Horse Tours

HORSE RIDING AT THE “Naiman Nuur”

Overview

Discover the highlights of the hilly green mountain landscape and the Mongolian steppe on horseback. Breathtaking landscapes and the warm hospitality of the nomads will remain unforgettable. The journey begins with a natural spectacle: We drive to a spectacular place of sand dunes, grass steppe, and rock formation. Furthermore, we visit the former capital "Kharakhorum" and the famous waterfall "Orkhon". In the last half of the trip, on horseback, we explore the landscape and the way of life of nomadic people. Finally, we watch the Przewalski's (wild horses which extinct in the wild) gallop in Khustai National Park. 




Itinerary

    Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, it's recommended that you check-in to the hotel and relax from your flight. We begin our city tour by visiting the National Historical Museum. Further, we stroll at the "Sukhbaatar" square where the monument of Genghis Khan and Parliament Building lies. Then we drive to the "Zaisan" hill to enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the whole city. Finally, we conclude the day with a welcome dinner. (Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
After breakfast, we make our way to the magnificent rock formation of Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve. Here, we discover the semi-desert steppe. Astonishing granite rock mountains and 80 km long sand dunes are the characteristics of this dry area called the "mini Gobi". In the afternoon, we walk to the "Erdene Khamba" monastery, where "Khugnu Khan" was built on the south slope of the mountain in the 17th century. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
Today we travel east to Kharakhorum, which was the capital of the Genghis Khan's Mongol Empire between 1235 and 1260, and of the Northern Yuan in the 14-15th centuries. In the 13th century, the capital not only became the hub of the imperial administration and a center of trade and crafts through its tolerant attitude towards the new and unknown, but also a melting pot of different religions, cultures, and people. After lunch in Ger-camp, we visit the "Kharakhorum" museum and we visit "Erdene Zuu" monastery on the way. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
Continuing over the amazing highway, we reach the waterfall of "Orkhon". This magnificent waterfall was formed by a volcanic eruption and earthquake occurred 20000 years ago in the valley. At present, the Orkhon Valley is one of the nomads' great habitats. The breeders settle down there with their camps. Surrounded by the verdant Changai massifs and rich flora and fauna, this photogenic steppe landscape is a perfect place to explore the nomadic life. The waterfall splashing on the rock creating a rainbow in the sunlight is truly magical. In the afternoon, we arrive at our ger-camp and pay a visit to a nomad family and experience their nomadic lifestyle. (Accommodation: Ger camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
Today is the day we begin our yak trekking at the lakes of "Khuisiin Naiman Nuur". After breakfast, we drive a bit deeper into the valley and meet the horse breeders and get our yaks. Then we load our baggage on yaks and saddle the horses. In the afternoon, we arrive at the location where we build our tents and we conclude the day by lining-up the tents. (Accommodation: Tent camping Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)

After breakfast, we pack our things together and continue our horseback ride in the direction of "Naiman Nuur". Following the trail through a valley and a lava field, we reach a narrow road leads us to a small pass. Here, we have a lunch break. We stay here for a while and enjoy the view of the woody expectant high valley. The landscape is still gentle and beautifully covered with fresh green grass. After another hour, we reach the next pass and come to another high valley. A very beautiful 2km valley nestled in rolling hills awaits us. After crossing the valley and crossing a dried-up river, we reach a small narrowing of the valley. The forest will get even denser and we build our camp at 1,200m altitude. Then we have a nice cup of tea and biscuits in the kitchen tent.

/ Ascent: 200 m - riding lesson: 3 / Accommodation: Tent camping Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Another day to pack up your things and start our day trip. First, we follow the narrow valley where we went in yesterday, further up the valley - we soon reach the path we would never have made without our local companions and after half an hour, we reach a new high valley. Volcanic mountain landscape, shield volcanoes and nestle were originally gently placed together. In the valley, we again see large lava fields that must be crossed. After leaving the small pass, we already would've seen the first of the 8 lakes, which located at 2,200m altitude and is the highlight of our trekking. Many yak herds and flocks of sheep are in the valley. Then we arrive at our campsite, which is directly at the largest of the eight lakes.

/ Ascent: 350m, riding lesson: 3-4 / Accommodation: Tent camping Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

The last of the ride. First, we walk along the lake until we are on a steep path far above the lake and have a sweeping view of the landscape, as well as the now recognizable huge lake. We already would've seen our destination pass at 2450m. Our driver awaits us and takes us to Ger-camp. The path to the "Pass Shireet" leads back down to the south shore of the lake "Shireet Nuur", then you climb a path to the pass. Then, we reach another high valley at 2450m altitude. After crossing 10 km, we reach the Eco Camp.

/ Ascent: 500m, riding lesson: 2 / Accommodation: Tent camping Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Return to the nomad family. Overnight: Ger-camp Walking time. Accommodation: Ger camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Our current destination is Khustai National Park. This place covers an area of ​​50,600 hectares - plenty of space for stunning biodiversity. The Przewalski's horse, which was already extinct in the wild, was resettled in the Khustai National Park. These critically endangered horses were expelled again in 1992. About 15 horses were brought over. At present, there are over 400 horses in the National Park. (Accommodation: Ger camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)

Return to Ulaanbaatar.

This is the last day of the trip and we return to Ulaanbaatar. After arriving at the hotel, you are at leisure until dinner. (Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
You will be at leisure in your hotel and you may stroll around on your own until our guide escorts you to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight. Your driver will assist you with flight check-in and luggage, and see you off at the point of security check. (Breakfast.)

Map



Inclusions


This price includes:

  • All transfers for arrival/departure

  • English speaking tour guide at all times (Other languages upon request)

  • All transfer & Transportation + experienced drivers

  • 11 nights’ accommodation;

         -  Good 4* hotel in the city – 2 nights, based on double/twin.

         -  Ger camps in countryside trip – 5 nights on share,

         -  Tent camps in countryside trip – 4 nights

  • All the meals as listed in the itinerary: Breakfast - 12, Lunch - 11, Dinner – 11

  • “Wonders of Mongolian Art” performance with Tumen-Ekh ensemble

  • Internal flights, free luggage allowance is 15kg

  • All sightseeing and entrance fees are mentioned as program

  • All service charge, local and Gov’t tax

  • Road & toll fees

  • Visa invitation letter if required

  • Complementary drink water during the tour

  • Camping equipments

  • Museums and cultural performance

  • Included all taxes

This price doesn’t include:

  • Visa to Mongolia (Get in advance)

  • International flights & Mongolia visa fees

  • Hotel early check-in and late check-out

  • Tipping and other personal expenses

  • Other services not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Excess luggage charges – 1.5$ per kg for internal flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal equipments

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Sleeping bag

  • Optional activity cost

  • Single room supplement

 
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