This winter equestrian ride in Mongolia combines the magical unblemished landscapes of the Orkhon Valley, Bayan Gobi Desert, and Hustai National Park, home of the famous Przewalski horses.
Declared a heritage site by UNESCO in 2002, the Hustai National Park covers 50 000 hectares of steppe and mountain forest, and is home to many species of mammals and birds. The Przewalski horses that live there are a rare and endangered subspecies of wild horse. At one time extinct in the wild, they have now been reintroduced into their native Mongolian habitat. This holiday gives you the chance to view them in the wild, a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The Orkhon Valley is a World Heritage Site, with breathtaking views that stretch for miles. Witness the frozen Orkhon Falls and ride across the snow covered Bayan Gobi sand dunes. This is a truly unique opportunity to see wintertime Mongolia and experience the traditional nomadic way of life.
Accommodation throughout the ride is in heated yurts, fully furnished and very comfortable. Three days are spent in a guest yurt with a nomadic family which gives a rare insight into how the people of Mongolia live, especially in the cold winters. This is the perfect vacation or experienced horseback 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 SL of Bern on 25/05/2017
Standard Itineray below this the New Year itinerary
2026 Itinerary outline: New Year / Tsagaan Sar Ride (9 - 19 Feb)
Day 1 Travel Day (9th)
Europe - Ulaanbaatar. Take off for Ulaanbaatar. Night on the plane.
Day 2
Ulaanbaatar: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar early in the morning. Riders will be welcomed by an English speaking interpreter (Turkish Airlines flight TK236 normally lands at around 7:20 am.), and group transfer to a 3* hotel located near Sukhbaatar Square in downtown Ulaanbaatar. Lunch in town and a visit to the famous giant golden Buddha statue at the Gandantegchinlin Monastery. Attend a show of traditional Mongolian dances, music and songs, in particular the amazing Khuumii (overtone chanting) in the afternoon. Dinner at a downtown restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in a double or triple room.
Day 3
Ulaanbaatar - Khustai Park: After breakfast, the group transfer by road to Khustai National Park, crossing spectacular landscapes of rolling steppe, with wooded peaks and immense valleys. This is the first encounter with the icy expanses of Mongolia in winter; dusted with a thin layer of snow, the steppe seems even more immense. Only a few blond grasses protrude from the ice, catching the sun's rays under an invariably blue sky. Riders leave the main road to take a dirt and ice track for about fifteen kilometres before reaching Khustai Park. Lunch at the yurt camp. In the afternoon, the group take a vehicle outing in the Park in search of the famous wild Przewalski horses. The Khustai yurt camp has fairly modern bathroom facilities compared to the rest of the country, and even in the middle of winter, you can normally take a hot shower. Dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp (2 to 4 people per yurt).
Day 4
Khustai - Karakorum: After breakfast at the yurt camp the group drive to Karakorum (Kharkhorin). After lunch, visit the Erdene Zuu monastery, originally built in the 16th century following the introduction of Buddhism as the state religion. It fell victim to communist destruction in the early 1940s. When communism fell the monastery was given back to the lamas and restored by the end of the century. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt camp (2 to 4 people per yurt), or with a nomadic family, or in a simple hotel or guesthouse in Kharkhorin (most hotels and yurt camps are closed in winter, so riders will adapt this night's accommodation to what is available).
Day 5, 6 and 7
Karakorum: After breakfast at the yurt camp, take the trail towards the Orkhon Valley. The pace is slow while following the tracks amidst the famous landscapes of the Valley. Arrive at the home of the nomadic herders around midday, where the group will spend the next 3 nights. These 3 days are dedicated to discovering the Orkhon Valley on horseback. Every day, the group ride on horseback to one of the Valley's major sites: the famous Orkhon Falls, frozen by the cold, and a pass offering a spectacular view of the entire valley. The exact itinerary will be decided each day based on weather conditions, which can be extreme during this season. Rider's safety will always be the host's priority.
As it is impossible to stop for a picnic due to the cold, the day on horseback will be continuous, with lunch being taken hot under the yurt on the return. These days are also a wonderful opportunity to discover the traditional life of Mongolian nomads in the heart of winter; how they manage the constraints imposed by the extreme cold, how they protect babies and children, the care given to herds of yaks, horses, sheep and goats. Something that few people do. The hosts ensure that the fire is kept burning all night in the yurt's stove. Dinner is with the family, and accommodation in a yurt installed next to that of the host family (up to 5 people per yurt).
Day 8
Orkhon Valley - Bayan Gobi Desert: A last breakfast with the host family before taking the trail through the Orkhon Valley, towards the Khogno Khan Park , nicknamed the Mini-Gobi, or the Bayan Gobi (the "rich" Gobi). Meet a new family of nomads who will host the group in this semi-desert environment. If the weather permits, enjoy the first ride in this new environment. Dinner with the family and overnight stay in a yurt installed next to that of the host family (up to 5 people per yurt).
Day 9
Horseback riding trip with the family to Bituun Festival: The day will be devoted to discovering this semi-desert region, in the form of two half-days on horseback. Here the trail follows along the cliffs of the Bayan Gobi. The contrast between the cliffs and the large plain that borders them, completely covered in ice, is spectacular. It's hard to imagine that in summer this expanse of ice is a Garden of Eden, and a place where nomads often gather their herds on the vast, humid plain. Visit the Ovgon Khiid Monastery, in its magnificent setting of a valley with a landscape sculpted by erosion (this visit can also be done the day before, depending on the group's arrival schedule).
Tonight is Bituun, the eve of Tsagaan Sar, a bit like a Mongolian New Year's Eve. It's fitting to end the year in a very rich way, by eating as much as possible! This is each rider's mission to honour the hosts!
The group help in the traditional preparations for Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian New Year. In particular, preparation of a large quantity of buuz, the meat dumplings that are offered to visitors who come to offer their wishes in the following days. Riders help our guests with this task, and with the care of the herds. It is a very happy atmosphere. The evening will be festive, and the nomadic host family, (being true friends with who we work all year round), are a pleasure to celebrate Tsagaan Sar. Dinner and overnight stay in the guest yurt of the host family. (More information about Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian New Year)
Day 10
Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian New Year) - Route to Ulan Bator: It is the day of Tsagaan Sar, and the group will try to follow the traditions associated with this most auspicious day:
Meet all the neighbours, friends, family members, who will come to greet riders, according to tradition, who will also be dressed in their most beautiful traditional clothes. After lunch, say goodbye to the hosts and drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Check into the same hotel as the first night (or similar), close to a wide choice of restaurants, and shopping facilities. Dinner at the group's choice (not included) which to allows riders to enjoy the many possibilities the capital has to offer. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 (19 Feb)
Ulan Bator: Early in the morning, transfer to the airport in time for check-in for Turkish Airlines flight TK237 (usually scheduled for departure around 8:40 am).
The hotel will provide a packed breakfast (remember to request it the day before). Lunch is not included as most flights depart in the morning.
Please note that this itinerary is an outline and can change according to prevailing conditions
2026 Standard Itinerary:
Day 1 Travel Day
Europe - Ulaanbaatar. Take off for Ulaanbaatar. Night on the plane.
Day 2
Ulaanbaatar: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar early in the morning. Riders will be welcomed by an English speaking interpreter (Turkish Airlines flight TK236 normally lands at around 7:20 am.), and group transfer to a 3* hotel located near Sukhbaatar Square in downtown Ulaanbaatar. Lunch in town and a visit to the famous giant golden Buddha statue at the Gandantegchinlin Monastery. Attend a show of traditional Mongolian dances, music and songs, in particular the amazing Khuumii (overtone chanting) in the afternoon. Dinner at a downtown restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in a double or triple room.
Day 3
Ulaanbaatar - Hustai Park: After breakfast, the group transfer by road to Hustai National Park, crossing spectacular landscapes of rolling steppe, with wooded peaks and immense valleys. Lunch at the yurt camp. In the afternoon, the group take a vehicle outing in the Park in search of the famous wild Przewalski horses. The Khustai yurt camp has fairly modern bathroom facilities compared to the rest of the country, and even in the middle of winter, you can normally take a hot shower. Dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp (2 to 4 people per yurt).
Day 4
Khustai - Karakorum: After breakfast at the yurt camp the group drive to Karakorum (Kharkhorin). After lunch, visit the Erdene Zuu monastery, originally built in the 16th century following the introduction of Buddhism as the state religion. It fell victim to communist destruction in the early 1940s. When communism fell the monastery was given back to the lamas and restored by the end of the century. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt camp (2 to 4 people per yurt), or with a nomadic family, or in a simple hotel or guesthouse in Kharkhorin (most hotels and yurt camps are closed in winter, so riders will adapt this night's accommodation to what is available).
Day 5, 6 and 7
Karakorum - Orkhon: After breakfast at the yurt camp, take the trail towards the Orkhon Valley. The pace is slow while following the tracks amidst the famous landscapes of the Valley. Arrive at the home of the nomadic herders around midday, where the group will spend the next 3 nights. These 3 days are dedicated to discovering the Orkhon Valley on horseback. Every day, the group ride on horseback to one of the Valley's major sites: the famous Orkhon Falls, frozen by the cold, and a pass offering a spectacular view of the entire valley. The exact itinerary will be decided each day based on weather conditions, which can be extreme during this season. Rider's safety will always be the host's priority.
As it is impossible to stop for a picnic due to the cold, the day on horseback will be continuous, with lunch being taken hot under the yurt on the return. These days are also a wonderful opportunity to discover the traditional life of Mongolian nomads in the heart of winter; how they manage the constraints imposed by the extreme cold, how they protect babies and children, the care given to herds of yaks, horses, sheep and goats. Something that few people do. The hosts ensure that the fire is kept burning all night in the yurt's stove. Dinner is with the family, and accommodation in a yurt installed next to that of the host family (up to 5 people per yurt).
Day 8
Orkhon Valley - Bayan Gobi Desert: A last ride through the Orkhon Valley before returning for lunch with the Orkhon hosts before driving through the valley to the Khogno Khan / Bayan Gobi Park. If the weather permits, enjoy the first ride in this new environment. Dinner with the new host family and overnight stay in a yurt installed next to that of the host family (up to 5 people per yurt).
Day 9
After breakfast,take a short horseback ride along the spectacular cliffs (2 hours). The contrast between the cliffs and the frozen marshland that borders them is spectacular. It is difficult to imagine that in summertime, this area is a Garden of Eden where nomads often gather their herds in this vast wet plain. This horse ride can be turned into a camel ride depending on the way the horses managed to cope with winter weather. Visit of the Ovgon Khiid Monastery, set in a dramatic scenery. Meals and overnight with a nomadic family.
Day 10
After breakfast, the group hit the road againfor the trip to Ulaan Baator through the spectacular landscapes of frozen steppes. Lunch en route. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to shopping in stores downtown where riers will find traditional clothing and objects of daily life. Check into a hotel located close to Sukhbaatar Square, giving the group a wide choice of restaurants and the opportunity to do any shopping at the Department Store (open til late). Dinner at leisure (at on expernse) to allow one to take advantage of the many possibilities offered by the capital. Overnight at the hotel in a double or triple room.
Day 11
Early in the morning, transfer to the airport in time for Turkish Airlines flight TK237 usually departing at 08:40 am.
The hotel will provide riders with a packed breakfast (remember to ask the day before). Lunch is not included, as most flights depart in the morning.
No single rooms available in UlaanBaatar
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, 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. This is 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 in harsh conditions.
The minimum age for this ride is 16 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 hat.
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.
Guest-yurts with 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, 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.
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 comfort, a shower tent is provided close to the yurts where water can be heated on the stove. There are dry toilets. 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.
Touristic Yurt camps (Ger camps): These are the most comfortable accommodation in Mongolian countryside. 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. There are 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).
2025: No single rooms available in Ulaan Bataar.
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.
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 an 10 day / 9 night programme on set dates. In early February there will be a special itinerary to include a celebration of the Mongolian New Year - the Tsagaan Sar.
2026: 5, 12, 19, 26 Jan; 2, 9 (New Year), 16, 22 Feb; 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Mar; 6, 12, 20, 27 Apr
No single rooms available in Ulaan Bataar.
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
2026 | 10d/9n | 8 | per person sharing | 1,725 |
2026 | 10d/9n | 8 | Small group 4 or under pp | 189 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
2026 | 10d/9n | 8 | per person sharing | 1,995 |
2026 | 10d/9n | 8 | Small group 4 or under pp | 219 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
2026 | 10d/9n | 8 | per person sharing | 2,415 |
2026 | 10d/9n | 8 | Small group 4 or under pp | 269 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
2026 | 10d/9n | 8 | per person sharing | 22,855 |
2026 | 10d/9n | 8 | Small group 4 or under pp | 2,519 |
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.