This 10-day guided equestrian adventure is crafted for riders seeking Mongolia's untouched beauty from the saddle. After the Naadam festival in Ulaanbaatar, travel to Elsen Tasarkhai and the Orkhon Valley to begin a five-day horseback expedition. Ride through forests, valleys, and high mountain passes toward the legendary Eight Lakes, covering approximately 15-25 km per day on sturdy Mongolian horses. Camp beside alpine lakes; we provide all riding gear, horses, tack, meals, logistics, and a support vehicle. After your ride, unwind at Tsenkher hot springs and explore ancient Kharkhorin before returning to UB.
Day 1. Naadam!
Today is all about experiencing Mongolia's famous Naadam Festival. Your regular tickets are included in the tour package. After the opening ceremony, we'll explore the lively festivities—a perfect opportunity to see locals in their finest traditional clothing, witness the country's biggest holiday in full swing, and taste iconic treats like Huushuur and, for the adventurous, Airag, fermented mare's milk.
Day 2. Elsen Tasarkhai
Travel to the beautiful Elsen Tasarkhai dunes, a unique stretch of desert surrounded by steppe and mountains. Enjoy a peaceful camel ride across golden sands and take in Mongolia's dramatic landscape contrasts. Overnight in a ger camp surrounded by serene desert silence.
Day 3. Stay with Nomadic Family in the Orkhon Valley
Journey into the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley, home to centuries of nomadic tradition. We will visit the magnificent Orkhon Waterfall, where the river plunges over a volcanic basalt cliff, creating a powerful spectacle in the middle of the vast grassland. Spend the night with a herder family for an authentic experience — from tending animals to sharing home-cooked meals — and learn firsthand how nomads live in harmony with nature. This intimate stay is often one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
Day 4–8. Eight Lakes Horseback Riding Expedition
Begin your five-day horseback journey into the volcanic highlands of the Eight Lakes region. Each day, you'll ride approximately 15-25 km on sure-footed local horses, following ancient herder trails that weave through wildflower meadows, past ancient lava fields, and over forested ridges. Your destination is the chain of pristine alpine lakes—Shireet, Khaliut, Bugat, Shanaa, Duruu, Khaya, Khuis, and Onon—perched between 2,400–2,600 meters. Experience the rhythm of nomadic travel: mornings saddling up with your guide, days spent traversing vast, untouched landscapes, and evenings setting up camp beside mirror-still lakes under endless stars. Our support vehicle transports all camp gear and luggage, allowing you to ride freely. This immersive riding section is the heart of the tour—connecting you to the land in the traditional Mongolian way.
Day 9. Tsenkher Hot Springs
Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by forested hills. After days of horseback riding, the warm mineral waters offer a soothing and rejuvenating experience for your muscles. Enjoy free time, optional spa services, or exploring the area—a perfect recovery day before the final stretch of your journey.
Day 10. Kharkhorin – Ulaanbaatar
Visit the ancient capital Kharkhorin and the renowned Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia's first Buddhist temple complex. Explore the rich history of the Mongol Empire before returning to Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner together to celebrate a successful journey and new friendships.
Our price is all-inclusive and based on a group of 8 - 12 guests.
Please see below for more information in terms of what is included and excluded in the tour package.
Price per person:1,702 USD | 1,471 EUR (incl. taxes and fees)