Peaks & Lakes of Mongolia Horse Riding Tour

Day 1

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia and transfer to a centrally located 4 star hotel. Afternoon guided walking city tour will introduce you to the highlights of the city: The central city square with a grand statue of Ghinggis Khaan and Sukhbaatar statue placed at the center as well. Museum of National History is located right next to the square introducing Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era. Then choose to visit one or two museums from the following: 1. Choijin Lama or State Oracle Residence-museum displaying best samples of Buddhist artwork and religious masks or, 2. The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum displays old arts including Buddhist arts, painting, folk arts and crafts, sculptures, carvings and embroideries. A show of traditional music, throat singing and contortion at 6PM will be followed by a welcome dinner. (hotel/D)

Day 2

Morning transfer for a 3 hour flight to Western Mongolia. On arrival to Ulgy airstrip meet with your support team: guide, cook and drivers. They will serve you a picnic lunch and the journey begins. We head northwest to the Tavan Bogd range. At the end of 2 hours drive across desert we set up our camp in the green valley of the Deer stream. Here we set up our tented camp. Like nowhere else, western travelers are still watched by local nomads with great deal of curiosity and interest. They literally appear out of nowhere and cautiously approach the camp to exchange greetings. Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D).

Day 3

Drive further and reach the "gateway" of the Tavan Bogd NP by early afternoon. Here is the magnificent valley of the glacial green White River overlooked by the Protector mountain, a rich cradle of human history. Hundreds of ancient graves and rock carvings lie around it. We set up our tented camp. The valley is home to Tuvan hunters. Few households of theirs occupy this remotest corner of Mongolia and cope with harsh climate of high mountains. These tough people will accompany you for the riding part of your journey. (B,L,D).

Day 4

After a solid breakfast a horse will be selected for you to suit your riding experience and we set off to the basecamp of Tavan Bogd Mt. Riding the sturdy Mongolian horses is a style quite different from that of a western horse riding. Broken in at the age of 2 or 3 they listen to a different set of commands and, respond to a different behavior on the side of the rider. This gradual ascent takes us through a high mountain terrain of rocks and wetlands. Not needing luck you will see some of the wildlife that inhabits the area including marmots, hares and a number of birds such us Golden Eagles, Black Vultures and Falcons. Our entire luggage will be transported by camels driven by Tuvan hunters.

Upon completing two thirds’ of the way there open majestic perspectives of Potanin and Alexander glaciers backed by icy peaks of Khuiten (4374m), Nairamdal (4082m), Snowchurch (4071m), Malchin (4050m), and Cradle (4113m). This evening we camp at 2900m. Our camp is a pretty spot overlooking the Potanin Glacier and the above peaks. (B,L,D)

Day 5

This is a leisure day. You may take a walk on the Potanin glacier or climb up on to the neighboring ridge, from where there are superb views north into Russia and all around the Tavan Bogd peaks and the glacier. (B,L,D).

Day 6

Horse ride out to lower gate of Tavan Bogd NP - White river valley. This time it is an easy stroll downhill although interrupted by a couple bogs and slightly longer than the way up. Again loads are carried by camels. (Tent/B,L,D)

Day 7-9

Day 10

Khurgan and Khoton are spectacular alpine lakes at an altitude of 2073m. A number of moraines, result of earlier glaciations, and snow capped mountains surround them. Our campsite at Khoton lake is truly idyllic. It has one of the largest petroglyph galleries in Mongolia. They date back to Neolithic period and the Bronze Age and depict numerous hunting scenes, and representations of wild and domestic animals. Also there are some distinctly well preserved ancient burial sites. In the afternoon you may go swimming, explore the surroundings or laze in the camp. Water temperature permitting we go for a swim before the dinner. (Tent/B,L,D)

Day 11

7-8 hour return drive to Ulgy town. En-route we stop to visit a local Kazakh family and see their golden eagles which are kept for hunting purposes. In Ulgy we check in to the hostel by far the best accommodation in town. Dinner in a local restaurant. (Hostel / B,L,D)

Day 11

This morning we catch a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. (Hotel / B,L,D)

Day 12

Transfer to airport for departure.