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 and riding. 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, travel insurance or staff tips (the recommended tip amount is $170 USD per guest).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!Departing | Availability | Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19-Day Khovsgol Ride with Naadam Festival & Reindeer People June 28 to July 16, 2025 $4500 USD per person for minimum 2 guests *Please note, this price includes an internal flight price of $400 USD per person. | 4 spots left |
| |||||||
13-Day Arhangay Ride with Naadam Festival July 2 to 14, 2025 $3060 USD per person for minimum 2 guests | 11 spots left |
|
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 and riding. 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, travel insurance or staff tips (the recommended tip amount is $170 USD per guest).
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.
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
Expand AllCollapse All*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.
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 1
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 2
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 3
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 4
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 5
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 6
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 7
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 8
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 9
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 10
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 11
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 12
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 13
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 14
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 15
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 16
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 17
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 18
-
19-day Khovsgol Ride - Day 19
-
13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 1
-
13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 2
-
13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 3
-
13-day Arhangay Ride - Days 4 to 9
-
13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 10
-
13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 11
-
13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 12
-
13-day Arhangay Ride - Day 13
-
Transfer Information
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides
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!’
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!’
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!’
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!’
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
-
Meet a Globetrotter: Irene Wynne
Sometimes you come across a globetrotter who makes the most of every single moment and does so with ...
Read More -
Meet our Guide: Gur
Every globetrotter that we’ve sent to Mongolia who has had Gur as their guide has loved his ...
Read More -
A Day Spent in Ulaanbaatar
Are you heading off on a Globetrotting holiday to Mongolia? Can I just start by saying I am ...
Read More -
Meet a Globetrotter: Sally Boardman
In August this year, Sally Boardman traversed the steppes, valleys and mountains of Mongolia from the back of ...
Read More -
Packing for Mountain Rides
Having just come back from guiding The Patagonia Trail in Argentina, we are again SO thankful that we’...
Read More -
Meet a Globetrotter: Jos Flint
This is one of my ALL-TIME favourite fairytale Globetrotting stories. Meet Jos Flint, a true-blue Aussie sheila who ...
Read More -
How to be a Responsible Globetrotter
Whether you’re travelling in your own backyard or in a far-flung corner of the globe, it can ...
Read More