Experience the contrasts of Mongolia on this horseback riding trail that combines riding in the green plains of the Orkhon Valley, alongside pack-yaks in the Naiman Nuur National Park, and in contrast, in the dunes of the Bayan Gobi Desert. This is a true equestrian adventure trail, taking in some of Mongolia's wildest and most remote scenery and progressing through areas that are unreachable by road. Each night the group will set up camp somewhere new, allowing riders to experience Mongolia in the traditional nomadic way and reach places that are rarely seen by other travelers.
Accompanied by nomadic herders and horses, the ride will begin on the outskirts of Ulan Bator and leads to the the World Heritage Site of Orkhon Valley, with a visit to the mountain-top Tovkhon Monastry and the majestic Orkhon Falls. Out of the Orkhon Valley and into Naiman Nuur Natural Park, leave the back up vehicles and progress with pack yaks to carry the luggage and camping equipment. The park is very wild and there is no better way to see it than on horseback.
Accommodation is in a tented camp, with equipment carried in the back up vehicles or by yak. Spend one night in traditional yurt accommodation at the end of the journey, with a special meal cooked by the family of the guide who accompanied the trip. This is a fantastic chance to be a part of the traditional Mongolian culture, and guests can spend the day getting involved with the day-to-day activities of a nomadic herdsman. The horses used on this vacation are owned by the local herdsmen and are sure-footed and willing. The opportunity for galloping in the wide-open Steppe make this a great equestrian trail for adventurous, experienced riders.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from CM of Falmouth on 30/09/2024
Day 1 Welcome to Mongolia!
Meet the English speaking translator at UlaanBaator airport for a group transfer. The transfer time is set to the arrival of the Turkish Airlines flight, but guests can book any flight that arrives before it does. Those who have arrived a day early will be met at their hotel. Lunch in UlaanBaator followed by a short walk through the yurt (ger) district to the Gandantegchinlin Monastery. Attend a late afternoon show of traditional Mongolian dance, music and song including the amazing Khoomei (overtone chanting). Return to the hotel for dinner and to relax with a swim, a gym workout, or a spa treatment. (extra charge to be paid locally). Overnight at a 4* hotel (twin room). Depending on the group size, riders may be split between hotels with walking distance of each other
Day 2
Breakfast and drive to Karakorum, Mongolia's ancient capital. Picnic lunch en route. This is a long day on the road (6-7 hours drive - depending on the condition of the roads). Arrive in the Orkhon Valley World Heritage Site by evening, ready to start the next day's horse riding tour. Visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery and set up camp in the wilderness at the entrance of the Orkhon Valley for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
After breakfast, meet the nomadic herders and horses who will be our companions during the journey, and start the equestrian adventure in the northern mountains of the famous Orkhon Valley. Picnic lunch brought by the support vehicles. With nothing to carry on the horses, there is more opportunity for cantering. After the ride, set up camp in the wilderness for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Continue the ride in the Khangai Mountains after breakfast. Picnic lunch brought by support vehicles. After the ride, set up camp in the wilderness for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
After breakfast, ride to the Tovkhon Monastery, one of the major Buddhist sites in Mongolia (2400m). Picnic lunch. Ride down the mountains to the Orkhon Valley. The views of the large valley and wooded mountains in the background are unforgettable. This regions is known as the cradle of the nomadic way of life in Mongolia. After the ride, set up camp in the wilderness for dinner and overnight.
Day 6
After breakfast ride to the famous Orkhon Falls. Today the ride takes place in the wilder upper part of the Valley. One can see Mongolia's volcanic past in the ancient black lava flows that sit in stark contrast to the fast-running white water of the Orkhon River. After a picnic lunch, ride to the Larch forests, set against the impressive Naiman Nuur mountains. Set up camp in the wilderness for dinner and overnight.
Day 7
The ride takes on a different pace over the next 3 days as the group explore the wild and remote landscapes of the Naiman Nuur Natural Park ("the 8 Lakes Park"). Pack yaks carry the equipment and personal belongings as the area is not accessible to vehicles. Pack the luggage and camping equipment on the yaks and start the steep ride to the mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch. For the next two nights the group will stay in guest yurts (up to 5 persons per yurt) with a nomadic family.
Day 8
Ride in the forested mountains to see the wonderful scenic lakes of the Naiman Nuur Park, one of the most beautiful sites in Mongolia. Dinner and overnight at the guest yurts.
Day 9
Leave the Naiman Nuur Park with the pack yaks and return to the Orkhon Valley. The sure-footed horses and skilled yak drivers lead us through the steep mountains. Dinner and night in a guest yurt.
Day 10
Breakfast and departure in 4x4 vehicle to the Bayan Gobi Desert, the "rich Gobi." Meet the nomadic herder and guide for the next two days. After the first afternoon ride between dunes and steppes, set up camp on the southern edge of the Bayan Gobi Desert. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 11
A full day on horseback exploring the Bayan Gobi Desert. This is the only area that one can ride horses in the desert as there are no horses deep in the southern Gobi, only camels. This is truly the heart of Mongolia, and its geographical center. It is also located at the junction of three major Mongolian ecosystems: two of the main mountain ranges in the country - the Khangai and Khentii - and a northern edge of the Gobi Desert. Mount Batkhan overlooks this area and gives rise to several rivers and springs which mix their waters with the sand dunes of Elsentasarkhai - the "sand break" - forming a changing and spectacular scenery. In the afternoon the group reach the Khogno Khan cliffs, to visit Ovgon Khiid monastery, set in a dramatic scenery. Dinner and night in a guest-yurt close to a nomadic family.
Day 12
Breakfast and departure for the Yumt Resort. Arrive at yurt camp at Khustai for lunch. After lunch there is a 4x4 trip into the park to try and spot the Przewalski Horses. Although it can't be guaranteed of seeing them, the park is also home to deer and marmots (cost included). Overnight at the Yumt Resort (dinner not included)
Day 13: Breakfast and transfer to airport.
Single Supplements
No single rooms available in UlaanBataar. Single tents can be requested on booking (no charge)
Depending on the group size, in UlaanBataar riders may be split between hotels with walking distance of each other
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
The Mongolian horse is small, with a particularly developed forequarters and a short and massive neck. Compared to its size, the Mongolian horse is very strong, and very tough. The horses are almost never shod, except in winter in the Lake Khovsgol region, in order to fix spikes to horses that pull the sleigh on the frozen lake. Almost all colours are possible, including those with very old signs such as zebra stripes. Mongolian nomads do not have a name for their horses, they call them by their colour, and they have dozens of different terms to describe the subtleties of possible colours of their horses. The Mongolian horse has a docile temper, despite spending months of freedom in the steppe it shows a very quiet behaviour as soon as its owner catches it for the ride. The traditional Mongolian saddle has a short base and high pommel and cantle. They are ridden very differently to the Western style, you do not kick to increase speed, simply use voice commands. Reins are held in one hand and the ponies are steered by neck-reining. In trot and canter, riders should stand in their stirrups as much as possible.
Riders must be confident in walk, trot and canter. This is an adventurous ride and riders will be required to participate in horse care, tacking up etc. Must be fit enough for long hours in the saddle.
The minimum age for this ride is 12 years. The maximum rider weight limit is 95kg.
We strongly recommend that riders wear a riding helmet in compliance with the standards in force in Europe or in the guests home country. Riding in Mongolia presents specific risks over and above the normal hazards expected on a standard ride. Please bring your own.
We would like to draw your attention to the following points:
- This ride takes place in remote areas, where the rescue teams (even if organized by a repatriation assistance company) can need several hours to reach an injured guest.
- There are very few hospitals outside Ulan Bator, and they lack efficient equipment.
- The low level of road infrastructure considerably extends any time of transport to a hospital.
- Mongolian horses live free and even if they are trained, they may have surprising reactions compared to the horses to which western riders are accustomed to, because of their strong instincts.
- The saddles used are adapted to the characteristics of the Mongolian horse and are therefore different from the ones that riders may be accustomed to, requiring a period of adaptation during which the risk of fall is higher.
The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Accommodation in UlaanBaatar will be in twin or triple shared rooms each with a private bathroom in a 4*/3* hotel. The majority or this trip makes use of tented camp accommodation. Riders should be prepared to help with camp preparation and packing to ensure maximum riding time each day.
Camping: Recent camping equipment, complying with Western standards of safety and quality, are used for your comfort. All of the camping and riding gear is carefully maintained and checked after each trip, and renewed as necessary.
French Decathlon tents are used for 1 or 2 people and single tents can be booked at no extra charge to anyone who registers alone (on request before departure and subject to availability). The tents include a self-inflating mattress or good foam mattress which are especially thick for your comfort. There is a large communal tent which is used for hosting - there are table and chairs for meals and socialising. The logistics vehicle also brings the table and the chairs for the picnic lunches (except in very remote regions, such as Naiman Nuur Park, where pack yaks are used). A "shower tent" is also provided. The shower water can be heated on demand on the campfire.
Some nights on the trail will be spent in guest yurt accommodation with a nomadic family. This is a fantastic opportunity to share and discover the traditional way of life of the nomadic herders in Mongolia. 2 or 3 guest-yurts are set close to the the family's yurt, surrounded by the free-roaming horses, yaks, sheep and goats. A guest-yurts will contain 4 or 5 single beds, heated with a traditional stove and meals are served either in the family's yurt or outside (weather permitting). The host will prepare traditional Mongolian dishes and it is interesting to see how women cook on one central stove of the yurt. For comfort, a shower tent is provided close to the yurts where water can be heated on the stove, and dry toilets are available. Guests will be offered some tea mixed with milk and salt, it is an aquired tasted but there is also find Ceylon tea in the yurt (ger) camps.
1 night wil be spent at a tourist yurt/ger camp. These are the most comfortable accommodation in Mongolian countryside. It is very difficult - or impossible - to have single yurts in most of the camps, so be ready to share the yurt with other travellers from the group. Some camps offer yurts with double beds, but it cannot be guaranteed. The showers, washbasins and toilets are in a separate building, and a restaurant provides breakfast and meals.
Good to know: Yurt camps are the most comfortable accommodation available in rural Mongolia, but don't expect luxury: hot water in the showers is often unpredictable, electrical standards are "unique" and food at the restaurants relies on good supply conditions due to their remote situation. Yurt camps offer simple international food, adapted to their different clients: Mongolian people and tourists from European, American and other Asian countries (China, Korea, Japan).
No single rooms available in UlaanBaatar. Single tents can be requested on booking (no charge)
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures Your passport should be valid for six months from the date you arrive. In 2023, the Mongolian Government announced a visa exemption* for stays up to 30 days for 34 more countries for 2023, 2024 and 2025:Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. (Longer stays still need a visa). *However, we still advise contacting the nearest Mongolian Embassy for the most up-to-date advice on entry requirements and visas. Arriving passengers should follow instructions given by the authorities on arrival. Arrival requirements into Mongolia are subject to regular change. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mongolia In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mongolia.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mongolia
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
Ulan Bator (Ulaanbaatar) has a continental climate with dry winters and short cool summers.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
The standard of healthcare is variable in Mongolia. Ensure you have sufficient travel insurance to cover any emergencies. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial +976 103 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company as soon as possible to inform them of what has happened.
You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you, and spare, just in case.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Mongolia and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
Please ensure take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.
Mongolia is a relatively healthy country, with no vaccines needed other than the usual ones for travelling in the developing world (typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio). We suggest taking a small personal medical kit as above. A comprehensive group medical kit will be carried at all times.
Drink only bottled water and avoid raw fruits and vegetables.
It is important to be physically fit to undertake a trip to Mongolia, because some areas are very remote.
Always take your usual medications in sufficient quantities and place them in your hand luggage to be sure to have them in case of lost luggage.
In Mongolia the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
Most yurt camps have electricity and you can charge phones and cameras in the evening. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.
Summer in Central Asia is hot during the day but cold at night, so you must be ready to face any situation!
Dress comfortably and relaxed, but be careful not to offend the sensibilities of your local hosts.
We recommend you bring the following equipment (in a big soft travel bag, please avoid hard suitcases):
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Torch
Sleeping bag and liner (comfort temp -5o
Wet wipes
Portable/solar charger
Layers are best
Waterproof coat, gloves & trousers
(Seat savers will soak up water in wet weather so bear that in mind)
Suggested:
Insurance documents
Photocopies of important documents
Small backpack for day visits
Spare glasses/contact lenses are advisable
Large rubbish bag for dirty clothes
As weather in Mongolia can change very quickly during the day, and is always a bit chilly at night because of the altitude, we suggest that you take clothes according to the “layering system”.
1.Base layer - Worn next to the skin, creating a thin layer of warm air against the body, helps to wick moisture/sweat vapor from the skin to regulate body temperature. Can be worn alone in warm conditions.
2.Midlayer - Worn over the base layer to help trap in body heat (usually polar fleece jumper).
3.Outer layer - Protects you against wind and rain.
Layering your clothing will help you to keep warm, dry and comfortable through varying conditions, allowing you to add or remove layers depending on how you feel and the conditions you’re in.
Keep in mind that your clothes have to be large: the air between the layers will keep you warm, so don’t take too small sizes.
This is a 13 day/12 night programme with set departures available on Tuesdays between May and September.
2025: 20*, 27* May: 10*, 17* Jun; 1, 8*, 22 (Full), 29 (Full) July; 12*, 19* Aug; 2*, 9* Sep. (*Confirmed)
No single rooms available in Ulaan Bataar. Single tents can be requested on booking (no charge)
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | per person sharing | 1,875 |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | Supplement for groups of 2-4 pax pp | 245 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | per person sharing | 2,139 |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | Supplement for groups of 2-4 pax pp | 279 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | per person sharing | 2,575 |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | Supplement for groups of 2-4 pax pp | 339 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | per person sharing | 24,735 |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | Supplement for groups of 2-4 pax pp | 3,239 |
Edge of Blue Heaven, by Benedict Allen
Mongolia Lonely Planet, by Michael Kohn (2005) The essential guide to Mongolia.
On the trail of Ghengis Khan - Tim Cope
Hearing birds fly - Louisa Waugh
Genghis Khan, Life Death and Resurrection - John Man
Gantsara, by Ian Robinson
Hunting with Eagles: In the Realm of the Mongolian Kazakhs Photographer Palani Mohan
How to establish contact with a nomadic family
Simple tips will help you, especially with the children;
- Be creative, do not stay in a role of simple spectator, get involved: for example, if you take some paper and coloured pencils, do not distribute them to the children as a Santa Claus, sit with them and draw too. You'll be guaranteed some giggles when you will compare your drawings! You can also try origami which will amaze the children and their and parents.
- Learn simple magic tricks before leaving, your success is guaranteed, in the evening around the stove!
- Ask your guide to teach you how to play jacks and other traditional games for the evenings in the yurt with your nomadic friends.
- Dare to sing, the Mongols adore it and the evening can end in a crazy karaoke!!!
- Ask the women if you can help them to milk animals, to prepare the meal...
- Ask the men if you can help them with the herds...
Above all, be curious and open minded, try as much as possible to be an actor instead of a spectator, so that this journey turns into a real human adventure for you, reinventing the simplicity and the happiness to be together...
The Orkhon Valley:
Classified in 2004 as World Heritage Site by UNESCO as the cradle of nomadic Mongolia, the "cultural landscape of the Orkhon Valley", about 121,967 hectares, covers an extensive area of pastureland that stretches approximately 80km from long and 15 km wide on both banks of the Orkhon river. The site also includes Karakorum.
Grasslands are still used today by Mongolian nomadic herders, and many families keep perpetuating the traditional way of life. In the valleys and around the rivers are nestled yurts that house the nomadic families. In the wild, herds of horses, yaks, sheep and goats are moving in these protected areas.
The Orkhon Falls are actually the Ulaan Tsutgalan River Falls. The river falls into a spectacular canyon formed after an earthquake and a volcanic eruption more than 20 000 years ago, forming a cascade of 20m high and 10m wide.
The site is enchanted by the contrast between the whiteness of the foam and the black rock that forms the canyon walls. Going down along the walls to the foot of the fall, you will discover trees and flowers (wild peonies in June) that take advantage of the abundance of water to grow.
Mongolia is a huge landlocked country, more than six times the size of the UK, sandwiched between Russia and China. It is also one of the highest countries in the world, with an average elevation of 1580m. Mongolia can be divided into six distinct zones including desert, steppe, mountain and taiga. The southern third of Mongolia is dominated by the Gobi Desert.
The name 'Mongolia' has always stirred up visions of the untamed - Genghis Khan, camels wandering the Gobi Desert and wild horses galloping across the steppes. Even today, outside of Ulaan Baatar you may get the feeling you've stepped into another century rather than another country.
Mongolia is seven or eight hours ahead of GMT depending on which part of the country you are in. They use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram.
The major religion is Tibetan Buddhism.
