Mongolia - Nomad Trails
On most of our Mongolian rides the overnights are at fairly basic camps, but on these Nomad Trails you have more comfortable accommodation. The Nomad Trails still offer the opportunity to explore the great expanse of the country on horseback and meet the nomadic people who live there, but you stay in a spacious ger with made up beds and, on cold nights, a stove for extra warmth. You normally stay two nights at each ger camp, some of which are set up as private camps and others are semi-permanent ger camps. Other benefits of the Nomad Trails are a more varied menu, drinks provided and a smaller group size.
Big Skies Horse Trail
This ride takes you over the southern fringes of the Khan Khentii, the scenic mountain forest taiga of Gorkhi Terelj National Park. The trail is supported throughout by yak carts which take your luggage and the gers from camp to camp.
Steppe Nomad Ride
The treeless steppes stretch away into the distance with no trace of human activity except for the nomads and their herds. With water here in scarce supply, agriculture has encroached less, meaning wildlife is more abundant. Wolves may be heard in the summer but usually not seen. The trail is supported throughout by camel carts which transport your luggage and the gers.
You should be a fit and competent rider capable of riding spirited, forward going horses over varying terrain for up to seven hours a day. The riding includes long trots and fast canters on the open steppes.
The Mongolian horses are small in stature from 12hh - 14hh, but strong in character, sure-footed and willing. There is a rider weight limit of 90kg.
Mongolians generally stand in the stirrups at all paces and you too may find this a more comfortable way to ride these short striding horses. You should be fit enough to stand in the stirrups at trot and canter for periods of up to twenty minutes.
The saddles used are a Russian type, similar to a stock or military saddle. Most of the horses are ridden in a snaffle bridle, but you will not find them schooled to Western standards. However, they are responsive and fun to ride.
Hard hats are mandatory.
On the trails you stay in a spacious ger, on a made up bed with a stove for warmth on cold nights. Most camps will be by the side of a river or water source with hot showers available every night.
Dates for private groups are available on request. These private trails would also be suitable for families or groups of mixed abilities.
For the Steppe Nomad Trail from 30th June to 10th July it is possible to add on a two night extension (10th to 12th July) to visit the Naadam Games in Ulaanbaatar.
The Big Skies Horse Trail from 9th to 21st July includes two nights at the Naadam Games in Ulaanbaatar.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steppe Nomad Ride | 19 Jun 2023 - 29 Jun 2023 | 10 nights 10 ngts | $3,800.00 |
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Book | |
| Steppe Nomad Ride | 30 Jun 2023 - 10 Jul 2023 | 10 nights 10 ngts | $3,800.00 |
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Book | |
| Big Skies Horse Trail with Naadam Games | 9 Jul 2023 - 21 Jul 2023 | 12 nights 12 ngts | $4,700.00 |
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Full | |
| Big Skies Horse Trail | 1 Aug 2023 - 11 Aug 2023 | 10 nights 10 ngts | $3,800.00 |
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Book | |
| Steppe Nomad Ride | 8 Aug 2023 - 18 Aug 2023 | 10 nights 10 ngts | $3,800.00 |
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Book | |
| Steppe Nomad Ride | 8 Sep 2023 - 18 Sep 2023 | 10 nights 10 ngts | $3,800.00 |
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Book |
INCLUDES Interpreter; horses and all riding; full board (except lunches in Ulaanbaatar); accommodation in twin rooms in hotels and gers; drinks; camping equipment; local transport; transfers to and from airport.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT No single supplement if you are prepared to share (except for the two nights at the Naadam Games where we will refund the supplement ($180.00) when a sharer is found). The supplement to guarantee a single room and ger throughout is $2,240.00 (10 nights) or Big Skies Horse Trail with Naadam Games $2,420.00 (12 nights). It is possible to request a single room/ger in Ulaanbaatar and at Jalman Meadows/Arburd Sands but be willing to share a ger on the trail at a supplement of $240.00 (4 nights).
PAYABLE LOCALLY Lunches in Ulaanbaatar; tips.
NEAREST AIRPORT Ulaanbaatar.
TRANSFERS Return airport transfers are included.
Return airport transfers are included.
Fights should arrive into Ulaanbaatar before 16:00, to allow time to transfer to the hotel and settle into your room before meeting your guide and the rest of the group for the ride briefing over dinner.
Flights can depart at any time on your day of departure.
In the Khan Khentii Special Protected Area north-east of Ulaanbaatar and the semi-arid grassland steppes south of Ulaanbaatar.
Clear, bright days in the summer. Late June, July and August can see short but heavy rain showers. The weather is variable with hot days and nights that can be very cold.
The riding was above our expections: beautifull scenery, strong horses, kind people, our horseman guided us over hidden trails in woods, steppe, valleys, mountain tops, hidden temples.
Marianne ,
