Asia > Mongolia

Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia

Experience the vast Mongolian wilderness with a combination of riding and hiking on this 11-day adventure. This is the perfect holiday for active and curious travellers, and beginner or intermediate riders who want to enjoy incredible scenery and experience nomadic life, both from horseback and on foot. From the capital Ulaanbaatar, riders set off for the Bayan Gobi desert, then venture into the Khangai Mountains and finally explore the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests sleep in yurts - staying both with nomadic families and at tourist camps - making this an ideal trip for those seeking a bit of comfort mixed with adventure, and eyeing some time away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
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Trail Riding
11 days (4 riding, 4 hiking)
From £2,252
  • Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia
  • Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia
  • Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia
  • Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia
  • Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia
  • Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia
  • Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia
  • Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia
  • Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia
  • Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia
  • Hiking & Horse Riding in Mongolia

Itinerary

Highlights

· Experience a mix of horse riding and hiking – perfect for those wanting an active holiday and who enjoy a combination of activities
· Itinerary is open to riders of all levels, from beginner/low intermediate to experienced
· Enjoy some adventure and a little comfort, staying 4 nights with nomadic families and 4 nights in tourist camps
· Explore a variety of landscapes, including mountains, hot springs, grasslands, hills and waterfalls, and areas such as the Bayan Gobi, Khanghai Mountains, and the famous Orkhon Valley
· Visit nomadic families and learn about their daily life
· Discover the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, a city of striking contrasts
· Soak up Mongolian culture with visits to the national museum, several monasteries, and a traditional song and dance show
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  • Day 1 1: EUROPE - ULAANBAATAR - No riding

    International flight to Ulaanbaatar. You will likely arrive in the early hours of the morning. A member of the local team will meet you at the airport, and you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax for the rest of the morning.

    Later, you will meet your guide and the group at the hotel front desk and head out for lunch (to your own account). Afterwards, you’ll visit the Gandantegchinlin Monastery (a Buddhist monastery and one of Mongolia’s most important tourist attractions) and the National Museum of Mongolia, both of which will give you an insight into Mongolian history and culture. Dinner is to your own account this evening.

    Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 2 2: ULAANBAATAR - BAYAN GOBI DESERT - 2 hours hiking

    After breakfast, you will leave the hotel and head out of the city, making your way to the Bayan Gobi Desert – a spectacular strip of desert in central Mongolia, also called the ‘Mini Gobi’. The journey is approximately 5 hours in a 4x4 vehicle, with lunch on the road.

    When you arrive in the Bayan Gobi, you’ll embark on your first hike to the Ovgon Khiid Monastery, located at the foot of Khögnö Khan Mountain and dating back to the 17th century. After around 2 hours, you’ll meet a camel guide, and 2-humped camels who will then take you the rest of the way to your first night’s camping spot.

    Dinner and overnight at the tourist camp.

  • Day 3 3: BAYAN GOBI DESERT – TUVKHUN MONASTERY - NOMAD FAMILY - 4 hours hiking

    This morning, you’ll hike to the Tuvkhun Monastery, perched high in Mongolia’s Khangai Mountains, a 17th-century place of worship revered for its serene setting and spiritual significance.

    Then you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the road and head by car to meet your first nomadic family. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the family and experience their daily life, and you’ll be treated to traditional dairy food.

    Dinner and overnight with local family.

  • Day 4 4: NOMAD FAMILY - BUURUG CAMP - 5 hours riding

    You will meet the horses today, and your equestrian guide, and begin your first ride towards Buurug Camp.

    Along the way, you’ll enjoy the wide-open landscapes of the Mongolian countryside, and take a break for lunch in nature before continuing on to reach the camp in the afternoon.

    Dinner and overnight at the tourist camp.

  • Day 5 5: BUURUG - NAIMAN NUUR LAKES - 5 hours riding

    Today you will ride to the stunning natural area of Naiman Nuur – also known as ‘the eight lakes’, a chain of pristine lakes set among volcanic craters, forests and mountain meadows.

    You’ll then stop for a picnic lunch before continuing to ride through this remote area towards the next nomadic family.

    Dinner and overnight with local family.

  • Day 6 6: NAIMAN NUUR LAKES - 5 hours riding

    You’ll spend a second day riding and exploring the landscapes around the Naiman Nuur Lakes, with a picnic lunch and, for those who are brave, a chance to take a dip in one of the lakes.

    You’ll then continue riding to the next family.

    Dinner and overnight with local family.

  • Day 7 7: NAIMAN NUUR LAKES - ORKHON WATERFALL - 5 hours riding

    Today is your last day on horseback. After breakfast, you will set off on your horse, headed towards the beautiful Orkhon Waterfall, which cascades down into the Orkhon River, Mongolia’s longest river, and flows through the historic Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is rich in nomadic culture and ancient history.

    After dismounting to see the waterfall and take pictures, you and the rest of the group can choose between continuing on horseback or taking the car to the next nomadic family.

    Dinner and overnight with local family.

  • Day 8 8: NOMADIC FAMILY - DURVUN BERKH CAMP - 4-5 hours riding

    After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the horses and equestrian guide and set off on a hike along the Orkhon River.

    You’ll stop for lunch along the way, taking in the striking terrain dotted with ancient lava stones, before finally arriving at Durvun Berkh Tourist Camp.

    Dinner and overnight at the tourist camp.

  • Day 9 9: DURVUN BERKH CAMP - KHARKHORIN - 4-5 hours hiking

    You’ll leave the camp early after breakfast and hike through the Orkhon Valley. Today you’ll see Temeen Chuluu, a striking granite rock formation rising dramatically from the steppe, and pass Baga Tsutgalan, a smaller waterfall. You’ll also come across Uurtiin Tohoi Cliff, an impressive rock formation offering panoramic views of the valley below.

    Later, you’ll head by car to Kharkhorin, the legendary city founded by Genghis Khan in 1220, once the capital of the Mongol Empire and a key hub on the Silk Road. Here, you'll visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of Mongoliaʼs most important Buddhist sites. In the late afternoon, you’ll make your way to the next tourist camp by vehicle.

    Dinner and overnight at the tourist camp.

  • Day 10 10: CAMP - ULAANBAATAR - No riding/hiking

    Today you will head back to Ulaanbaatar, arriving in time for lunch or stopping on the way.

    The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the city and do some last-minute shopping. In the evening, you will be treated to a show of traditional Mongolian song and dance.

    Dinner (not included) and overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 11 11: ULAANBAATAR – EUROPE - No riding

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Europe.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on riders sharing a double, twin or triple room in Ulaanbaatar, as well as yurts (3-6 people per yurt) during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 8 international riders, plus guides. The ride will also confirm for 2-3 riders on payment of a small group supplement of €300 per person.

- Please note that single yurts are not possible when staying with local families or at the tourist camps. It is possible to arrange a single hotel room in Ulaanbaatar for an additional €150.

- Transfers to and from the airport are included.

- Accompanied minors are welcome from 12 yo, provided they match the riding requirements.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking guide
1 or 2 local equestrian guide (s) during the trail

Logistics

1 support vehicle

Inland transport

Airport transfers

Accommodation

Double, twin or triple hotel room in Ulaanbaatar, shared yurts during the ride (3-6 people per yurt)

Meals

Full board during the ride, including water – meals in Ulaanbaatar are not included.

Extras

Entry fees to parks and museums mentioned in the itinerary

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras, meals in Ulaanbaatar

Transport

International flights
Visa fees

Extras

Tips to the local team

Optional

Accommodation

Sleeping bag (available to rent free of charge)
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    02/06/2026 12/06/2026 £2,252 €2,680 $2,905
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    16/06/2026 26/06/2026 £2,252 €2,680 $2,905
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    14/07/2026 24/07/2026 £2,252 €2,680 $2,905
    Open
    		Book now
    04/08/2026 14/08/2026 £2,252 €2,680 $2,905
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Equestrian info

Horses

The legendary Mongolian horse is small but strong, energetic and enduring; perfectly suited for equestrian trekking across all terrains. Though good natured, these horses live a semi-wild life, and riders should be adaptable – open to different ways of riding and handling the horses. Some horses are livelier than others, but all are carefully selected by the team to suit the rider.

Guide & local team

The tour guides, drivers and equestrian guides are seasoned professionals dedicated to providing a unique and high-quality experience. The local families, who are an integral part of the team, are also used to welcoming and hosting guests.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

This trip can accommodate beginner and low intermediate riders, however, it is a requirement of this trip that all participants have had at least 6 riding lessons in the weeks/months prior to departure and have a basic understanding of how to ride a horse.

Please note that Mongolian horses, while friendly, may also be semi-wild. Guests should be adaptable and prepared for a range of temperaments. It is important to follow the instructions of the local equestrian guides (for example, they will ask you not to add or remove layers while riding, and to mount from the left side).

Rider weight limit is 85 kg / 187 lbs / 13 st 5 lbs.

Pace

Much of the ride will be at a walk, with some trots and canters depending on the terrain and abilities of the group. Guests will ride for around 4-5 hours per day. You will hike between 2 and 5 hours on hiking days.

Tacking ability and participation

Each horse is saddled and unsaddled by the accompanying Mongolian herders. Feel free to participate in the process if you'd like – simply ask the herders for guidance. While staying with local families, you may be asked to participate in tasks such as washing up.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You should be in good health as you will be riding in a remote location, far away from medical help. All guests should also be physically fit (for the hiking and riding parts of the trip) and have good balance, as you will be spending several hours in the saddle on riding days and you will likely ride up and downhill and over rugged terrain. It is a requirement of this trip that all participants have had at least 6 riding lessons in the weeks/months prior to departure and have a basic understanding of how to ride a horse.

Please also note: This ride is designed for those seeking adventure – you should be comfortable spending long periods outdoors in a remote area (with no phone service in some parts), and with staying at family camps where there are limited bathroom facilities. Please inform your travel advisor of any allergies or medical conditions in advance.

Visiting a new country offers the opportunity to meet other cultures with different mentalities, therefore it is important to accept these differences and respect the local way of life. Be prepared to adapt to a different style of riding and accept that Mongolians relate to their horses in a different way than those in Western countries.

Equestrian equipment

The saddles used are Russian and Mongolian style. Comfort levels may vary from rider to rider, so please inform the team of any discomfort on the first day so adjustments can be made.
Recommendations:
• Riders over 1.90m tall should bring their own adjustable stirrup leathers, as local saddles may not offer sufficient length.
• Consider bringing a sheepskin seat saver or extra padding to ensure comfort during long rides. It must be securely attached to the saddle - please ask the local guides for assistance.
• A helmet is strongly recommended for safety. Please bring your own riding helmet to ensure a proper fit.
• Please note: Saddlebags are not available on this ride as Mongolian horses aren’t used to them. But you will have a support vehicle and the guides will carry water. Backpacks are not to be worn whilst riding.

Travel info

Comfort

The first and last nights are spent in Ulaanbaatar, and you will stay in a double, twin or triple room at a hotel with private bathrooms and wifi.
For 4 nights, you will be hosted by local families. You will sleep in a yurt with other guests, separate from the family. There are 3-5 beds in a yurt. The families don’t provide shower facilities but you will be provided with a portable shower (you may also bathe in nearby lakes and rivers). Toilets may be compost toilets or holes in the ground.
For the remaining 4 nights, you will sleep in yurts at tourist camps, which have electricity, toilets and showers, and a dining area.

Please note:
Yurts may be mixed between male and female guests, and when staying with local families, beds vary in comfort. You will need a sleeping bag (available to rent free of charge or you can bring your own) and we recommend a power bank for charging your devices on those evenings (there is no electricity when staying with local families). You may also be able to charge your devices in the support vehicle on driving days.

Meals

Meals are carefully arranged to give you a taste of Mongolian life: Most meals are hearty and meat-based, featuring beef, lamb, and chicken, served with rice, noodles, bread, flour-based dishes, and vegetables. You’ll also enjoy treats like jam, honey, butter, aaruul (dried cheese), milk tea and eggs. Dietary requirements can normally be accommodated, please inform your travel advisor upon booking.

Water:
Do not drink from unknown sources. You will be supplied with fresh water to drink. You may also bring water-purification tablets such as Micropur.

Climate

Mongolia enjoys over 260 sunny days a year and experiences very little rainfall. However, summer brings the most precipitation. The country often sits at the centre of a high-pressure system, keeping the skies clear most of the year, earning it the nickname "The Land of Blue Skies."
Despite the sunshine, Mongolia experiences an extreme continental climate due to its geographical features: a vast, semi-desert plateau averaging over 1,500m in altitude. Summer temperatures can fluctuate wildly, ranging from +3°C to +35°C during the day and from -3°C to +20°C at night.
We recommend wearing layers and carrying rain gear, as the weather can change quickly.

Tips

If you are happy with the service you receive from your local guides and driver then you may wish to leave a tip. In order to remain consistent with the standard of living, we would recommend approx €60 per person to be shared between the team.

Packing list

Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. A support vehicle will carry your luggage for most of the ride so there is no weight limit as such, but we recommend approximately 20kgs. Please remember that the region can be cold and the weather extremely changeable -- please bring layers and rain gear. We recommend that you pack essentials in your hand luggage - such as your sleeping bag, towel and sanitary products (within allowance), rain jacket and riding gear -- just in case your luggage is delayed.

Please note: you will need to separate your belongings and pack a small bag (we'd recommend a dry bag) for days 5-7 when you visit the Naiman Nuur lakes (max 8-10kg), as the luggage will be carried by yaks. You can leave the rest of your luggage in the support vehicle and pick it up later.

Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommends that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. There are many lightweight options available nowadays
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
- Warm hat for cold nights

Upper body
- Thermals (long or short-sleeved)
- Long-sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and are an extra layer
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm fleece or jumper (and a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm and waterproof jacket - it can rain at any time of year, and the evenings can be particularly cold. No ponchos or anything that can flap around!

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Thermals
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms
- Waterproof over trousers

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps as an extra layer against inclement weather. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged. We would suggest something with a good grippy sole.
- Waterproof shoes/boots can be useful for abundant dew in the mornings or when it rains
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for moving around in the evenings
- Several pairs of warm, thick socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding. Waterproof gloves can be particularly useful

Nightwear
- Sleeping bag. You need at least a comfort factor down to minus 5°C, but would recommend at least minus 8 or 10°C (especially outside of July/August). It is possible to request a sleeping bag from the local team (available to rent).
- Sleeping bag liner - silk, cotton, or fleece - adds an extra layer
- Camping pillow (not essential but very useful)
- Pyjamas or tracksuits, or thermals for sleeping in
Please remember it can get very cold at night, especially if you are travelling in June/September: pack accordingly.

Other useful items
- Water-purification tablets
- Swimsuit - for swimming/bathing in lakes
- Towels - camping ones will both dry and pack more easily
- Small backpack for accessing items required during the day (carried by support crew)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Head torch or small torch for moving around camp at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre)
- Wet Wipes or equivalent (for when washing facilities aren't available)
- Small plastic bags for rubbish
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
- Solar charger/power bank

Medical kit
- Micropur tabs
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Water purification tablets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Gifts for local families
Mongolian tradition wants the traveller to thank his host for his kind hospitality by offering small gifts. Some ideas for gifts include fresh vegetables and fruits (to be bought on the way), cakes or sweets (from home or bought locally), other local products/specialities from your home country, toys or books for children, kitchen utensils or camping accessories. You may also wish to take some photographs or postcards of your home with you to show your hosts.
Please avoid offering soaps, pens, or used clothes.

Other recommendations:
- Please print copies of your passport and insurance documents and take them with you.
- Backpacks should not be worn whilst riding. We recommend bringing a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc). The guides will carry saddle bags carrying water.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

Mongolia is one of the last places on earth where nomadism thrives and every year in July, people all over the country celebrate the Naadam Festival -- a national festival to celebrate the nomadic civilisation of the Mongols.

Said to originate centuries ago to promote the unity of the fraternal tribes and to improve soldiers’ fighting skills, Naadam showcases three traditional games -- horseracing, wrestling and archery -- known as the ‘three games of men’. During these festive days, the country’s nomads wear their finest deel, the traditional Mongolian outfit, saddle their best horses, and head to gathering places.

On the blog

You can find out more information about the Naadam Festival on the Equus Journeys blog.

To learn more about a riding adventure in Mongolia, you can also check out a recent ride report by a member of the Equus Journeys team. Please click here to read.