Mongolian horse riding adventures

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Description   Mongolian horse riding adventures

Description of Active Adventure

We take you to remote Zavkhan province, riding through open steppe, forested valleys and mountains, and visiting the lakes and desert to the west. This is an adventurous wilderness ride, staying in temporary campsites each night and cooking over an open fire. The ride has a flexible itinerary, allowing new routes to be followed on each trip. Mongolian horses are very hardy and full of character. We work closely with local nomadic families who can provide a range of horses suitable for any level of riding ability. The ride will take you into Tarvagatai Uul National Park, in the Arkhangai Mountains, where you can visit sacred mountain lakes and soak in natural hot springs. At the end of each day we are met by a support vehicle, carrying food and camping equipment. A highlight of this trip is the chance to experience the legendary hospitality of local nomadic families. The final part of the trip takes in the dramatic desert to the west, where clear freshwater lakes, ideal for swimming and fishing, are surrounded by towering sand dunes.These trips are organised by a New Zealand/Mongolian partnership.

Typical Day

We begin riding through the foothills of the Arkhangai Mountains. We do not follow a set route while riding. Instead we find new trails each time we go into this area. We will be setting up temporary campsites at the end of each day and cooking over an open fire. We always aim to get to a well-watered campsite at the end of the day, where you can wash and perhaps swim. Along the way there will be opportunities to fish, look for wildlife, meet local nomadic families, or just relax and enjoy the view. Eventually we will enter Tarvagatai Uul National Park, where there is a small abandoned hot spa which provides a novel place for a soak at the end of the day.Next we drive out into the west of Zavkhan. This desert landscape contrasts greatly with the forested mountains and grassy steppe where we ride the horses. Challenging four-wheel driving is needed in order to reach this very remote area, but the rewards are great. There are beautiful freshwater lakes such as Bayan Nuur amongst the giant sand dunes. Other lakes have forested shores, such as sacred Bust Nuur which provides a refuge for wildlife including plenty of inquisitive marmots. A scattering of nomadic families and their camels live in the area, who we will meet along the way. As with the horse riding, the itinerary for this part of the trip is flexible.

Age range, type of group

No riding experience is necessary, but participants need an adventurous nature and to be physically fit, as the ride is in a remote wilderness area, often over rugged terrain.Occasional walking for short periods may be required, over rough terrain.Participants should be prepared to ride 4-5 hours per day, although there may be longer days when necessary.Participants are encouraged to consider themselves part of a team, and to help with activities such as firewood gathering. Local wranglers will look after the horses (including saddling, grooming etc), but riders are welcome to help.

Sleeping and meals

The first and last nights are spent in an Ulaan Baatar guesthouse, in clean and comfortable multi bed rooms with ensuite, sleeping 4-8 people. Additional nights before and after the trip can be arranged, and twin rooms are available if required. Bed linen is supplied, but towels are not. While driving between Ulaan Baatar and Tosontsengel riders stay in multi bed gers (comfortable Mongolian felt tents). While riding, we will be camping, with clients expected to share a 2 person hiking tent. Clients are not expected to share a tent with a member of the opposite sex (unless they choose to). Campsites will have a natural water source for washing, and a solar shower will be available. Toilet facilities will be basic.Simple hearty meals are cooked over an open fire. We carry staples (rice, pasta) with us, and support the local nomadic people by obtaining fresh meat and dairy products from them along the way. Fresh fruit and vegetables are not available in the countryside, but will be carried with us from UB and used for the first few days. Delicious wild berries are available at certain times of year, and there are fish in the streams. There will be plenty of opportunities to sample local delicacies such as airag (fermented mare’s milk) and oorum (Mongolian clotted cream).A typical day’s meals:B’fast: porridge or muesli with fresh yak’s yoghurt.Lunch: home made bread, local cheese, salami and spreads. Pickled vegetables. Fruit.Dinner: mild Indian-style lamb curry with rice.Snacks: chocolate bars, biscuits, tea, coffee, various local snacks.

Restrictions

Riders must be able to mount and dismount unaided, and weigh no more than 16st/220lb/100kg.There is no lower age limit if accompanied by a parent or guardian, and no upper age limit, but riders must satisfy themselves that they are capable of completing the ride (please enquire if unsure).

Rates

Our trip rates start at $1500 for a two-week exploratory trip, excluding international flights, but including all other costs during the trip. Prices for each trip can be viewed on the website.

Other Information

Even by Mongolian standards Zavkhan is off the beaten track, and riders are unlikely to encounter any other western tourists. Local nomadic families are not used to seeing foreigners, but are very welcoming, which makes for a rewarding cultural experience.The itinerary of the trips is flexible, allowing for more riding time and less time in the desert if the group decides as a whole.If riders would like to see Przewalski’s horse (the world’s only true wild horse), a day or overnight trip from Ulaan Baatar can be arranged (before or after the trip, at extra cost).The four-wheel drive support vehicle allows participants to have a level of comfort which is not possible with pack horses (food, camping equipment etc). However to avoid this detracting from the ‘adventurousness’ of the trip, we arrange to meet the vehicle at the end of the day, while we follow routes accessible only by horse.For riders arriving in Ulaan Baatar before day one of the trip, or staying longer after the trip, we will assist with arranging accommodation. Riders will need to cover the cost of accommodation but we will not charge extra for arranging it. Due to international arrival/departure schedules, it is often necessary to include an extra day or two in Ulaan Baatar before or after the trip.Total driving time from Ulaan Baatar to Tosontsengel where we begin riding is approximately 20 hours, much of it on very rough roads. The drive will be broken up over three days, with plenty of stops. This part of the trip is through beautiful countryside, and should not be seen as merely something to be endured (but we do fly back).On the three week trip, there will be rest days during the ride as and when needed. Small saddle bags are provided for each rider, which will hold a raincoat, water bottle and snacks for the day

Discounts Offered

Early booking discount of 5% if deposit is paid by the end of February.If two people book together, each person gets a 3% discount, increasing by 2% for each additional person up to 15% for a full group of 8.Discount of 20% for our exploratory trips.

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Listing Name & Address
Mongolian horse riding adventures
Zavkhan Trekking
Mongolia
Mongolia

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