Horse Riding Orkhon Valley
About this tour
The Orkhon Valley is located in the North of the province of Ovorkhangai, in the central part of Mongolia, about 360 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar. Located at the foot of the Khangai range, the Orkhon Valley is a large place of nomadism where many breeders usually set up their camp.
This lovely trip has the option to be done just by hiking, which is a cheaper alternative. The Orkhon Valley is an incredible place for hiking too, with its beautiful steppe and peaceful mountains, and volcano. The perfect place for a great adventure. Contact us if you would like more information about hiking.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar You will land in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. At the airport, you will meet with your translator who will take you to the city center, and on the way there you will be shown where to change currency if you wish to. If your flight |arrives early, you will be taken on a city tour on this day. Your luggage will be dropped off at your hotel before you enjoy the city tour. During the city tour, you will see the central square of Ulaanbaatar city; the Chinggis Khaan square. Then you will visit the Mongolian national historical museum and the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the center of Mongolian Buddhism. Then you will be taken to do some shopping if desired before being dropped at your hotel and then see you tomorrow!
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Kharkhorin, Mongolia
The journey starts in Ulaanbaatar with a drive toward the Kharkhorum direction. Under the decree of Genghis Khan, Karakorum became the capital of Mongolia in 1220. His son Uguudei continued the construction of the capital and at the time of Munkh Khan, the capital was a center of commerce. The silk road passed through Karakorum. Unfortunately, the former capital of Genghis Khan was destroyed by the Min military of China. We have only vestiges of our day. You will visit the Erdene-Zuu monastery; one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia and built by Avtai Sain Khan in 1586. It is located in Karakorum and it's surrounded by 108 stupas of the Buddhist religion. You will leave Kharkhorum after having dinner at a local restaurant and then drive about 10 km to meet your horse guides, who will be waiting for you with the horses. The night will be spent tent camping. Breakfast - hotel Lunch - local restaurant on the way Dinner - Restaurant in the Karakorum Accommodation – tent
Day 3: 47.093487, 102.761392 to 47.126112, 102.774352
Your horse riding journey will begin after breakfast that day. You will ride 30 km along the Orkhon river which is the longest river in Mongolia. It spans 1,120 km and it also includes the Orkhon Valley. In 2004, it became a UNESCO heritage because it has kept the stories of nomads for 2000 years. Breakfast - from your team Lunch - from your team Dinner - from your team accommodation - tent
Day 4: 47.126112, 102.774352 to 46.919773, 102.394037
You will continue your journey by horse starting at 10 am. On this day you will get to discover the beautiful Orkhon river and the Orkhon valley; the home of many wild animals who live in peace and freedom. You will be able to see long-tailed ground squirrels, marmots, and vultures quite easily and herds of sheep and goats, horses, and yaks. Also, sometimes children will gallop next to you with their racing horses. Breakfast - from your team Lunch - from your team Dinner - from your team Accommodation- tent
Day 5: 46.919773, 102.394037 to 46.970957, 102.203836
After breakfast, you will continue to ride. On this day, you will visit the Tuvkhun monastery built by Zanabazar who was the first Bogd Gegeen (first head of the Buddhist religion in Mongolia). This monastery is located at the top of Shiveet-Ulaan mountain surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Khangai range. It is 2350 meters above sea level. You are going to take your picnic at the top of the mountain. And then, you will continue your riding and arrive at Aguit river where you will camp to spend the night. Breakfast for your team Lunch - from your team Dinner - from your team Accommodation- tent
Day 6: 46.970957, 102.203836 to 46.855093, 102.115246
On the sixth day of your journey, you will ride to meet a local nomad family who lives by the Orkhon river. The breathtaking scenery in this area is tranquil and beautiful and the perfect place to get to know the nomadic family and get a real insight into their everyday lifestyle. For example- milking yaks, gathering cattle, cutting wood, and making cheese with them. You will spend the night in a yurt. Breakfast for your team Lunch - from your team Dinner - from your team Accommodation - yurt with a nomadic family
Day 7: 46.855093, 102.115246 to 46.714144, 101.851316
Here you will say goodbye to the nomad family and travel to see the Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall. This is one of the largest waterfalls in Mongolia, 20 meters high and 5 meters wide. It flows into the Orkhon river making it a wonderful meeting of the two rivers. You continue your tour to Boorog which will be the last stop before going to Naiman Nuur "Eight Lakes" national park, and also the last night in the Orkhon valley. You will camp around the forest and next to the river. Breakfast - from your team Lunch - from your team Dinner - from your team Accommodation- tent
Day 8: 46.714144, 101.851316 to 46.608583, 101.786772
8 to 10 (3 days in 8 lakes area) The day starts with the journey to the eight lakes national park where the eight lakes lay, surrounded by fir, pine, larch, and juniper trees. This time, the landscape changes completely to give way to the lakes and the typical mountain landscape. You will be able to explore this area for the next 3 days. From day 8, you will be traveling with yaks, very gentle beautiful animals who will carry your luggage, and we will load them for 3 days, that is to say, the vehicle no longer follows you, and the yaks replace it. On the first day of arriving here, you will travel 15 km into the forest. The path is not long but bumpy and swampy. There will be a picnic on the way and, at the end of the afternoon, you will discover 2 lakes Huis and Bayan lakes. Night in a tent at the edge of Lake Huis. Breakfast for your team Lunch - from your team Dinner - from your team Accommodation- tent
Day 9: 46.608583, 101.786772
You will ride in this national park of 8 lakes. After having breakfast, you will see the other lakes: Doroo, Haya, Shanaa, Bugat, Haliut, and Shireet. Lunch will be next to Shireet Lake. The largest lake is Shireet, which sits 2000 meters above sea level. Very pleasant for swimming. Next to the Shireet lake you will be camping and will have time to enjoy your time here. 10-15 km of riding Breakfast for your team Lunch - from your team Dinner - from your team Accommodation- tent
Day 10: 46.608583, 101.786772 to 46.480244, 101.876036
After breakfast, you continue your trek on horseback; this is your last day on horseback. You will travel along the Shireet lake to the Shuranga river and pass the Shireet mountain. Picnic at the Shireet pass which is 2500 meters above sea level, offers a perfect view for iconic picture taking. On this day you will arrive at your next nomadic family. Here you will meet with your driver and rediscover the life of nomads. For example- milking yaks, gathering cattle, cutting wood, and making cheese with them. Time to say goodbye to your horses, yaks, and your local guides as your horse riding trip finishes. Breakfast for your team Lunch - from your team Dinner - from your team Accommodation - yurt with a nomadic family
Day 11: 46.480244, 101.876036 to elsen tasarkhai
On this day, you will travel towards the Mini-Gobi and leave behind the nomad family and the beautiful 8 lakes National Park region. But don’t be sad! you will have one more night in the lovely countryside. The 80 km long Mini Gobi dune and its width are between 3-5 km. You will arrive at Khogno Khan National Park, a rocky and impressive mountain, and visit the Erdene Khamba temple which was built in the 12th century. Zanabazar built this temple for his teacher Erdene Khamba. The Mongols call it "the grand temple". After that, you will get the chance to ride a camel on the sand dune. After the camel ride, you will arrive at the tourist camp where you can have a well-deserved shower! Breakfast - by your team Lunch -by your team Dinner - tourist camp Accommodation - yurt at tourist camp
Day 12: Elsen Tasarkhai, Högönö-Taranaiin-Hüree, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
You are heading towards Ulan Bator. Enjoy the countryside landscapes, animals, horses, and yurts on your way. Lunch at the local restaurant on road. When finally arrive at Ulanbator, your guide will accompany you to the cashmere store. At 6 p.m. there will be the Tumen Ekh Mongolian traditional concert and dance show. You will discover Mongolian culture, dance, traditional songs, and overtone singing. Breakfast - tourist camp Lunch - local restaurant on the way Dinner --------- free Accommodation - Hotel
Day 13: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
This day is your last day in Mongolia. Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport. Also, the transfer can be organized at the time you want, according to the schedule of your flight. Thank you for you traveled with us, we hope you have a good journey back, and see you soon!
What's included
extra drinks are not mentioned in the programs.
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia