This progressive equestrian trail offers a great opportunity to enjoy horseback riding through the stunning landscapes of the Orkhon Valley, a World Heritgae Site on the south-west of Ulanbaatar, through a wide variety of scenery, while gaining an insight into the nomadic way of life. It has a unique combination of tradition and comfort, with specially adapted yurt camps to make your visit more relaxing.
Leave from Ulan Bator, with it's monuments and historical architecture, and drive into the rural areas of Mongolia to begin this equestrian vacation. The horseback riding trail leads through the Hustai National Park, famous as the home of the Przewalski's wild horses, and continue into the steppes of the Orkhon Valley. The group is accompanied by local nomads and an English-speaking translator. Much of the riding is alongside the Orkhon River, home of the magical Orkhon falls. The trail ends by riding along the edge of the Gobi desert.
Accommodation throughout the riding part of the vacation is in traditional Mongolian Yurt camps, with comfortable beds and stoves for overnight heating. Many of the yurt camps also have full shower and bathroom facilities. Stay with a Nomadic family in the Orkhon Valley on one night, a fantastic opportunity to learn about the traditional way of life.
The horses on this trail are traditional Mongolian breeds, sturdy and reliable over the difficult terrain, Many of them are bred by the nomadic families in the area. There is plenty of opportunity for canters over the wide open steppe, making this the perfect equestrian trail for experienced and adventurous 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 SS of Želechovice nad Dřevnicí on 20/08/2024
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
After breakfast, transfer by vehicle to Khogno Khan Park (5 hours drive - dependent on the condition of the roads). Picnic lunch en route. Set out on the first short ride in the afternoon to the Bayan Gobi, the "rich desert" and a visit to the Ovgon Khiid Monastery, set against dramatic scenery. As there are no horses further south in the Gobi Desert, the Bayan Gobi area is the only opportunity to ride horses in typical Mongolian desert landscapes. Dinner and night at the yurt camp.
Day 3
After breakfast, ride from the cliffs of Khogno Khan, through the Bayan Gobi semi-desert steppes. Reach an area of golden sand dunes called Elsentasarhaï around midday, where the horses will show their remarkable endurance. A picnic lunch brought by the vehicles. Because the riders don't have to carry very much, there are plenty of opportunities for unencumbered cantering. Ride through contrasting landscapes of desert dunes and the marshlands that border it. Nomads often gather their herds in this vast wet plain. Arrive at the yurt camp located in a semi-desert environment. Dinner and night at the yurt camp.
Day 4
After breakfast drive through the Orkhon Valley to visit the family of nomads who will guide the group on the trail (4 hours drive - dependent on the condition of the roads). After getting to know one another over lunch it is time for the first ride in the Valley. The rest of the day is devoted to learning about the traditional lifestyle of the nomads. Guests will be able to join in with some of the day-to-day tasks. In the evening the hosts will prepare a traditional specialty, the Khorkhog, or "Mongolian barbecue". Sleep in a "guest-yurt", close to our nomad family's yurts. This accommodation is different to the yurt camps as there are no showers.
Day 5
After breakfast with the family, start out on the trail riding to the upper part of the valley where the landscape becomes progressively wilder. This volcanic region has black ancient lava flows which stand out in stark contrast to the white waters of the Orkhon River. Enjoy a picnic lunch brought by the back up vehicles. In the afternoon the group reach the forest, backed by the impressive Naiman Nuur mountains. Dinner and overnight at a remote yurt camp in the forest.
Day 6
After breakfast, return to the Orkhon Falls via a different route. Enjoy a picnic lunch and arrive at the yurt camp not far from the famous Orkhon Falls, in the afternoon. The site of the falls is beautiful, with a stunning contrast created between the white foam of the waterfall and the black rock that forms the canyon walls. Walk down along the walls to the foot of the fall, to a magical area of lush trees and flowers (wild peonies) that take advantage of the abundance of water. Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp.
Day 7
Today's ride is to one of the most famous sites of the Orkhon Valley: Uurt Canyon. A picnic lunch is brought by the back-up vehicles. This is the lower section of the Valley and the landscapes open out as the trail leads between two towering mountain ranges, where nomadic families and their herds take advantage of the rich grass of the valley. Today's yurt camp is located on a superb site, bordering the canyon of the Orkhon River. Dinner and night at the yurt camp.
Day 8
Today's ride is into the surrounding mountains to get a higher view on the Orkhon Valley. Return to the same ger camp in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp.
Day 9
Today the route leads to the southern mountains bordering the Orkhon Valley, in the Khujirt region. Khujirt is famous for its water, which is bottled and sent all over Mongolia. The view is spectacular along the river, which is now much wider and winds among grassy hills. This is the picturebook Mongolia of one's dreams. After a picnic lunch, arrive in the afternoon at a unique environment-friendly yurt camp. The view from the camp of the huge valley is incredible. This camp is "eco-friendly", there are no "real" showers, but wet warm towels are brought to the yurt twice a day - quite surprising but efficient! Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp.
Day 10
Today is the last day on horseback in the Orkhon Valley. In the last miles before Karakorum - the former capital of Mongolian Empire - the Valley is narrower, offering wonderful views from the mountain slopes on the Orkhon river. This part of the Orkhon Valley is one of the nicest, as the river is very calm and the water reflects the sky like a mirror. The dark blue water contrasts with the lush green of the grass and the white yurts around. Many herds roam in the steppe around and it is the perfect photo opportunity for riders. It is time to say goodbye to the horses and wonderful nomadic friends. Dinner and night at the yurt camp.
Day 11
After breakfast, visit Erdene Zuu Monastery then drive to Hustai National Park, home of the wild Przewalski's horses (also called Takhi) (4 hours drive - dependent on the condition of the roads). Go on an afternoon drive in the Park to try and find the Takhi. Dinner and night at the yurt camp (2 to 4 riders per yurt, with single beds, showers in a separate building).
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
Depart for Airport after breakfast for flights after 8:45am
No single rooms available in UlaanBaatar. Single tents can be requested on booking (no charge)
Depending on the group size, in UlaanBaatar 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 particularly developed forequarters and a short, 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.
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 is 95kg.
We strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet in compliance with the standards in force in Europe or in your country of origin, as the practice of riding in Mongolia presents specific risks in addition to those related to the usual practice of riding as you know it. You will need to 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 organized by your repatriation assistance company - can need several hours to reach you.
- 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 you are accustomed because of their strong instincts.
- The saddles used are adapted to the characteristics of the Mongolian horse and are therefore different from the ones you are 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.
One night on the trail will be spent in guest yurt accommodation with a nomadic family: Guest-yurts by nomadic families: This accommodation is a unique 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, yacks, 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. Your host will prepare traditional Mongolian dishes and it can be interesting to see how women cook only with the central stove of the yurt. For your comfort, a shower tent is provided close to the yurts where water can be heated on the stove. Dry toilets are also at your disposal. You will be offered some tea mixed with milk and salt. You will soon get used to it, but you will also find "Lipton" tea in the yurt (ger) camps.
The remaining nights on the trail will be spent at touristic yurts/ger camps: Tourist Yurt camps (Ger camps): These are the most comfortable accommodation in Mongolian countryside. You will sleep in traditional yurts (called gers in Mongolia), furnished with single beds (from 2 to 5 beds / yurt), small tables and a stove. It is very difficult - or impossible - to have single yurts in most of the camps, so be ready to share your yurt with other travellers from the group. Some camps offer yurts with double beds, but it can not be guaranteed. You can find showers, washbasins and toilets in a separate building and a restaurant provides breakfast and meals.
Good to know: Yurt camps are the most comfortable accommodation available in 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 UlaanBaatarr. 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):
- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384. You will need to bring your own.
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot).
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Sweatshirt
- Shirts or t-shirts (long sleeves protect better from sun and mosquitoes).
- Pullover, fleece sweaters or fleece jacket.
- Warm coat and windbreaker
- Scarf (against the dust and wind)
- Hat or cap
- Warm hat
- Raincoat
- Rain trousers
- Comfortable trousers
- Shorts
- Warm underwear for the night
- Quick-drying socks
- Comfortable shoes for non-riding activities
- Sleeping bag (comfort temperature -5°C),
- Sleeping bag liner
- Towel
- Swimming-suit
- High protection sun screen and lipstick
- Soothing drops for the eyes
- Tissue/toilet paper and wipes
- Soap and shampoo (biodegradable if possible)
- Antibacterial product for hands
- Pocket knife and lighter
- Headlamp
- Good sunglasses
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Power bank
- Binoculars
- Ear plugs
- Electric adaptor if needed
- Insurance documents
- Photocopies of important documents
- Small backpack for day visits
- Glasses/contact lenses as necessary (spares are advisable)
- Large rubbish bag for dirty clothes
Provided by hosts
Riding helmet
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 departing every Saturday between May and September. One departure in July (usually early July) includes a visit to the Naadam Festival. Please see the website for more details.
2025: 24 May - 5* June; 15 - 27* July; 2 - 14* 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 | 2,389 |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | Supplement for groups of 2-4 pax | 259 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | per person sharing | 2,779 |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | Supplement for groups of 2-4 pax | 299 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | per person sharing | 3,355 |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | Supplement for groups of 2-4 pax | 365 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | per person sharing | 31,639 |
| 2025 | 13d/12n | 9 | Supplement for groups of 2-4 pax | 3,415 |
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.
