WINTER HORSE RIDING TOUR

Explore Mongolian winter on horseback during your Christmas holiday

TOUR DURATION: 5N/6D                                         TOUR AVAILABLE: NOV-MAR

TOUR GRADE: MODERATE

TOUR HIGLIGHTS: 
-    Horse trekking in snowy steppes and hills
-    Explore wildlife 
-    Visit nomadic family and get experienced in nomadic life
-    Taste real Mongolian food 


Tour introduction

Mongolia is land of horses which is honest friends for Mongols, conquered half of the world. Horse is pride animal for Mongolians. Since ancient times, horses have been played for significant roles for Mongolian traditions and lifestyle. As well as, a phrase saying "A Mongol without a horse is like a bird without wings". Anytime, anywhere you visit in Mongolia, horses are everywhere most likely, that makes Mongolia has great horse trekking destination. During this horse riding tour, we challenge you in mid-winter weather and gain of authentic experience by exploring spectacular wildlife and landscapes in national parks such as Khustai-wild horses, Orkhon valley-cultural heritage, Khugnu khan-Elsen Tasarhai natural reserve and learning nomadic lifestyle of herders, horsemen's by visiting families.  

Day1. Arrive in Mongolia and make city tour in Ulaanbaatar city (L)

We will pick you up from the airport/train station and transfer you to the hotel. After some rest at the hotel, we will visit Gandan monastery, the first temple was built in 1837 and was center of Buddhist learning in the Mongolia and Mongolian National history museum. The museum is currently recognized as one of the leading museums in Mongolia. The significant responsibility for preserving Mongolian cultural heritage therefore lies with the museum. Then, we will transfer you to the hotel. Stay in hotel*** “Khuvsgul lake” or similar one


Day2-3 Drive to Khustai national park (B/D/L)

Our journey will head to Khustai national park. The park lies in the foothills of southern Khentii mountain range and it is the place where you can see wild horse called Takhi known as Przewalski horse to the world. The wild horses survive in nature by themselves because they have been reintroduced successfully to their homeland after 40 years of extinction. Currently, the number of Takhi has already reached more than 300, after the lunch time the wrangler will be there with his horses for us to ride 2-3 hours, if Takhi horses nearby might see them on horseback, then next morning drive further more in the national park to see more wild animals, make another horse riding before and after lunch on snowy steppes and hills. Overnight in the ger camp (about 100km drive, 2hour horse riding on day 1 and 4-5hour horse ride on day 2)


Day4. Khugnu Tarna nature reserve and Elsen Tasarhai (B/D/L)

After breakfast we drive to Khugnu Khan then we arrive our first nomadic family at Khugnu Khan mountain area around the noon, make horse riding in the afternoon and evening, next morning Elsen Tassarkhai or semi sand dunes. Walking on the semi sand dunes. Camel riding is available. Overnight at the nomadic family. (about 200km, 2-3hour horse ride, and half or 1hour camel ride)


Day5-6. Ulaantsutgalan, Orkhon valley (B/D/L)

Drive to Orkhon valley, registered as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2005. There is Orkhon waterfall also called UlaanTsutgalan, formed by a series of volcanic eruptions about 20.000 years ago. We will be seeing the ice formation of the waterfall. We will reach the nomad family who herds more than 100 horses, and many other more livestock here. Will herd their yaks, sheep and goats on horseback with them, and next day ride the horses through valley and do the sightseeing. Overnight at the nomadic family (210km, 2-3hour horse ride on day first and 4-5hour horse ride on day second)


Day7. Kharkhorin village and Erdenezuu monastery (B/D/L)

We will drive to ancient capital city Kharakhorin. In 1220 great Chinghis Khaan declared it as the capital city of his vast Empire. Today there are many interesting sites left to visit; the legendary turtle rock sculptures, Buddhist stupas and the ruins of this once great city to name a few. Erdenezuu - the 1st Buddhist monastery in Mongolia was established in 1586. Today Erdenezuu monastery still shows its glory with collections of many priceless religious objects and incredibly beautiful Mongolian arts. It has a massive square wall, 420 meters in length each side, 108 Stupas & 17 temples. Stay at local hotel. (about 120km, 2-3 hours)


Day 8. Ugii lake and Ulaanbaatar city (B/D)

After breakfast, we will drive to frozen Ugii lake, about 27 km square area, located in central Mongolia. Then, we will head to Ulaanbatar city and transfer you to the hotel***. (400km, 6-7 hours driving)

Day 9. Departure (B) 

Transfer to the airport/train station for your departure.

Legend
B-BREAKFAST    L-LUNCH    D-DINNER


THANKS FOR JOINING US

Inclusion 

All transportation listened in the itinerary
Twin share accommodation: in hotel*** in UB for 2 nights, in local hotel for 1 night, ger guesthouse/nomadic family for 3 nights and ger camps for 2 nights
Three meals per day: 8 breakfast, 7 lunch, 6 dinner
Services of English speaking guide
All taxes and entrance fees to the protected areas
Drinking water 
Camel riding 
Airport transfers 

Exclusion

International transportation
Travel and medical insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Meals not mentioned on the program