The Eight Lakes Ride combines two different but complementary visions of Mongolia: fast, flat steppes and relatively open country as you ride west, followed by a gloriously relaxed and remote exploration of Eight Lakes National Park supported by a team of magnificent yaks.
The route forms a lollipop: the ‘stick’ will be fast and light, vehicle supported, a real rider’s dream. Keeping the pace up and the horsepower fresh, you will cover 160 kilometres in four days to reach the tranquil Orkhon Valley. The ‘candy’ of the lollipop is sweet indeed: four days of memorably lo-fi, yak-supported trekking as you ride a loop through the gorgeous Eight Lakes region, protected since 1992 in recognition of its outstanding beauty and diversity of rare animals and birds.
Like a cow crossed with a dinosaur, yaks will carry your world on their mighty backs, giving you privileged access to a pristine, fairytale wilderness. Where cars cannot reach, technology cannot assist, and men cannot carry, yaks pick their way with benign and dauntless resolve.
Here, the horses’ pace can vary hugely, but the nature of the terrain makes even the walking sections memorable, with steep rocky staircases and twisting trails through enchanted forests and dense undergrowth (which usually yields exquisite wild strawberries – you’ll be in no hurry).
In open country, you are free to enjoy endless canters with the wind in your hair, and sunsets can be spent swimming in the blissful waters of the volcanic lakes themselves. It’s wellness and wildness, rolled into one unforgettable Globetrotting adventure.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Mongolian working horses between 13 to 14 hands high.
- Pace:Variable depending on the terrain, with plenty of opportunities to trot and canter
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 100kg / 220lbs
- Type of tack:Refurbished ex-Mongol Derby saddles. These are lightweight but with a rigid fibreglass tree, short-seated like a Mongolian saddle but with plenty of space for a Western-sized rider. They look like a stripped down Australian stock saddle - very secure and very comfortable. Custom made gel covers act as seat savers for extra cushioning.
- Seasons:June & July. *Custom departure dates can be arranged for groups of 5+ in August, September and October.
- Group size:A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 guests.
- Time in Saddle:Anywhere between 4 to 8 hours on average per day, depending on the distance needed to travel to your next campsite.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders who are fit and have a sense of adventure. You must be confident riding at all paces.
It’s actually a fantastic place to build confidence and have your first gallop, so if you are a confident beginner, and in great physical shape, please do get in touch and we will discuss suitability with you. Rider fitness is a MUST - camping at night and riding all day is strenuous. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Accommodation:The accommodation varies throughout the trip, with the majority of the nights spent camping in tents (one person per tent), but there will also be times you stay in Ger camps and hotels at the beginning and end of the ride. A Ger Camp is a Mongolian version of a motel with traditionally decorated gers for sleeping (usually shared rooms with 4 pax), separate dining hall and very basic facilities for shower and toilet.
(International standard hotel in Ulaanbaatar nights 1 and 12, and a good quality regional hotel in Kharkhorin night 11. Ger camp near to Orkhon Waterfall night 10. All other nights will be spent camping in tents.) - Ride Length:13 days, 12 nights with 8 riding days.
- Inclusions:
The price includes full board from arrival in UB until departure (NB: there is a surcharge of $10 USD per day for gluten free and dairy free diets), some alcohol (but you’ll need to BYO should you wish to enjoy multiple drinks), transfers to/from UB Airport, and to the ride start and finish points, and riding supported by vehicles and yaks.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include your international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), some alcohol, and staff tips.
(NB: There is a surcharge of $10 USD per day for gluten free and dairy free diets).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!Departing | Finishing | Availability | Total |
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June 18, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | 7 spots left | |
July 18, 2024 | July 30, 2024 | 8 spots left |
While camping, you will be assigned 1x tent per person, but when staying at hotels the rate is priced for twin share. Should you wish to have your own room on the hotel nights an additional single supplement charge will apply.
NB: When staying at the ger camp near Orkhon Waterfall, sleeping arrangements will be 3-4 guests per ger.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes full board from arrival in UB until departure (NB: there is a surcharge of $10 USD per day for gluten free and dairy free diets), some alcohol (but you’ll need to BYO should you wish to enjoy multiple drinks), transfers to/from UB Airport, and to the ride start and finish points, and riding supported by vehicles and yaks.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include your international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), some alcohol, and staff tips.
NB: There is a surcharge of $10 USD per day for gluten free and dairy free diets.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. 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
Expand AllCollapse AllPlease 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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Day 1
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Day 2
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Days 3 to 5
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Day 6
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Days 7 to 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Transfer Information