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Camel & Horse Trek near Gobi
Gobi Steppe
Mongolia
On this Mongolian journey we will use only the low impact and traditional modes of transport that this incredibly vast and relatively untapped country has to offer. Our equipment will be carried on camel carts, just as the Mongolian herders transport their belongings, as we move from one pasture to another. We will travel south over the steppe lands before meeting our own camel herdsmen who will accompany us on the rest of our adventure. Near the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi gradually begins to appear. Westerners perceive the Gobi as a desert but most of it is actually a semi-desert steppe; the steppes will give way to its sandy subsoil where we meet an amazing 20 kilometer stretch of sand dune. All herdsmen lead a traditional way of life here and like them we will carry a ger (the customary felt tent that Mongols live in today) for our lodgings. We use the services of the local people living in these parts and absorb ourselves in their unique culture, so very foreign to the western traveler. Here, the herdsmen are the experts and we are able to immerse ourselves in an exclusive firsthand experience of moving a nomadic camp the traditional Mongolian way, camels, horses and all! We have a unique perspective along the way, as our hosts are relatives to one third of the population in the area we explore! Quite often we will be invited into their gers to become acquainted with the Mongolian lifestyle. A pair of riding camels will also be brought along with our caravan; if you feel so inclined you may try your hand as a passenger on one of them with some help from the herdsmen! The daily horseback rides, which head out from the ger camp, will be led by a true local. While the locals do not often speak English, they have so much to show us of their land and culture by guidance alone. Each rider is paired with their own Mongolian mount to enjoy for the duration of the expedition; a pleasant travel companion as well as a wonderfully authentic way to see life as it is in this seldom traversed country!
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Camping Ride with pack horses
Walking Tour
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Meeting:
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Ulaanbaatar Hotel
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Airport:
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Ulaanbaatar
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Transfer:
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Ulaanbaatar Airport
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations - 1 night Hotel in UB, 4 nighs in Ger/tents, 3 riding days (horse or camel), Guide, all meals outside Ulaanbaatar
| A | 2012 | 6 day trip, AP - 3 riding days | 6d / 5n | $810 |
| Single hotel & tent supplement | $220 |
| Single hotel night - sharing tent | $55 |
| Medevac Insurance | $45 |
| Naadam Extension July 10 to 12 | $580 |
| Naadam Extension July 9 to 12 - 3 days 3 nights | $660 |
| Night in Ulaanbaatar per room (Single) from | $134 |
| Night in Ulaanbaatar per room (dbl) from | $144 |
| Day Trip - Hustai National Park - Przewalskii’s horse pp (min of 2) | $130 |
| Day Trip - Hustai National Park - Przewalskii’s horse -1 only | $240 |
| Additional Hotel night in UB - pp (dbl) | $75 |
| Additional Hotel night in UB - Single | $130 |
Group Leader stays FREE with group of 7+
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfers from Ulaanbatar (hotel) are included on set days
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$0
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2012
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Airport transfer pp each way (minimum of 2)
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$18
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2012
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Railway Station transfer pp each way (minimum of 2)
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$13
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Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2012
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05/05
- 05/10
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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05/15
- 05/20
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6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
|
2
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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05/25
- 05/30
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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06/04
- 06/09
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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06/14
- 06/19
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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06/24
- 06/29
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
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Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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07/04
- 07/09
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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07/16
- 07/21
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
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Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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07/26
- 07/31
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
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Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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08/05
- 08/10
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
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Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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08/15
- 08/20
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
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Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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08/25
- 08/30
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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09/04
- 09/09
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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09/14
- 09/19
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 3 riding da...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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Private departures are available with a minimum of 4.
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Rates do not include:
Gratuities, Airport departure tax, Imported drinks, Laundry.
if less than 5 pax no Gers but tents.
Can be combined with YAK supported trek
Also Nadaam extensions possible for July 10 to 13
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive to the Mongolian capital by air (via Moscow or Beijing) or from our Gobi Camel Trek. Meet for dinner with our guide to discuss the upcoming trip.
(Dinner is not included)
Day 2 Drive South!
Breakfast at the hotel and pick up around 9 am. Drive south over the treeless steppes. In the afternoon we reach Semjit Hairhan, giant rock formations visibly standing up and away from the surrounding steppe. Here we meet with the camel herdsmen and our horse guide. Put up camp on the steppe. Scan the ridges of the surrounding hills and rocks for Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon), the largest wild sheep in the world. All wildlife viewing requires a certain portion of luck, no guarantee here. Overnight in tents. BLD
Days 3 - 5 The Camel & Horse Trek
We will ride/trek for a three full days across the treeless steppes meeting nomadic herdsmen families on the way. Your private horse guide may not be be fluent in English, but has a fast knowledge of horses and the best riding country. The riding pace is according to your riding level. Some participants will be hiking along the ways - so this trip is very suitable for both riders and non riders! Our hosts in the area are relatives to one third of the local population! During the last day we will trek through Arburd Sands, a 20km long sand dune. Strangely enough, a good number of wolves - normally very wary of man - have taken refuge in these dunes and can sometimes be seen. We have brought one ger (yurt) that will be our mobile restaurant. Tents, all provisions and a cook are provided. All equipment will be loaded onto the camel carts. There will be one or two riding camels available so that we can try some riding of them as well. Herdsmen will follow the carts. We will make contact with other herdsmen along the way. We will be invited into their gers and learn about their ancient lifestyle. Overnight in tents and the last night at the Arburd Sands Ger Camp. BLD
Day 6 Bogd Khan Mountain
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way, we will visit the Bogd Uul Biosphere Reserve and the site of the ruins of the Manzhir monastery. This is the southernmost Taiga of the area, and we will head up into the hills and explore the forest. Red deer (Cervuselaphus) can usually be seen here. Arrival in the afternoon back to Ulaanbaatar and end of our services. BL
On this day you may also transfer to Hustai National Park to view the Przewalskii horses or go to nearby Jalman Meadows Ger Camp, 8km further up the Tuul River Valley, and extend your stay in the zone.
Hustai National Park - Takhi re-introduction
- available as a day trip or a 3 day excursion
Hustai National Park is the site of a unique re-introduction scheme of Przewalskii’s horse (Equus przewalskii), called "takhi" by Mongolians. It became extinct in the wild in 1969 and, since 1992, have been successfully re-introduced to Hustai from zoos around the world. This has been an international effort monitored by The Foundation for the Przewalskii Horse, based in the Netherlands and MACNE (Mongolian Association for Conservation of Nature and the Environment). The national park is rolling steppe mountains with rather large patches of birch and aspen forests. There are also visible remains of neolithic graves. In addition, red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wolf (Canis lupus) have increased quite a bit during the last few years, as well as Mongolian gazelle. Species present in Hustai but usually not seen include Lynx, Argali Sheep and Roe Deer.
Combinations: This journey extends very well to Arburd Sands Ger Camp. You may transfer to Arburd Sands, instead of back to Ulaan-baatar at a total additional cost USD 50.
-- subject to changes --
Meeting:
Ulaanbaatar Hotel
Airport:
Ulaanbaatar
Transfer:
Ulaanbaatar Airport
Distance:
3 hrs to trailhead
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Tack:
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MongolianBuryat Soldier Saddles
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Horses:
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Mongolian
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Pace:
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5-8 hours - many fast pace stretches
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Level:
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(2
to
2
out of 5) Novice+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
75
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Weight:
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Max
200
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Horse riding: Included on 3 days (unless you prefer to hike). You will be riding out with a local guide (he most likely does not speak much English). Mongolian horses are peculiar and horsemanship is somewhat different among the Mongols as compared to home and may take some getting used to. We suggest you bring your own riding hat with you, since none are available in Mongolia. If you prefer we can arrange for you to ride a Mongolian camel, Bactrian (two humped), they are easy to
ride even without previous experience, but not overly comfortable for long distance.
Tack: We will provide you with 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.
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 exist 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.
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
Mongolia is known as the "Land of the Blue Sky" and throughout the
year, there are 278 sunny days and between 9 and 23 cloudy days.
Although summer
temperatures are around 20°C, the city shivers in minus zero temperatures for
five months of the year, with January and February being the coldest months with
temperatures hovering between -15°C to -30°C. As a result of these prolonged periods of
intense cold, the city has an average annual temperature of -1.3°C, giving it
the dubious distinction of being the world's coldest capital!
In Mongolia, the Central Asian desert zones meet with the Siberian Taiga, hence, Mongolia is a transition zone with climatic extremes. 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 annual rain will fall.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: Average Conditions (in Celsius)
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| Month | Average Sunlight (hours) | Temperature | Relative humidity | Average Precipitation (mm) | Wet Days (+0.25 mm) |
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| Average | Record |
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| Min | Max | Min | Max | am | pm |
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| | | | | | | | | |
| Jan | 3 | -32 | -19 | -44 | -6 | 81 | 73 | 0 | 1 |
| Feb | 4 | -29 | -13 | -44 | 2 | 78 | 66 | 0 | 1 |
| March | 5 | -22 | -4 | -39 | 18 | 78 | 61 | 3 | 2 |
| April | 6 | -8 | 7 | -24 | 24 | 64 | 42 | 5 | 2 |
| May | 8 | -2 | 13 | -12 | 30 | 64 | 40 | 10 | 4 |
| June | 7 | 7 | 21 | -4 | 36 | 68 | 44 | 28 | 5 |
| July | 7 | 11 | 22 | 1 | 33 | 77 | 54 | 76 | 10 |
| Aug | 7 | 8 | 21 | -7 | 33 | 76 | 49 | 51 | 8 |
| Sept | 6 | 2 | 14 | -11 | 28 | 78 | 43 | 23 | 3 |
| Oct | 5 | -8 | 6 | -27 | 23 | 77 | 48 | 5 | 2 |
| Nov | 3 | -20 | -6 | -36 | 11 | 82 | 57 | 5 | 2 |
| Dec | 2 | -28 | -16 | -43 | 0 | 88 | 75 | 3 | 1
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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 and medium ziploc bags for trash disposal
Luggage padlocks
25 feet of nylon parachute cord (useful for tying rain gear and saddle bags behind saddle)
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
First night is at a hotel in UB, all other overnights are in tents or ger camps (4 nights). Please note: extra overnights in Ulaanbaatar at the end of the trip are not part of the package!
Meals: At the hotel in UB - only breakfast is included. On the trail our cook will prepare the meals. We pride ourselves in having cooks adapt with both western and Mongolian cooking on our trips. There are always vegetables available, and we have no problem accommodating vegetarians on our trips. For breakfast we can usually buy fresh yogurt from the herdsmen in the local area.
Transport: Mongolian families frequently move from one pasture to another using wooden traditional carts. These are tied to the animals available in the region. Here we will use camels and horses. The services of some herdsmen will be hired by the expedition, and they will provide us with their animals.
Staff: A Mongolian leader will accompany the group at all times. For these groups the service will be in English. Other language interpreters are available upon request. There will also be an assistant to the cook. In addition, the services of the local herdsmen will be hired along with their animals.
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Tack:
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MongolianBuryat Soldier Saddles
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Horses:
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Mongolian
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Pace:
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5-8 hours - many fast pace stretches
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Level:
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(2
to
2
out of 5) Novice+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
75
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Weight:
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Max
200
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
|
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Horse riding: Included on 3 days (unless you prefer to hike). You will be riding out with a local guide (he most likely does not speak much English). Mongolian horses are peculiar and horsemanship is somewhat different among the Mongols as compared to home and may take some getting used to. We suggest you bring your own riding hat with you, since none are available in Mongolia. If you prefer we can arrange for you to ride a Mongolian camel, Bactrian (two humped), they are easy to
ride even without previous experience, but not overly comfortable for long distance.
Tack: We will provide you with 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.
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 exist 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.
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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Camel & Horse Trek near Gobi
Tour Code:
IT-MGHKNJ01
6 days /
5 nights
~$810.00
Dates :
May to Sept
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
MongolianBuryat Soldier Saddles
Horses:
Mongolian
Pace:
5-8 hours - many fast pace stretches
Airport:
Ulaanbaatar
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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