Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides | Horse Riding Holidays in Mongolia | Globetrotting

Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides, Mongolia

12-18 NightsBeginner to AdvancedFrom $3,110 USD?Tour costs $3,110 USD which is approximately $4,767 AUD

If you’re an intrepid traveller and thrive on a good adventure, then Mongolia is the destination for you. These itineraries include a unique, local Naadam festival.

Mongolia is a country that’s still finding its feet in terms of tourism, where itineraries don’t always go according to plan and spontaneity is the order of the day. If you’re willing to embrace this, prepare to be swept away by the spirit of the wild-eyed Mongol ponies, the far-reaching, infinite steppe and the thrill of exploring a fenceless world where horses are integral to everyday life. It’s a globetrotter’s dream: riding in a land where there are more horses than people; riding in the birthplace of human-equine culture.

Get ready to drink a lot of vodka, shout ‘Choo choo!’ to your dreadlocked pony, stay in cozy, traditional gers with your own fireplace and be swept off your feet by the sincere hospitality of the Mongolian people. Both the 19-day Khovsgol and 13-day Arhangay rides coincide with local Naadam Festivals, which are a must-see to truly appreciate the mind-blowing culture of the Mongolians. It’s a true highlight of the itinerary to watch child jockeys ride like centaurs across the steppe.

Fast Facts

  • Horse Breed:Small, brave, tough-as-nails Mongolian horses, standing 13 to 14 hands high.
  • Pace:The pace varies from a walk right through to a canter, with long periods of trotting.
  • Weight Limit:A maximum of 95kg / 210lbs.
  • Type of tack:Handmade rope bridles and unique saddles that combine the best features of Mongolian, Western, English and Australian saddle design.
  • Seasons:June to July.
  • Group size:A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 guests.
  • Time in Saddle:Between 6 to 8 hours in the saddle a day .
    *Saddle fitness is a MUST!
  • Riding Ability: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? Watch THIS video to find out.
  • 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 - $85 USD per hotel night and $15 USD per tent night (NB: single gers are not 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.
  • Ride Length:Khovsgol Ride: 19 days, 18 nights; Arhangay Ride: 13 days, 12 nights.
  • Inclusions:

    The price includes transfers to/from Ulaanbaatar airport, meals, accommodation, riding and staff tips. Please note that for the 19-day Khovsgol itinerary there is also an internal flight price of $400 USD included in the price.

  • Exclusions:

    The price does not include international or internal flights or travel insurance.

 

DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

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19-Day Khovsgol Ride with Naadam Festival & Reindeer People

June 28 to July 16, 2024

$4550 USD per person for minimum 2 guests
$4110 USD per person for 3-5 guests
$3920 USD per person for 6+ guests

*Please note, this price includes an internal flight price of $400 USD per person.

7 spots left
From: $4,110 USD ?Tour costs $4,110 USD which is approximately $6,299 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Book

2.5% credit card surcharge

From: $4,530 USD ?Tour costs $4,530 USD which is approximately $6,943 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
Book

2.5% credit card surcharge

13-Day Arhangay Ride with Naadam Festival

July 2 to 14, 2024

$3110 USD per person for minimum 2 guests
$2870 USD per person for 3-5 guests
$2670 USD per person for 6+ guests

12 spots left
From: $3,110 USD ?Tour costs $3,110 USD which is approximately $4,767 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Book

2.5% credit card surcharge

From: $3,455 USD ?Tour costs $3,455 USD which is approximately $5,295 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
Book

2.5% credit card surcharge

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Single supplement is available on request – $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.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The prices include transfers to/from Ulaanbaatar airport, meals, accommodation, riding and staff tips. Please note that for the 19-day Khovsgol itinerary there is also an internal flight price of $400 USD included in the price.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international or internal flights or travel insurance.

Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.

Click HERE to read more about our fees and charges.
Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN USD?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.

Itinerary

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*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 1

    Arrive 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 an arrival time, you may enjoy a short city orientation tour before dinner. Overnight in hotel.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 2

    Full day of guided sightseeing in UB. Visit Sukhbaatar Square and, if time permits, Zaisan Memorial. Zaisan Memorial is a landmark of UB built on the Bogd Khan Mountain, and the best place to view the city. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 3

    Airport transfer for your flight to Muren. Drive approx 120km (74mi) to Khatgal, the gateway to Khovsgol National Park. Lake Khovsgol is 100 miles long and the deepest in Central Asia. The lake holds 2% of the world’s fresh water. Overnight at a ger camp (see description in the ‘Fast Facts’section above) on Lake Khovsgol, with a hot shower available.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 4

    Today you will take a boat ride on Lake Khovsgol to the base of Jigleg Pass, located halfway up the western shore of the lake. Your local guides will welcome you at Jigleg Camp, where you’ll meet the horses and wranglers and ‘test ride’ your Mongolian steed. Overnight in tents.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 5

    This is the first 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.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 6

    Continue riding to the town of Renchinlhumbe in the Darkhad Valley. Vehicle supported. Overnight in gers in Renchinlhumbe, where you’ll gain some fascinating insights into local life.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 7

    Ride through the Darkhad Valley towards Hogrog and Zuun taiga. East (“Zuun”) Taiga is situated northeast of Tsagaan Nuur beyond a steppe valley called Hogrog. Vehicle supported. Overnight in tents near the Sharga River.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 8

    Today you’ll ride to Hogrogo, the jumping-off point to visit the Tsaatan (Reindeer People) in East Taiga. There are roughly 18 families who live in East Taiga. They move and camp in two groups (13 families and 5 families, respectively). Much of the terrain in East Taiga is open valleys, wetlands, and forests. Vehicle supported. Overnight in tents.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 9

    It’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). Average camp distances from the edge of the Taiga in Hogrogo range from 6-40 km (4-25mi). 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 means roughly “with reindeer.” Reaching their camp, you’ll stay in tents with packhorse support.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 10

    Spend the day at the Tsaatan summer camp exploring the area on foot or horseback. Overnight in tents with packhorse support.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 11

    Ride back to Hogrog to reunite with the support vehicles. Overnight in tents.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 12

    Ride halfway back to Renchinlhumbe. Vehicle supported. Overnight in tents.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 13

    A shorter ride to Renchinlhumbe, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight in gers.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 14

    Observe Renchinlhumbe’s Naadam festivities. Naadam or ‘Festival’ has occurred for centuries in Mongolia as an exhibition of horse racing (racers 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 established by the Mongolian government. Stay overnight in gers.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 15

    After lunch in town, you’ll ride towards the Jigleg pass. Vehicle supported. Overnight in tents.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 16

    The last day of riding, boo! In the afternoon you’ll arrive at Jigleg and say goodbye to the wranglers and horses. Vehicle supported. Overnight in tents.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 17

    Today you will have a boat ride on Lake Khovsgol from the base of Jigleg Pass halfway up the western shore of the lake, to Khatgal. From here you’ll be driven to Harganat Eco Lodge overlooking the magnificent Delger Murun river valley. Overnight in the Harganat ger camp.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 18

    Catch your return flight to UB. Enjoy a folk theatre performance and a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in the same hotel in downtown UB.

  • 19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 19

    Airport transfer for your return flight home.

  • 13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 1

    Arrive 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 an arrival time, you may enjoy a short city orientation tour before dinner. Overnight in hotel.

  • 13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 2

    Depart UB in the morning. Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai, a part of the Mongol Els sand dunes, which stretch 80km long and 5km wide across Uvurkhangai province. It is located west of Ulaanbaatar and east of Karakorum – the ancient Mongolian capital. The area is surrounded by sand dunes, hills covered with rare shrubs and a small forest beside a river. Together, this presents a unique combination of Mongolian mountains, forests and Gobi-type landscapes in one location. Stay overnight in a ger camp (see description in the ‘Fast Facts’ section above).

  • 13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 3

    Drive to Tsetserleg, the capital of Arhangay. Located in west-central Mongolia, Arhangay is called the ‘Switzerland of Mongolia’ for its beautiful scenery: forests, rivers and mountains. After lunch, continue on to camp in the valley of the Ikh Tamir River, where you’ll meet horses and wranglers. On the horseback trek, you’ll cover approximately 20 miles (32 kilometres) per day and meet the support vehicle each night at a new campsite. Personal luggage and the supplies for ‘catered camping’ are transported in the support vehicle, making for light, fast travel on horseback. Each night you’ll camp out in spacious two-person tents. During each day’s ride you’ll visit the gers of local herders and have a chance to experience nomadic life on the Central Asian steppe.

  • 13-day Arhangay Ride - Days 4 to 9

    Ride and camp through the valleys and mountains of Arhangay. A support vehicle will carry all camping goods and food and local wranglers will take care of the horses. You’ll visit many families along the way and taste the local spoils of summer: yoghurt, cheese and the infamous airag (fermented mare’s milk). Although we recommend a riding background for this trip, the support vehicle always has room for anyone who is ready for a break from the saddle. Camp out in tents overnight.

  • 13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 10

    Experience Naadam in the town of Tsetserleg. Observe the opening ceremony and the ‘Three Manly Games’. Naadam, or ‘Festival’, has occurred for centuries in Mongolia as an exhibition of horse racing (jockeys are generally aged 7-11 and race 9-18 mi/15-30km), wrestling (men only) and archery (women and men).

    After lunch, you’ll drive 75 miles (120 km) to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongolian Empire, located 250 miles (400 km) southwest of UB. There are presently efforts to re-establish Kharkhorin as the capital of Mongolia as it was centuries ago. Depending on your arrival time, either this afternoon or the following morning you’ll explore the restored Erdenzuu Monastery (‘Hundred Treasures’), originally built in 1586. Overnight in ger camp.

  • 13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 11

    Return drive to UB (6-8 hours’ driving with breaks). In the evening, watch a folk theatre performance of throat singing, traditional dances, contortion and more. Overnight in the same UB hotel you stayed in on day 1.

  • 13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 12

    njoy a breakfast buffet at your hotel before a full day of guided sightseeing in UB. Begin the tour at Zaisan Memorial, a prominent landmark looking over the city of UB built on Bogd Khan Mountain. Walk 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 and the main post office. Visit Gandan Hiid (monastery), the largest Buddhist temple in Mongolia. Take in the Museum of National History and the Fine Art Museum of Zanabazar to acquaint yourself with Mongolian history, traditional culture and arts. Farewell dinner. Overnight in hotel.

  • 13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 13

    Your guide and driver will take you to the airport for your return flight home.

  • Transfer Information

    Please note that for the 19-day Khovsgol itinerary there is an internal flight price of $400 USD.

    Complimentary airport transfers are included upon arrival and departure in Ulaanbaatar. Please ensure you inform Globetrotting of your flight itinerary prior to departure so that these can be arranged.

What our valued Globetrotters say about The Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides

Khovsgol & Arhangray rides, Mongolia, Globetrotting horse riding holidays.

Samantha Philp

‘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!’

Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides, Mongolia, Globetrotting horse riding holidays.

Eszter Hortobagyi

‘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!’

Khovsgol Ride, Mongolia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Edith Cattell

‘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!’

Khovsgol Ride, Mongolia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Rachel Dunstan

‘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 Avey

‘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!’

Khovsgol Ride, Mongolia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Petra Westergaard

‘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 Geraldene

‘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 Irwin

‘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!’

Sally Boardman

‘Wow. What a trip.
Completely immersed in Mongolian culture, incredible landscapes, and beautiful, friendly, welcoming people. The horses were magnificent. They coped with all levels of terrain. It was the best way to see such a vast country, with horses, yaks, sheep, cows, birds and loads of wildflowers. The group of people on the trip were great to travel with, lots of laughs and great conversations. Our guides were very knowledgeable and their translation to English was very good. They kept us well informed of all the plans and timings and were always ready to help us with anything we needed. Nothing was a problem for them.
The fifth day was my favourite, riding up into the mountains. It was a hard slog for the horses and their stamina was inspiring. Coming down into the valley with all of the reindeer below was beautiful. We met the family who was hosting our visit and were surrounded by kids, dogs and reindeer. The scenery was stunning and the experience magical.’

STORIES FROM THE SADDLE

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