This adventure ride takes you through the rugged north of Mongolia. Experience breathtaking landscapes far away from the tourist streams. The province of Khentii borders Russia in the north and is the home of the Buriat. The customs of this Mongolian minority differ greatly from those of the nomads. They are well-known cow and horse breeders who prefer to live in wooden huts rather than in yurts. The terrain is characterized by high mountain passes, untouched forests, flower meadows, river valleys and lakes. They often ride through pathless terrain and along trails. Some river crossings are also necessary - a real wilderness tour! Sometimes you can see the snow up close instead of just on the tops of the mountain ranges around, because at altitudes of over 2,000 m snow can fall in summer. The Siberian taiga harbours untamed nature that is both harsh and fascinating. This packhorse tour promises a real adventure, where the daily riding route must always be adapted to the local conditions. You will ride with Mongolian riding guides, fixed routes and exact schedules are less in keeping with the Mongolian way of life. However, if you are adventurous and flexible, this adventure ride will give you the chance to get a deep insight into this distant fascinating culture. You will be accompanied by an experienced riding guide, a cook and a Mongolian riding team that will take care of the horses and your luggage. In addition, we will provide you with a German translator to help you understand each other. The luggage transport is done by pack horses.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. You will be met at the airport around 7 a.m. Transfer to the yurts, where breakfast will be waiting for you. In the afternoon, tour of the capital and Gandan Monastery, a pilgrimage site for nomads from the steppe. The enormous gilded Buddha statue is the monastery’s greatest treasure. Afterward, visit Sukhbaatar Square with the Genghis Khan Monument. Overnight stay in yurts.

Day 2: After breakfast, you’ll drive to the starting point, a wide valley on the edge of the Kenthii Mountains (about 3 hours). Even today, a few families here still lead a traditional nomadic lifestyle. Horses, sheep, and goats graze peacefully next to the yurts. Later, you’ll meet your tour guides and the horses. Now the horseback riding tour begins! Overnight stay at the camp on the banks of the Tuul River, at the entrance to the valley. Riding time: about 3–4 hours.

Day 3: You’ll ride through the Tuul Valley, at the foot of the mountains. The wide river winds its way untamed between the mountains. You’ll leave civilization behind and immerse yourself in the wilderness, where you’ll encounter various birds, marmots, and squirrels.

Day 4: You continue to follow the river as the landscape gradually changes. Soon you’ll reach a marshy, biodiverse area home to about 200 different bird species. Once you arrive at Lake Khar-Us, you’ll set up camp.

Day 5: You’ll leave the Tuul Valley and reach the tundra, where moose live. By the end of the day, you’ll surely be able to spot their tracks. Later, you’ll head into a dense forest known for its wolves, bears, moose, and deer. You’ll cross a mountain pass and ride down to the breathtaking Black Lake (Khagiin Khar Nuur). You’ll set up camp on the golden sand at the edge of the lake.

Day 6 - 7: You'll spend two days relaxing by the lake, a stunning nature reserve where you can observe wildlife up close. You'll swim in the clear water, fish, go horseback riding, and take walks through the forest. Riding time: about 3 hours.

Day 8: Today’s ride will take you to a particularly remote region. The more adventurous among you can climb the surrounding mountains, where breathtaking views await. You’ll set up your next camp near the Jikuste River, which is teeming with fish.

Day 9: You’ll ride through the deep Khongoryn Gol Valley, framed by an impressive mountain back . You’ll cross vast valleys with dense cedar forests reminiscent of the American Wild West. Your route will take you to rocky peaks, where you’ll set up your next camp.

Day 10: A steep trail leads you to a pass near Altan Ogii (2,646 m), the “golden cradle” of the Khentii Mountains and one of its highest peaks. The tour continues to the Dund Bayan Gol Valley.

Day 11: After a hearty breakfast, you’ll saddle up and ride across the steppe to visit a nomadic family, who will give you a warm welcome and tell you more about traditional life.

Day 12: You'll take in the nomads' way of life, with all its leisurely pace and traditions. Together, you'll sample the traditional dish “Khorghog” before setting out on your final horseback ride in the afternoon. Riding time: about 2–3 hours.

Day 13: In the morning, you’ll go on one last group horseback ride. Return to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. After a warm shower, you’ll have time to explore the capital on your own. Final group dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp. Riding time: approx. 1 hour.

Day 14: Departure. Transfer to the airport, return flight.

Subject of change!

Accomodation
Overnight stay in tents and 3x in yurts, the traditional dwellings of the Mongolians. In a yurt you can stand comfortably and you are heated by an oven in the middle. The toilets are behind the bush, washing can be done on the way in the clear creeks. The tents are normal 2-person tents. Each guest receives a cloth mat, a sleeping bag is to be brought along.

Meals: Full board; packed lunch and warm dinner. Dairy products, meat, fish and pastries are particularly used. Vegetarian food is possible.

Saddle & Tack: Comfortable Russian military saddles and Mongolian bridle.

Experience: You must be able to control your horse at all gaits, have cross-country experience, and have sufficient stamina (about 4–5 hours in the saddle each day). Most importantly, you must be in good physical shape, as the terrain on this ride is very challenging, with several high mountain passes!

Horses: Mongolian ponies with a height between 1.35 and 1.45m. Enduring, tough and comfortable. Only geldings are ridden.