Ulaanbaatar. We stop in a hostel in the city center. In the afternoon we visit the National Museum of Mongolia. It presents hundreds of years of culture, art and life of people inhabiting the large steppe. We will see rich collections of traditional clothes, weapons, religious items and articles of everyday use. We will take a walk around Genghis Khan square and then go shopping to by some fine souvenirs. In the evening, we meet on a farewell dinner in the restaurant. Overnight stay at the hostel.
Important information
- The participant should be familiar with current passport, visa and sanitary regulations as well as health requirements including recommended vaccinations, available on the website of the embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of his / her country of residence.
- The participant should have trail horseback riding experience (multi-hours recreational trail trips) and should have walk, trot and galop riding skills.
- The expedition is organized under the rules stated in the Terms and conditions of participating expeditions.
Required equipment
Check what we recommend to take at the expedition. If you have any questions please contact us.
Horseback
riding trip
Wildlife
Tents
sleeping
Culture
discovering
Expedition cost
Includes:
- organization of the Expedition and support of the English-speaking Leader
- hire of the personal tourist equipment (2-person tents, transportation bags, saddle bags)
- providing of team equipment (camping equipment, satellite communicator, first aid kit)
- expedition package (T-shirt, multifunctional neckwear)
- health & accidents insurance
- Touristic Guarantee Found and Touristic Assistance Found fees
Payable by transfer within 3 days from an Agreement date
Additional Costs
Includes:
- local transfers in rented cars
- rental of horses with the necessary equipment
- hire of local horseback riding guides
- rental of a car for luggage transportation during the horseback riding trips
- full board from day 1 till 7 of the Expedition (breakfast, lunch and dinner based on local gastronomy; during the horseback riding trip – meals prepared by a cook in camping conditions)
- accommodation (7 nights) in tents (double), yurts (dormitory), guesthouse (double, triple and dorm rooms) and hotel (double rooms) according to the Itinerary
- entrance fees to visited places
Taking by Participant in cash on the Expedition
Supplements
Self-organized flight to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Map
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Gorkhi Terelj National Park
Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Mongolia
Gallery
