Explore the world with tourHQ
The journey
Escape into the heart of Mongolia on this 11-day horse trekking expedition through vast steppe landscapes, sacred heritage sites, and restorative hot springs. From the golden dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai and the historic legacy of Kharkhorin, you'll ride alongside professional horsemen through river valleys, remote mountain trails, and peaceful camps under open skies. Along the way, discover Erdene Zuu Monastery and the cliffside Tuvkhun Monastery, soak in the natural thermal waters of Jaran Tsagaan and Tsenkher, and connect with nomadic culture through a family homestay, traditional meals, and a memorable final evening in Mongolian attire.
At a glance
Day by day
Depart from Ulaanbaatar and drive west toward Elsen Tasarkhai. Experience camel riding across the golden dunes.
In the evening, stay overnight with an authentic nomadic family, sharing a traditional Mongolian Horhog feast and experiencing real nomadic hospitality under the stars.
Travel to Kharkhorin, the ancient 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. Explore the Kharkhorin Museum, which showcases a rich collection of artifacts from various ancient Mongolian empires, followed by a visit to Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia's oldest and largest historic monastery.
Afterward, meet your professional horsemen and friendly steeds, complete a safety briefing, and spend time getting acquainted with your horse for the journey ahead.
In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and relax at a cozy, fully equipped campsite set up along the picturesque banks of the Orkhon River.
Saddle up for a full-day ride along the winding currents and picturesque banks of the iconic Orkhon River. Surrender to the tranquility of the open grasslands, passing nomadic herds and endless horizon views as you ride alongside native horsemen and experience the true freedom of the Mongolian steppe.
Leave the main tracks behind as you trek deeper into the endless green steppe of Nariinii Am.
Ride through mountain valley trails, cross small creeks, and set up camp in a serene, remote valley surrounded by quiet pine forests and open skies.
Ride uphill through forested mountain trails to Tuvkhun Monastery, a sacred spiritual retreat personally designed and built atop the cliffside by Zanabazar, Mongolia's most revered Buddhist leader and master sculptor.
As legend holds, he chose this secluded sanctuary for its powerful, holy energy. Explore its sacred meditation caves, absorb the profound peacefulness, and take in breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across endless, layered mountain ranges in every direction.
Continue your horse trek across high ridges heading toward Jaran Tsagaan Hot Springs. Upon arrival, unwind and soothe your muscles in the local natural hot springs.
Known to improve blood circulation, boost energy, and offer various health benefits, these geothermal waters will heal your sore muscles and completely refresh your spirit after a long ride.
Enjoy a scenic day riding alongside the clear, winding currents of the Burdiin Gol River.
The flat riverbanks provide fantastic terrain for faster trots and canters, with plenty of scenic stops for photos and relaxing streamside lunches.
Conquer elevated mountain passes offering panoramic views before descending into the lush green basin of the Tsenkher River.
The changing mountain and alpine scenery makes this one of the most breathtaking riding legs of the entire expedition.
Soak in the renowned waters of Tsenkher Hot Springs, celebrated as one of Mongolia's finest geothermal retreats.
After rewarding days in the saddle, give your body complete renewal in these mineral-rich natural thermal pools, concluding with a relaxing evening at a cozy tourist camp.
Bid farewell to your horses and drive back to historic Kharkhorin. In the evening, enjoy a photoshoot in traditional Mongolian attire, followed by a cultural costume show during a buffet dinner.
Before dinner, you will have a chance to wear traditional Mongolian clothes and take part in a costume photo shoot.
Spend this special night at the Secret of the Silk Road tourist camp, one of the most beautiful and largest culturally embedded camps in the region.
Enjoy a scenic drive back to Ulaanbaatar, reflecting on your journey as the landscapes shift from golden dunes to the bustling capital.
Arrive by late afternoon, concluding an unforgettable 11-day expedition through Mongolia's sacred mountains, winding rivers, and healing waters.
The route
The fine print
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
One bottle of water per day
Guide
Horse guide
Driver
Car and petrol
Accommodations
Taxes
Tickets
Horse riding fee
Camel riding fee
Sleeping bags
Tents
Free airport pick-up
Free airport drop-off
Personal expenses
Alcohol beverages
Gratuity
Practical Actionable Steps Before & During Departure
1. Riding & Physical Preparation
Condition Lumbar & Core: Focus on core stability and lower-leg strength before arrival. Long hours in traditional or endurance saddles over uneven terrain require a strong flexed-knee posture to protect your lower back.
2. Gear & Layering Strategy
Three-Layer Thermal System:
Base: Merino wool or high-wicking synthetic (avoid cotton, which traps moisture and causes hypothermia when cold).
Mid: Technical fleece or lightweight down/synthetic puffer for evening camps.
Outer: Windproof, fully waterproof hard-shell jacket and pants for rapid mountain storms.
Protective Headgear: Bring a properly fitted, certified hard-shell riding helmet. High-altitude UV exposure also requires a brimmed hat or cap and high-SPF lip balm and sunscreen.
3. Field Health & Sanitation Protocol
Dry-Bag Packing: Pack all clothing, sleeping gear, and electronics inside heavy-duty, roll-top waterproof dry bags before placing them into pack-horse panniers. Unpredictable mountain river crossings and rain can saturate standard duffels.
Power & Connectivity: Expect zero cellular coverage and no grid electricity once you enter the Nariinii Am valley and Jaran Tsagaan ridge. Bring high-capacity power banks stored in inner pockets to prevent cold temperatures from draining lithium batteries.
Here is a science-backed, highly practical "Know Before You Go" guide tailored specifically for riders embarking on the 11-Day Summer Closure Horse Trek (11DT) across the high Khangai range.
Brief Technical Overview
Physiological Adaptation: Transitioning directly from Ulaanbaatar ($1,350\text{ m}$) to high mountain passes ($2,400+\text{ m}$) causes an immediate increase in ventilation rates and fluid loss through exhalation. Hydration directly impacts blood viscosity and muscle recovery.
Equine Biomechanics: Mongolian horses are compact, semi-wild stock ($12\text{-}14\text{ hands}$) bred for high-stamina endurance. Their neck-reining and trail responses differ significantly from Western or English equestrian style.
Microclimatic Shifts: Late-summer mountain weather in Arkhangai and the Orkhon Valley can drop from $+20^\circ\text{C}$ daytime down to sub-zero ($0^\circ\text{C}$ to $-5^\circ\text{C}$) overnight on exposed ridges.
Logistics
Your 11 days finish where they began, in Ulaanbaatar.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
Starting from
When
Travellers
Total
—
