In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAsia / Mongolia
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AgeFrom 7 - 60 years
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CO₂-Emissions395.31 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
In the heart of the Mongolian steppe , this journey immerses you in the daily life of nomadic horse herders , guardians of an ancestral way of life deeply connected to nature and the vast open spaces. A unique immersion to discover Mongolian equestrian culture and share the lives of steppe families.
Each day, you'll set off on horseback to cover 20 to 25 km across the vast prairies , rivers, and rolling hills that shape these iconic landscapes. Along your route, several renowned herding families will welcome you into their yurts and offer a glimpse into their daily lives.
Alongside your hosts, you will discover the essential gestures of pastoral life. You can participate in some traditional activities , such as milking mares to prepare airag , watching over flocks of sheep, or accompanying the riders at sunrise to gather the horses in the vastness of the steppe.
Between horseback riding , authentic encounters and sharing of traditions, this stay offers a strong human experience , getting as close as possible to Mongolian nomads and their unique relationship with horses.
The highlights
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An authentic immersion into the world of Mongolian horse breeders
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Horseback riding through the heart of the steppe landscapes - The hot spring
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Participation in traditional nomadic activities
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 3h
Management
French
English
Program
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Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
- Transportation Car - 01h - 50km
- Activity Autre
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Upon arrival in the Mongolian capital, check into your hotel. Your exploration of the city begins with a visit to Sukhbaatar Square, the historical and political heart of the capital. Next, you'll visit the National Museum of Mongolia, which traces the fascinating history of the country and its nomadic peoples. The day concludes with a visit to Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the principal center of Buddhism in Mongolia.
Day 1 -
Ulaanbaatar – Khargany Valley
- Transportation Car - 05h - 350km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early morning departure takes you towards Arkhangai province. After a 350 km drive (approximately 5 hours), you'll reach the vast Khargany Valley, located near the Orkhon River. This region is steeped in history: according to local tradition, it was one of the summer residences of Modu Chanyu, founder of the Xiongnu Empire. Upon arrival at the horse camp, you'll meet your guide – either Orshikho or Batlaa – and choose your horse for the trek. After preparations, a first ride of 1 to 2 hours will allow you to familiarize yourself with your mount and the steppe landscapes.
Day 2 -
Khargany Valley – Baishir
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For those who wish, the day can begin very early: you can accompany Orshikho to gather the horses on the steppe, an authentic daily activity for Mongolian herders. Around 9 a.m., you will set off on horseback towards your next stop. Your destination is the family of Chinzorig, son of the renowned horse trainer Namchin, recognized as an eminent Mongolian breeder. Along the way, you will cross vast, rolling grasslands where horses, yaks, and sheep graze. A warm welcome awaits you at the nomads' home, complete with salted milk tea and traditional dairy products.
Day 3 -
Baishir – Ulaantolgoi River
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The trek continues across the steppe. Around 10:00 AM, you set off for the next family, Khatanbaatar's. The route takes you over the Khurts Pass, a beautiful crossing offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Further on, you'll cross the Bodont River before arriving in the pastures of the Ulaantolgoi Valley. The evening unfolds in a peaceful atmosphere, attuned to the rhythm of nomadic life.
Day 4 -
Ulaantolgoi – Khavchuugiin Am
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you'll depart for the Khavchuugiin Am Valley. Along the way, you'll stop at Mount Bichigt, a remarkable archaeological site where you can see Bronze Age petroglyphs carved into the rock. The day ends with Batarkhuu's family, where you'll spend the night. In the evening, you'll enjoy one of the most iconic dishes of nomadic cuisine: the famous Khorkhog, prepared with meat cooked on hot stones.
Day 5 -
Khavchuugiin Am – Khargany Valley
- Transportation Car - 05h - 350km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This final day on horseback is shorter and more peaceful. After a ride of approximately 10 km, you return to the equestrian camp where the adventure began. It's time to say goodbye to your horse and the local team. Then, it's back to Ulaanbaatar by vehicle. Arrival is late in the day, and you'll check into your hotel.
Day 6 -
Departure
- Transportation Car - 01h - 50km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your return flight.
You will leave Mongolia with the memory of having shared, even briefly, the authentic life of the horsemen of the great steppe.
Day 7
Accommodation
The Dream Hotel is a local 2-star establishment, offering simple and functional comfort.
As an option , you can also choose higher category accommodation, such as the Ramada Hotel or the Nine Hotel, rated 3 and 4 stars, offering a higher level of comfort and additional services.
This option incurs an additional cost of approximately 30 to 50 euros per person compared to the Dream Hotel.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Domestic transport in Mongolia as described in the itinerary
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Mineral water
- All excursions, entrance fees and visits described in the itinerary
- 5-day horseback riding trip
- 5-day local equestrian guide
- French- or English-speaking guide-interpreter during the tour
- Driver and his vehicle/UAZ van or Hyundai Starex/ during the tour
- Sleeping bag if needed
The price does not include
- Single room supplement
- International flight tickets
- Passport and visa fees
- Medical and travel insurance
- Evacuation/repatriation costs
- Airport taxes
- Excess baggage fees
- Photography and video fees
- Articles of a personal nature
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry and phone calls
- Other fees not specifically mentioned as included
Options
- 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.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Sleeping bag (to be brought according to needs and season)
- Sleeping bag liner (or sleeping bag sheet for added comfort and hygiene, if necessary)
- Riding helmet or riding hat for safety while riding (rental available on site: €10)
- Camping tables and stools for meals and social gatherings
Equipment to bring
- Sleeping bag suitable for nighttime temperatures (recommended comfort: 0°C to -5°C depending on the season)
- Sleeping bag liner (sleeping bag sheet) for added comfort and hygiene
- Small backpack for carrying your personal belongings during the day
- Reusable water bottle or flask
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm for sun protection
- Camera or phone, with an external battery for charging on the go
- Binoculars for observing wildlife and the landscape
- Personal first aid kit and individual medications
- Toiletry kit including biodegradable wipes, biodegradable solid soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.
- Mosquito repellent spray or cream
Clothing to bring
- Comfortable pants for hiking and evenings at camp
- Riding trousers (bring 2 pairs)
- Sturdy closed shoes, suitable for walking on varied terrain
- Riding boots or shoes (avoid wide hiking boots that get in the way in the stirrups)
- Riding chaps for added comfort and leg protection
- Sandals or light shoes for camping and relaxation
- Windproof or waterproof jacket to protect against the elements
- A sweater or fleece jacket for cool evenings
- Breathable long-sleeved T-shirts to protect against the sun and insects
- Riding helmet or riding hat for safety while riding. Please check that it can be easily carried in your luggage.
- Hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun
- Lightweight gloves (optional, but recommended for horseback riding)
- A scarf or bandana to protect oneself from the sun and dust
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