Horse Riding
What it's like
Mongolian horses are small, tough and half wild, and they know the country better than any map. Ride out with a herder and the land opens at the pace of hooves: no fences, no roads, just the next ridge and the river beyond it.
Horses are central to Mongolian life, and there are more of them than people. They are compact, sure-footed and spirited, bred to live outdoors all year. Riding one is the most natural way to travel the steppe.
Our rides range from a gentle few hours near camp to multi-day treks in the Orkhon Valley, around Lake Khövsgöl or through the Khentii, with gear carried by pack horse or support vehicle. Local horsemen ride with every group, choose horses to suit each rider and set the pace.
Mongolian saddles are traditionally wooden and high; we offer Russian-style or Western saddles on longer treks. Riding helmets are provided, and we ask for an honest description of your experience so we can match you with the right horse.
Novice riders are welcome on shorter rides. Multi-day treks suit those comfortable in the saddle for five or six hours a day, at a walk and trot with the occasional canter.
Adventures with this
More experiences
Staying with Nomad Families
Sleep in a family ger, help with the herds and share the rhythm of a working nomadic camp.
Camel Trekking
Travel the Gobi on the back of a two-humped Bactrian camel, guided by the herders who raise them.
Eagle Hunting Traditions
Meet the Kazakh burkitshi of Bayan-Ölgii, who raise and train golden eagles to hunt in winter.
The Naadam Games
Wrestling, horse racing and archery: the three manly games at the heart of Mongolia's summer festival.
Throat Singing and the Morin Khuur
Hear khöömei, the overtone singing of the steppe, and the morin khuur horsehead fiddle, both UNESCO-listed traditions.
Dinosaur Fossil Sites
Walk the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, where the first recognised dinosaur eggs were found in the 1920s.
Ready when you are
Tell us your dates and dreams. One specialist plans everything and replies within two working days.