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Mongolia Horse Trek in Arhangay
Arhangay
Mongolia
This riding adventure in Mongolia provides six days of riding plus sightseeing in Ulaan Baatar and Kharhorin, ancient capital of Genghis Khan.
Arhangay has been called the "Switzerland of Mongolia" for its beautiful scenery; forests, rivers and mountains. We'll cover about 20 miles per day with plenty of time to visit the many local herders in their gers along the way. Each night we meet our support truck at a new campsite. At either end of the two itineraries, you enjoy the Naadam festival in the intimacy of a small town. Wrestling, Horseracing and Archery epitomize the culture and context of Mongolia. They simple sport; no complicated scoring or special facilities or technology needed. The strongest fastest man, the strongest, fastest horse and the strongest, steadiest archer win the medals.
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Meals beginning and ending in UB (dinner on arrival day thru breakfast on departure day), all transportation upon arrival in UB, hotel in UB and ger accommodations, tents and camping gear, horses and tack, guides and entry fees to museums and parks.
| A | 2013 | 13 day trip, AP with Nadaam | 13d / 12n | $2250 |
| B | 2013 | 13 day trip, AP without Nadaam | 13d / 12n | $2250 |
Minimum Deposit:
~$750.00 per person
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Ulaanbataar included
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Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2013
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07/02
- 07/14
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13d / 12n
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13 day trip, AP with Nadaam
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6
/14
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/06
- 07/18
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13d / 12n
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13 day trip, AP with Nadaam
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6
/14
|
Reserve
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| B |
2013
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07/22
- 08/03
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13d / 12n
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13 day trip, AP without Nada...
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6
/14
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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08/05
- 08/17
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13d / 12n
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13 day trip, AP without Nada...
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6
/14
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Airport taxes, gratuities, sleeping bag, evacuation coverage, excess baggage fees and items of a personal nature.
Itinerary (with Nadaam)
Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, also called “UB” by visitors. Upon arrival at the UB airport, 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 very rapidly growing city with a population of nearly a million people. Conveniently located in downtown, your hotel is in walking distance of Sukhbaatar Square, museums, theaters, and shops. Depending on an arrival time, enjoy a short city orientation tour before dinner. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Depart UB in the morning. Drive to Kharhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongolian Empire, located 400km (6-8 hours with breaks) southwest of UB. There are presently efforts to reestablish Kharhorin as the capital of Mongolia as it was centuries ago. Explore the restored Erdenzuu Monastery (Hundred Treasures) originally built in 1586. Stop for a packed lunch near Elsen Tasarhai sand dunes. Stay overnight in a ger camp. (“Ger Camp” is a Mongolian version of motel with traditionally decorated gers for sleeping, separate dining hall and basic facilities for shower and toilet. Normally 2-4 people share the same ger.)
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. Meet horses and wranglers. On the horseback trek we cover approximately 20 miles per day and meet our support vehicle each night at a new campsite. Personal luggage and the accoutrements of "catered camping" are transported in the support vehicle making for light, fast travel on horseback. Camp out each night with our mobile "American ger" and spacious two-person tents. During each day's ride we'll visit the gers of local herders and have a chance to experience nomadic life on the Central Asian steppe.
Day 4: Experience Naadam in Tsetserleg by horseback. Observe Mongolian traditional sports called the “Three manly games”. Naadam, or “festival”, has occurred for centuries in Mongolia as an exhibition of horse racing (racers are generally ages 7-11 and race 15-30 kilometers), wrestling (men only) and archery (women and men). July 11th is the official date of Naadam established by the Mongolian government. Stay overnight in ger camp.
Day 5- 9: Ride and camp through the valleys and mountains of Arhangay. A vehicle will carry all camping goods and food. Local wranglers take care of the horses. We visit many families along the way and taste the local foods of summer; yogurt, cheese and the infamous airag (fermented horse milk). Though 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. Finish last day of riding at Tsenkher hot springs.
Day 10: Drive to Khogno Khan Nature Reserve. Relax and hike in the rock formations of the Reserve. The ruins of the Uvgun Temple first built in 1660 lie at the base of the mountain of Khogno Khan, a nice place to begin a short hike. Meet local herders and experience the hospitality of the Nomads. Stay overnight in ger camp.
Day 11: Return drive to UB. In the evening, watch Tumen Ekh folk theater perform throat singing, traditional dances, contortion and more. Farewell dinner. Overnight in hotel.
Day 12: Enjoy 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 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. Overnight in hotel.
Day 13: Your guide and driver will take you to the airport for departure home.
We arrange the major details of transportation, scheduling, accommodations and meals so that those aspects of the trip run as smoothly as possible. We hope the resemblance to a "tour" stops there. We make every effort to give group members free time and any assistance they desire to explore as if they were traveling on their own. We take advantage of unusual and unexpected opportunities when they arise. We think travel should be heavily dosed with surprises and personal contact with the people. While we will see some of the "standard" tourist sights, we make a point of not being tied to fixed itineraries.
Meeting:
Ulaanbaatar
Airport:
Ulaanbaatar
Transfer:
Ulaanbaatar
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Tack:
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traditional Tibetan, Chinese, and Russian cavalry saddles
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Horses:
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Mongolian local stock (13 to 14 hands)
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Pace:
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Moderate, few trots and canters, 3-7 hrs in the saddle
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
230
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
14 riders
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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.
Helmet or no Helmet:
While we do not require helmets, all levels of rider should consider riding with a helmet. It is important for each rider to weigh the advantages and disadvantages for themselves. Safety can become an endless quest, since any situation can be made "safer" by adding gear and rules. Being an alert but also relaxed rider is the most important element of riding safety.
How much riding experience do I need?
Experienced riders and fit, willing novices go well together on this trip. We fit the horse to the rider's abilily and give you lots of leeway in terms of how, when and where you ride. These are not nose to tail trail rides; you can ride as much or as little as necessary to get to camp at days end. 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.
HORSE SAFETY :
- Never walk closely behind the horses. Give them a wide berth.
- Horses are not used to handling on their ‘off’ side. Use care when adjusting and tying things on the off side.
- ALWAYS check your girth strap before mounting. If it is loose, have a wrangler check and/or tighten it.
- Take the slack out of the reins and hold them securely while mounting.
- Make stirrup adjustments from the ground.
- Dismount to change clothing, raingear, etc.
- Ask someone to stop with you and hold your horse if you have to make adjustments, change clothes, take a photo, take a pee, etc.
- When initially riding away from the group or as you are catching up with the group, ride at a walk or slow trot. Never canter or gallop into or away from a group of walking horses. Advise others near you if you are going to stop, or, take a trot or canter.
- When the group arrives at lunch or camp, dismount and hold your horse by the lead rope until a wrangler takes your horse from you, or tie your horse sensibly.
- When the group is getting ready to depart, WAIT until all riders are mounted and ready to leave before riding off. This includes waiting even if the lead wrangler has begun riding.
- There will always be lead and ‘sweep’ riders. It is your responsibility to make sure you maintain contact with the group. Never ride so far ahead, or allow yourself to fall so far behind, that you are not visible to the group or out of shouting distance.
- Use common
sense.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart. Visas Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: 1. nationals of the USA, if . more
In summer, we anticipate warm days while riding and traveling in Mongolia. Good quality raingear is vital to an enjoyable trip. As in all mountain travel, there is the daily possibility of thunder showers during the afternoon. The nights are clear and cold. There is always a chance of precipitation. During riding portions of the trip we carry our rain gear on the horses at all times (rain suit or long duster) and synthetic pile or wool garments that dry quickly and keep you warm while wet. Fall and Winter can be quite cold at night. Please talk to our office in regard to likely clothing needs during your trip.
For this trip we require passengers to carry medical evacuation coverage.
Money
We recommend bringing about $300.00 USD in cash. Because of counterfeiting of US $100.00 bills in Asia, passengers should bring only “Big Head” bills in good condition. ATMs are beginning to appear in Ulaan Baatar. Credit cards are accepted in Ulaanbaatar but are useless elsewhere in Mongolia. Have 1’s, 5’s and 10’s on hand too for tipping or purchasing souvenirs along the way. You can change money at the airport or at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
Clothing etc
SLEEPING BAG AND PAD RENTAL
For $60 you can rent a sleeping bag, pad and liner from our office in Ulaan Baatar.
Dress is very informal but Mongolian sensibilities dictate a degree of modesty in the cut of the clothing worn. Hotel laundry services are available but you will need to bring two or three changes of clothing for the camping portion of the trip. This basic list will be adequate for the demands of our trips.
In summer, we anticipate warm days while riding and traveling in Mongolia. Good quality rain gear is vital to an enjoyable trip. As in all mountain travel, there is the daily possibility of thunder showers during the afternoon. The nights are clear and cold. There is always a chance of precipitation. Fall and Spring can be quite cold at night. Please talk to our office staff in regard to likely clothing needs during your trip. Check out www.wunderground.com for more information about historical weather averages at main stops along your route during your travel month.
When flying from North America through you are typically allowed two 50 lb. bags per person. Please check your airline ticket for baggage allowance well before your departure. For flights within Mongolia the baggage allowance is 10 kilos (22 lbs.) total. Excess baggage charges are around $2 to $2.50 per kilo. You should expect that you will have some excess baggage fees, rarely more than 25.00 USD per person. Each passenger is responsible for his/her own excess baggage charges.
- Sturdy large duffel bag (30x15x14” Eagle Creek Brand recommended 1-800-874-9925)
- Sleeping bag (four season)
- Thermorest pad (inflatable comfort and insulation for sleeping)
- Daypack
1 pair walking shorts
2 pair jeans or riding pants
4 shirts or t shirts (one long sleeved)
4 sets underwear
1 pair warm gloves
1 wool cap or other warm hat
5 pair socks (2 pair should be wool and knee high for riding)
2 bandanas or scarves
Women: Jogbra or other suitable sporty support
Comfortable footwear for city and village walking (sturdy walking shoes, tennis shoes or lightweight hiking boots well broken in)
- Riding boots (well broken in) or ankle-high riding shoes meant for endurance rides or ‘ride & ties’. These work especially well when worn with a pair of ‘half chaps’ (knee-high leather gaitors). They have a riding heel, but are comfortable enough to be used for your city and village footwear too. ‘Stateline Tack’ is a mail order company that carries these items. Please call 1-800-228-9208 to order a catalog.
- Riding Helmet (While not required, a helmet can make you safer and more confident)
- Rubber overboots, especially if your riding boots have leather soles.
Good rain gear: parka and rain pants or “duster” (no ponchos)
Long underwear for cold nights (polypropelene or capilene)
Wool sweater or wool shirt
Pile jacket or down vest
Sun hat or visor
Minimum 1 liter water bottle (leather bota bags work great for riding)
Camera with plenty of film or extra memory cards (bring extra camera batteries too)
Flashlight with change of batteries (we recommend a Petzl headlamp)
Sunglasses
- Sandals (river sandals, Tevas or a shoe you can wear around camp and in the water for bathing)
Extra glasses or contacts for those who wear them
Sunscreen
- Personal hygiene items, handiwipes (biodegradable campsuds/waterless hand soap)
- 5 large trash bags to line duffel and sleeping bag stuff sack (Happiness is warm, dry clothes and a dry sleeping bag)
- Insect repellent
- Small towel
- Drinking mug (travel style)
USEFUL ITEMS:
Small binoculars, travel alarm clock, earplugs, journal and pen, pocket knife (put in checked luggage, not allowed as carry on), lightweight snacks like granola bars, fruit bark, jerky, trail mix, nuts, tea bags that you can't start the day without, vitamins, eye drops, water purification tablets, Mongolian phrasebook, one piece bathing suit, toilet paper, extra baggage tags (“collecting” tags is popular with baggage handlers in Asia), luggage padlocks, small & medium ziploc bags for trash disposal, toilet paper, 25 feet of nylon parachute cord (useful for tying rain gear and saddle bags behind saddle), personal first aid kit.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
In Ulaan Baatar you'll be staying in a comfortable western style hotel with normal amenities. Outside of "UB", depending on your itinerary you'll either be in a "ger camp" or car camping.
Meals:
Meals will be basic and plentiful with many dishes familiar to us and others as odd in appearance as they are strange in taste. While in cities, we make every effort to dine in a variety of restaurants to stock up on vegetables and other foods not available on the rides. Expect to eat a great deal of mutton and occasionally yak, generally boiled but sometimes fried. Rice, noodles and/or potatoes accompany most meals but vegetables are rare. Plan to bring a personal "stash" of snacks for those moments when you just can't face another bowl of sheep. Vegetarians have joined us on all our rides but must discuss their dietary needs with our office well before the trip. Depending on your degree of vegetarianism, you may need to bring supplemental food in the form of freeze dried or dehydrated meals.
Ger camps:
These are Mongolia's answer to the motel. While they vary (often year to year) in the quality of and service, all ger camps have the same basic format. You sleep in gers, the felt covered round tents of Mongolia's nomads, which have 2-4 beds, a table and a wood stove. A hot water thermos is available and sometimes you get tea bags as well. Then there is a bathhouse which always has sinks and showers and sometimes a sauna. Toilets may be incorporated into the bathhouse and flush with varying efficiency. Or toilets may be in a separate building or be of the outhouse variety. Next comes a large kitchen/dining hall, sometimes a newly constructed building, other times a converted structure and often a giant ger like structure.
Camping:
The jeep or truck you travel in will carry the components of comfortable camping; tents, sleeping bags, stoves, foodstuff, water, cooking gear.. and generally a cook.. We provide comfortable backpacking style tents, designed for 3-4 people but assigned to just two. Remember that even the best tent won't keep you absolutely dry when the weather is bad and the air very humid condensation can create considerable dampness. We also rent sleeping bags and pads through our UB office. For toilet we dig a latrine or for small groups, simply provide you a shovel, toilet paper and the opportunity to make your contribution to the greening of Mongolia at a distance from camp determined by your personal comfort and aesthetics. Bathing is done with a basin of hot water, prepared by your cook or at an appropriate distance from the nearest lake or stream. When on the road, we often camp near a local family and while sleeping in our own tents, make use of the family's ger as a dining and living room. Your guide will provide the raw materials for dinner or lunch and work with the local family to cook a meal for you and the host family.
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Tack:
|
|
traditional Tibetan, Chinese, and Russian cavalry saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Mongolian local stock (13 to 14 hands)
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate, few trots and canters, 3-7 hrs in the saddle
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
230
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
|
Max
14 riders
|
|
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.
Helmet or no Helmet:
While we do not require helmets, all levels of rider should consider riding with a helmet. It is important for each rider to weigh the advantages and disadvantages for themselves. Safety can become an endless quest, since any situation can be made "safer" by adding gear and rules. Being an alert but also relaxed rider is the most important element of riding safety.
How much riding experience do I need?
Experienced riders and fit, willing novices go well together on this trip. We fit the horse to the rider's abilily and give you lots of leeway in terms of how, when and where you ride. These are not nose to tail trail rides; you can ride as much or as little as necessary to get to camp at days end. 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.
HORSE SAFETY :
- Never walk closely behind the horses. Give them a wide berth.
- Horses are not used to handling on their ‘off’ side. Use care when adjusting and tying things on the off side.
- ALWAYS check your girth strap before mounting. If it is loose, have a wrangler check and/or tighten it.
- Take the slack out of the reins and hold them securely while mounting.
- Make stirrup adjustments from the ground.
- Dismount to change clothing, raingear, etc.
- Ask someone to stop with you and hold your horse if you have to make adjustments, change clothes, take a photo, take a pee, etc.
- When initially riding away from the group or as you are catching up with the group, ride at a walk or slow trot. Never canter or gallop into or away from a group of walking horses. Advise others near you if you are going to stop, or, take a trot or canter.
- When the group arrives at lunch or camp, dismount and hold your horse by the lead rope until a wrangler takes your horse from you, or tie your horse sensibly.
- When the group is getting ready to depart, WAIT until all riders are mounted and ready to leave before riding off. This includes waiting even if the lead wrangler has begun riding.
- There will always be lead and ‘sweep’ riders. It is your responsibility to make sure you maintain contact with the group. Never ride so far ahead, or allow yourself to fall so far behind, that you are not visible to the group or out of shouting distance.
- Use common
sense.
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
1. nationals of the USA, if entering the country as a tourist, for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
(a) All foreign nationals staying in Mongolia for longer than 30 days are required to register with the police within 10 days of arrival. (b) Nationals entering Mongolia for stays up to 30 days should apply for an Entry and Exit visa; for stays over 90 days nationals should apply for an Entry visa. (c) Nationals transiting via trains can apply for a single-, double- or multiple-entry Transit visa.
Types of Visa and Cost
Entry and Exit visa: £40 (single-entry, 30 days); £55 (double-entry, 30 days per visit). Entry visa: £35 (single-entry, 90 days). Transit visa: £35 (single-entry); £40 (double-entry); £45 (multiple-entry).
Validity
Visas are valid for three months from date of issue.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses. If travelling on an organised tour, visas can be obtained through tourism companies or travel agencies. A group visa in the name of the tour leader is valid for all tourists on the list attached, provided relevant details (nationality, sex, date of birth, passport numbers, and dates of issue and expiry) are given at the time of application.
Working Days Required
Two to five. An express service is available which costs an additional £20.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
1 |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Mongolia Horse Trek in Arhangay
Tour Code:
IT-MNRT05
13 days /
12 nights
~$2,250.00
Dates :
July to Aug
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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