Why travel on horseback?

Sharing common interests is the best way to learn about different people and cultures. Love of horses and wilderness is the common thread we share with nomads. It is the intrinsic freedom in their lifestyle, vibrancy in their character and stunning beauty of their environment that prompts us to organize horseback travel among the nomads.

What are the trips like?

These are wilderness horsepacking trips, camping out at night in tents, cooking over wood fires. Some trips have daily vehicle support, others are strictly self sufficient horsepacking. Like a trip in the Rocky Mountains 200 years ago, there are few roads, no fences and the people live in harmony with the land. For 7-9 days we spend 4-6 hours per day in the saddle walking and trotting with a canter thrown in whenever terrain allows. Refer to our gear list for a list of personal items and equipment you will need. There are plenty of opportunities to photograph, explore, fish or just relax.

How much riding experience do I need?

While basic riding experience is helpful, we have been joined by non-riders who either completed a basic riding course prior to the trip or demonstrated previous experience with active, rustic wilderness travel. Riding skill is not as important as attitude. We want to know that you are comfortable around horses and like riding all day. If you meet these criteria and enjoy wilderness camping you will do fine.

What about the horses and tack?

We ride on local stock, small (13 -14 hands), tough, working horses well suited to the terrain. Saddles include traditional Tibetan, Chinese, and Russian cavalry saddles.

How's the weather?

Travel in summer generally means warm weather, though the weather can change from bright sun to thunderstorm and back again several times in a day. We make a point of having raingear ready at all times. We carry roomy tents for sleeping and a large dining tent that comfortably fits the entire group for meals and meeting in bad weather..

How's the food?

Mutton, rice and noodles form the basis of our diet, just as it does for the local people. Over the years our hosts have improved the trail rations to include some vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and even yak, now and then.

Is it dangerous?

Yes. Any travel in remote terrain, especially on horseback, river rafting or kayaking on large bodies of water has it's inherent physical dangers. Horses are never totally predictable in their behavior and bad weather and rough terrain can compound safety concerns. Some of the riding is over very rough, steep ground and rafting and paddling conditions can change drastically with the weather. At times we are several days from roads and even farther from hospitals. All wilderness travel is dangerous to some degree and each individual must decide if the rewards of experiencing new lands and cultures are worth the risk. Your trip leaders and wranglers take a conservative approach to riding, rafting and paddling with safety foremost in their minds but cannot guarantee that accidents won't happen. Please discuss your concerns about safety with our office before you join a trip.

Are there bandits or brigands?

We are honored guests and our personal security is assured by ancient custom in China, Tibet and Mongolia. It is far more likely you will be robbed or assaulted in your hometown.

Is there an age limit?

We have had participants from 14 to 83. All applications are taken on a case by case basis.

What is included in the trip fee?