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MONGOLIA : HORSE RIDING TRAIL IN ARKHANGAI + NAADAM FESTIVAL...

The Arkhangaï is a land of vast areas and history: areas covered by the last nomadic peoples, and a history resonating with the Gengis Khan's hordes… Fortunately, peace has returned for those peoples impregnated with the Buddhist values, who will know how to share their daily life. The Khangaï Mounts are crossed by some of the mightiest rivers of Mongolia, the most famous of them is, the Orkhon River, supplying with water- and life- the nomadic populations and their herds. We will go up the valley of this river to the sources of the history of the Mongolian people. In the end of june, a special departure is planned for the Naadam feast, great national festival during which Mongolia celebrates its millenial culture with archery tournaments and horse-races…

ITINERARY

Arkhangaï Ride

We suggest you a beautiful itineray in the famous area of Arkhangaï, cradle of the nomadic civilization, where horses are the usual way of travel. This area must absolutly be discovered on horseback. We plan for you meetings with the mongolians inhabitants in order to show you their tradition and make you test all local products served with the traditional mongolian hospitality.

Day 1 : Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Meeting at the airport and transfer to our camp located after 5 hours drive in the Arkhangaï area. As you'll certainly be tired by the plane, we'll organise you a full day visit of Oulan Bator at the end of your stay. Relax and night under yourte.

Day 2 : Karakorum
In the morning, drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia. There is a small town here now. On arrival the first and most obvious landmark is the vast wall of Erdenezuu Monastery. The monastery was built in 1586 and is surrounded by a massive 400m x 400m wall. Not a single nail was used in the construction of the ornate temples, only a few of which remain standing after the communist purges. In previous times the grounds held over 60 temples with 10,000 monks using them for their daily worship. We will visit the monastery. Our guide and horses will join you for a first short ride. Night in camp.

Day 3 : Orkhon valley
First ride on the Orkhon valley. We follow the river until the village of Hoton where we meet nomads in their traditional life. 5 hours on horseback.

Day 4 : Sant valley

Day 5 : Khurjirtiin Davaa valley

Day 6 : Tovkhon monastery

Day 7 : Orkhon Waterfall

Day 8 and 9 : Orkhon valley

Day 10 and 11 : Eight lakes valley

Day 12 : Khijurt

Day 13 : Khustaï park

Day 14 : Ulaanbaatar
Transfer after departure to Ulaanbaatar airport for your international flight.

Trip extension with Naadam Festival (departure only on June 27th)

Day 14-15 (July 11 and 12) : 2 days at Naadam in Ulaanbaatar
Today we will spend a full day at the Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar. In the morning we will see the flag ceremony on the main square, then go to the stadium to see the opening ceremony, and the wrestling and archery competitions. In the afternoon we will see the horse racing in the surrounding countryside. The evening program will be a performance of Mongolian folk song and dance. A guide and vehicle will accompany you at all times. Breakfast and lunch will be at the hotel and dinner will be at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Chinggis Khan Hotel. The following day can be spent relaxing and exploring the city, or you can return to the stadium to watch more wrestling and archery, or watch more horse racing just outside the city. There will be a dinner and cultural program, followed by another overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 16 : Departure
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure.

NOTE : Should circumstances beyond our control, such as the imposition of quarantine restrictions, require a change of itinerary, we will inform your agent and propose an equivalent itinerary.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses

The Mongolian horses are small, sturdy; they are working horses suited to all the sort of grounds.

Tack

The tack is traditional, or stems from the saddles of the Russian cavalry.

Required riding level

A great experience of riding is not necessary, it is much more important to be used to living outside, not being afraid of a lack of comfort, and being fit to explore those very remote regions and being able to stay between 4 and 6h in the saddle, for 6 days running.

This ride in the Khentiiï Mountains is intended to experienced riders, as the support vehicule is a packhorse and environnement is quiet hard and wild.


Helmet is mendatory on this trail !

YOUR GUIDES

The team that supervises these trail rides is composed of local specialists. Everything is done to reduce the risks, but it is important to be fit and conscious of the risks linked to a trail ride in a wild environment, seeing that certain stages taking us several days on horseback away from the closest road and so from the hospital.
However, our personal safety is assured by the traditional hospitality in Mongolia. An attack or a theft is much more possible in your native town than in those welcoming regions!

ACCOMMODATION

DATES AND RATES

- flights to Oulan Bator
- seightseeing costs,
- lunch in Oulan Bator the last day,
- shows in Oulan Bator,
- Museum and entry fees,
- any other service,
- tips,
- drinks,
- departure tax,
- visa,
- optional insurance : More information.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Contact Claire, the specialist for this destination !

PRATICAL INFORMATIONS

Mongolia

Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.

Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.

We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..