Steppe Adventures Mongolian Horse Riding

Embark on an awe-inspiring Mongolian horse riding adventure that immerses you in the World Cultural Heritage Site Orkhon Valley and among the Khangai Mountains. Spend 8 of the 11 days in a saddle, fully engaged with the natural scenery, randomly visiting nomads, and riding beside thousands of freely grazing animal herds of the herders. 

Not only horse riding, but we assume you would also love to discover popular sites, attractions, and scenic places in central Mongolia. Our trip plan includes the ancient Erdenezuu Monastery, the picturesque Eight Lakes surrounded by forested mountains, the stunning Ulaantsutgalan Waterfall, Ugii Lake, the Elsentasarkhai semi-desert, and Tovkhon Monastery perched on a mountaintop.

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

Our driver will meet you at the airport and take you to a centrally located hotel. Have a free day to relax and discover the city on your own while staying in a hotel in a good location.
Accommodation: 3* hotel

Day 2: Visit the nomads and the Mongolian horse riding starts

The adventure begins as you drive through the steppes toward the Elsentasarhai semi-desert in central Mongolia. Upon your arrival at Elsentasarkhai around lunchtime, you will visit a nomadic family and enjoy an authentic Mongolian barbecue lunch prepared by your hosts. After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to watch equestrians as they catch horses and receive instructions on local riding techniques, including the best ways to care for Mongol horses and understand their character. You will then have a chance to ride for 2-3 hours in the semi-desert steppe. The journey continues as you head to Kharkhorin, where you will spend the night in a ger camp.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Ancient monastery Erdenezuu and the horse riding in the Orkhon Valley

In the Orkhon River Valley, the beautiful Erdenezuu Monastery coexists with the modern town of Kharkhorin, which stands on the site of the 13th-century capital, Kharakhorum. Erdenezuu is the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and features valuable religious art in its temple museums. With a history spanning over 400 years, this monastery showcases a blend of Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese architectural styles. The Mongolian-style ger temple and the Tibetan-style temples are active places of worship, where local devotees from across Mongolia visit with great reverence.
After touring the monastery, you will have the opportunity to visit the Kharkhorum Museum, where you can see the remains of the destroyed city. Following lunch, you will mount horses to ride along the scenic Orkhon River Valley.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: The Orkhon River Valley horse riding continues

You will observe the landscapes are turning more grassy, mountainous, and tree-covered with countless herds of animals. The riding continues along the Orkhon River. You will notice that the landscapes are becoming more grassy, mountainous, and covered with trees, along with countless herds of animals. The journey continues alongside the Orkhon River. You can choose to visit as many nomadic families as you wish. You will spend the night in a tent in the Orkhon River Valley. Embrace the magic of a night spent in a tent, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Orkhon River Valley.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Riding to Ulaantsutgalan Waterfall and soft hiking

Ulaantsutgalan is the largest waterfall in central Mongolia, cascading down a 24-meter lava cliff. You will ride through valleys covered with basalt, crossing several rivers and streams. Upon late arrival at the waterfall, do soft hiking up and down the lava canyon. If you are a good swimmer, consider challenging yourself to swim around the waterfall!
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: The picturesque Eight Lakes/Naiman Nuur
The riding becomes more challenging as we ride through obstacle areas and forested mountain trails into the depths of the mountains. We will reach Khuis Lake, one of the Eights Lakes.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Ride between the beautiful lakes and relax

Shireet Lake is the largest and most picturesque of the Eight Lakes. You will begin your journey by riding a horse to Shireet Lake, where you will then walk to a vantage point to fully appreciate its beauty. After enjoying the view, you’ll continue your adventure by riding to the other six lakes.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ride back the Orkhon Valley

Ride down the mountain and meet the support vehicle at Buurug. From there, continue to a ger camp 6 km from the Ulaantsutgalan waterfall. Riders who have had enough riding for the day can choose to drive to the ger camp. Refresh from the adventure while staying in the ger camp.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Riding to Shiveet Ulaan Mountain

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Orkhon Valley as you embark on your scenic ride. Arrive at the base of the forested Shiveet Ulaan Mountain.
Accommodation: camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Visit the Tovkhon Monastery, drive to Ugii Lake

In the morning, you will either hike or ride to the summit of Shiveet Ulaan Mountain to visit Tovkhon Monastery. Tovkhon Monastery is situated at an elevation of 2,312 meters on the rocky, forest-covered peak of Shiveet Ulaan Mountain. Once at the top, you will be captivated by the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains as you explore the small monastery, meditation caves, and the Ovoo ceremonial site.
After your visit, you will return to the campsite for lunch and bid farewell to the horses and riders. Next, you will drive to Ugii Lake, where you can enjoy the evening at a ger camp located near the lake.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Return to Ulaanbaatar

You will arrive in Ulaanbaatar around lunchtime. After lunch, check in at a hotel. You will have a free afternoon.
Accommodation: 3* hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Transfer to the airport/railway station

Your Mongolian horse riding tour will end when we transfer you to the airport/railway station.
Meals: Breakfast

TOUR PRICE PER PERSON

2 PAX 2930 USD

3 PAX 2570 USD

4 PAX 2300 USD

Group tour price 2210 USD

DISCOUNTS

Group traveler discount
One free space for every 16 pax
Rebooking discount
Please contact us for more trip details.

      The tour includes:

    • 2 nights in a 3* hotel
    • 3 nights at the ger camps
    • 6 nights in the tent
    • Airport transfers
    • Four wheels driving vehicle transfer
    • Luggage horses
    • English speaking guide
    • Entry fees to national parks and museums
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • Bottled drinking water during the vehicle transfer and boiled when travel in depths of the Taiga
    • Local horse equestrian
    • Helmets, short chaps, and sleeping bags upon request
    • Camping and cooking gears

      The tour excludes:

    • Items of personal use
    • International travel
    • Optional activities & additional services
    • Travel & medical insurance
    • Visa fee
    • Single supplements
    • Gratuity for guides & drivers

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