This Mongolia horseback riding tour is an authentic encounter with the Mongolian horsemen and their horses. Despite pressure from the modern world, the nomads have largely preserved their traditions to this day. The horses are kept semi-wild, which allows them to live in herds and defend the foals from wolves, for example. Their instincts remain intact because there are no fences or stables to protect them. You will ride mainly in the steppe, on the nomads' grazing land. The first part of this Mongolia horseback riding tour is dominated by treeless steppe, while the second part takes you through taiga and a protected area with mountain forest. In keeping with tradition, luggage is transported by yak carts, which follow the group of riders and rejoin them in the camp in the evening.

Itinerary

After your Riding tour in June/July, you have the opportunity to 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: 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 2: 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.

Day 3: The program ends with breakfast. In the evening, meeting with the other participants of Riding tour. Dinner together and overnight stay.

Accomodation
In Ulan Bator, you’ll spend the first and last nights at a good hotel in a central location. You’ll stay in tents and yurts, each equipped with 2 (camp) beds. Single occupancy is available for an additional fee. The yurts are spacious, equipped with seating, and feature a stove for heating. The tour is accompanied by a dedicated cook. Vegetarian meals are also available; please specify this directly when booking. Meals are served in a yurt designated for that purpose. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Saddle & Tack: Comfortable Russian saddles, mongolian bridle.

Experience: All gaits, depending on the terrain. We also like to gallop briskly on the plains. The short tour is suitable for riders as well as non-riders and even for less experienced riders.

Horses: Mongolian ponies up to 1.52 m tall. Strong, tough, enduring and comfortable. Only geldings are ridden.