Enjoy the endless vastness of the Mongolian steppes and deserts on this horseback tour. No fences or human intrusion have changed the landscape here. Ride through the Gobi Desert and visit local families who have been breeding horses for generations. Mongolian horse breeding has grown since the time of Genghis Khan, and even today the horses live in semi-wild herds without fences or stables, taking care of themselves and defending their foals against wolves. Observe the animals of the Mongolian steppe landscape and become part of this unique world far away from stress and hectic. You will camp beneath gigantic rock faces and admire impressive sand dunes. In the yurt camps, you will enjoy the comfort of a shower and a proper bed. Your luggage will be transported by traditional camel and horse carts and pack animals. If you wish, you can also try riding a camel. Our partner has been organizing horseback tours in the Gobi Desert for many years, so you can trust in their experience and immerse yourself in an unforgettable adventure in the rhythm of the nomads.

Itinerary

Naadam Festival: 
Before your Riding tour in July, visit the big Naadam festival in Ulan Bator. A huge spectacle awaits you, to which nomads from all over countryside travel. They compete against each other in various sporting competitions. A great opportunity to experience the traditions of Mongolia up close. Some customs may seem a little rough, but if you really want to get to know this countryside, you should attend a Naadam festival. 

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to the hotel for dinner and tour briefing.

Day 2: Today is dedicated entirely to the horse races that take place in the run-up to the Naadam festival. Whole armies of colorfully dressed rider compete. The races take place within a radius of 60 to 90 km from Ulan Bator. Some wrestling competitions usually take place at the same time. In between, you can fortify yourself with a sumptuous picnic. Overnight stay in a hotel. 

Day 3: You experience the official opening of the Naadam festival in Ulan Bator. Dangerous-looking rider in the costume of Genghis Khan carry the national flag and open the festival. Afterwards, you can watch up to 700 wrestlers and archers compete. In the afternoon, you will visit the huge nomad camp outside Ulan Bator, where you will experience the festive atmosphere and perhaps be invited for a glass or two of kumis (fermented mare's milk). If you now feel like taking part in the competitions and are brave enough, you even have the opportunity to take part in a horse race, after some preparation of course. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.

Accomodation
In Ulan Bator, you will spend the first and last night in a centrally located 4-star hotel. On the way, you will spend the night partly in yurts with 2 (field) beds and partly in tents. Single occupancy is possible for an extra charge. The yurts are spacious and have a stove so that they can be heated. In fixed yurt camps, there is a yurt for eating and a yurt for showering. The tents are extra large and high and equipped with 1 or 2 low camp beds. There is also a toilet tent and a shower tent. Please bring a sleeping bag.

Saddle & Tack: Comfortable Russian saddles, mongolian snaffles

Experience: You need to be confident in all gaits and enjoy fast and long gallops on the plains.

Horses: Mongolian small horses up to 1.52 m height. Strong, tough and enduring. Their flat gaits make them comfortable to ride. Only geldings are ridden.