Mongolia · Horse Riding

12-Day Horse Trekking Adventure in Mongolia with Orkhon and Naiman Nuur

12 Days Round trip from Ulaanbaatar Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Ride Mongolian horses through the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley and scenic mountain trails
02 Explore the historic Tövkhön Monastery and learn about Mongolian spiritual heritage
03 Witness the spectacular Orkhon Waterfall and the pristine Eight Lakes of Naiman Nuur
04 Stay with nomadic families and experience authentic Mongolian culture and hospitality

Discover Mongolia on a 12-day horse trek through the Orkhon Valley and Naiman Nuur. Ride Mongolian horses across forests, mountains, and alpine meadows, with visits to Tövkhön Monastery and the spectacular Orkhon Waterfall. Stay with nomadic families, experience authentic culture, and explore pristine alpine lakes surrounded by volcanic landscapes. Encounter wildlife, enjoy local cuisine, and immerse yourself in Mongolia's remote natural beauty on this private adventure.

Ride Mongolian horses across forests, mountains, and alpine meadows, with visits to Tövkhön Monastery and the spectacular Orkhon Waterfall.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

City Ulan Bator

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Ulaanbaatar to Tövkhön Monastery and Orkhon Waterfall

Distance: 450 km by vehicle
Overnight stay: Guesthouse / nomadic family
Highlights: Scenic drive through central Mongolia, visit Tövkhön Monastery, and see Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan).

Day 02

Orkhon Waterfall to a Nomadic Host Family

Distance: 16 km
Overnight stay: Nomadic family or tent
Highlights: Introduction to herder life, prepare horses for the trek, and enjoy a local cultural experience.

Day 03

Nomadic Family to the Khorgo Area

Distance: 25 km
Overnight stay: Tent
Highlights: Start of the horse trek, rolling meadows, forest edges, and horse riding skills practice.

Day 04

Khorgo Area to Khorgo Volcano and River Valley

Distance: 28 km
Overnight stay: Tent
Highlights: Ride through the river valley, enjoy scenic views of Khorgo Volcano, and go birdwatching.

Day 05

River Valley to the Mountain Foothills

Distance: 30 km
Overnight stay: Tent
Highlights: Forested trails, mountain scenery, and wildlife spotting, including deer and foxes.

Day 06

Mountain Foothills to Lake Bayantes

Distance: 25 km
Overnight stay: Tent / ger
Highlights: Alpine meadows, small streams, a peaceful lakeside rest, and photography opportunities.

Day 07

Lake Bayantes to the Eastern Eight Lakes Area

Distance: 27 km
Overnight stay: Tent
Highlights: Ride through rolling hills and marshes, observe local wildlife, and reach the first lakes of Naiman Nuur.

Day 08

Exploring the Eight Lakes of Naiman Nuur

Distance: 15-20 km
Overnight stay: Tent
Highlights: Explore all eight lakes, fishing, birdwatching, mountain backdrops, and alpine meadows.

Day 09

Eight Lakes to a Nomadic Family in the Foothills

Distance: 28 km
Overnight stay: Nomadic family stay
Highlights: Return ride through forests and valleys, with cultural interaction with herders.

Day 10

Foothills to the Orkhon Waterfall Area

Distance: 30 km
Overnight stay: Tent / nomadic family
Highlights: Scenic descent back to the river valley, views of waterfalls, and grazing lands.

Day 11

Orkhon Waterfall to Tövkhön and Vehicle Pick-Up

Distance: 25 km
Overnight stay: Nomadic family / vehicle pick-up
Highlights: Last horse ride, farewell with the host family, and transfer by vehicle to Ulaanbaatar.

Day 12

Return to Ulaanbaatar

Distance: 450 km by vehicle
Scenic drive back to Ulaanbaatar.
End of the tour.

Where this trip takes you

Orkhon Valley, Tövkhön Monastery, Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan), Eight Lakes of Naiman Nuur

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Ulaanbaatar 1 city · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Nomad family ger, starting camp, and tents
All sleeping bags and blankets
Travel car transportation from Ulaanbaatar to Orkhon Waterfall Park, both ways
English-speaking guide
Horse guide
Daily bottled water
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Horse riding and horses
Mongolian snacks and dairy products
Horse trekking equipment

What's Not Included

Items for personal use, beverages, and alcoholic drinks
Travel and medical insurance
International transportation
Accommodation and meals in Ulaanbaatar
Visa fee
Single supplement
Gratuity for the guides and driver
Tipping and other personal expenses

What to bring

If you wish, you can bring your own gear on your horseback riding trip. For example: hats, sunglasses, sun cream, gloves, protective clothing, and travel clothes.
Long boots for riding.
Raincoat and water shoes.
Your own blankets, pillow, and sleeping bag.
Flashlights.
First aid box.
Sanitation devices.
Waterproof water bottle, pants, and jackets.

Know before you go

The itinerary may sometimes change بسبب bad weather.
Power bank and solar charger.
Compass, emergency whistle.
Lighter or waterproof matches.
Average monthly temperatures are +20 degrees, with daytime highs of 30 degrees, and nights may drop to +8 degrees at the end of May, June, late August, and September.
July could be the hottest or the wettest month. The average daytime temperature is +28 degrees, the hottest is +35 degrees, and the night temperature could drop to +12 degrees, although some nights could be sultry, particularly in July. The temperature could dramatically fall if it rains.

Logistics