11-Day Mongolia Horse Expedition through Orkhon Valley Hot Springs

11 Days Round trip from Ulaanbaatar city Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Ride resilient Mongolian horses through wild valleys, pine forests, and high mountain ridges
  • 02 Explore Tuvkhun Monastery and its sacred meditation caves high above the steppe
  • 03 Soak in the mineral-rich hot springs of Jaran Tsagaan and Tsenkher after days in the saddle
  • 04 Stay with a nomadic family, ride camels across golden dunes, and share a traditional Horhog feast
  • 05 Discover Kharkhorin's heritage at the museum and Erdene Zuu Monastery

Experience an unforgettable 11-day journey through Mongolia's historic Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This expedition combines raw high-country riding with comfortable, fully equipped camping as you travel with an experienced English-speaking guide, local horsemen, and a personal chef. Ride resilient Mongolian horses along scenic mountain trails, soak in the natural thermal springs of Jaran Tsagaan and Tsenkher, and enjoy authentic cultural experiences including camel riding, a traditional Horhog feast, and a stay with a local nomadic family. The journey concludes in historic Kharkhorin after days of sacred mountains, winding rivers, and healing waters.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Ulan Bator, Kharkhorin
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival and Camel Ride at Elsen Tasarkhai

Depart from Ulaanbaatar and drive west toward Elsen Tasarkhai. Experience camel riding across the golden sand 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.

  • Distance: 280 km

  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

2
Day 02

Kharkhorin and Erdene Zuu Monastery

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. Afterwards, 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.

  • Distance: 70 km

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3
Day 03

Horseback Ride Along 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.

  • Distance: 25 km

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4
Day 04

Into the Nariinii Am Valley

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.

  • Distance: 30 km

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5
Day 05

Tuvkhun Monastery and Sacred Caves

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 stretching across endless, layered mountain ranges in every direction.

  • Distance: 25 km

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6
Day 06

High Ridge Ride to Jaran Tsagaan

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.

  • Distance: 25 km

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7
Day 07

Ride Along Burdiin Gol Riverbanks

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.

  • Distance: 28 km

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8
Day 08

Mountain Passes to the Tsenkher River

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.

  • Distance: 30 km

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9
Day 09

Tsenkher Hot Springs Retreat

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.

  • Distance: 30 km

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10
Day 10

Return to Kharkhorin and Cultural Evening

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. 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.

  • Distance: 200 km

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11
Day 11

Scenic Return to Ulaanbaatar

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.

  • Distance: 360 km

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Ulaanbaatar city 2 cities · 11 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking guide

  • Experienced driver and full petrol/fuel coverage

  • Comfortable travel vehicle throughout the tour, with hotel pick-up and drop-off services

  • Accommodations (tourist ger camps and authentic nomadic family stay)

  • All meals as specified in the itinerary

  • All entrance fees for attractions, historical sites, and national parks

  • Horse riding and camel riding activity fees

  • Hot springs entry and bathing fees (Jaran Tsagaan and Tsenkher)

What's Not Included

  • Travel and medical insurance (optional)

  • Personal expenses and shopping

  • Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Single supplement fee

  • Gratuities/tips for the tour guide and driver

Know before you go

  • Master English Host and Guide: Your cultural storyteller and trip anchor, revealing the hidden histories, lore, and living heritage of the Mongolian steppe.

  • Seasoned Trail Wranglers: Guided by local horsemen who know every mountain pass and river crossing, ensuring safety and confidence in the saddle.

  • Traverse holy peaks, surrender to healing waters, and discover an untamed sanctuary where the wind still carries the songs of ancient nomads.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bayangol Hotel parking
Tour start
Ulaanbaatar city
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 11 days finish where they began, in Ulaanbaatar city.

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