In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAsia / Mongolia
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AgeFrom 13 - 90 years
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COβ-Emissions2714.72 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
π From the Orkhon Valley to Naiman Nuur National Park, this horseback riding trek in Mongolia takes you to the heart of the Mongol Empire and through the stunning landscapes of the Eight Lakes . Starting in Kharakorum , the former capital of Genghis Khan, you 'll ride alongside Mongolian herders across the endless steppes of Mongolia, where you'll lose all sense of time and space. Between forests, mountains, and valleys, steppes and waterfalls , discover the vast landscapes of Mongolia on horseback and the turquoise waters of the Eight Lakes. Here, the richness of the landscapes is matched only by the richness of the hearts of the nomads who live there.
This trip is primarily aimed at curious travelers, eager to experience the essentials as close as possible to the great outdoors and Mongolian traditions.
The highlights
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An authentic experience, far from the usual points of reference.
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The encounter with nomadic families, herders and nomadic horsemen
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A 3-day self-guided hiking trip in the Eight Lakes region
Photos
Alexandra - verified review - september 2026
Anne - verified review - september 2026
Caroline - verified review - september 2026
Caroline - verified review - september 2026
Caroline - verified review - september 2026
Caroline - verified review - september 2026
Caroline - verified review - september 2026
Clara - verified review - august 2026
Clara - verified review - august 2026
Clara - verified review - august 2026
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
The expert's opinion
This horseback riding trip in Mongolia is reserved for riders of at least intermediate level who are in good physical condition and have regular experience riding outdoors at all three gaits.
Proven experience is required, especially for occasional riders for whom a refresher course before departure is recommended, and minors from 13 years old can participate if they are accompanied and experienced.
Maximum weight: 90kg.
Group size: 5 to 12 riders
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 5h
Management
French
English
During the horseback riding trip in Mongolia, a whole Mongolian team is present to take care of the camp and the horses. Some members of the team speak very good French.
You will be accompanied throughout the horseback trek by Mongolian herders and equestrian guides. Thanks to them, you will experience the heart of nomadic horsemanship and share the Mongolian philosophy where time and space have a completely different value than in our own. The Mongolian herders are responsible for gathering the herd of horses, saddling, and unsaddling them. Generally, the herders prefer to care for their horses themselves, but if you wish, you can participate with them.
If you have European riding experience, you'll notice that the Mongolians' relationship with horses is different. A pastoral people, they live year-round with their livestock, and horses are essential tools for herding their herds. But above all, these nomads are a horse-riding people, and the horse is a great source of pride. Even before they can walk, Mongolian children love to show off their young horses. Participating in a Nadaam race is a real challenge, where victory highlights the qualities of both the rider and the horse.
A gift idea for your guide: Mongolians appreciate small gifts and your guide will be very happy to have, for example, a pair of stirrup leathers for his saddlery (difficult to find in Mongolia) - so happy that, sometimes, Mongolians even use them as belts!
You will be met upon your arrival in Mongolia at Ulaanbaatar Airport and taken care of until your departure. During the trek, a full Mongolian team will be present to manage the camp and the horses. A French-speaking guide will also ride with the group to share insights into the country's history and culture. You will be guided on horseback by Mongolian herders and equestrian guides. The herders are responsible for gathering the herd of horses, saddling, and unsaddling them. While the herders generally prefer to manage their horses themselves, you are welcome to participate if you wish.
Program
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Flight to Ulaanbaatar
- Transportation Plane - 09h - 8000km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Overnight flight to Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia.
Day 1 -
On the way to the steppes of Arkangai
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 300km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
βοΈ Arrival in Ulaanbaatar in the early morning, and welcome by our partner's team at the airport.
Immediate departure for the steppes to the far west, heading towards the province of Arkhangai (approximately a 6-hour journey). Picnic lunch stop, then arrival at the yurt camp in the magnificent Khogno Valley (known as the "Little Gobi"). Visit to the Buddhist temple "Ovgon Khiid" at the end of the day.
βΊοΈ Night in a yurt camp.
Day 2 -
Karakorum, former capital of the Mongol Empire
- Transportation Car - 02h - 120km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After our first night at the foot of the Khogno Mountains in the Ovgont Valley, we set off to explore the Bayangobi sand dunes. These astonishing dunes, stretching across the verdant valley of central Mongolia, give us the illusion of being in the Gobi Desert.
We then travel to Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia (approximately a 2-3 hour drive), where we visit the village and its bustling market. In the afternoon, we continue with a visit to the Erdenezuu Monastery.
π Then, we meet the Mongolian herder guides for the first time at Chuluun Ovoo . This will be an opportunity for a first short horseback ride for those who wish to participate.
βΊοΈ We set up our tent camp in the Tsagaan Sum valley . Dinner and overnight camping.
Day 3 -
Valley of Saint
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
π After breakfast, we ride towards the Sant Valley . We pass alongside a stream that leads us to a picturesque valley with a hot spring , renowned throughout the province for its healing properties. We prepare lunch over a campfire and rest briefly afterward. The horseback trek continues upstream along the stream.
In the late afternoon, we arrive at Tsagaan Sum , another hot spring, and settle down in the yurt for the night.
Day 4 -
Khujirtiin Davaa Valley
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Short transfer possible depending on the progress of the horseback riding trip and the weather.
π At a trot or a gallop, we now cross the Khujirt Valley, carefully preserved by the nomads who set up their camps there in winter. The route takes us through a larch forest.
In the early afternoon, the trail begins a descent: the forest gradually thins out, the conifers giving way to vast expanses of steppe. We continue our hike towards TΓΆvkhΓΆn Nature Park.
βΊοΈ Night in a tent in the forest.
Day 5 -
Tovkhon Monastery
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
π In the morning, we ride horses up to the TΓΆvkhΓΆn monastery, perched on the top of a mountain offering a panoramic view.
In the afternoon, we descend back towards the Orkhon River : rocky headlands with panoramic views of the vast steppes and pebble beaches lining the river. We cross the Orkhon, whose waters plunge further downstream in a cascade. A short transfer brings us closer to our campsite.
βΊοΈ Well-deserved rest and night in a tent by the river.
Day 6 -
Orkhon Falls and a Mongolian family
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
π After breakfast, we get back in the saddle. We ride along the rocky coast and enjoy panoramic views across the valley . Gradually, the steppes widen, and we cross the volcanic zone of the Orkhon Valley.
Lunch by the campfire. Swimming is possible for those who wish.
We visit a nomadic family who warmly welcome us for the night in one of their guest yurts.
They introduce us to a traditional dish much appreciated by the Mongols: khorkhog, mutton cooked on heated stones.
ποΈ Night with the nomadic family.
Day 7 -
8 Lakes Natural Park, 3-day self-guided horseback riding trip with yaks and packhorses
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h30 per day
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we load our horses and/or pack yaks with everything needed for three days of trekking , where we leave our comfort zone to experience a more "adventure-like" adventure in the great outdoors ! As the 8 Lakes circuit is inaccessible by car, we leave our vehicle near the waterfall and continue our ride independently through the Orkhon Valley , towards Naiman Nuur National Park.
This park reveals a preserved ecosystem: forests of pine, larch, and cedar. It takes us two full days to reach the first lake.
On the first day, we stop before the park entrance. Night in a tent.
The next day, we finally reached the first lake. Night in a tent.
On the third day, we retrace our steps to return to the waterfall, where we meet up with the support vehicle, and then spend the night with the family.
Days 8 to 10 -
Return via Batolzit
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
π After breakfast, we meet up with our horses and begin another day in the saddle. We continue our journey eastward, this time following the eastern bank of the Orkhon River. The panoramic view of the valley is remarkable.
Day 11 -
On the way to Khijurt
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 280km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
π We ride one last time in this country , then comes the difficult moment of saying goodbye to our horses and our equestrian guides.
π Return by vehicle towards Ulaanbaatar (approximately 280 km). We pass by the Bayangobi sand dunes again, then stop en route at Khijurt to set up camp. Overnight in tents.
Day 12 -
Back to Ulaanbaatar
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 260km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
π We resume our journey towards Ulaanbaatar ( approximately 260 km). The landscape gradually changes, giving way to arid steppes dotted with vegetation and bordered, in the distance, by golden dunes.
We meet up with the local team in Ulaanbaatar at the end of the day to share dinner with them at the yurt village.
Day 13 -
Free day in Ulaanbaatar
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After enjoying the vastness of the great outdoors, returning to the city can be a little difficult and require a period of adjustment.
This last day is free for you to discover Ulaanbaatar at your own pace. The Mongolian capital offers several places of interest to visit, with numerous museums, restaurants, and cultural activities!
Day 14 -
Return flight
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
βοΈ Transfer to Ulaanbaatar airport according to your flight schedule. End of trip.
Day 15
Note
The itinerary of our programs is provided for informational purposes only. It may be subject to modifications or adjustments based on technical criteria, safety requirements, or prevailing weather conditions. In such cases, only the program leaders are authorized to make the necessary decisions.
Accommodation
The campsites are mostly set up near water, river or lake, to provide the opportunity to cool off and wash up.
Yurt camps are facilities designed for tourists, offering basic but functional accommodation at the heart of hiking trails, allowing you to spend the night in simple conditions surrounded by nature.
Yurt camps are tourist accommodations consisting of 8 to 30 yurts, each accommodating 2 to 4 people. The yurts vary in comfort and charm, but you will at least have access to a bed and shared bathroom facilities. While basic, these camps offer the possibility of using a shower during a hike. Toilets are generally composting toilets.
Invited to stay with a nomadic family, sleeping arrangements are made in their "guest yurts." Comfort is basic, but it's an opportunity to experience the sometimes difficult conditions of nomadic life: an authentic experience!
Access
Group transfers to/from Ulaanbaatar Airport:
- Day 2 (departure from France on day 1, arrival in Mongolia on day 2): A standard transfer is provided for flights arriving in the morning at the following times: 4:40 and 7:30.
- Day 15 (departure from Mongolia on day 15, arrival in France on the same day or the following day depending on the flight schedule): A standard transfer is provided for flights departing in the morning at the following times: 9:20 and 10:10.
Outside of these hours, for both the outbound and return journeys, please contact us for an additional private transfer fee.
Go to the starting point
Optional flights can be added to your quote - please contact us and indicate your departure airport.
If you are arranging your own flights, please wait for written confirmation of your stay before incurring any external expenses.
Price details
The price includes
- Transfers to and from Ulaanbaatar Airport
- Accommodation as described in the program
- Full board from lunch on day 2 to breakfast on day 15 (excluding lunch on day 14)
- The vehicle with driver
- The French-language guide
- Horseback riding in Mongolia as described in the program
- Pack horses and/or yaks
- An additional horse for every 3 people in case of injury or incompatibility with the rider
- Camping equipment (Quechua 3-person tents for 2 people, self-inflating mattresses, blankets)
- Camping equipment (table, chairs)
- Entrance fees to the nature park, to Erdene-zuu in Kharakorum, to the monasteries of Ovgon and Tovkhon
The price does not include
- Air transport
- The visa (waived until the end of 2026 - pending official information for 2027)
- Lunch on day 14 (free time in Ulaanbaatar)
- Phone calls or internet connections
- Optional visits or excursions
- Alcoholic or extra drinks
- Gratuities: β¬60 per person (mandatory), to be given in cash at the end of your stay to the local team.
- Personal expenses
- The supplement for adapting meals is β¬100 per person for a vegetarian menu and β¬150 per person for a specific dietary requirement, including gluten-free or vegan options. Please contact us for any other dietary needs or special requirements. We cannot accommodate dietary requests made on-site.
- A β¬80 deposit is required for equipment rental. To ensure the equipment is in good condition, a β¬80 deposit will be required at the beginning of your stay. This deposit will be refunded at the end of the hike, provided no damage has been found. An inventory of the equipment will be taken at the beginning and end of the hike. Normal wear and tear from use, as well as any damage caused by weather conditions, will not be charged.
- Optional equipment rental (must be booked in advance at the time of registration and paid for on site): a deel, traditional Mongolian coat: β¬90, a duvet: β¬25, an individual tent: β¬40
- The supplement for a transfer between the airport and Ulaanbaatar/yurt camp outside of scheduled hours is β¬60 per trip (to be divided by the number of passengers, maximum 5 people per vehicle + luggage) - payable locally.
- The supplement for an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast (yurt camp on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar): β¬50 per person, payable on site.
- The minimum mandatory travel insurance: assistance insurance with coverage of medical expenses and repatriation (very important)
- FFE rider's license: annual insurance: β¬50 / "Green" card valid for 30 days: β¬15 (to be requested when booking)
Options
- International flights : On request
- Supplement for adapting meals: Vegetarian menu : CHF91.48 / person
- Supplement for adapting meals: specific dietary requirements (including gluten-free or vegan) : CHF137.22 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
βΉοΈ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Self-inflating sleeping mats (approximately 5cm thick) - for added comfort you can also bring your own self-inflating mat.
- 1.5 liters of water per day per person. Beyond this amount, you should use Micropur tablets (to purify, disinfect, and store water).
Equipment to bring
During your horseback trek in Mongolia, all your belongings will be transported by a support vehicle and pack horses and/or yaks. We recommend using soft, waterproof bags to store your belongings. Only take what you need.
β’ Riding helmet (mandatory)
β’ Mini-chaps
β’ Trekking/hiking shoes for horseback riding (waterproof)
β’ Waterproof overshoes (recommended)
β’ 2nd pair of shoes or rubber boots
β’ Toiletry bags (opt for biodegradable products)
β’ Cleansing wipes
β’ Personal pharmacy: We recommend that you bring your own personal pharmacy, including your usual medications in sufficient quantity for the entire duration of your stay. Do not rely on the group pharmacy or medications provided by other participants: there is a risk of allergies and adverse drug reactions.
β’ Toilet paper
β’ Sunglasses
β’ Flashlight or headlamp
β’ Pocket knife
β’ Water bottle (1 L)
β’ Comfort duvet -5Β° C minimum
β’ Mosquito repellent spray
β’ Sheepskins for those who want more comfort
β’ Plastic bags to place inside your travel bag to protect your belongings from possible rain showers
β’ To share your culture, you can bring culinary specialties from your region (biscuits, chocolates, etc.), newspapers, or any other original gadgets or ideas. You can also bring small gifts (school supplies, clothing, etc.), which will always be appreciated in the steppes!
Clothing to bring
β’ Fleece clothing: vest, sweater, jacket
β’ Technical clothing to wear underneath (long sleeves and short sleeves)
β’ Lightweight clothing for sunny days: T-shirts, shirts...
β’ Windproof and waterproof jacket
β’ Waterproof overtrousers
β’ Swimsuit
β’ In the evening, it may get colder and windier, so bring a hat, gloves, scarf, warm coat, silk bag; pajamas, and a survival blanket.
β’ For sleeping, "Damart" underwear or equivalent has proven itself!
β’ 2 pairs of riding pants (or 3 if you have the space!)
β’ A comfortable change of clothes for the evening if needed (jeans, leggings, etc.)
β’ Warm socks for the evening
They traveled with us
Tiphaine
- 27 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
september 2026
In a group
Alexandra
- 33 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
september 2026
In a group
Anne
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
september 2026
In a group
The Phoebe, Audrey et Marjolaine team
Led by a team of five horse and adventure enthusiasts, our local expert specializes in ethical equestrian tourism. Committed to developing travel that respects local communities, he forges lasting relationships with partners worldwide. His on-the-ground expertise, equestrian know-how, and technical versatility allow him to offer immersive itineraries, meticulously designed with high standards and authenticity, in a friendly and committed atmosphere.
