Mongolia Wilderness Odyssey

In the morning we visit the Gandan Lamasery, the center for the Buddhist revival in Mongolia, possibly in time to see the prayers. Mongolians follow Lamaism (Tibetan Buddhism), with the Dalai Lama being the supreme theocratical leader.

We then drive out of the city, and gradually the wide open Mongolian landscape unfolds before our eyes. We have a picnic lunch on arrival, pitching camp near some nomadic families. Here we will meet the local herders with the yak carts and our horses. We will get to know the horses and go an short trial ride.

We will start our riding journey to the steppes. Enjoy the peaceful views and a great terrain for a experienced rider.

Yak carts will follow us, and when the night comes, we will sleep in tens under the incredibly starry skies of Mongolia.

All our provisions, camping equipment and luggage will be loaded onto yak carts. Even a ger (yurt) will be brought, and we will learn how to set a ger up. We ride across open steppe, but also cover hilly terrain with occasional patches of birch forest.

Throughout the ride we will have the chance to meet with local herdsmen, often relatives and friends of our local horsetrail guides.

Forests will suddenly start to appear and we are now riding towards the Khentii wilderness area, which includes the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area and Gorkhi Terelj National Park. In Mongolia the Siberian boreal forest meets the Central Asian desert and steppe and will be riding through the transitional zone between grasslands and northern Larch forests.

We will spend two nights here.

The horses will enable us to ride through the Larch forests, up the slopes of the mountains and to follow ridges that offer views of superb scenery, whilst the yak carts will follow along the broad river valleys.

We will arrive and pitch camp at Shar-bulag Valley. We will spend two nights here, which will allow for some flexibility in the middle of our ride.

We will spend this day riding in the Shar-bulag Valley.

Shar Bulag is also a mineral spring located in the picturesque Terelj National Park. Known for its healing properties, the spring attracts visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the park's stunning natural beauty.

We ride towards Jalman Meadows, famous for its wildflowers, and reach our semi-permanent ger camp, which is situated next to a beautiful wooded meadow on the upper parts of the Tuul River.

Here we say good bye to the herders and their yak carts caravan.

We will stay at Jalman Meadows Ger Camp for two nights, having a superb last day ride in the surrounding area.

A full day to enjoy the setting of our Ger Camp. You may use the day for an additional half or full day ride.

Or lean back in the library ger with good reads on Genghis Khan, contemporary Mongolia or horses for that matter.

If you like to replace the ride with a float on Russian catarafts downstream using inflatable rafts which will be loaded to a yak cart and taken to the river side.

There is also a possibility of a river side sauna at streamside.

In the morning, you return to Ulaanbaatar and check into the hotel. See the capital city on your own. Distances are short. The local guide is standing by to assist where your points of interest are located.

We will have a farewell dinner in local restaurant and entertainment.

Transfer out to your next destination.