🗓 Season & Travel Style

Our Heart of Mongolia Horse Riding Journey operates from late May to mid-September, when the Orkhon Valley is green, rivers run full, and the steppe hums with life. Designed for active travelers who seek both adventure and cultural depth, this journey blends moderate horseback riding, scenic drives, and time with nomadic families in Central Mongolia’s most historic landscapes.

• Ride through the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley, past waterfalls, lava canyons, and wildflower meadows to the hidden hermitage of Tuvkhun Monastery, all while accompanied by a local horse guide whose family calls this valley home. Comfortable ger camps and warm hospitality ensure restful nights after days spent in the saddle.
• Expect 3–6 hours of riding daily, some off-road drives (4–6 hours), and cool evenings under a vast, starlit sky. This journey is ideal for travelers drawn to nature, culture, and the quiet rhythm of the Mongolian steppe, seeking connection more than luxury and stories that unfold slowly, one ride at a time.
• 🏨 Accommodation: A Balance of Comfort & Character

Hotel in Ulaanbaatar – Comfortable City Stay Your first and final nights are spent at a good-quality modern 3★ hotel in Ulaanbaatar, selected for comfort, cleanliness, and convenient location. Rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, hot showers, air conditioning or heating, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast service. Most hotels we partner with are within a short distance of Sukhbaatar Square, restaurants, and shops, allowing guests to explore the capital with ease. Examples of our partner hotels include Premium hotel, Aurora hotel, and Millenium plaza — or similar standards depending on availability.

Tourist Ger Camps – Simple Comfort in Nature

Outside the capital, all nights are spent in tourist ger camps — the signature accommodation of Mongolia’s countryside. These camps are situated near natural attractions such as sand dunes, cliffs, waterfalls, and monasteries. Each ger (traditional felt yurt) provides:

• Twin beds with clean linens and bedding (extra beds available on request)
• A small table, chairs, and simple décor reflecting nomadic tradition
• Shared hot showers and Western-style toilets in a separate building
• Restaurant ger serving freshly cooked meals
• 220V electricity available in the evenings for lighting and device charging
• Heating stove available in cooler months or high-altitude regions

Tourist ger camps are seasonal (May to early October) and vary slightly in style, but all offer safe, clean, and peaceful stays surrounded by nature. Please note:

• Most camps do not provide one-time toiletries (toothbrush kits, shampoo, robes, or slippers), though some upgraded camps may.
• Bring your own personal items and towel.
• Some camps offer Wi-Fi through Starlink, but connection can be intermittent due to location.

Camps are a highlight of travel in Mongolia — quiet, scenic, and close to nature, yet offering reliable comfort and hospitality. 🍽 Meals: Hearty, Simple & Locally Inspired All meals are included as indicated in your itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner). Mongolian meals are simple, nourishing, and freshly prepared using local ingredients suited to each region. Breakfast:

• Bread, butter, jam, eggs, sausage, and tea or coffee
• Occasionally pancakes, cereal, or yogurt

Lunch:

• Usually, a light soup or salad starter
• Main course: beef, mutton, or chicken served with rice, pasta, or potatoes
• Side of fresh vegetables or pickled salad
• Dessert or fruit and tea

Dinner:

• Main course: noodle or rice dish with meat
• Simple dessert (fruit, yogurt, or sweet dumpling)
• Tea (coffee rarely served in rural areas)

At the nomadic family, you will enjoy authentic home-cooked Mongolian food — hearty, flavorful, and prepared over a wood or dung stove. Dairy and meat are the main staples, while vegetarian meals can be arranged upon request in advance. Please note that gluten-free options are difficult to provide in remote areas.

• Travel Buddies provides 5 liters of bottled water per person per day, and additional water is available for purchase at camps or rest stops.

🚙 Transportation & Roads All Travel Buddies tours operate with Japanese minivans These vehicles are comfortable and proven to be the best around the rough drives of Western mountains Road conditions:

• Access roads to attractions and national parks are typically dirt or gravel.
• Daily driving distances average 4–6 hours, with scenic photo and restroom stops along the way.

🐎 Horse Riding Tutorials & Cautions

All horseback riding in the Orkhon Valley and surrounding areas is guided by experienced local horsemen, ensuring safety and proper handling of Mongolian horses. Riding Tutorials:

• Each guest receives a brief introduction on mounting, dismounting, holding the reins, and basic riding commands.
• Horses are sure-footed and well-trained, suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.
• Guides provide daily instructions on pace control, turning, and navigating open steppe, hills, and river crossings.

Cautions:

• Riders should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes or boots; helmets are provided for safety.
• Daily rides range from 3–6 hours, often with breaks to rest and hydrate.
• Some terrain may be rocky, sandy, or uneven, so balance and attention are essential.
• Pregnant travelers, individuals with serious back or joint issues, or those unfamiliar with horseback riding are advised to consult their doctor before joining.

This combination of brief tutorials, expert guidance, and moderate riding distances ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for travelers of varying skill levels. 🕒 Typical Daily Schedule Our tours follow a relaxed and well-balanced routine:

Time	Activity
07:00–08:00	Breakfast at camp
08:00	Depart for day’s drive or ride
12:30–13:30	Picnic or lunch stop
14:00–17:00	Visits, trekking, or sightseeing
18:00–19:00	Arrive at camp, rest
19:30–20:00	Dinner followed by free time under the stars

On longer travel days, you may continue driving for 2–3 hours after lunch to reach your next stop, followed by a sunset visit or evening activity. 📶 Connectivity Internet access in rural Mongolia is limited, offering the perfect opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature.

• Mobile network coverage is available in most towns and along major routes if you use a local SIM card.
• In remote locations, you’ll enjoy a true digital break — replaced by incredible stargazing and quiet evenings.

👩‍💼 Guides Travel Buddies employs experienced, English-speaking tour guides who are friendly, professional, and passionate about sharing Mongolia’s history and culture. They ensure smooth coordination throughout your journey and help you connect with locals along the way. Guides in German, French, Spanish, Chinese, or Japanese can be arranged upon request. During horseback or camel riding, local wranglers will assist you for safety and guidance. 🧭 When to Travel The best months for this journey are June through August, when the weather is warm and stable. Spring (May) and autumn (September–mid October) are cooler and ideal for photography, with fewer travelers.

• Average daytime temperatures: +18°C to +25°C in Orkhon valley, cooler in the mountains.
• Nighttime temperatures: drop +5°C to +10°C or lower

Pack layered clothing, a warm jacket, and rain protection.   💼 What to Expect This journey offers a harmonious blend of adventure, culture, and nature. Expect daily horseback rides through the Orkhon Valley, past waterfalls, volcanic canyons, and wildflower meadows, led by local nomadic horse guides. Visit nomadic families, explore ancient monasteries like Tuvkhun, and experience the quiet beauty of the steppe under vast starlit skies. Travel involves moderate riding, scenic drives on dirt and gravel roads, and short walks around camps and natural sites. Along the way, enjoy comfortable ger camps, local hospitality, and opportunities to learn traditional Mongolian skills, from calligraphy to herding practices. This is a journey for those seeking authentic cultural immersion, connection with nature, and the rhythm of Mongolia’s nomadic life.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your booking, a 30% deposit is required, payable via online payment (Visa or Mastercard) or bank transfer. Please note that card payments incur a 3% processing fee, which is borne by the client. Bank transfers do not have any additional charges. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your tour departure. There are no hidden fees beyond the card processing cost. Please review our Terms & Conditions for full details. Kindly note that bookings close one month before the tour departure date. 💛 Come as Guests, Leave as Buddies.