Gobi Steppe Ride Gobi Steppe Mongolia A horseback journey across the Mongolian steppelands is an experience incomparable to anywhere else on Earth! Steppe habitats once made up 25 percent of the global land area, but today the Pampas, the puszta, the Prairies and the Ukraine have largely been developed for agricultural output and no longer remain wild. Only the Mongolian steppes have survived! The high elevation of Mongolia creates unusually clear air - all the year round.  Mongolia is known as the "Land of the Blue Sky" and throughout the year there are 278 sunny days and 9-23 cloudy days! It is an overwhelming visual experience of emptiness and vastness to ride across the completely silent and treeless horizon, completely devoid of any fences or constraint.  No trace of human activity except for the pastoralists and their herds wandering nomadically across the landscape.  We will ride through the transitional zone of the Gobi as well. True steppes, semi arid steppes, sand dunes and giant rock formations abound and we will visit the populated areas as well.   The human inhabitants of this unique landscape are perhaps the most interesting, since all families in the zone are nomads. In the summer they move with their herds in search of green pastures. Our hosts in the particular area are themselves keen horse-breeders, and compete in the different Naadam competitions. The Mongolian equestrian tradition is a living cultural heritage since the time of the Huns and Genghis Khan. Still today, the Mongols allow their horses to roam freely in a semi-wild condition, in harem groups with a stallion. There are no fences or any stables. They fend for themselves and forage what they can throughout the harsh winter period, and they also successfully defend their foals against the numerous wolves. Truly a once and a life-time experience, complete with traditional camel caravan, hardy Mongolian bred mounts, and knowledgable and experienced herdsmen sharing their remote and roaming culture with you! Meeting: Ulaanbaatar Airport: Ulaanbaatar Transfer: Ulaanbaatar Riders: Min 2 riders Max 10 riders Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer Option:

Day 01: Ulaanbaatar
Arrive the Mongolian capital and transfer to the hotel. Tour briefing after dinner.

Day 02: To Southern Töv
A.M. Drive south across the steppes to a place "in the middle of nowhere" called Holboo. Pitch camp by horse breeding nomads. Selection of horses. Horse riding briefing and trial riding. Overnight in tents.

Day 03: To Saran Tolgoy
Today we will start our ride across the steppes for 20km. Gobi high altitude fauna such as world's largest sheep, the Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon), are present in the hills and rocks and quite possible if you're lucky, to be seen during the day. Moreover small herds of gazelle may be seen on the steppes, and occasionally some wolves.

Day 04: To Elsen Hudag
Full day of 20-25km riding across the steppes to the smaller sands at Manhan. It is a smaller sand dune that visibly has cut its way through the steppe, as it has been moving itself, so pushed by strong winds, towards the east. We continue the ride to Elsen Hudag. Hudag means "well" in Mongolian and this area usually has many nomadic families in its immediate vicinity.

Day 05: To Uushig
Our ride now continues across the steppes. We ride to the uninhabited area of Uushig, where there is a small spring and spectacular rock formations. Among the rock formations it is very likely to spot Argali Sheep. Our campsite is within the rocks and as a back drop may potentially bring us the “Flaming Cliffs” at sunset.

Day 06: To Baga Zorgol Hairhan Uul
Continue riding east, passing a small Gobi lake, Hariin Nuur with some interesting birds. The distance is 25 km to the smaller – but still giant – Baga Zorgol Hairhan Mountains and rock formations. The lakes act as “islands” for waterfowl flying across a “sea of grass”. We pitch camp here and scan the ridges of this spectacular rock wall for Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica).

Day 07: Ikh Zorgol Hairhan Uul
The Gobi steppes in this area are quite variable since we ride through the transition zone of the Gobi: there are true steppes, semi arid steppes, sand dunes and giant rock formations. Today we will ride for 25-30 km across populated steppes and for the entire day we the Zorgol Hairhan giant rock formations are visible in the distance. They are several hundred meters high and are the central feature in the middle of the steppe.

Day 08: Ikh Zorgol Hairhan Uul
We will spend two nights camping in this dramatic landscape, and make a day trip around the area.

Day 9: To Arburd Sands
A full day ride, for 25-30km towards Arburd Sands. Today we will pass several nomadic herdsmen families. The human occupants of this open and vast landscape are perhaps the most interesting, since all families in the area are nomadic herdsmen. Overnight at Arburd Sands Ger Camp.

Day 10: Arburd Sands
The ride today is a short one, but it cuts through the Arburd Sands, a giant 20km long sand dune, which is a refuge for numerous wolves. Our camel carts will make their way around the dunes, while we will be riding right through, providing for Sahara like landscapes. Overnight at Aburd Sands Ger Camp.

Day 11: Bogd Uul National Park
Drive back for half a day to Ulaanbaatar. At lunchtime we will break the journey near Zuunmod, and enter Bogd Khan Mountain, a forested mountain area due south of Ulaanbaatar. Here are the Manzhir monastery ruins and and you will have a good chance of seeing Red Deer (Cervus elaphus). The drive from Manzhir to Ulaanbaatar is thereafter only one hour. Check into the hotel.

Day 12: Departure
Transfer to the airport, railway station, or your next Mongolian destination. We can recommend a stay at Jalman Meadows Ger Camp in the Khan Khentii Protected Area, which provides for a sharp contrast to the Gobi Steppes experience. 

There is a Naadam Festival extension in connection with this ride. 

Subject to change. Reversal of trip: Trips may be done in the reverse for operational reasons.

The mean elevation of Mongolia is about 1500 meters above sea level (5000 ft) which enhances the sharp continental climate. For most of the year it is very cold, especially at night. Precipitation is low and skies are usually clear during the wintertime. Summers, however, are very pleasant just as in the US and Europe. There is a short rainy season in July and August during which most of the yearly rain falls. Around 67-78 percent of all precipitation falls during these three summer months. This rain, however, is just what we get in northern Europe, at about the same time. Occasional strong winds can come and go quickly. Spring and fall pass very quickly. 

In Mongolia the Central Asian desert zones meet with the Siberian taiga. Hence, Mongolia is a country of climatic extremes. Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city on Earth. Mongolia is known as the Land of the Blue Sky. Indeed, this is true throughout the winter. Throughout the year, there are 250 sunny days and 9-23 cloudy days. The duration of the period with a mean daily temperature higher than the freezing point lasts about 170-190 days, increasing to the south and southeast up to 200-215 days.

The summer climate, when most visitors are likely to be in Mongolia, could be described as being similar to Scandinavian summers. However, with somewhat more pronounced extremes. E.g. when raining it tend be heavier and shorter. If extended they can cause floods locally. When a cold front comes, hail storms can come and go quickly. There may be more heat, and sudden strong winds. All in all, the weather pattern is very variable over short periods of time. In July 1996 some parts of Mongolia had drought, whereas at the same time other areas had floods and more rain than normal.

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.  While in Mongolia we will have weather in the 60's and 70's during the day, but nights will be cold.  If you are passing through Beijing on the way to or from Mongolia, be aware that Beijing is hot and humid.

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, water purification tablets, Mongolian phrasebook.
Our support structure is free from vehicles. All our provisions, camping equipment, luggage will be loaded on to yak carts. Even a ger (yurt) will be brought, and we will learn how to use it. 

…  this list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Comfortable riding jeans or Jodhpurs

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.

Rubber overboots, especially if your riding boots have leather soles.

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Good rain gear: parka and rain pants or “duster” (no ponchos)

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Pile jacket or down vest

Wool sweater or wool shirt

Warm gloves

wool cap or other warm hat

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Long underwear for cold nights (polypropelene or capilene)

Women: Jogbra or other suitable sporty support

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Comfortable footwear for city and village walking (sturdy walking shoes or tennis shoes or lightweight hiking boots well broken in)

Swimsuit

Bandana or scarf

For Camping trips:

Sturdy large duffel bag (30x15x14)

Sleeping bag (four‑season)

Ground mattress (supplied)

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

small towel

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Belt pack

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Biodegradable campsuds

Minimum 1 liter water bottle (leather bota bags work great for riding)

Flashlight with change of batteries

Toilet paper

Extra baggage tags ("collecting" tags is popular with baggage handlers in Asia)

5 large trash bags to line duffel and sleeping bag stuff sack

6 small & medium zip loc bags for trash disposal

Luggage padlocks

25 feet of nylon parachute cord (useful for tying raingear and saddle bags behind saddle)

Average ratings from 3 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date pal abrahamsen 7/23/2007 lisa jackson 7/23/2003 michelle graves 7/25/2002

When in Ulaanbaatar you will stay in a modern hotel of reasonable standard.  There is a private bathroom in all rooms. 

Outside Ulaanbaatar we will bathe and wash ourselves in the many streams and lakes.  The water temperatures sometimes allow swimming, but just as often only "a dip" in all you will want.  We have portable camping showers of western models and we will set up a shower tent.
This is also necessary at all times in the Gobi, where indeed there are some streams, but they are scarce and not for bathing in, since it is also the drinking water of the locals! We ask our clients to bring bio-degradable toiletries only.  We provide a toilet tent which is erected around a squat style hole, which of course is covered after use.

We use Swedish manufactured Hilleberg tunnel tents, that have proved to be resistant to the sometimes strong and sudden Mongolian winds, and they can be erected easily even during rains.  We will also provide you with an air mattress or Therma Rest mattress. 

You will have to bring along your own sleeping bag whenever we camp away from the Ger camps. During cold spells early and late in season, there is a slight chance of night temperatures below zero centigrade.  Frost is unlikely - but happens - also between June 15th to September 1st.  A four season sleeping bag is definitely necessary early and late in the season.  If you feel cold easy, or your body is small, you should take some care in the selection of  a sleeping bag.   The idea of a sleeping bag is that your own body heat will maintain and keep the warmth inside the bag.  It means that sleeping without clothes is better than having warm clothes on.  And small people should not sleep in a very large sleeping bag as they cannot heat the space with their own body temperatures.
If you have never slept under the stars:  Don’t worry!  You will find it a real pleasure!

Meals: The meals will be prepared by our cook. We pride ourselves in having cooks adapt with western, vegetarian and Mongolian cooking on our trips. For breakfast we can usually buy fresh yogurt from the herdsmen in the local area.

Staff: A Mongolian English speaking Mongol guide will accompany the group at all times. A cook will follow, with an assistant. In addition, the services of the local herdsmen will be hired along with their animals. The horsemen will come from Batbadrakh’s families. They follow a traditional lifestyle in the areas where we will be riding.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Minimum riding ability: Competent rider. Fit and capable of riding at all paces confidently. Varying terrain, in the saddle for several hours on most days.

Mongolia is probably the most equestrian nation in the world. Not only is the Mongol heritage and lifestyle intimately connected with the horse, Mongolia is an exceptionally inviting place for keen horse riders. The absence of fences and the vast expanses of the steppes and forests are ideal for uninterrupted and scenic riding at its best!
It should be remembered that the most professionally bred horses exists in central and steppe areas rather close to Ulaanbaatar, since the horse racing tradition is more competitive and pronounced. The reason for this is the competitive edge needed to succeed in the national annual Naadam Games held in Ulaanbaatar. We will provide you Russian saddles, which are more convenient for "western bottoms" than the Mongolian equivalent. The latter are made of birch wood! We recommend that you bring your own hard hat. Riding boots or short chaps are essential. We provide a saddle bag if needed.

Tack:		Mongolian Buryat Soldier Saddles
Horses:		Mongolian
Pace:		5-8 hours - many fast pace stretches | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3.5 to 4.5 out of 5)    Intermediate+
Age:		Min 12	Max 75
Weight:		Max 200
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 10 riders

Minimum riding ability: Competent rider. Fit and capable of riding at all paces confidently. Varying terrain, in the saddle for several hours on most days.

Mongolia is probably the most equestrian nation in the world. Not only is the Mongol heritage and lifestyle intimately connected with the horse, Mongolia is an exceptionally inviting place for keen horse riders. The absence of fences and the vast expanses of the steppes and forests are ideal for uninterrupted and scenic riding at its best!
It should be remembered that the most professionally bred horses exists in central and steppe areas rather close to Ulaanbaatar, since the horse racing tradition is more competitive and pronounced. The reason for this is the competitive edge needed to succeed in the national annual Naadam Games held in Ulaanbaatar. We will provide you Russian saddles, which are more convenient for "western bottoms" than the Mongolian equivalent. The latter are made of birch wood! We recommend that you bring your own hard hat. Riding boots or short chaps are essential. We provide a saddle bag if needed.

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.