Mongolia Off the Beaten Track

We drive west to Kharkhorin or Karakorum, the site of the ancient 13th century capital of the Mongolian Empire.

Here we will stay the night in traditional gers (yurts) at a local camp. Also before that we will visit 16th century Erdene Zuu monastery founded in 1586.

For the less culturally-inclined, the infamous penis rock can be experienced nearby (although it's really quite small!).

Today we'll continue on to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, the Great White Lake. This is a beautiful area surrounded by steppe and volcanic hills. 

We'll also visit Tsetserleg's bustling market along the way. This market is a mini-version of Ulaanbaatar's Black Market, but without the pick-pockets. 

We'll stay in traditional gers once again, this is an interesting chance to try overnighting in this traditional accommodation with beds and a wood stove for heating.

We drive on and reach the Zavkhan province in the afternoon. Here we set up a river-side camp and meet the horses. 

We start with a safety briefing and pointers about the local riding style, and then begin matching you to your ideal horse. You can ride around the immediate area and have your first taste of riding Mongolia-style.

We'll spend the night in tents under the starry skies of Mongolia.

If you are riding during pre-season then our ride will let you assist our local team in getting the horses ready for the upcoming season. After being free to roam for eight months during the winter, we need to determine which horses will be participating in our treks this season. The horses easily adjust back to trekking life once they hit the trail.

During the ride, we will also be inspecting our horse and camping equipment, exploring new potential routes, and getting ready for a busy season ahead. 

Today we will have a longer day ride around the area in the Zavkhan province. The area will be a mix of forest and steppe. This will allow you to decide if you and your horse have bonded. 

We also take along spare horses on the trek, available any time you would like to try something faster (or slower).

Today we will ride south, up the broad Khojuul river valley. Then we will meet the support vehicle with your luggage and camping equipment at Agtiin Am ('valley of thyme') campsite. 

Along the way we will ride through an area of sand dunes. We think that this is the perfect opportunity for less experienced riders to try a faster pace. The horses love to gallop over the sand, but eventually they get tired, so if you fall off it's going to be a soft landing!  

We will reach Ulaan Chuluu ('red rocks') campsite today. The campsite is situated on the edge of Tarvagaatai Nuruu National Park. 

This area is particularly popular with nomadic herders who graze their yaks on the lush pastures. 

As summer peaks, Mongolia's herders are busy fattening up their livestock, making the most of the lush pastures. The days are pleasantly warm, but there's always a crystal-clear river nearby for cooling off if gets hot, and a trail heading in to the deep dark forest.

There's time to stop and visit friends along the way and taste delicious yak yogurt and other local delicacies which may challenge your palate.

Today we will ride high in to the National Park. The landscape there quickly becomes alpine, leaving the forested valley behind. 

If you're riding in the second half of August, this is the ideal time to visit these places, as the heat of summer passes, and the weather becomes cool and dry. Less bugs too!

If the weather gods favour us, we can reach Nogoo Nuur (Green Lake), a spectacular caldera high in the mountains. We can also visit an old hot spring for a well-earned soak. Abandoned at the end of socialist times, it has now been rediscovered by local people.

Embark on a thrilling adventure as we cross over the rugged mountain range via a horse-only trail, taking in breathtaking views along the way. 

Then we descend to the picturesque Dukhii Hyasar camp, our tranquil haven for the night. We explore the surrounding hills, seeking out hidden caves that once provided sanctuary for persecuted monks. We'll discover ancient Buddhist prayer scrolls tucked away in a secret cave, a testament to the rich history of this mystical land. 

Spend your day swimming in pristine waters, fishing for your dinner, or simply unwinding with a good book in this idyllic setting.

We will wake up in the Dukhii Hyasar camp. Then we can set out on a leisurely hike through the hills, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the landscape. Keep an eye out for elusive wildlife such as elk and wild boar as you meander through the rugged terrain. 

Enjoy a relaxing horseback ride or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this remote wilderness. Take a dip in the cool waters, basking in the tranquility of nature. 

We continue riding down-river to Kharkhoit camp. The wildflowers through here in early summer are truly spectacular, with many wild varieties of species you may recognise from your own garden. Herders migrate to this area later in the year, so the lush meadows are a feast for the horses.

If you're riding during autumn, the forests are already turning golden. This is a beautiful scenery.

As we ride down out of the mountains, the landscape opens up to vast steppe once again. You and your horse will no doubt be eyeing up the opportunities for a gallop. Do you dream of galloping across open steppe with the wind in your hair? This is the place to live that dream. 

We will reach Gunzan camp in the afternoon. The evening and the night will be spent in the wilderness, we'll be sleeping in tents.

During summer, herders graze this region, so it can be rather like riding through the Serengeti, but instead of zebras and wildebeast, we pass amongst herds of yaks, horses, sheep, goats, and camels. Once again you will experience the legendary hospitality of the local people. The locals are extremely friendly and generous. 

We'll overnight in tents.

After a final morning ride we drive south-west through desert-steppe to Khar Nuur, a desert lake where sand dunes meet crystal clear waters, or we drive north to Gandan Nuur, a lovely lake in the forest (depending on flights). Set up camp on the lake shore for two nights.

Either location is perfect for hiking, swimming or just relaxing after all that riding. 

We'll spend the night in tents enjoying the wild landscapes around.

Khar Nuur or Gandan Nuur are perfect for relaxing after all that riding. Spend the day swimming, take a stroll on the dunes or in the forest, or just catch up on your diary. Both lakes offer stunning views and are popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Mongolia.

The nighttime will allow us to behold the starry skies which are clear and stunning in the Mongolian wilderness.

We continue our way on to either Uliastai in the south, or Moron in the north, and fly back to Ulaanbaatar.

Uliastai is a picturesque city known for its stunning mountainous landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Moron, on the other hand, is a bustling city offering a mix of traditional Mongolian culture and modern amenities. 

You'll arrive at the capital city in the evening and overnight at the local hotel.

If you have time we will help with finding any last minute items to take home for friends and family, and you can see some more of the city. 

Finally we take you to the airport/train station and say farewell.