Mongolia - Riding with Nomads

On this 12 day horse riding adventure you will experience nomadic life, horse trekking through areas used by nomads for centuries.

The Khangai Mountain range in Central Mongolia has seen many fine horse riders over the centuries, join present day nomads on a horse trekking adventure in the land of wide open spaces and horsemanship.

The Orkhon river has been the reason for tens of thousands of years why the Mongols settled in this particular location. The Orkhon has provided drinking water, and was / is a magnet to the horse riding nomads. The nomads lifestyle has changed little over the years – they still herd their sheep with horse and yak, protecting them against the harsh winter and the wolves. Join us for a horseback trekking experience in this pristine land with our nomad hosts.

Local horsemen will take you to their homes to give you a greater insight to their lifestyle. We camp overnight with everything set up for you by our staff. There will be good food, including vegetarian options (rare in Mongolia), prepared by our experienced cooks, with a a dining tent to shelter you from the sun or give you warmth at night. We also provide a shower tent and a toilet tent. Vehicles will be following us, so rest days will be an option for those who do not want to horse ride every day.

Suitable for all riders who are conditioned to regular riding. The route includes a number of areas that are used for grazing, so it is like a lawn and an excellent pace can be achieved on theses sections, for those who choose to gallop. There is a support vehicle with the group all the time, so you can choose to ride in it if you need to rest for some of the time.

There is also a 14 Day version that gives two days at the Naadam festival in Ulaan Baatar. This festival highlights the horse riding, archery and wrestling skills of the Mongols.

Day 4 Today you will visit Khoshoo Tsaidam and see the ruins which date from the time of the Turkish Empire. B, L, D.

Day 5 Ride towards Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia and make camp at a place called Five Trees. B, L, D.

Day 6 Today you will ride around Karakorum, the heart of Genghis Khan's empire. Today only a small local township exists there now. The best known landmark now is Erdenezuu Monastery. The Monastery was built in 1586 and is surrounded by a massive 400m x 400m wall. Not a single nail was used in the construction of the ornate temples and they stood the test of time, but not the anti religious purge by the communists, very few temples survived. In the 18th century there were over 60 temples with about 10,000 monks living in the complex. You will visit the remains of the monastery and then ride alongside the Orkhon river were we will make camp. B, L, D.

Day 7  Today we will visit the monastery situated on the top of Tuvshin
Mountain, from where the first religious King of Mongolia, the Ondor Gegeen Zanabazar ruled. We continue riding alongside the river and again camp at the river side. B, L, D.

Day 8  Today we ride to Orkhon Waterfall, situated in the Orkhon Valley which is known as the cradle of Mongolian civilization. Many ancient monuments lie within this valley. After many days of in the saddle you might want to spend some at leisure by the Waterfall. If not you may ride around in this beautiful area. The area surrounding the waterfall is green and forested and you will spend the day relaxing, walking or riding in the area. This area of Mongolia is well known for producing the best 'airag' (fermented mares milk) in the country. Many locals will challenge you to a singing game, the loser having to consume a whole bowl of airag, so beware when visiting local families. B, L, D.

Day 9  Today we have a rest from riding and drive to the "Piece of Sand" as it is known, which is about 5 hours drive from the waterfall. This long finger of sand is connected to the Gobi and stretches all the way into the central aimags of Mongolia. On arrival we will make our camp in the foothills of the Khogno Khan Mountain. This mountain is perfect for some afternoon hiking and there are some remains of an ancient monastery that can be explored. B, L, D.

Day 10 After breakfast we return to UB in the vehicles (6 hours drive mainly on paved roads). On reaching UB, you will be taken to the Bayangol Hotel. Dinner in the hotels Ger Restaurant with traditional Mongolian food and entertainment. B, L, D.

Day 11 Sightseeing in UB. You will visit Ganden monastery and Bogd Khan Palace. The palace is a made up of a number of buildings. Lunch at Bayangol Hotel and later we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. B, L, D.

Day 12  After breakfast transfer to the airport. B.

Visa Rules - If you are planning to stay in Mongolia for more than 30 days you must register (and de-register) with the Foreign Citizens Registration Office – the cost of this is negligible, but you may need to allow extra time for the two visits to the registration office.

Departure codes and dates: 1. NRT008 11-22 Aug 2007
                                            2. NRT009 30 Aug-10 Sep 2007

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Price per person:

12 Days

2 - 3 riders GBP1010 - GBP1100 / USD2040

4 - 5 riders GBP910 - GBP1000 / USD1840

6 - 8 riders GBP820 - GBP900 / USD1698
9 or more riders GBP700 - GBP800 / USD1474 Email for current price - 12 day Version

Single supplement: GBP95 / USD150

The base currency is the US Dollar and payments in any other currency may need to be adjusted for exchange rates.

Dates & Trip Code: NRT004 - 30 June - 13 July (same dates every year)

14 Days - Itinerary as above plus 2 days at the Naadam Festival

2 - 3 riders GBP1330 / USD2465
4 - 5 riders GBP1240 / USD2323
6 - 8 riders GBP1120 / USD2099
9 or more riders GBP1000 / USD1851

Email for current price - 14 day Version

We expect about 7 or 8 participants on each departure.

Single supplement: GBP165 / USD270

The base currency is the US Dollar and payments in any other currency may need to be adjusted for exchange rates.

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.