Mongolia Riding Tour

Discover Mongolian Gobi on a camel and the legendary Orkhon valley on horseback. The must-visit places in Mongolia for travelers are to visit two major important highlights of Mongolia: South Gobi and Kharkhorin. Indeed, this itinerary could be classified as CLASSIC by presenting the true essence of Mongolian nature and culture with visits to a hospitable nomad settlement, active Buddhist monasteries, historical sites, and natural parks. Nature along this tour will be changing dramatically: from the golden dunes of Gobi to the open green valleys dotted with wildflowers, from vast plain steppes to a great waterfall and charming lake Ogii! In order to make this classic trip more active, we have added 1.5-day camel riding and horseriding activities in places where it is most preferable - in the Gobi Desert and at the Lake Ugii.
Highlights
- Horse & camel riding experience
- Visit nomad family
- Sliding at the sand dunes
- Hiking in the natural parks
Tour Itinerary

Day 1.
Transfer to the hotel and relax. City tour including the Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from the Stone Age to the 21st century, and Buddhism, Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). In Gandan Monastery, you can take local prayers, monks, the biggest standing indoor Buddha statue, and temples' own figure. (L/D)

Day 2.
Take a flight to Dalanzadgad town, the central town of South Gobi province. Meet with our driver and drive to Yol Valley known as Yoliin Am or Lammergeier Valley in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain National Park. This is a picturesque valley in the middle of the Gobi desert with thick ice almost all year round. While ascending to the valley we will find a glacier in the middle of the rocky cliffs If we visit before August. (B/L/D)

Days 3-4.
Drive to Khongor Sand Dunes (195km) - the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. Dunes of Khongor is known as the « singing sands » and rise from the plain reaching a height of 800m and extending for 150km long. The spectacular dunes are bordered by lush green vegetation supported by a small river Khongor river.
Hiking and sliding through the sand dunes. Visit camel breeding family, take camels, and make short riding sessions. The next day ride camels towards the Khongor dunes. Have a rest at the dunes. Enjoy the dunes while sliding and walking around. (B/L/D)

Day 5.
Today we will drive to Bayanzag, (known as a Flaming Cliffs where the first nest of dinosaur eggs ever discovered was found in 1922.) a site famous for the remains of dinosaurs which lived here 60 million years ago. It was discovered by the American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews who first discovered fossil beds of dinosaur bones which made world headlines. You can walk around where dinosaurs once roamed and see saksaul trees and other classic desert vegetation. (B/L/D)

Day 6.
Head to the north towards Orkhon Waterfall. Overnight stop in Middle Gobi province, at the Ongi monastery ruins, a small mountainous area with the sites of remains of ruined old monasteries. Once the monastery has served as a midway point for Buddhist pilgrimages going to holy Tibet. After dinner walk to the ruins of the monastery and enjoy the sunset. (B/L/D)

Day 7.
We will reach the Orkhon waterfall or known as Ulaantsutgalan waterfall. Formed by volcanic eruptions about 20.000 years ago, the waterfall cascades from a height of 20m. It is a scenic, tranquil spot and surrounding nature is undisturbed, as such there are opportunities for good walking and riding in the area. (B/L/D)

Day 8.
Drive to Kharkhorin (130 km) – ruins of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire built by king Ugudei in 1235. The city was strategically located at the crossroads of traditional routes, creating a staging post for migrating nomads and merchants’ caravans. Foreign envoys and prominent clerics traveled to this city for an audience with the king of the Mongol Empire. Far after when the Khubilai Khaan (King) moved the capital to Beijing in 1264, Kharkhorin was raised to the ground by Manchu soldiers. However, the bricks and stones from the ruins of this ancient city were used to build the Erdene Zuu Monastery nearby. Visit Erdene Zuu monastery and Karakorum Museum in Kharkhorin and local market for interesting souvenirs and artworks. (B/L/D)

Days 9-10
Drive towards Lake Ugii (75 km) - another lovely place of silence and tranquility. The lake is at 1.387 meters above sea level, which engages 27 sq. km of area. The lake offers charming views extending to far horizons. Usually, the lake has beautiful calming views with smooth waves, but it becomes impressive when strong wind flows above the lake's surface. The lake abounds various types of fish and birds, which creates incredible natural beauty. During 2 days at the lake, we will ride horses and make a trip around the lake. Visit nomad family. Optional walking activity along the lakeshore. (B/L/D)

Day 11.
Drive to Khustai national park /190 km/ to see a wild horse- takhi, widely known as “Przewalski horse”. Those are the only wild horse to survive in modern times. The species were returned to Mongolia from world zoos and reserves within Hustai National Park, which is 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar in 1992. Khustain Nuruu has good vegetation, springs, birch forest, and rocks which are suitable for many wild animals including 46 species of mammals and 172 species of birds. (B/L/D)

Day 12.
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, where the last king of Mongolia lived and now turned into a museum. Option to go shopping for souvenirs and other Mongolian natural products. Amazing cultural performance - national folk and dance concert in the evening. (B/L/D)

Day 13.
Transfer to Chingis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)

Prices & Inclusions

Group size | Price/Per person |
2 PAX | 2930$ |
3-4 pax | 2700$ |
5-8 PAX | 2590$ |
9-12 PAX | 2470$ |
13-15 PAX | 2415$ |
Includes
Accommodation: Hotel****,* ger camp, tented camp
Guiding and interpreting service
Full board meals
Transport: 4x4 vehicle or minivan
Domestic flight (Ulaanbaatar-Dalanzadgad)
Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
Local guides for horse and camel riding
Horse and camel riding
Camping equipment
Not Includes
International airfare
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement
Alcoholic drinks
Travel Insurance
The extra cost for photography in museums
Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc
Map & Destinations

