Khuvsgul Lake Ride Gobi Steppe Mongolia Join our Horse Riding Holiday in Khuvsgul Lake, the blue pearl of Mongolia, and ride a strong Mongolian horse while exploring the Taiga region. Your horse riding tour starts with a domestic flight to Murun, the aimag capital of Khuvsgul. Once in Murun, you will be transferred to the first field camp: Khurkhuree Am, located on the southern east edge of the Khuvsgul Lake and 125 km from Murun. During this riding holiday, there are many chances to experience the mountains, rivers, steppes and forests. Our trailfinder and guide will choose the perfect location for camping for you to rest in the beautiful wilderness of Northern Mongolia. Camping Ride with vehicle support Camping Ride with pack horses Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Ulaanbaatar Airport: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) Transfer: Ulaanbaatar Riders: Min 2 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar (UBN). You will be met for your arrival flight on Day 1 of the trip. Check-out from your hotel on the last day: 12:00pm.

 

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please note that this riding tour may be done in reverse for operational reasons.

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to your hotel. Tour briefing, followed by dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Day 2: To Khurkheree Am
Transfer to the airport and fly on a domestic flight to Murun, the capital of Khuvsgul province. You will head out to Khurkheree Am tented camp via Hatgal town, 125 km from Murun. Picnic lunch will be provided on the way. After 5 o’clock tea at the camp, you will have brief meeting to get some instruction regarding riding and meet your horse guide and other staff. Then you can take a short ride in order to become familiar with your horse. Dinner at the camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Khurkheree Am tented camp

Day 3: To Nariin Davaa
We will ride across rather hilly terrain with occasional patches of Siberian larch forest. Throughout the ride we will see the grandeur of nature and the edge of the lake and come across a couple of clean water rivers such as Nariin, Halkh, Kheekhter rivers. Picnic lunch will be provided on the way.
Our camp support structure is free from vehicles. All our provisions, camping equipment and luggage will be loaded onto horses. We will arrive at the camp just before 5 o’clock tea. After the tea, relax and we can walk around the camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Khurkheree Am tented camp

Day 4: To Wolves Pass
We will have another nice day of riding. At noon, we will visit a nomadic family from Uriankhai ethnic group, located near Khukhuu tolgoi. Uriankhai (also written as “Uriyangkhai”, or Uryangkhai) is a Mongolian term applied to several neighbouring “Forest” ethnic groups such as the Altai Uriankhai, Tuvans and Yakuts and is one of 21 small ethnic groups existing in Mongolia. We will learn their daily life and get some experience of nomadic lifestyle before continuing our ride. Today's landscape features less trees (mostly steppe area). Picnic lunch will be provided on the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wolves Pass camp

Day 5: Hot spring of Bulnai Mountain
We will ride up-and down and across a couple of small and high mountain passes through thick forested area. This means that today’s riding will be a little bit slower than previous days.
Picnic lunch will be provided on the way. After relaxing, we will reach the hot spring of Bulnai Mountain (elevation 1600 meter) which is 40 km in north of Chandmani-Undur soum and located among big mountains covered by larch forests and granite cliffs. There are many geysers, of which temperatures are between 27-45 degrees Centigrade. The springs are situated in little wooden huts and are basically just a triangular hole cut in the wooden floor containing very hot water. The sulphat, chloride, sodium and calcium had been explored as chemical composition of the spring was analyzed in 1971. This spring is widely used for healing the neurogenic and pituitous disorders. We will explore the spring area for a while.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bulnai Mountain camp

Day 6: Camp Borsog
Today we will ride once more through thick forested areas. Picnic lunch will be provided on the way. The pace of today's ride will be a little bit slower. We might see some wild animals such as boar, roe deer, red deer, and moose. Picnic lunch will be provided on the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Camp Borsog

Day 7: Camp Dalbaa
We will ride through the larch forests, up the slopes of the mountains and follow ridges that offer superb scenery. From time to time, the forests will suddenly start to appear and disappear while riding
towards Khuvsgul Lake. Once at the lake, we marvel at its impressive size and the fascinating combination of Khangai and Gobi zone. Picnic lunch will be provided on the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Camp Dalbaa

Day 8: Camp Alagtsar
In the morning, we can go on a short hike or ride our horses until lunch time. In the afternoon, after saying thanks and goodbye to the field camp staff and horse guides, we will get on a motor boat to head out to Alagtsar ger camp located on the northern east edge of the lake. Picnic lunch will be provided on the way.
While boating, we will stop by two small islands. There are 4 islands on the lake: Khadan Khui, Modon Khui, Baga khui, and Dalain khui. Khadan khui has a very high mountain cliff where many birds gather. Modon khui is beautiful and surrounded by transparent water. After arriving at the ger camp, we can have hot shower, relax and pack for tomorrow.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Camp Alagtsar

Day 9: To Ulaanbaatar via Murun
This morning we will drive back to Murun and fly to Ulaanbaatar. Check into the hotel and see Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, on your own. We will have a farewell dinner in local restaurant and entertainment.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Day 10: Departure
Transfer out to your next destination.
Meals included: Breakfast



Naadam Games Extension

July 9th Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in the Mongolian capital by flight. If you arrive today we provide transfer to your hotel. You may explore the city on your own for the rest of the day. Distances are short and nearly all points of interest can be reached by foot. Minor archery competitions and trainings will already start today such as children’s archery, Buryat style archery, etc. Training sessions allow for good photography. In the evening the horse trainers arrive with their horses and pitch their mobile camps at Hui Doloon Hudag, a steppe area 40 km away from the city center. In the evening we meet for a festive welcome dinner. 

July 10th Ulaanbaatar
Today, one day before the National Naadam officially begins, we will drive out of the city and attend smaller, more intimate "country-style" Naadam festivals, usually held in three communities some 50-60km away. This failing, the big horse races also start on the Hui Doloon Hudag plains today. In the countryside you have the chance to get up close to the horse races, and also to the wrestling matches. Local people usually wear their finest traditional dresses, adding to the colorful, festive atmosphere. We have a picnic lunch nearby and head back to Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon.

July 11th Ulaanbaatar
Today Naadam is officially opened by the President of Mongolia. Soldiers on horseback, dressed in warrior regalia, ceremonially bring Genghis Khan's nine white horsetail banners from the parliament, where they are normally displayed, to the stadium. We will attend the impressive opening ceremony, after which the first round of wrestling will immediately follow. In most years 512 wrestlers from all over Mongolia compete, but in some years there are 1024! There are no judges, no time limits and no weight limits. We may try and attend the archery competitions (if not done the previous day) and later make our way out to the steppe area on the fringes of the city, where the horse races take place. We visit the nomadic tented camps that have sprung up, and experience a concentrated version of nomadic Mongolia. Herdsmen have come with their horses and all provisions for the festivities, which of course include airag (koumiss; fermented mares milk) for the merry making. Stroll around the area and you are likely to be invited in somewhere. You may also try your luck at the finals of the horse races, but prior instructions are necessary, since the finishing line of a full horse race of several hundred, is a potentially hazardous environment.

July 12th Ulaanbaatar (same as Day 1 for the standard itinerary)
Our services end after breakfast for the Naadam Games. You will be staying at the same hotel. Free day to explore Ulaanbaatar. Tour briefing after dinner.

                                                    Murun area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	6	17	35	52	65	74	76	73	63	47	26	10
Average Low Temperature (°F)	-19	-12	5	22	35	47	52	47	34	19	1	-13
Average High Temperature (°C)	-15	-8	1	11	18	24	25	23	17	8	-4	-12
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-29	-24	-15	-5	2	8	11	8	1	-7	-17	-25
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	0	0	0	0	1	5	7	6	2	0	0	0

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The mean elevation of Mongolia is about 1400 meters above sea level (5000 ft), which enhances the sharp continental climate. Mongolia has the highest atmospheric pressure in the world and the pronounced elevation as well as the distance from the moderating effects of the oceans, makes Ulaanbaatar the coldest capital city on Earth. This fact does not rule out extreme heat waves in the middle of the summer. 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.

Winter
Precipitation is low and skies are usually clear during the wintertime.

Summer
Summers 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. Around 70 percent of all precipitation falls during this period. When raining it tend to be heavier and shorter, if extended it may cause floods locally. Occasional strong winds can come and go quickly. Even if this sounds like a lot of precipitation during the summertime it is just about the same as in Europe at the equivalent time. Mongolia is known as the land of the blue sky and throughout the year there are 278 sunny days and 9-23 cloudy days.

Spring and fall pass very quickly.

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

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)

6 small & medium zip loc bags for trash disposal

Luggage padlocks

Nylon parachute cord (useful for tying rain gear and saddle bags behind saddle)

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

 

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip.

Description
You will be staying in a hotel for 2 nights, tented for 5 nights, and ger camp for 1 night. All accommodations are based on double occupancy. Private bathrooms are only available for nights spent in Ulaanbaatar. On all other nights, facilities are shared.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Bayangol Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Night 2 & 3: Khurkheree Am tented camp
Night 4: Wolves Pass Camp
Night 5: Bulnai Mountain Camp
Night 6: Camp Borsog
Night 7: Camp Dalbaa
Night 8: Alagtsar Ger camp
Night 9: Bayangol Hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Bayangol Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Ideally located in the city center, this hotel offers elegant and comfortable ensuite bedrooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and tea and coffee making facilities. Laundry is available for an additional cost.



Tented Camps
You will stay in spacious tent-tipis, with foldable bed-cots (bring your own sleeping bag). We take along a Mongolian tent to serve as our mobile restaurant, as well as showers and compost toilets housed in traditional Mongolian marquee style tents.


Room Occupancy
A single supplement fee applies for riders willing to have their own tent and own hotel room.



Meals
All meals are included in the trip except for lunch in Ulaanbaatar on day 9.

Our cook will prepare the meals. We pride ourselves in having excellent cooks adept at both western and Mongolian cooking on our trips.
We can usually buy fresh milk and yogurt from local herdsmen.
Picnic lunches will always be provided during the trail rides.

Alcoholic drinks are not included in this package but you are welcome to bring your own.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater for vegetarians. Please make sure to advice us in advance of any dietary requirements that you may have.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Mongolian Buryat Soldier Saddles
Horses:		Mongolian
Pace:		All gaits / around 6-7 hours in the saddle on most days | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3.5 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate+
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders

On this tour, apart from the short drive to the starting point of our horse riding adventure and back to the city, we will not rely on any motor vehicle support. Instead we use traditional wooden carts, that Mongolian families still use to move from one pasture to another. We travel with pack horses and riding horses.

Riding Experience
You should be a competent rider, fit and capable of riding at all paces confidently. Varying terrain, in the saddle for several hours on most days.

Tack
We will provide you Russian saddles, which are more convenient for "western bottoms" than the Mongolian equivalent. We provide a saddle bag if needed.

Staff
A Mongolian English speaking guide will accompany the group at all times. A cook will follow with the car van. In addition, the services of local herdsmen will be employed along with their animals. The horsemen follow a traditional lifestyle in the areas where we will be riding. If the group consists of five riders or more, we will also have a Mongolian doctor come along as part of the crew.

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.