Horse riding tour

Overview

Experience a horse-riding expedition surrounded by dramatic scenery in the remote, far west of Mongolia. Behold the remarkable beauty of the Altai Mountains, the country’s tallest five peaks, located at the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. The highest point is Mount Khuiten, standing at 4,374 meters above sea level. Amidst these sky-reaching snow-capped summits as backdrop - ride through lush valleys, and along winding rivers and freshwater lakes. See the Potanin Glacier, the country’s longest glacier extending for 14 kilometers. Climb Malchin Peak, the lowest of the five sacred peaks. This is a dream trip for any active adventure lover!

Meet the livestock-herding nomads who roam the western frontier. Although Khalkh Mongols make up a vast majority of the country’s population, western Mongolia is inhabited by ethnic minority groups such as the Kazakhs and Tuvans. Visit their traditional dome-shaped felt homes, learn about their cultures and traditions, and feel their hospitable nature.

The nomadic way of life revolves around the horse. Around the same time as Kazakh children learn to walk, they learn to ride! A nomadic family might use as many as three to four horses for transportation and work. Training the horses during summer months enables the horses to become fit so that they can endure the harsh Mongolian winters. We’ll cover about 25 to 30 kilometers for approximately 6 to 8 hours each riding day.

Tour Gallery

Itinerary

• 2 overnights in 4 star hotel in UB 
• 1 overnight in local hotel or ger camp in Bayan-Ulgii 
• 10 tented overnights

• Hotel
  Day 1

  Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

  Upon your arrival in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, you will be met by our representative and transferred to a centrally located hotel. After checking into your hotel, we will take you on a city sightseeing tour. Ulaanbaatar reveals traces of its historical past through its blend of modern glass buildings, Soviet-era architecture, TIbetan Buddhist monasteries, and the ger (yurt) districts spread out on the outskirts.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 2

  Fly to westernmost Mongolia and drive to Dayan Lake

  Take a flight to Ulgii, the capital of Bayan-Ulgii province in westernmost Mongolia. This is the country’s most elevated province. Bayan-Ulgii is Mongolia’s only Muslim and Kazakh-majority province. Kazakhs are the country’s largest ethnic minority group; their mother-tongue is Kazakh and they maintain their age-old traditions. At the airport, you will be greeted by your English-speaking guide, along with your driver, and expedition cook. From here, we will be driven to Dayan Lake, where we’ll meet with local Kazakhs who will join our group with their horses and camels.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 3

  Start riding to Khoton-Khurgan Lakes

  We will mount our steeds and head towards Khoton and Khurgan Lakes, located at the foot of the Altai Mountains. These two pristine lakes are connected by a wide channel. The landscape around the lakes is ideal, with forests and snow-capped mountains. Support camels will carry luggage and follow us until we rendezvous with the car drivers at the end of the horse-trekking trip.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 4

  Ride to Biluut Hill

  We will ride along the north shore of Khoton Lake towards Biluut Hill and camp there overnight. Camel support will follow us.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 5

  Ride through Bear Valley

  We will ride upstream along the Tsagaan Us Gol (Whitewater River) flowing down from south of the Altai Mountains. Bear valley is virtually untouched by humans or their livestock. While hiking through Bear Valley, you will come across rivers, a high waterfall, beautiful heart-shaped lake, and perhaps some wild animals.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 6

  Riding over the highest pass

  We will traverse our highest pass, which is steep and craggy on both sides. We will go one after another on a trail during both the ascent and descent. Named Takhilt Pass, it stands at 3,600 meters above sea level. From atop is the best and highest viewpoint to behold the snow-capped Altai Mountains. If you are lucky, it is possible to spot wildlife such as ibex (mountain goat) and gray wolf while crossing this pass.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 7

  Ride to Shiveet Mountain

  Today, spectacular views of the snow-capped Altai Mountains with its massive glaciers can be seen along the way. The lush meadows between the mountains are peppered with vibrant wildflowers. Shiveet Mountain is sacred for the local Tuvan people, who forbid the act of hunting around this area. Due to this, there has been growth in the number of ibexes.

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 8

  Ride to White River Valley

  We will ride to the White River Valley. This is a common summertime camping spot for Tuvan people, who are livestock-herding nomads with a heritage of practicing shamanism. Like the Mongols, Tuvans are famous for their throat-singing tradition. 

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 9

  Ride to basecamp of Tavan Bogd

  We will ride to the basecamp of Tavan Bogd, meaning the “Five Holy” peaks, of which the national park is named after. Today you can see the Potanin and Alexander glaciers. The Potanin is Mongolia’s longest glacier. It is around 14 km long, but its size is gradually decreasing due to climate change. The basecamp is at an elevation of 3000 m ASL. 

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 10

  Climb Malchin Peak

  Malchin Peak (4,050 m), with the Mongolian-Russian border running across its summit, is the lowest of the “Holy Five” peaks of the Altai. It is the only one that does not require special climbing equipment. The climb will take approximately 6 to 7 hours. Camels and horses will take a break. 

• B/L/DCamping
  Day 11

  Ride to Oigor RIver

  We will head to the entrance located at the Oigor River and camp there overnight. Here we will rendezvous with the car drivers. Only Kazakhs live on this side. We can visit a Kazakh family and get a glimpse into their lifestyle and customs. You can taste their locally made milk products, which are an essential part of their traditional diet.

• B/L/DHotel
  Day 12

  Drive to Ulgii

  We will be driven back to Ulgii. On the way, we’ll visit Kazakh eagle hunters, who keep alive the ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles. In the afternoon, we can do shopping at an arts and crafts shop that supports locals to earn income from sales of the sustainable products. Tonight, you can stay either at our own-run Ger Camp or our hotel named the Eagle's Nest. Enjoy a refreshing hot shower. 

• B/L/DHotel
  Day 13

  Return to Ulaanbaatar

  Take a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, get transferred to your hotel and meet up later for farewell dinner.

• Breakfast
  Day 14

  Departure day

  Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

  
  

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