Horse or Camel Riding

The greatest way to see Mongolia is by horseback, which is the most authentic approach. Why? Since horses play a more significant role in the lives of people in Mongolia than anywhere else in the world.

"A Mongol without a horse is like a bird without wings," is a common saying. For Mongolians, riding is more of an intuition than a learned skill. It runs in their veins. As the saying goes in Mongolia, why walk when you're able to ride?

If you are looking for a short trip away from Ulaanbaatar city life, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is a perfect place to escape. The riding tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the breathtaking nature of the park.

Horse Riding - Horse Trails Mongolia

Many people dream of riding across the vast steppes of Mongolia, exploring the wilderness, and learning about its culture and natural history. A horse or camel ride through Terelj is always a must, age and gender do not matter, and you can ride horses with very little riding experience.

This simply removes any stress and leaves you relaxed. Apart from this, the newly built resorts and places also prove to be quite relaxing spots. Here you can meet a nomadic family, and you’ll visit the tallest equestrian statue in the world. Learn more about Nomad culture here.

You should read through these useful details about Mongolian horseriding and camel riding if you are considering taking a horseback riding tour there. This guide includes the destination where you must experience horseback riding or camel riding when visiting Mongolia.

Horse Riding in Gorkhi Terelj National park

Horseback riding is a terrific way to explore the Gorkhi Terelj National Park's vast spacious valleys, rolling hills, pathways along rivers, forested passes, and down through high grasslands to find new valleys. Explore the grasslands and hills, and take a break beneath the rocky formations that rise from the steppe. Discover genuine hospitality and a Mongolian Ger's atmosphere (more known as Yurt in Western Mongolia). Live in the community, be at peace with your horse, and be at peace with the natural world.

Northeast Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, is where the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is located. This horse ride will take visitors through some breathtaking terrain, fascinating historical sites, and a look at the traditional nomadic herd lifestyle for those who only have a short amount of time to explore but still want to see the actual Mongolian countryside on horseback.

Horseback Riding Experience at Lake Khuvsgol

One of Mongolia's geographic treasures and a must-visit tourism destination is Khuvsgul Lake. traveling and riding a horse. Its stunning settings are dominated by a crystal hot water lake, emerald woodlands, and breathtakingly beautiful mountain views. A spectacular journey over forested hills and mountain meadows awaits the equestrian enthusiast.

You can travel far into the wilderness of southern Siberia on these horseback pack expeditions. Additionally, horses are the sole mode of transport that will get you to the most inaccessible, untamed regions of the country. On horseback tours, horseback riding and enjoyment are the major priorities along with traditional Mongolian hospitality from nomads. Put the whole family in the saddle for an amazing horseback riding experience.

Horseback Riding in Mongolian Taiga in Northern Mongolia

The remote Taiga forests of northern Mongolia, where the final members of the nomadic Tsaatan people reside, are the scene for this challenging once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will ride horses on horseback to live among the Tsaatan and learn about their Shamanism, customs, and way of life after an epic trekking. Before returning to the city for some last-minute sightseeing and gift shopping, switch gears and relax on the pristine shores of isolated Lake Khuvsgul.

The lonely, secluded, and mountainous Taiga forest is the home of the Reindeer people. The area was able to stay untouched, untamed, and least traveled since it was inaccessible to automobiles when the Reindeer people settled there. Many people have a bucket list item of visiting the reindeer people. So that you can experience the traditional way of living of the Taiga people firsthand, we advise that you make the journey as early as possible.

Horse Riding in Khustai National Park - Renowned Treks

Away from the main track, this horseback ride will lead you through Mongolia's vast steppes until you arrive at the renowned Hustai National Park. You will pass through areas where nomadic families have long raised their wild horses, sheep, and yaks. During your breaks, chat with the herders and exchange tales over tea or fermented mare milk (airag). You will get a true wonderful experience while seeing amazing locations completely immersed in nature by traveling through green hills and endless grassland and camping by the riverside.

The renowned Takhi lives in Hustai National Park. The Przewalski wild horse is the sole remaining member of the world's pure wild horse species that has never been domesticated. The Takhi, which was rescued from extinction and returned to the wild in the late 1980s, is still at risk of going extinct and can only be seen in the wild in Mongolia. Hiking through the national park will give you the opportunity to come across a Takhi herd that includes stallions, mares, and their adorable foals.

You might also see red deer, wild boars, grey wolves, lynx, and numerous other wildlife in this national park. You might spot a golden eagle or one of the 200 bird species protected by this park if you glance up at the sky. This park is a magnificent haven for wildlife and a perfect place for you to see these lovely creatures.

Horse Riding in Khan Khentii Protected Area

In Eastern Mongolia's Khentii aimag (province), there is a 12,270 km2 Strictly Protected Area that is administered by the government. Hunting and mining are forbidden, and herding and tourist activities are strictly regulated. The budget allotted for preserving and safeguarding these areas is, however, rather modest.

See more attraction in Khentii province, here.

The holy Burkhan Khaldun mountain is part of the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, which is situated in the Khentii Mountains. This is thought to be Genghis Khan's birthplace and one of the potential sites for his mausoleum. This marks the transition from Siberian taiga woodland to grassland. One of Mongolia's natural and historical assets, Khan Khentii Mountain National Park has been designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

The first attraction will be visiting a Mongolian nomad family who herds animals after leaving a large city. You'll experience their true way of life and live like a nomad. The next highlight will be when you start riding on the steppe near the river; you and your horse will enjoy yourself very much. On these cultural tours in Mongolia, you will be amazed every day by how you will ride into the mountains and steppe. The trip to the lake of a black pearl of the taiga will be the next pleasure. You are going to have a terrific time taking pictures and swimming in the lake on Lake Hagiin. The next thrill will be riding across the large mountain from its summit.

Not only that, there are many other locations in beautiful Mongolia where you can perfectly enjoy horse riding. The most prominent are Orkhon Valley in Central Mongolia and the Orkhon River. Experience the local people and their lifestyle by staying overnight in ger camps when you are on the trip. Naadam festival also offers an opportunity to visitors for horseback and camelback riding close to the capital city Ulaanbaatar.

Camel Riding in Mongolia

Undoubtedly, one of the most well-liked pastimes in Mongolia is camel riding. North China and Mongolia are the native home of the Bactrian camel. In the Gobi Desert, there is even a camel festival every march. Where you also get to experience the life in a ger camp.

The Terelj National Park and the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes are the closest places where you may go camel riding. While the Gobi Desert sand dunes is the ideal location to enjoy camel riding in Mongolia.

Camel Rides in the Gobi Desert Sand Dunes

One of the most stunning landscapes on earth is provided by the Gobi Desert, which covers more than one-third of Mongolia. Its sloping dunes, stony slopes, dry plateaus, and flaming cliffs might easily charm anyone. Despite being a desert, the Gobi is teeming with life, comprising millions of livestock and numerous wild animals including the Gobi bear, ibex, and black-tailed gazelle, as well as wild Bactrian camels and Mongolian asses.

Domesticated Bactrian camels have been utilized for transportation for millennia and have come to represent steppe nomads. Bactrian camels made it possible for caravans to travel down the Silk Road because of their resistance to cold and capacity for extended periods of time without water.

Only 5% of the world's camels are found there, where there are two million people. There is no better way to experience the Mongolian Gobi than on the back of an animal that has evolved over ages to survive its severe surroundings. You may view the renowned crimson Gobi sunset from atop the magnificent camel. Surprisingly, because camels walk slowly and gently, it is more relaxing to ride them than horses. Its two humps will provide you with adequate support.

FAQ:

Can you ride a horse across Mongolia?

Riding a horse across Mongolia might be difficult but not impossible and they have been a form of transportation for centuries. You can select from a variety of terrain or regions because Mongolia is a large country in terms of its geography. You will ride 5 to 25 kilometers per day, depending on your decision.

Why were the Mongolians such good horse riders?

The people of Mongolia are thought to be the world's best riders because they live in the "land of the horse." Herdsmen consider their horses as a resource of both wealth and the basic necessities of life, such as food and beverages. Warriors' long-distance stamina helped them to outperform the enemy cavalry in combat. The Mongol horse's only shortcoming as a military horse was that it moved more slowly than the other breeds it encountered on the battlefield.

How much does a horse cost in Mongolia?

The horses that are offspring of the champion mares or father horses cost between 35,000 and 70.000 dollars. The cost of the provincial Naadam champions ranges from 7000 to 14.000 dollars, while the average horse for service and transportation costs about 530 dollars.

What is special about Mongolian horses?

Mongolian horses graze outside in weather that ranges from -42°C in the winter to +40°C in the summer.

They live in the open on steppes, seek cover in mountain valleys, and consume snow water while enduring all forms of extreme weather.

The tough environment and semi-wild lifestyle of Mongolian horses increase their power and endurance. They can gallop with a rider for 30 km without slowing or stopping and can carry a rider for 65 to 80 km in a day.

The most renowned beverage in Mongolia is kumis or fermented mare milk Airag. You can become more thirsty without just drinking something. The Airag is high in vitamins and can be used as a meal substitute or to supplement a diet by providing additional nutrients.

Can Mongolian horses be ridden?

Yes, Mongolian horses can be ridden without little to no experience for new riders. Mongolians start training their horses to ride when they are 3 years old, to prevent back problems. The procedure of training is pretty easy. The horse is allowed to run until it is worn out before the rider climbs on. The horse is then trained to react when the reins are pulled.

How far is a days journey on horse?

The tough environment and semi-wild lifestyle of Mongolian horses increase their power and endurance. They can sprint with a rider for 30 kilometers without slowing down and can transport a rider for 65 to 80 kilometers in a day.

How can I ride a Mongolian horse?

Respect horses by approaching them cautiously from the left side and bearing in mind that they are semi-wild animals and could not take nicely to excessive touching or petting. With the reins in one hand, steer using the neck-reining technique. Say "tchou!" instead of kicking your horse with your legs or heels to make it move more quickly. Stand upright in the stirrups while trotting and cantering. Keep your stirrup foot in place as you dismount until you are on the ground.

Where can i ride a horse in mongolia?

You can ride horses in Mongolia at numerous destinations. Which include Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Orkhon Valley, Khustai and Khan Khentii National Park, Ulaanbaatar, and other prominent locations. Please advise your tour planner about riding a horse or camel n Mongolia.

Where is the best place to ride a camel?

The best places to ride a camel in Mongolia are the Gobi Desert, Khongry Els, and Elsen Taserkhai.