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Mongolia is a paradise for trail riders. However, you can enjoy the great outdoors as much as sleeping in a cozy bed, so Mongolia Travel & Tours decided to offer this "comfort" horseback tour with 100% accommodation in yurts ! This magnificent 13-day horse ride will allow you to enjoy the best of Mongolia in the best conditions with accommodation in yurts with traditional beds and showers every evening (except at the nomadic family's yurt).
HORSE RIDING TRIP IN MONGOLIA
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1 - Saturday: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, early in the morning. You will be met by your French- or English-speaking interpreter, depending on the departure time, upon arrival of Turkish Airlines flight TK236 (generally scheduled to land around 7:20 am). Immediate departure for the Mongolian steppe ! After a 2.5-hour drive, you will arrive at the famous Hustai National Park, home to Przewalski's wild horses, also known as Takhi. Lunch at the yurt camp where you will also spend the night. Your driver will take you on a 4x4 safari in Hustai National Park, in search of Przewalski's wild horses, as well as deer and marmots, which are abundant in this protected area. Dinner at the yurt camp. For your first night in Mongolia, you will discover the traditional Mongolian yurt (up to 4 riders per yurt - showers in a separate building).
Day 2: Khustai Park - Horseback Riding in Khogno Khan National Park (Bayan-Gobi Desert)
We travel by 4x4 to Khogno Khan National Park, nicknamed the Mini-Gobi or the Bayan-Gobi, the "Rich Gobi," an extension of the Gobi Desert in Central Mongolia. Lunch en route. In the afternoon, we embark on our first horseback ride along the cliffs of Khogno Khan, enjoying spectacular views, before reaching the Ovgon Khiid Monastery, which we visit, nestled in the magnificent setting of a valley with a geological landscape sculpted by erosion. Dinner and overnight stay in guest yurts near a nomadic family (up to 5 riders per yurt, in single beds). No sanitary facilities for tonight, comfort is simpler than in yurt camps as there are no showers, but you will discover the traditional way of life of Mongolian nomads..
Day 3: Horseback Riding in Khogno Khan National Park (Bayan-Gobi Desert)
After breakfast, we set off for one of the most spectacular days of this horseback riding adventure! We will ride through the Elsentasarhai dunes and along the cliffs of the Bayan-Gobi, across vast semi-desert steppes that give us a true sense of Mongolia's immensity. We will likely encounter herds of Bactrian camels, which are plentiful in this region. Picnic lunch. The contrast between the desert-like dunes and the lush greenery along the river is truly striking! This day of riding takes us from the desert to the Garden of Eden, as nomads often gather their herds in this vast, humid plain. We arrive at the end of the day at the Bayangobi yurt camp, located in a semi-desert part of the park. Dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp (2 to 5 riders per yurt, in single beds, showers and toilets in a separate building). PLEASE NOTE that these two days can be reversed, with the overnight stay at the yurt camp first, then the overnight stay in the host yurt.
Day 4: Horseback Riding in the Orkhon Valley - Overnight Stay with Nomads
We travel to the Orkhon Valley and follow the trails up to the waterfalls, near which are the yurts of the nomads who raise the horses we will ride during this trek. We meet the nomads who will be our riding guides in the Orkhon Valley over lunch! It's time to choose our mount and saddle up for our first afternoon riding in the Orkhon Valley. This initial ride allows us to get acquainted with our horse, and since we return to our nomadic friends' home in the evening, it will be possible to change horses if needed. Dinner and overnight stay in a guest yurt with our nomadic friends. No sanitary facilities for tonight, comfort is simpler than in yurt camps as there are no showers, but you will discover the traditional way of life of Mongolian nomads.
Day 5: Horseback Riding in the Orkhon Valley (Upstream from the Falls)
Breakfast with our nomadic family, and we begin our horseback ride up the valley towards the wild landscapes of Naiman Nuur National Park. This part of the Orkhon Valley is sparsely populated, isolated, and very wild. In this volcanic region, ancient solidified lava flows form a strange landscape, their black color contrasting with the white foam of the Orkhon River, reminding us of Mongolia's tumultuous geological past. We have a picnic lunch brought by our 4x4 vehicles, so we don't have to carry anything on our horses! This allows us to maintain a fairly brisk pace, with plenty of gallops. We soon reach the edge of the forest. Before us rise the wooded slopes of Naiman Nuur National Park, the "Park of the Eight Lakes." Accommodation in a small, very isolated yurt camp in the middle of the forest for dinner and the night (2 to 4 riders per yurt, in individual beds, showers and toilets in a separate building).
Day 6: Horseback Riding to Orkhon Falls Breakfast at the camp, then we resume our horseback ride along the Orkhon River, still in this wild part of the valley upstream from the falls. Picnic lunch delivered by our 4x4 vehicles. We arrive in the late afternoon at our yurt camp, not far from the famous Orkhon Falls, which we explore. Dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp (2 to 4 riders per yurt, in single beds; showers and toilets in a separate building).
Day 7: Horseback Riding in the Orkhon Valley. Breakfast and departure for a revitalizing day of horseback riding along the Orkhon River. Lunch by the river, which you will cross on one of the few bridges, allowing you to begin the ascent of the Khangai Mountains that border the valley, until you reach the edge of the forest. Dinner and overnight stay in a guest yurt near a nomadic family (up to five people per yurt).
Day 8: Horseback Riding in the Orkhon Valley (Tovkhon Monastery) - Hot Springs
Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the long day ahead. We ride to Tovkhon Monastery, through the forest, which we explore on foot. You continue your journey, descending into the valley. The view of this wide valley, overlooked by forested peaks, is spectacular. Lunch is delivered by 4x4 vehicles at the foot of the Khangai Mountains, on the valley slope. We continue our ride along the river, on terrain that is once again perfect for long gallops.
This afternoon, we will visit natural hot springs, a fantastic experience, especially after all these days in the saddle! Don't forget your swimsuit... Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt camp near the springs (2 to 5 riders per yurt, in single beds, showers and toilets in a separate building).
Days 9, 10, and 11: Horseback Trek to Karakorum. These three days of riding take place across wide-open terrain, allowing for cantering and trotting. On days 9 and 10, we stay in guest yurts with nomadic families, so the daily schedule may change depending on how these families move their yurts and herds. Our ultimate goal is to reach Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, the symbolic endpoint of the equestrian portion of our journey. On our final evening with our nomadic herders, we share the gifts we have brought to help their families in their isolated lives. Our drivers are often nomadic herders themselves, and everyone will be happy to find something to support their families or elderly relatives. For humans: moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, a folding pocket knife or Swiss Army knife, medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, concentrated antiseptic mouthwash, eye drops, creams for arthritis or burns... For horses: healing or antiseptic cream, hoof pick, curry comb, brush... All these items, difficult to find on the steppe, will be distributed according to each horse's needs. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt camp near Karakorum (2 to 5 riders per yurt, in single beds, showers and toilets in a separate building).
Day 12: Karakorum - Ulaanbaatar
Breakfast and visit to Erdene Zuu Monastery. We then travel to Ulaanbaatar. Lunch at a restaurant en route (6 to 7 hours drive depending on traffic conditions).
Transfer to a hotel or yurt camp on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, near the airport.Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel/yurt camp in a double or triple room.
Day 13 - Airport Transfer. Early morning (5:30 AM), transfer to the airport in time for Turkish Airlines flight TK237, which usually departs at 8:40 AM.
Breakfast is not included as the transfer departs so early, but you will find a café at the airport, in the right-hand section of the transit area. Arrival late in the day or early the following day, depending on the airline and your final destination airport..
* Indicative itinerary: may be changed if necessary.
MEETING:
Upon arrival of the Turkish Airlines flight (early morning, time varies depending on the season). If you are not arriving with this airline, be sure to book flights arriving before the Turkish Airlines flight. If you are already in Ulaanbaatar, go to the hotel reception at 12:00 PM..
DEPARTURE:
Transfer in time for the Turkish Airlines flight (takeoff around 09:00 depending on the season).
FLIGHTS:
Our trips do not include flights because it is generally more advantageous to book your transport yourself, avoiding agency commissions. We are at your disposal to help you find the best flight deals and possibly offer you a stay including flights: free service.
Turkish Airlines offers direct flights between Istanbul and Oulan Bator.
RIDING LEVEL & CONDITIONS: 
To participate, you are required to be comfortable at the three paces outdoors and to have experience of trail riding. You must be able to ride and control your horse in large spaces at a walk, trot and canter, to trot or canter suspended for long distances. And to be in good physical condition. Maximum weight: 95 kg.
GUIDE:
Professional guide. The guide speaks English. 
HORSES:
Mongolian horses.
TACK: The saddles are especially made for the rides n Mongolia, which fit both Mongolian horses and riders. They are based on a short wooden tree to respect the back of the horse. On the rider side, a large cushion ensures comfort, and two arches allow better stability in front and behind. The quarters are very long to protect the rider's leg.
ACCOMMODATION:
7 nights in yurt camps
4 nights in a guest yurt with a nomadic family
1 night in a hotel or yurt camp.
Yurt camps:
You will sleep in traditional yurts (called gers in Mongolia), furnished with beds for 1 person (from 2 to 5 beds / yurt), a small table and a stove. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to have individual yurts in most camps, so you should be prepared to share your yurt with other travelers in the group. Some camps offer yurts with a double bed, but their availability cannot be guaranteed. You will find showers, sinks and toilets in a common building. A restaurant provides breakfasts and meals. Yurt camps are the most comfortable accommodation available in Mongolia, but don't expect anything luxurious: hot water in showers is often unpredictable, electrical standards are quite "original", and food in restaurants depends on difficult supply conditions in these remote areas.
Guest yurts with nomadic families:Most of our trips include one or more nights in a guest yurt near a nomadic family. This type of accommodation is a unique opportunity to share and discover the traditional way of life of nomadic herders in Mongolia. 2 or 3 guest yurts are installed near the yurt of the nomadic family, surrounded by herds of horses, yaks, goats and sheep roaming freely.
You sleep in a yurt with 4 or 5 individual beds, heated with a traditional stove.
Meals are served either in the nomadic family's yurt or outside if the weather permits. Your hosts prepare traditional Mongolian dishes cooked with the central stove of the yurt.
For your comfort, a shower tent is provided near the yurts. Water can be heated on the stove. Dry toilets are also available.
Hotel in Ulan Bator:
You are staying in a 4* hotel. Several hotels are used depending on availability. Always in the city center: to be able to enjoy the many possibilities offered by the capital, do your shopping at the Department Store which is open late at night, and allows you to have a wide choice of restaurants.
MEALS:
Meals are prepares at the camps by the assistance team.
Filtration pumps to purify water used for cooking. In addition: tablets of Micropur Forte which eliminates viruses and bacteria in 30 minutes. In addition, part of the food is vacuum-packed before departure in order to optimize its preservation during the trip.
Among nomadic families, meals are served either in the family yurt, or outside if the weather permits. Your hosts prepare traditional Mongolian dishes.
In Ulan Bator, meals are taken in the restaurant (free, not included in the price).
LUGGAGE TRANSPORT:
By support vehicle. The logistics vehicle also brings tables and chairs for the picnic lunch (except in certain isolated areas such as Naiman Nuur Park where we use pack horses or yaks).
2026 PRICE PER PERSON:
The price is for departures with minimum 5 riders.
2980 € / person in shared bedrooms, tents and yurts.
Less than riders supplement (2 to 4 riders): 350 € per person.
Depending on the number of riders booked on your ride, this supplement may be charged to you before departure. You agree to accept it by booking this trip.
Booking fees: 15 €
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
The equipped horse rental, a local French-English speaking guide, accommodation, meals (except in Ulan Bator, breakfast only), coffee and water during meals, rides and visits as described, transfers in "Russian" 4x4 with driver, Iridium satellite phone in case of emergency, the financial bond for your payments by our travel agent guarantee.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, visa (around € 60), meals (except in Ulan Bator), drinks other than water and coffee for meals, any visits and personal expenses, the trip to and from Ulaanbaatar, all that is not indicated in "the price includes".
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) are compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices & information
FLIGHTS :
Flights to Mongolia are not included because it is more interesting to book directly your ticket: a transport package included is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best prices.
Très bon accueil par notre guide Boogii, toujours disponible, très bonne interprète qui a constamment fait le lien avec les éleveurs et les familles nomades. Un grand merci également a Ochilo, notre conducteur, pour nous avoir suivi tout du long, préparer les repas. Le tout toujours dans la bonne humeur et avec beaucoup d'humour.
J'ai monté 2 chevaux : un 1er sur deux jour, RAS. Le second pour 7 jours, un peu plus difficile a tenir pour moi car assez énergique mais tout s'est bien passé ! Selle adaptée aux touristes, très confortable et stable ! Les éleveurs et guides font toujours très attention, check les chevaux et les équipement régulièrement et s'assure que tout va bien pour nous.
Un immense merci pour nous avoir toujours préparé des versions végétarienne des repas. Ce fut extrêmement enrichissant de passer des nuitées dans les familles nomades. Nous avons toujours été très bien accueilli.
Un voyage inoubliable avec des rencontres très enrichissantes que ce soit avec les guides, les nomades et les éleveurs.
Les services Cap Rando Cheval: tout va très bien comme d'habitude avec CAP RANDO :-)