Horses, Horizons & the Spirit of Naadam
Mongolia is gloriously unpredictable, and if you embrace its spontaneity, you’ll be swept away by the endless steppe and the magic of riding through a fenceless world where horses outnumber people. Expect vodka toasts, fiery little mounts, cosy gers, heartfelt hospitality and the unforgettable spectacle of Naadam Festival, when child jockeys thunder across the steppe like centaurs.
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Rides hand crafted at GT HQ, available only to Globetrotters.
Trip Highlights
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Being invited into a Mongolian home to drink airag (fermented mare’s milk) and eat steamed mutton
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Galloping across the steppe in true Chinggis Khan style on a wild-eyed Mongol horse
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Watching a spine-tingling shamanistic ceremony in remote northern Mongolia
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Jumping into a bone-chilling freshwater stream to cool off after a long day of riding
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Spending time with the nomadic Tsaatan people and the reindeer they revere (19-day ride)
• 19 days, 18 nightsRiding levelBeginner • Intermediate • Strong Intermediate • Advanced On the move You ride to a new destination every day or two.
Details
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Riding levels
Beginner to advanced. Beginner riders MUST be fit, willing to canter, and have a lot of trail riding hours under their belt.
ALL riders must be able to mount from the ground unassisted.Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
Handmade rope bridles and unique saddles that combine the best features of Mongolian, Western, English and Australian saddle design.
- Horse breed
Small, brave, tough-as-nails Mongolian horses, standing 13 to 14 hands high.
- Accommodation
The accommodation varies throughout the trip, with most nights spent camping in tents, but there will also be nights at the beginning and end of the ride when you’ll stay in ger camps and hotels.
- Pace
The pace varies from a walk right through to a canter, with long periods of trotting.
- Weight limit
A maximum of 95kg / 210lbs.
It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Group size
A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 guests.
- Minimum age
16 years of age
- Time in Saddle
Between 6 to 8 hours in the saddle a day.
*Saddle fitness is a MUST! - When to go
June & July.
- Languages
Head guide will speak English.
Local team speak Mongolian.
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- Transfers to/from Ulaanbaatar Airport
- All meals, from first day dinner through to last day breakfast
- Accommodation throughout the itinerary
- Riding activities outlined in the itinerary
- Internal flight (19-day Khovsgol ride)
Excluded
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Staff tips
Departure dates and prices
Instalment plans available
Lock in your ride with a 10% deposit and pay the rest over time – interest-free in 10 easy payments. Learn more.
Per person
2026
19-Day Khovsgol Ride
June 28 to July 16, 2026
$4550 USD per person for minimum 2 guests
$4110 USD per person for 3-5 guests
$3905 USD per person for 6+ guests
*Please note, this price includes an internal flight price of $400 USD per person.
13-Day Arhangay Ride
July 2 to 14, 2026
$3160 USD per person for minimum 2 guests
$2920 USD per person for 3-5 guests
$2720 USD per person for 6+ guests
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
We'll email you — you'll be among the first to hear when new departure dates are released.
The fun bits
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of $107 USD
- All bookings are charged in the local currency of the ride destination.
- Accepted payment method is by credit or debit card only.
Cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ride, please let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation fees apply based on how close your departure date is, and deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your booking. Read our full cancellation policy.
International fees
If you're paying in a currency different from your own, your bank may charge a conversion or international transaction fee.
Please note
Single supplement is available on request. Prices are subject to change, but as a guide you can expect to pay around $85 USD per hotel night and $15 USD per tent night (no single ger available). For our solo globetrotters, with your comfort and privacy in mind, we recommend you budget for the single supplement for the camping portion of your trip so you have your own tent.
Itinerary
Please note, these are suggested itineraries only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
- 19-Day Khovsgol Ride
- 13-Day Arhangay Ride
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Day 1: Arrival
Non-riding dayArrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia (called ‘UB’ by locals and visitors alike). After immigration and customs, you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. Referred to as ‘The City of Contrasts’, where modern constructions stand beside traditional dwellings and ancient monasteries, UB is a rapidly growing and developing city with a population of around 1.5 million people. Conveniently located in downtown UB, your hotel is within walking distance of Sukhbaatar Square, museums, theatres, and shops. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city orientation tour before a folk performance of throat singing, traditional dances and more. After your welcome dinner, you will return to the hotel for a good night’s rest.
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Day 2: Ulaanbaatar
Non-riding dayFull day of guided sightseeing in UB. Visit Sukhbaatar Square, named after the Mongolian National Hero of People’s Revolution in 1921. Sukhbaatar Square is surrounded by the Parliament, the Stock Market, cultural sites, the Palace Royal Opera House, the main post office, and your next destination: the Chinggis Khaan National Museum. There is also the opportunity to visit the nearby Galleria shopping centre before lunch for souvenirs and last-minute supplies.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
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Day 3: Fly to Murun
Non-riding dayToday you will head to a regional airport for your internal flight to Murun. The view on the descent is quite something. From Murun, you will be driven approx 120km (74mi) to Khatgal, the gateway to Khovsgol National Park. Lake Khovsgol is 100 miles long and the deepest lake in Central Asia, holding a whopping 2% of the world’s fresh water.
Overnight at a ger camp on Lake Khovsgol, with a hot shower available.
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Day 4: Khoridol Saridag Pass
2 hours in the saddleAfter breakfast at your lakeside ger camp, you will pile back into the vehicles for the drive to Khoridol Saridag Pass. Here, your local guides will welcome you at camp, where you’ll meet the horses and wranglers and test ride your Mongolian steed. Overnight in tents.
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Day 5: Darkhad Valley
6 to 8 hours in the saddleIt’s the first official day of your horseback riding adventure – yay! Each day you’ll ride for around 6-8 hours, covering 30-40 km (18-25 mi).
Today you’ll ride through the Darkhad Valley towards Renchinlhumbe. The Darkhad Valley (Darkhadyn Khotgor) is considered remote and relatively inaccessible even by Mongolian standards. The local Darkhad people are known for their ancient practice of Shamanism.
Vehicle supported. Overnight in tents.
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Day 6: Renchinlhumbe
6 to 8 hours in the saddleToday’s ride brings you out onto the Darkhad Valley’s wide open steppe, where eventually the coloured roofs of the town of Renchinlhumbe appear in the distance. This may well call for a Western-worthy gallop into town!
Vehicle supported. Overnight in gers in Renchinlhumbe, where you’ll meet some of the locals and gain fascinating insights into life on the steppe.
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Day 7: Zuun Taiga
6 to 8 hours in the saddleRide through the Darkhad Valley towards a steppe valley called Hogrog and Zuun (‘East’) Taiga. Zuun Taiga is situated northeast of Tsagaan Nuur, beyond Hogrog.
Vehicle supported. Overnight in tents near the Sharga River.
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Day 8: Hogrogo
6 to 8 hours in the saddleToday you’ll ride to Hogrogo, the jumping-off point to visit the Tsaatan (Reindeer People) in East Taiga. Much of the terrain in East Taiga is open valleys, wetlands, and forests.
Vehicle supported. Overnight in tents.
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Day 9: The Tsaatan Reindeer People
6 to 8 hours in the saddleIt’s time to leave the support vehicles and take a pack trip into the northern mountains to the summer camp of the Tsaatan (Reindeer People). There are roughly 18 families who live in East Taiga. They move and camp in two groups (13 families and 5 families, respectively). Average camp distances from the edge of the Taiga in Hogrogo range from 6-40 km (4-25mi), and you never quite know where you’ll find them, so prepare for a challenging and incredibly rewarding ride. The Tsaatan are a community of nomadic reindeer herders, originally from Tuva in Siberia, who have historically inhabited the border region of Russia and Mongolia. Ethnically, they identify as Dukha and Uighar, but their lifestyle as reindeer herders earned them the Mongolian name Tsaatan, which roughly translates to ‘with reindeer’. Reaching their camp, you’ll stay in tents with packhorse support.
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Day 10: Tsaatan Summer Camp
Optional riding daySpend the day at the Tsaatan summer camp exploring the area on foot or horseback. It is an unforgettable privilege to connect with the Tsaatan people and witness their extraordinary way of life.
Overnight in tents with packhorse support.
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Day 11: Hogrog
6 to 8 hours in the saddleIn the morning, you will farewell the Tsaatan families who have graciously hosted you and journey back through the mountains to Hogrog.
Vehicle support at night. Overnight in tents.
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Day 12: Return to Renchinlhumbe
6 to 8 hours in the saddleToday’s ride takes you back to Renchinlhumbe, arriving in the late afternoon.
Vehicle supported. Overnight in a local hostel.
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Day 13: Naadam Festival
4 to 6 hours in the saddleIt’s Naadam time! This is the first of two days you will spend soaking up Renchinlhumbe’s Naadam festivities. Naadam (‘Festival’) has occurred for centuries in Mongolia as an exhibition of horse racing (jockeys are generally aged 7-11 and race 15-30 kilometres/9-18 miles), wrestling (men only) and archery (women and men). July 11 is the official date of Naadam, but in many places, including Renchinlhumbe, the festivities span two or three days.
This is the biggest event on the local calendar, but it’s not a touristy experience: you’ll sip airag (fermented mare’s milk), maybe even some smooth Mongolian vodka, and immerse in true Mongol culture.
Vehicle supported. Overnight in a local hostel.
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Day 14: Naadam Festival
Non-riding dayDay two of Naadam in the remote town of Renchinlhumbe (see Day 13 description). An experience you’ll never forget!
Vehicle supported. Overnight in a local hostel.
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Day 15: Jigleg Pass
4 to 6 hours in the saddle.After lunch in Renchinlhumbe, you’ll ride back towards the Jigleg pass.
Vehicle supported. Overnight in tents.
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Day 16: Jigleg
6 to 8 hours in the saddle.The last day of riding, boo! In the afternoon you’ll arrive at Jigleg and say goodbye to your wonderful wranglers and horses.
Vehicle supported. Overnight in tents.
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Day 17: Khatgal
Non-riding dayWeather permitting, you will take a boat ride on Lake Khovsgol from the base of Jigleg Pass, located halfway up the western shore of the lake, to Khatgal. This gives you a real sense of the incredible scale of this vast lake. From here, you’ll be driven to Harganat Lodge overlooking the magnificent Delger Murun river valley.
Overnight in the Harganat ger camp.
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Day 18: Return to Ulaanbaatar
Non-riding dayIt’s time to farewell the steppe (sob!) and return to civilisation. A regional flight brings you back to Ulaanbaatar. Depending on the arrival time, you may have a half-day city tour before your farewell dinner in the evening.
Overnight in the same hotel in downtown UB.
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Day 19: Departure
Non-riding dayToday you will say goodbye to your fellow guests – now firm friends, bonded by an otherworldly adventure – and be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Transfer information
Complimentary airport transfers are included upon arrival and departure in Ulaanbaatar.
You can arrive into Ulaanbaatar anytime on day 1, and depart anytime on the final day.
Please note
For the 19-day Khovsgol itinerary, your internal flight to/from Murun is included in the ride price.
Accommodation
The accommodation varies throughout the trip, with most nights spent camping in tents, but there will also be nights at the beginning and end of the ride when you’ll stay in ger camps and hotels. A ger camp is the Mongolian version of a motel, with traditionally decorated gers for sleeping (usually shared rooms with 2-4 pax), a separate dining hall and very basic shower and toilet facilities.
Single supplement is available on request (NB: single gers are not available).
NB: For our solo globetrotters, with your comfort and privacy in mind, we recommend you budget for the single supplement for the camping portion of your trip so you have your own tent.
Food
Meals on this journey are basic, hearty and plentiful, with some dishes familiar and others unusual in both appearance and taste. While in cities, it’s wise to sample a variety of restaurants to enjoy vegetables and other foods that won’t be available once the ride begins. Expect to eat a great deal of mutton and occasionally yak, usually boiled but sometimes fried, with rice, noodles or potatoes accompanying most meals and vegetables appearing only rarely. We strongly suggest bringing a personal stash of snacks for moments when another bowl of mutton feels like one too many. Vegetarians are welcome, but please advise us well in advance so the outfitters can plan accordingly; depending on your needs, you may also wish to bring freeze-dried or dehydrated meals.
Alcohol is not included in the trip price, so if you’d like to enjoy a drink during your adventure, let your guide know upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar so they can take you to a supermarket to stock up. Although you may pass through townships en route, don’t rely on finding alcohol there.
Reviews
Sarah P
Eszter H
Samantha P
Victoria C
Edith C
Rachel D
Lisel A
Petra W
Beth G
Bernie I
10 reviews
Sarah P
‘There is nothing I could possibly say that would translate to the world just how incredible this ride was—an absolute whirlwind of an experience. I would recommend this to anyone who seeks a challenge. The ride is tough, but the horses are tougher. This is not just a ride; it is also a cultural experience. The Mongolian people, although incredibly shy, are also very generous, not only providing shelter to complete strangers during a storm but also offering them a warm cup of tea and bread. This isn’t for the faint of heart; you will need to be flexible and understanding. At the end of day one, you might think you made a terrible mistake, but by the last day, you will be wishing that it wasn’t ending.’
Eszter H
‘This was my first Globetrotting ride, and Mongolia was everything and much, much more than what I imagined! It was one of my best holidays ever. It made me realise how much I truly love horse riding. I had never met a Mongol pony before, but I believe they are just the best, safest horses. I named my horse Cisco, and he was the most surefooted, super easy-to-control horse I have ever met. I’m not a camping person normally but LOVED this experience so much. Having a chef cook us the most delicious food made all the difference.
Thank you so much to everyone involved for this unforgettable experience. Mongolia is beautiful!’
Samantha P
‘What a ride! This was my fourth ride with Globetrotting, and I wasn’t disappointed. The horses were so much fun, and I loved galloping across the Steppe of Mongolia. Our guides and wranglers took great care of us and ensured we had a good time. The best part was how the ride combined culture and horses. Our guide, Byamba, was phenomenal and so enthusiastic to educate us – I learnt so much about Mongolia. The Nadaam Festival was the real highlight, where ten tourists were almost as interesting to the locals as the festival was to us! We got to speak to countless beautiful kids practicing their English while watching the wrestling matches. But what amazed us were the young children who galloped their horses across the vast open plains for over 30kms in the races and often bareback. Wow. What a place! What an experience!’
Victoria C
‘After this trip, I don’t think I can ever go back to a conventional holiday with smart hotels offering multiple TV channels, barista coffee by the pool, and cities which vary only in the occasional ‘speciality’ dishes. Mongolia showed me not just stunning scenery, but insight into a nomadic way of life, which is very much alive and current. Its nomadic people are integral to their natural environment rather than just visitors to it. I’ve heard this spoken about before, but to witness it happening all around me was quite profound.’
Edith C
‘Mongolia was definitely a trip to remember, and one I would repeat in a heartbeat!
Your saddle might not always be comfortable and your stirrups might never be even, but those trusty little Mongol horses will carry you across any terrain, getting you safely to your destination. There definitely won’t be a hot shower at the end of the day, but you’ll always be guaranteed a hearty meal. We were expecting to live off mutton and potatoes, but the food exceeded our expectations. I hoped to lose a few kilos on the trip, but I definitely didn’t! There was also a vegetarian on the trip and the cooks tailored to her needs fantastically. The guides, wranglers, and cooks were all amazing. They were all very knowledgeable in their own areas and very accommodating.
I loved my little Mongol pony! I so badly wanted to take him home. He was such a trooper. And the reindeer valley was such a surreal experience! I was in no way expecting to ride down into the valley and find all the reindeer roaming free, and they were so friendly!’
Rachel D
‘My favourite day on the Khovsgol Ride in Mongolia was the day we experienced a thunderstorm and crossed a wooden barge river crossing. Due to poor weather, the guides made impromptu arrangements and took us to a family house to stay for the night. Our guide, Shuree, and her team went above and beyond to keep us safe and comfortable. The horses were all very quiet and well trained. The tack was surprisingly comfortable considering the rustic and homemade nature of it all. We never had any doubts that we were safe and well cared for. Our guides were so thoughtful and attentive. Shuree was well known and respected by every Mongolian person we came into contact with. She showed at all times that we were her priority. She was very knowledgeable and we wanted for nothing.’
Lisel A
‘Mongolia was as remote and untouched by tourism as I had hoped. It was a real adventure. The scenery was breathtaking and the people were the kindest, most hospitable I have ever met. The horses were so fast, so determined and so sweet. Any concerns about their responsiveness, the tack or the terrain melted away with the first canter across the steppe – and there were so many more opportunities to canter and gallop. Our guide, Shureh, and our whole crew made me feel safe and well looked after. They were all a lot of fun. So much positivity! The food was also excellent, and much more varied than I was expecting. There were some long tough days and you’ve got to be prepared to rough it a bit, but it was all so worth it. This ride changed my life!’
Petra W
‘This was a trip of a lifetime and I loved every second of it! Mongolia is more beautiful than I ever expected. Mongolian horses don’t have names – I gave mine the nickname Boobob, as he looked like one of my horses but behaved like another of my horses. He was a 15 year old grey gelding who was just perfect for me! He was forward and surefooted and we just clicked – he responded to the slightest rein aids and didn’t need any leg. The guides, in fact everyone – cooks, wranglers, drivers – were just brilliant. Nothing was too much for them, they were all just the most kind, wonderful, accommodating, knowledgeable people. And OMG – the food! I had prepared myself for mutton, mutton and more mutton, but our cook was absolutely incredible and the food she prepared – 3 hot meals a day – was spectacular. If you love adventure and have a flexible attitude, then this trip is for you!’
Beth G
‘I read the itinerary for the Khovsgol Ride once and booked it straight away. I didn’t bother to read it again, I didn’t need to. I was going for the adventure of a lifetime and didn’t want to create any expectations of what it would be like. Mongolia was incredible! Each day I woke up not knowing what the day would bring, and each day something new and astounding was presented to me. From riding through beautiful fields of wildflowers to sitting amongst a herd of reindeer to watching traditional wrestling ringside to sleeping in traditional gurs, I found my happy place in Mongolia with my sweet grey gelding.’
Bernie I
‘My ride in Mongolia was a chance to have my childhood dream come true. I loved being able to ride like a 16 year old, standing up with your arms out, going for miles. My horse, Buddy, was great. He behaved like a gentleman and was very responsive, especially once I watched how his owner rode his horse and adapted my riding to suit. Just a champ. I would have brought him home if I could.
Tumee was a very pleasant guy to be around and entertaining as well, plus willing to share his knowledge and listen to ours. Guree, Bolormaa, Odhuu, Tumee and Saruul really made the ride for me; their company and just who they were made it very special. Each day was great – I just wish there was more riding and it didn’t have to end!’
What's my riding level?
Not sure what your riding level is? Watch our videos to see all our levels.
Beginner
Reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.
Intermediate
Confident and in control riding at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {the language of your leg, seat and hands} to communicate with your horse.
Strong Intermediate
An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is fit enough to ride for at least six hours per day. Strong intermediate riders are comfortable and competent in all three gaits; able to post or sit to the trot; have an independent seat while cantering (don’t hold onto the saddle); and can pick up the correct canter lead. They can also navigate more complex terrain, including asking a horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle.
Advanced
A frequent rider who is very fit, comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day, and has an independent seat and soft hands. Advanced riders are confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain. They can ride over small jumps and know the techniques used to collect a horse
Not sure? Contact our team to help you figure out your riding ability.
Stories from the saddle
A Day Spent in Ulaanbaatar
Are you heading off on a Globetrotting holiday to Mongolia? Can I just say I am green with envy – it’s one of the GT team’s favourite riding destinations, and we have such incredible memories of our time spent in this part of the world. If you’re after an adventure, you WILL NOT be disappointed!…
Stacey West – My Mongolia
Attention globetrotters! You’re in for a real treat. Our dear friend and globetrotter, Stacey West, joined us for the Golden Eagle Ride last year, and she has generously shared her love letter to Mongolia. Her vivid descriptions will teleport you to Mongolia and make you feel as if you’re right there with her, witnessing everything…
Horse Breed: Przewalski’s Horse
Name of breed: Przewalski’s Horse. Also known as the Mongolian Wild Horse, Dzungarian Horse or takhi. Place of origin: Central Asia. Breed origin: Przewalski’s horses, or Equus ferus przewalskii, are the last surviving subspecies of wild horse. First described scientifically in the late
