Arkhangai Horse Trek And Nomadic Cultural Immersion
About this tour
This 8 day tour, beginning and ending in Ulaanbaatar and accompanied by an English-speaking guide, will give you experience and insight into the ancient culture and lifestyle of the nomadic herder families. Visit 'the Little Gobi' and Erdenezuu Monastery enroute to Arkhangai, then after getting your fill of western food, barista coffee and free wifi in a comfortable guesthouse, head out on horseback for 4 days / 3 nights staying with nomadic herder families each night while exploring the stunning Khangai mountain foothills, and the Tamir River valleys of Arkhangai Province. Return to the comforts of the guesthouse in town, and during a restful day visit the Tsenkher Hot Springs to soak out any aches and pains from your horseback adventures. Return to Ulaanbaatar via Ugii Nuur (Lake), and the Khar Bukh Balgas Ruins near Dashinchillen, dating back to around 700-800 AD.
Note that there is total flexibility to adjust the tour plan to suit your desires, interests and budget.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Tsetserleg, Mongolia
Depart Ulaanbaatar in a private vehicle and drive around 7-8 hours west out of the hustle and bustle of the city into the wide open spaces of the Mongolian countryside. Stop enroute at an area of sand dunes sometimes referred to as 'The Little Gobi', then at Kharhorin where you can explore the Erdenezuu Monastery and/or the Kharhorin Museum – one of the better museums in the country. Continue on to a comfortable guesthouse in Tsetserleg and settle in to the accommodations and cafe there.
Day 2: Tsetserleg, Mongolia
Explore Tsetserleg, hiking in the hills bordering town, visiting the monastery and/or museum, and prepare for your horse trek which will begin the following day.
Day 3: Tsetserleg, Mongolia to Bulgiin Denj, Mongolia
A 20 minute drive will take you to the nomadic family gers where you will begin your horse trek. Meet the family of your guide, and be welcomed into their home in the traditional manner, and drink tea together. Head out for a 4 day trek on horseback, riding up into the Tamir River valley, and into the foothills of the Khangai range. Immerse yourself into the ancient culture of the nomadic herdsmen.
Day 4: Bulgiin Denj, Mongolia to Zaankhushuu, Mongolia
Continue on your horse trek with your guide, staying each night with a different nomadic family. Rise in the morning and be hands-on, helping out with whatever the family is doing – preparing food, rounding up livestock, milking cows and horses.
Day 5: Zaankhushuu, Mongolia to Ikh Tamir Sum, Zaankhushuu, Mongolia
Continue on your horse trek to the gers of a different family. Ride over craggy mountaintops, through forested hillsides, and down into the lush river valleys.
Day 6: Ikh Tamir Sum, Zaankhushuu, Mongolia to Tsetserleg, Mongolia
Farewell the family who have hosted you for the night, and return via a different route to your guide's family home where you will enjoy some final nomadic hospitality before returning to the guesthouse in Tsetserleg where you will enjoy a hot shower, a hamburger or other western food options, real coffee and the comforts of home.
Day 7: Tsetserleg, Mongolia to Tsenkher Hot Spring Resort, Altan-Ovoo, Mongolia
Sleep in! Enjoy a long leisurely breakfast, and if you are so inclined, take a stroll around town, the monastery, museum and temple. In the afternoon, drive for about an hour out to the Tsenkher Hot Springs, and soak out your aches and pains. Enjoy a dinner at the resort by the springs, and then return for one final night's sleep in the guesthouse in Tsetserleg.
Day 8: Tsetserleg, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Return to Ulaanbaatar by private vehicle, taking an alternative route via Ugii Nuur (Ugii Lake) and the Khar Bukh Balgas ruins which date back to around 700 AD. You will be returned to your UB accommodation.
What's included
All basic costs included - driver, guide, car, fuel, meals, horse hire, horse guides, nomadic family fees, hot springs entry etc.
Travel to and from Mongolia, visas, snacks, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, accommodation before and after your tour, travel insurance are not included in the price quoted.
What to know
This tour can be customised. Days can be added or reduced. You can choose to reduce costs by not having a translator with you for the whole trip. This can be added to other travels such as a Gobi Desert or Khuvsgul trip. Please talk to us about your specific interests.
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Tsetserleg, Mongolia