Horseback riding in Mongolia - Naadam Festival Special

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar early in the morning. Welcome by our 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.

Night in a yurt camp.

After our first night in Mongolia, at the foot of the Khogno Mountains in the Ovgont Valley, we set off to discover 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 take the road towards Karakorum, the former capital of Mongolia (approximately 2/3 hours journey), where we visit the village and its popular market.

In the afternoon, we continue with a visit to the Erdenezuu monastery, founded in 1580, the oldest and largest Buddhist site still intact in the country, surrounded by its 108 stupas (Buddhist reliquaries).

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.

We set up our tent camp in the Tsagaan Sum valley. Dinner and overnight camping.

After breakfast, we ride towards the Sant Valley. A short transfer (which can be arranged the day before) takes us along 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 enjoy a short rest afterward. The horseback trek continues upstream along the stream.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at Tsagaan Sum, another hot spring, and settle into the yurt for the night.

Short transfer possible depending on the progress of the horseback riding trip and the weather.

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 leads 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 Tövkhön Nature Park.

Night in a tent in the forest.

In the morning, we ride horses up to the Tövkhön 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.

A well-deserved rest and a night in a tent by the river.

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.

Night at the home of a nomadic family.

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 heart of nature! 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; the next day, we finally reach the first lake.

Nights spent in tents.

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.

After breakfast, we remount 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.

We ride one last time in this country, a land of horses and traditions that is Mongolia. Then comes the difficult moment of saying goodbye to our horses and our equestrian guides.

Return by vehicle towards the capital, Ulaanbaatar (approximately 280 km). We pass by the Bayangobi sand dunes again, then stop en route to set up camp. Overnight in tents.

Today, 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.

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!

At dawn, we immerse ourselves in the unique atmosphere of the Naadam festival, surrounded by Mongolians in traditional costumes and swept up in the festive excitement. We watch the horse races, symbols of power and freedom, galloping across the vast steppes.

After lunch, we head to the capital's central stadium to experience exciting events like archery and jacks. The day concludes with a convivial dinner in a yurt, a warm and authentic experience.

In the morning, we set off for Khui Doloon Khudag, a valley located 25 km from Ulaanbaatar, to attend the Naadam horse race. Dressed in traditional attire, young Mongolian riders race with energy and skill, in an atmosphere that blends tradition, competition, and popular enthusiasm.

In the evening, we dine in town before attending the opening ceremony. To the rhythm of Mongolian songs, music and dances, we soak up the festive atmosphere of Naadam, before returning to our yurt for the night.

Transfer to Ulaanbaatar airport according to your flight schedule. End of trip.

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.