Horseback Riding Vacations in Mongolia

The adventure of exploring Mongolia on horseback

Genghis Khan referred to Mongolia as a sacred place, “the eternal blue sky”.

Kan was the great Mongol conqueror, who unified the nomadic tribes of the area and founded the first Mongol Empire.

That is why it is said that Mongolia is a land of blue skies, limitless spaces for riding and the cradle of real nomadic horse people.

Some interesting facts about Mongolia

Mongolia is in central Asia. Located between two giants, China and Russia, Mongolia is a landlocked country.

Since 80% of the land is covered with pastures, Mongolia is a country of farmers. People live with their animals (dogs, cows, goats, horses and yaks) as nomadic herders.

Climate

When you visit this country, you must bear in mind that it has four well-defined climatic seasons, with an average of 200 sunny days per year.

The climate is continental with little rainfall. The coldest month has extreme minimum temperatures in January and the hottest month is July.

Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital in the world. Although summers are relatively warm, the nights can be icy.

Geography

Although the steppe covers the greatest part of the territory, Mongolia's landscapes are quite diverse, including mountains, lakes, deserts and grasslands.

The steppe, which occupies approximately 75% of the country, is divided into three regions: the forest steppe in the north, with some mountains, the grassland steppe in the centre and east of the country, and the semi-desert steppe in the south.

Heading south, we find the Gobi Desert.

Much of the Gobi is not sandy but bare rock. However, as we reach its summit, the landscape begins to vary gently until the stony terrain gives way to large sandy plains.

The Dunes of Khongoryn are considered the highest in Mongolia, with heights of 300 m. As the sand is moved due to winds or is in the process of collapse due to small avalanches, a strong sound is made giving it the name “Singing Sands”.

Towards the west, the landscape becomes more rugged, with the Altai Mountain Range, known as the “Golden Mountains”, which borders China, Russia and Kazakhstan.

Although Mongolia does not have access to the sea, it has many saltwater and freshwater lakes, especially between the Mongol Altai and Khangai mountains. Many rivers cross the Mongolian territory; the main ones are the Tuul, the Orkhon, the Kherlen and the Selenge.

The Mongolian horse

Horse culture in Mongolia plays an important role in the daily and national life of Mongols; it is traditionally said that “a Mongolian without a horse is like a bird without wings”.

This horse has a double purpose: it is mainly used for riding and pulling carts, but also for milk production.

The Mongolian horse, Takhi or Przewalski’s horse, is characterized by its short legs and thick neck. It can resist very low temperatures and lives in the wild most of the time, in herds, looking for pastures.

The average height for males is 128 cm, for females it is 120 cm, but their sizes change according to the environmental conditions. It’s a small horse, so the rider’s weight must be taken into consideration in routes of more than 6 days.

You can also take part in a major sporting event: the Mongol Derby, the toughest horse race in the world. Genghis Khan used to organize it for his troops, a 1,000 km race across the steppes of Mongolia.

The best horseback routes in 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.

Western Mongolia boasts vast settings where Equestrian Tourism can be really enjoyable. Valleys at the foot of the snow-covered mountains, endless steppe, mountain rivers and the immense Altai Mountain Range.

To the north, green valleys, Eight Lakes and Orkhon Waterfalls are destinations in Mongolia that are becoming more popular each year among horse riding enthusiasts from around the World.

Gorkhi Terelj National Park is a place where you can ride your horse and explore open valleys, hills, river trails, forested passes and high pastures.

Western Mongolia comprises the provinces of Bayan-Ölgii, Hovd, Uvs and Zavkhan. It’s the most ethnically diverse, mountainous, and scenic region of Mongolia, with thousands of years of history.

Equestrian tourism outfitters in Mongolia

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays has selected some suppliers of Equestrian Tourism that should be taken into consideration to know the best of Mongolia on horseback.

Nomadic Journeys

For 25 years, Nomadic Journeys is a leading tour operator in Mongolia, focuses on low impact sustainable tourism.

They work with numerous community groups/enterprises and conservation initiatives around Mongolia.

Their philosophy is to offer a slow-paced low impact travel experience, visiting different places on a horse back, a yak carts, and a camel carts rather than traveling long difficult journeys on a vehicle. They also offer off-road vehicle trips.

Even though they have more than 6 rides for visitors, their most popular program is maybe the one in Western Mongolia.

Altai Mountain Ride

This horseback journey offers close encounters with Mongolian horsemen, nomadic people who have thus far been able to withstand modern pressures and lifestyles.

You will undertake this horse ride as a “Nomadic journey”.

On this trip, you will explore Western Mongolia’s environments on horseback: First, you ride through the Mountain Valleys. Gradually you will come through the vast steppe.

You will experience snow-capped mountains, endless steppe, mountain rivers and enjoy camping along great Altai Mountain ranges.

Route characteristics:

• This ride comprises 12 days, 6 of which will be spent on the saddle.
• In each leg of the trip, there will be a mobile camp and all the logistics of Nomadic Journeys.
• A Mongolian English speaking guide will accompany the group.
• Possibility to have a guide in another language, at an extra charge.
• If the group consists of 5 riders or more,we will accompany you also a Mongolian doctor.
• You should be a competent rider, fit and capable of riding horse at all paces confidently.
• Accommodation will be at the foot of the Tsast and Tsambagarav mountains whose peaks are eternally covered in snow.
• Their camps have spacious tentipi tents for guests, as well as a mobile kitchen and restaurant, and tents for the staff.
• They have excellent cooks adept at both western and Mongolian cooking on their trips.
• They can accommodate vegetarian riders or with special diets.

More information about them on their website: www.nomadicjourneys.com.

Horse Trek Mongolia

Located in Northern Mongolia, Baggii and Saraa have been offering horseback treks through some of Mongolia's most beautiful and difficult terrain for over 20 years.

Together with a team of local guides and under the supervision of an experienced international vet, they have been home to the international Equestrian Club of Outer Mongolia.

Mongolian horses are quite forward moving and energetic, so for novice riders a guide will happily lead you while master the skills necessary to go off lead. Please note that there is a weight limit of 100 kg for their adventure rides.

They have 8 Horseback Riding Programs in different parts of Mongolia. The most popularis is 8 Lakes & Orkhon Waterfall Wilderness Ride.

8 Lakes & Orkhon Waterfall Wilderness Ride

This ride includes river crossings, brush riding, and forest riding, sometimes steep terrain both up and down, and Mongolian steppe, of course!

• It is a 10-day and 9-nights tour, include 5-6 hours of riding.
• Has a native English or German speaker along as an interpreter and cultural liaison.
• It is suitable for all riding levels.
• All riders are provided with a helmet, break away stirrups, half chaps and matched with a mount whose temperament matches their ability.
• They carry a satellite phone for use in case of an emergency and, whenever possible, a support vehicle.
• There is a weight limit of 100 kgs.
• Accommodation is in camps.
• TIncludes horse, guide, translator, tack, safety equipment, 3 meals and 2 snacks for day and return airport transfer.

Horse Trek Mongolia will donate 20% of the tariff from this trek to support the children of the Children of the Peak Sanctuary Kindergarten (www.veloofoundation.com).

More information about them on their website: www.horsetrekmongolia.com.

Stone Horse Expedition Travel

The Stone Horse team is made up of Mongolian and international personnel. They are adventure tour operators, and they take special pride in the quality of their horse riding tours into some of the pristine and naturally beautiful areas of Mongolia’s parks, and in making your holiday an unforgettable horse trek adventure.

Their horses

Their horses are Mongolian and they graze on natural pastures and live in a herd, the ultimate “natural boarding.” Facing harsh, cold winters and fending off predators, which are abundant in Mongolia, is also part of their lives.

Their horses are half “wild”, but it is precisely the “wildness” of living in a herd in their natural environment that makes most Mongolian horses easy-going and calm.

Safety and comfort for horse and rider are paramount to them.

They summarize 10 important features in their riding equipment policy:

1. Comfortable saddles of high quality with a good seat.
2. Safety features on horse trekking saddles – safety stirrups.
3. Comfort for the trekking horses – saddle fit and pads.
4. Crupper and breastplate.
5. Helmets.
6. Half chaps.
7. Saddle bags for the day on the trail.
8. Camping gear, well equipped camp kitchen, good food – and a few items for wilderness trekking in style.
9. Well trained expedition horses.
10. Horse and rider communication.

For their trails in Mongolia, they use “western” saddles with longer bars that distribute the weight evenly on the horse spine, and the seats that are built for comfort and balance, for both horses and riders as a whole.

Their main Rides are:

• Gorkhi Terelj National Park Horse Expedition – 10 days
• Gorkhi Terelj National Park Autumn Horse Expedition - 8 days
• Khentii Mountain Desert Ride - 14 days
• Wilderness Conservation Adventure - 14 days

Gorkhi Terelj National Park Horse Riding

The Gorkhi-Terelj National Park lies northeast of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar and within easy reach of the city.

This horse ride covers spectacular terrain, intriguing historical sites and exposure to nomadic herding culture.

• The Riding tour takes a total of 10 days, with 8 days of actual riding.
• There are only five expeditions per season.
• Small groups only – 6 riders per expedition.
• Experience true hospitality and the ambiance of a Mongolian Ger (Yurt).
• Price includes transportation, accommodation, permits, all camping equipment and horse gear.

Riders will find here fresh air, natural springs, sand dunes in Gobi Desert and high mountains, endless steppe and deep forests. You can discover many historical delights such as stone monuments.

Discover more about them on their web site: www.stonehorsemongolia.com.

Horse Trails Mongolia

Experts in Western Mongolia horse treks, offers customized riding adventures and trails for groups or individuals.

Their ger camp (Mongolian traditional accommodation-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 will teach you to ride their horses, and all the people who will help make your stay an amazing adventure.

This company gives the opportunity to feel the rural Nomadic Mongolia friendliness with the professionalism that always characterizes an international Horseback Riding Vacation supplier.

They run both short and long tours, near and far from Ulaanbaatar.

They offer 4 standard rides all around Mongolia and the possibility, if you coordinate in advance, to develop customized private rides.

The most popular ride is the one that takes you to Western Mongolia.

Western Mongolia

It is a challenging ride of 18 days on horseback. This is an adventure expedition into the true Mongolian wilderness.

This trek takes place in Western Mongolia, a region covering the provinces of Bayan-Ölgii, Hovd, Uvs, and Zavkhan.

Is home to the Kazakhs, and Oirats, or western Mongols, which can be divided into 10 different tribes, as well as Khalkhs, or eastern Mongols.

In addition to the ethnic diversity, the region is home to the Altai Mountain Range, with the highest peaks in Mongolia, Lake Uvs, a large saltwater lake, and many smaller lakes, mountains, rivers, forests, ancd steppe.

Spread throughout the region are countless archaeological sites with petroglyphs, cave paintings, standing stone monuments, monasteries, and ancient forts that date back as far as 10,000 years.

During horse trekking, we will be in the high Mountains and desert, so weather can change a lot and temperatures can be very different. Therefore, choose right equipment for you, which is useful in these horseback days in Mongolia.

Camping and horse trekking equipment provided by them – high quality and comfortable equipment.

There is a lot of information for you on their web site: horsetrailsmongolia.com.

Rugged Mongolia is an adventure destination where you discover nomadic culture in vast, untouched landscapes. Enjoy its snow-capped mountains, the overwhelming silence of its desert and its blue, picture-postcard sky. A riding expedition on the back of a Mongolian horse makes your experience much more intense.

Do you also love the idea of exploring Asia on horseback?

Download our free eBook on equestrian tourism in Asia and discover the most spectacular equestrian destinations of the Asian continent. The equestrian routes and trails that you choose to ride here will take you directly into the culture and traditions of local people.