This 15-day adventure ride takes you through the rugged north of Mongolia, the home of Genghis Khan. Experience breathtaking landscapes far away from the tourist streams. The province of Khentii borders Russia in the north and is the home of the Buriat. The customs of this Mongolian minority differ greatly from those of the nomads. They are well-known cow and horse breeders who prefer to live in wooden huts rather than in yurts.
The terrain is characterized by high mountain passes, untouched forests, flower meadows, river valleys and lakes. They often ride through pathless terrain and along trails. Some river crossings are also necessary - a real wilderness tour! Sometimes you can see the snow up close instead of just on the tops of the mountain ranges around, because at altitudes of over 2,000 m snow can fall in summer. The Siberian taiga harbours untamed nature that is both harsh and fascinating.
This packhorse tour promises a real adventure, where the daily riding route must always be adapted to the local conditions. You will ride with Mongolian riding guides, fixed routes and exact schedules are less in keeping with the Mongolian way of life. However, if you are adventurous and flexible, this adventure ride will give you the chance to get a deep insight into this distant fascinating culture.
You will be accompanied by an experienced riding guide, a cook and a Mongolian riding team that will take care of the horses and your luggage. In addition, we will provide you with a German translator to help you understand each other. The luggage transport is done by pack horses.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ulan Bator. You are already expected. Transfer to the yurts. In the afternoon visit of the capital and Gandan Monastery, pilgrimage place for the nomads from the steppe. The huge gilded Buddha statue is the greatest treasure of the monastery. Afterwards visit of the market, on the way to the yurt camp. In the yurt restaurant you enjoy local specialities and once again a warm shower. Overnight stay in yurts.

Day 2: After breakfast you will drive to the starting point, a wide valley at the edge of the Kenthii Mountains (approx. 3 hours). Still today some families live an original nomadic life here. Horses, sheep and goats graze peacefully beside the yurts. Later you will meet your tour guides and the horses. Now the riding tour begins! Overnight stay in the camp on the banks of the Tuul river, at the entrance to the valley.

Day 3: You ride through the Tuul valley, at the foot of the mountains. The wide river is cutting its way untamed between the mountains. You will leave civilization behind you and dive into the wilderness where you will encounter various birds, marmots and squirrels.

Day 4: You continue to follow the river as the landscape gradually changes. Soon you will ride in the mystical silence of the fir forest, home to eagles, woodpeckers and other birds. The Tuul leads you into wide valleys surrounded by shady mountains.

Day 5: You leave the Tuul valley and reach the tundra where moose live. At the end of the day you will certainly be able to see their tracks. Later you will enter a dense forest, known for the presence of wolves, bears, moose and deer. You pass a pass and ride down to the breathtaking Black Lake (Khagiin Khar Nuur). You pitch your tents in the golden sand at the edge of the lake.

Day 6 - 7: You will rest for two days at the lake, a beautiful nature reserve where you can observe wild animals at close range. You will swim in the clear water, fish, ride horses and walk through the forest.

Day 8: You will ride to three other mountain lakes. The brave among you can climb the surrounding mountains from where a breathtaking view awaits you.

Day 9: You ride through the deep valley of Khongoryn Gol, framed by impressive snow-capped peaks. You will cross wide valleys that remind you of the Wild West of America. Later you will discover a large forest of huge cedars, pines and birches.

Day 10: A narrow path leads you to a pass near Altan Ogii (2,646 m), the golden cradle of the Khentii Mountains. The tour continues through Terelj in the valley of Dund Bayan Gol. At the end of the day you will drive in a 4x4 vehicle to a yurt camp where you will learn more about the life of the nomads.

Day 11-12: For two days you will meet nomads, visit families and ride through the river valleys or Terelj National Park, which is full of wild flowers.

Day 13 - 14: Return to Ulan Bator, the Mongolian capital. On request, you will receive tickets for traditional dance and singing performances. Dinner and overnight stay in the yurt camp.

Day 15: Departure. Transfer to the airport, return flight.

A riding day includes 5-7 hours in the saddle.

Please note that the program may change at short notice due to weather conditions, e.g. riding on less slippery terrain after heavy rainfall. This is for your safety as well as the safety of the horses.

Accomodation
Overnight stay in tents and 3x in yurts, the traditional dwellings of the Mongolians. In a yurt you can stand comfortably and you are heated by an oven in the middle. The toilets are behind the bush, washing can be done on the way in the clear creeks. The tents are normal 2-person tents. Each guest receives a cloth mat, a sleeping bag is to be brought along.

Meals: Full board; packed lunch and warm dinner. Dairy products, meat, fish and pastries are particularly used. Vegetarian food is possible.

Saddle & Tack: Comfortable Russian military saddles and Mongolian bridle.

Experience: You can control your horse in all gaits, have experience in the terrain and sufficient stamina (about 5-7 hours in the saddle daily). Most important is a good fitness, because the terrain on this ride is very demanding with several high mountain passes!

Horses: Mongolian ponies with a stick size between 1.35 and 1.45m. Enduring, tough and comfortable. Only geldings are ridden.