Sacred Mountains & Healing Water Horse Expedition
About this tour
🌟 TRIP AT A GLANCE
• Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
• Route: Ulaanbaatar → Elsen Tasarkhai → Orkhon Valley → Tuvkhun Monastery → Tsenkher Hot Springs → Kharkhorin → Ulaanbaatar
• Highlights: Multi-day horseback trekking through UNESCO landscapes, ancient monastic ruins, volcanic valleys, camel riding in golden sand dunes, and relaxing in thermal hot springs.
• Cultural Immersion: Authentic tents stays, traditional Mongolian cuisine (Khorkhog), and wilderness camping under the open sky.
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• Included: Guide, horse guide, horses, meals, ground transportation, camping equipment, and park entry fees.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Elsen Tasarkhai, Högönö-Taranaiin-Hüree, Mongolia
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.
Day 2: Elsen Tasarkhai, Högönö-Taranaiin-Hüree, Mongolia to Kharkhorin, Mongolia
Travel to Kharkhorin, the ancient 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. Explore the Kharkhorin Museum, showcasing 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.
Day 3: Kharkhorin, Mongolia to Orkhon River, Mongolia
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, experiencing the true freedom of the Mongolian steppe.
Day 4: Orkhon River, Mongolia
Leave 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.
Day 5: Orkhon River, Mongolia to Tuvkhun hiid Bayasgalan tourist camp, Mongolia
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.
Day 6: Tuvkhun hiid Bayasgalan tourist camp, Mongolia to Jaran Tsagaan resort, sum, Mongolia
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.
Day 7: Jaran Tsagaan resort, sum, Mongolia
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
Day 8: Tsenkher hot springs, Tavanbulag, Mongolia
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.
Day 9: Tsenkher hot springs, Tavanbulag, Mongolia
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.
Day 10: Tsenkher hot springs, Tavanbulag, Mongolia to Kharkhorin, Mongolia
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. We will 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.
Day 11: Kharkhorin, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
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.
What's included
Breakfast Lunch Dinner A Bottle of water a day Guide Horse Guide Driver Car & Petrol Accommodations Taxes Tickets Horse riding fee Camel riding fee Sleeping Bags Tents Free pick up from the airport Free drop off at the airport
Personal expenses Alcohol Drinks Gratuity
Languages spoken
What to know
1. Moderate endurance This is an actual multi-day horse trek, not a sightseeing tour with occasional short rides. Guests should be comfortable spending several hours on horseback each day. 2. Physical fitness The trek involves long days outdoors, mountain trails, river crossings, uneven terrain and several consecutive days of riding. Riders may experience sore muscles, especially during the first few days. 3. The horses Guests will be assigned a suitable Mongolian horse according to their riding ability and body size. Mongolian horses are smaller and different from many Western riding horses. They are hardy, sure-footed and accustomed to the terrain. 4. Riding pace The group normally rides at a comfortable pace. Walking and trotting are common, while faster riding may be possible in suitable open areas. The guide/horseman will decide what is safe depending on terrain, weather and the group's ability. 5. Weather Mongolian summer weather can change quickly. You may experience strong sunshine, rain, wind and cool temperatures, sometimes on the same day. Waterproof and warm layers are important. 6. Accommodation This is an adventure trip rather than a luxury holiday. Most nights are spent in tents, depending on the itinerary. Facilities can be basic. The tourist camp nights provide a more comfortable break. 7. Showers and electricity During the remote trekking section, showers and electricity may not always be available. Charging your phone or camera can be difficult, so bringing a power bank is highly recommended. 8. Food Meals are generally simple, hearty Mongolian-style meals designed to provide enough energy for riding. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements should be communicated in advance. 9. Luggage Guests should bring only what they need during the trek. Large luggage can usually be left safely with the support vehicle/base accommodation, while a smaller day bag can be taken during the riding section. 10. Safety Mongolia is a remote destination. Some areas have limited mobile coverage and medical facilities can be far away. Guests must follow the instructions of the guide and horsemen, particularly when crossing rivers, riding downhill or changing pace. 12. Hot springs The hot springs are natural facilities in remote areas, so they should not be compared with modern spa resorts. They are primarily for relaxing and recovering after riding. 13. Nomadic family stays Staying with a nomadic family means experiencing traditional Mongolian life. Guests should expect a simple environment and should be respectful of local customs, livestock and the family's daily routine. 14. No guaranteed riding conditions The exact riding route can change because of weather, river levels, road/trail conditions or local circumstances. Safety takes priority over following the itinerary exactly.
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Elsen Tasarkhai, Högönö-Taranaiin-Hüree, Mongolia