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jaen
29May

Horse Trekking in Mongolia: Unplug, Ride, and Reconnect with Nature

If you’re dreaming of a truly unique adventure, horse trekking in Mongolia offers something unmatched anywhere else in the world. It’s not just about the ride—it’s about stepping into a way of life deeply rooted in nature, tradition, and freedom.

Herder in a red deel leading a saddled horse across green valleys, horse trekking in Mongolia

Why Go Horse Trekking in Mongolia?

Mongolia’s vast, open landscapes, dramatic skies, and rich nomadic culture make it a top destination for horseback riding. The Mongolian horse—a small but hardy breed—is central to local life, used by nomads for herding, travel, and ceremony.

When you ride across the steppe, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re experiencing Mongolia as it has been for centuries.

Two horses tied at a hitching line beside a nomad family’s ger

Where You’ll Ride: The Orkhon Valley and Beyond

Most multi-day horse trekking tours in Mongolia take place in the Central Mongolian region, especially around the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may trek to:

  • Huisiin Naiman Nuur (Eight Lakes): A remote alpine lake system formed by volcanic activity, perfect for wild camping and stargazing.

  • Tuvkhun Monastery: A mountain-top retreat with panoramic views and spiritual significance.

  • Orkhon Waterfall: One of the most iconic and photogenic spots in central Mongolia.

Expect to ride 20–35 kilometers per day, depending on terrain and weather.

Authentic Nomadic Experiences Along the Way

One of the highlights of horse trekking in Mongolia is visiting nomadic families. You’ll be welcomed into a traditional ger (yurt), share a warm meal, and learn about herding life and ancient customs.

These encounters aren’t staged—they’re real, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Mongolian herder women on horseback herding goats and sheep

Sleep Under the Stars: Gers or Tents

After a long ride, rest in a traditional ger camp or camp in a tent in the wilderness. Both offer a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. On wild camping nights, you’ll fall asleep under skies filled with millions of stars.

Milky Way over a ger on the Mongolian steppe at night

Unplug, Ride, Reconnect

Inspired by the bestselling travel memoir Unplug, Ride, Reconnect, this journey invites you to slow down and live in the moment. With no screens, no schedules, and no stress, horse trekking in Mongolia gives you the rare gift of stillness.

Is Horse Trekking in Mongolia Right for You?

Absolutely—even for beginners! Most tours are suitable for all riding levels. Local guides and support teams provide instruction and ensure safety throughout the trip.

Included in most tours:

  • Local horses and saddles

  • Nomadic guides and support team

  • All meals and camping equipment

  • Private vehicle nearby for support if needed

  • Airport or train station transfers in Ulaanbaatar

Practical Tips for First-Time Trekkers

  • Pack layers: The weather can change quickly.

  • Wear good riding boots or hiking shoes.

  • Bring a reusable water bottle and eco-friendly toiletries.

  • Carry a headlamp and portable power bank.

  • Be open-minded: This is about simplicity and connection.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just looking for a deeper connection with nature, horse trekking in Mongolia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The silence of the steppe, the rhythm of the ride, and the kindness of nomadic families stay with you long after you return home.
Want a ride planned around your dates and riding level? See our private Mongolia tours.

Ready to ride through Mongolia?
Book your horse trekking adventure today and discover what it truly means to unplug, ride, and reconnect.

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Mongolia Horse Trekking FAQ

Do I need riding experience?

No. Most of our treks suit beginners, and your horseman picks a calm horse and shows you the basics.

How much do we ride each day?

Usually 20 to 35 km, about 4 to 6 hours in the saddle with breaks.

What are Mongolian horses like?

Small, strong and sure-footed. They are semi-wild but well trained for long rides.

Where do we sleep?

In ger camps, with nomad families and, on remote nights, in tents.

Is there a support vehicle?

Yes. On multi-day treks a vehicle carries the luggage, food and gear, and can pick up a tired rider.

What should I pack?

Sturdy boots, windproof layers, sun protection and a headlamp. Saddles and riding gear are provided.

Will I have phone signal?

Very little. Expect no signal or Wi-Fi on most riding days.

Can children join?

Yes, on some tours. Check the minimum age on each tour page.

Mongolia horse trekking tours

Reserve your adventure today!
Central Mongolia horse trekking tour

9-Day Central Mongolia Horse Trekking Tour | Nomadic Adventure

Central Mongolia horse trekking tour offers an unforgettable 9-day adventure through Mongolia’s heartland. Ride alongside local horsemen across the Orkhon Valley, the Eight Lakes, Uliagastain River Valley, and historic sites like Kharkhorin and Elsen Tasarkhai. What is the Central Mongolia horse trekking tour? The Central Mongolia horse trekking tour is a 9-day adventure through Mongolia’s […]
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horse riding class Mongolia

Horse Riding Class & Valley Trek – 5 Day All-Inclusive Experience (Terelj & Ulaanbaatar)

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day horse riding class Mongolia adventure into the heart of Terelj National Park. What is included in the 5-day horse riding class Mongolia tour? The tour includes professional riding lessons, a short Terelj National Park horse trek, accommodations, meals, transportation, entrance fees, equipment, and a Horse Riding Completion Certificate. Is this […]
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3-day horse trekking tour in Mongolia

3-Day Horse Trekking Tour: Terelj National Park

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Horse Trekking Tour in Central Mongolia

12-Day Horse Trekking Tour in Central Mongolia – Nomadic Adventure

Our horse trekking tour in central mongolia is a 12-day ride through the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley and the remote Eight Lakes (Naiman Nuur), with expert local guides and ger-camp stays.
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WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

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Nomad Trail Mongolia
5.0
種村奈純 profile picture
種村奈純
2 months ago
We had an amazing experience with this tour company. From the beginning, everything was arranged very smoothly, and it was very convenient to be able to stay in contact with them through LINE until the day of our trip. They were also very flexible and quickly responded to all our requests, even changing our itinerary several times. We made a last-minute reservation and had a rather specific request: we wanted to experience authentic Mongolian culture and stay with a local nomadic family. Despite the short notice, they arranged a wonderful experience for us. Having a Japanese-speaking guide was also a big plus and made communication very easy throughout the trip. Although the tour was not the cheapest option, the experience was absolutely worth it, and we were very happy with our decision to choose this company. The nomadic family who hosted us was incredibly warm and welcoming. During our stay, we had so many unforgettable experiences, including horseback riding, seeing various animals, visiting Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple, milking cows, making butter, and enjoying delicious homemade food. The beautiful nature, fresh air, and warmth of the Mongolian people left a lasting impression on us. Most of all, our wonderful guide made the trip even more special. The guide taught us many things about Mongolia in Japanese, shared lots of fun conversations with us, taught us traditional Mongolian games, and helped connect us with the nomadic family. We are truly grateful for everything. If we have the chance to visit Mongolia again, we would definitely choose this company again, no matter what kind of itinerary we want. Highly recommended!
新保恵理 profile picture
新保恵理
3 months ago
I participated in a 6-day tour of Western Mongolia. It's a remote, secluded area where the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, and China meet. A group of young Mongolians who were with us praised us, saying, "It's brave of you to come all the way to a place like this, where even Mongolians rarely go!" We drove for five hours almost non-stop on off-road terrain where you'd be thrown out of your seat without a seatbelt, and my husband suffered terribly from motion sickness. Even the Toyota Land Cruiser broke down twice along the way. With hardly any other cars passing by and no cell phone reception, the drivers spent five hours repairing it themselves. Whenever we needed to use the toilet during the journey, we'd look out over the grassland, find a small hollow or rocky ledge, and squat down there to relieve ourselves. We'd get grasshoppers hitting our bottoms sometimes. Even for us experienced travelers, these were all experiences we'd never had before. However, the horseback riding amidst breathtaking scenery that words cannot describe, the warmth of the wood-burning stove in the ger, the starry sky that you can never see in Japan, the Mongolians' reverence for horses, their coexistence with animals, the small humans in nature, the harsh yet ingenious lives of the nomadic people, the greatness of Genghis Khan who ruled this vast land, and the simplicity, kindness, and resilience of the young Mongolians I met along the way. Thanks to Essa, our guide who accompanied us throughout the journey, the beautiful mother and kind grandfather who took us to and from the airport, it was a worry-free trip. I am also grateful to President Unur, who provided meticulous replies to all my concerns before the trip. This trip will undoubtedly remain in my heart and be unforgettable. I have fallen in love with Mongolia. Thank you!
am profile picture
am
3 months ago
I spent time with wonderful people, beautiful scenery, fresh air, and amazing animals. Even though it was only a short three days, it became my favorite memory of this summer. Next time, I'd love to visit the desert and come back in winter. Thank you, Mongolia. 🇲🇳❤️🇯🇵
EC profile picture
EC
4 months ago
We had a great trip to Mongolia during the Naadam Festival period. From the moment we landed at the airport till our departure, our very attentive, English speaking, private guide (Unnie) and drivers from Nomad Trail catered to all our needs. Due to a health issue, my husband cannot keep up with the pace of a large group tour. This private tour served us well. When the terrain was bumpy/uneven or stairs were lacking rails, they were right by his side to help him. We appreciate their kindness so much. The tour was tailored to our interests at a relaxed pace. We enjoyed the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival, a city tour of Ulaanbaatar, a trip to Terelj National Park, trying our hands at archery, sampling Mongolian food, etc. I totally recommend Nomad Trail. For hotel accommodations we chose the Shangri-la. I recommend it for those looking for an upscale hotel with impeccable service.
Erin K profile picture
Erin K
4 months ago
Mongolia is special. Nomad Trail helped me fulfil a lifetime dream of visiting the Tsaatan tribe, a beautiful tribe that is numbering only about 300 people and the last nomadic reindeer herders on earth. To reach them is not easy. Nomad Trail provided a driver, Davaanyam, and a translator and cook, Amka. These two men helped me in the most remote regions. To help someone they have never met, and guide them safely, is not easy. To get there took days of extremely difficult driving and horse travel. Both men were extremely professional and allowed me to feel safe in a remote environment where I didn't know where I was and did not speak the language. In addition, I had so much fun! From walking along the shores of Lake Khövsgöl at sunset to music to waking up to the sound of hoofbeats and goats, every moment was filled with pure joy. Amka made sure that I had the opportunity for every experience, pointing me to a magical carpet of flowers or a vulture on the steppes. Davaanyam was careful to make sure to notice the temperature, safety, etc in the car (even when I didn't say anything). Their attentiveness and kindness, as well as ensuring that every moment in Mongolia was special, made it so even now I have tears missing Mongolia. I have been to about 35 countries and Mongolia is my clear favorite. In fact, the steppes are a place that I look forward to hopefully retiring one day. This is 100% thanks to the incredible experience of Nomad Trail. Thank you for everything.
Victoria profile picture
Victoria
4 months ago
Phenomenal adventure and flawless service! If you are planning a trip to Mongolia, look no further than Nomad Trail Mongolia. This was without doubt one of the most awesome travel experiences. The self-drive convoy format is genuinely unique. There is something incredibly special about being behind the wheel of a Land Cruiser navigating the vast Gobi Desert yourself, with the support and expertise of Nomad Trail right alongside you. It gives you the freedom of independent travel with none of the anxiety. Our guide Temka was exceptional from start to finish, nothing was too much trouble and his insights added depth to every site we visited. But the moment that truly took our breath away was driving across the Khongor Sand Dunes and crossing through the dramatic landscapes of the Three Beauties of the Gobi Mountains. There are no words that do it justice. It is the kind of experience you feel in your bones. The itinerary was perfectly paced, hitting all the Gobi's iconic highlights while still feeling unhurried and immersive. The accommodation was a wonderful mix. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a genuinely adventurous travel experience that is completely off the beaten track. We will be back!
W Tan profile picture
W Tan
5 months ago
Our private convoy across the Gobi with Nomad Trail Mongolia was one of the highlights of our travels. We returned home with countless wonderful memories and were fortunate to be looked after by an incredible team: lead driver and captain Bumaa, guide Guyen, and local Gobi legend Uncle Munk. Bumaa was the backbone of the entire expedition. Throughout our journey, he demonstrated exceptional driving skills and navigated the vast Gobi as though he knew every route by heart. More importantly, he quietly took care of countless details behind the scenes. While much of his work may go unnoticed by guests, it was clear to us that he was the brains of the operation, constantly coordinating logistics and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Uncle Munk was a passionate Gobi local who genuinely wanted to share the secrets of his homeland with us. He didn't hesitate to get down on all fours to show us the tiny Goyo vodka plant growing in the desert. What impressed us even more was his generosity. We jokingly mentioned visiting his home in Dalanzadgad, and to our surprise, he warmly opened his doors to us. His wife welcomed us with incredible hospitality, preparing food and even cooking four special eggs after noticing how many eggs we seemed to eat every day! Guyen was the vital link between Bumaa and Uncle Munk. Initially reserved, his personality quickly shone through over the course of the trip. His easy-going nature made us feel comfortable from the start, and we genuinely enjoyed his company. He was always there when needed, and somehow even managed to become part of many of our selfies! Together, the three of them formed a fantastic team. We genuinely could not have asked for better companions for our private convoy across the Gobi.
Py Z profile picture
Py Z
5 months ago
We had a 10-day tour with Temka and Bumaa throughout both central and south Mongolia. Through the sun, rain, snow and desert our guides kept us safe and ensured that we had a Онцгой (outstanding) experience. The landscapes, the food, the stories, the moments in the ger — none of it would have felt the same without you guiding us through it with such warmth and knowledge. You made a group of strangers to your country feel completely at home. That’s a rare gift. On behalf of our group, a heartfelt Баярлалаа (thank you) to both of you and would highly recommend this company to others.
Melissa Ong profile picture
Melissa Ong
5 months ago
Hands down the best trip in my life to visit Mongolia and to do so with Nomad Trail, guided by Temka and Bumaa. I had a wonderful experience with our guide drivers who knew the terrain like the back of their hand, which was not only mightily impressive but utmost assuring when several routes are off-road with minimal or no signage. Felt absolutely safe and well taken care of during the trip with Temka and Bumaa, much appreciated. I’m grateful for them sharing with us the “real” Mongolia, would 10/10 recommend Nomad Trail, Temka and Bumaa! We can’t wait to be back to visit other parts of Mongolia very soon!
Wynn Pang profile picture
Wynn Pang
5 months ago
Temka and Bumaa are an exceptional guiding duo — and after 10 days across Mongolia with them, we can say that they made this trip one of the most memorable. What sets them apart is how genuinely attentive they were to every detail of our wellbeing. They read our energy, adjusted the pace, and anticipated our needs. Their skill on the terrain is equally impressive. We hit a sandstorm and unexpected summer snow on the same trip and both Temka and Bumaa handled every curveball with calm confidence and decisive navigation. We always felt safe in their hands. What we’ll remember most, is how they never left our side. Every meal, every stop, every interaction with locals — they were present for all of it. The time we spent with nomadic families was especially meaningful, as they help to bridge the language and cultural gap. If you’re planning a trip to Mongolia book them without hesitation.
Evangeline Teo profile picture
Evangeline Teo
5 months ago
Mongolia is one of the most beautiful countries we've ever visited — vast, raw and completely unlike anywhere else. What made this trip so special, though, was how thoughtfully it was put together. The itinerary was a great balance of adventure, nature, culture and comfort, and the pacing never felt rushed. The long drives gave us time to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the country rather than simply rushing from sight to sight. Some of our biggest highlights were visiting two nomadic families, sharing a traditional Mongolian BBQ, and witnessing our host family's first summer slaughter — a rare and memorable glimpse into a way of life that has remained unchanged for generations. A huge thank you to Temka and Bumaa. Travelling through Mongolia's terrain inevitably comes with surprises, but we always felt completely safe and looked after. Whether it was snow, sand, rough tracks or punctures, they handled everything with calm professionalism. A special mention to Bumaa. His decades of off-road driving experience were obvious every day, but what I'll remember most is his quiet kindness. He always found ways to make us feel cared for and reassured. As someone who gets anxious during certain activities, I especially appreciated the way he would quietly check in on me. It was a lovely reminder that kindness doesn't always need words. We arrived expecting an amazing trip. We left with unforgettable memories and very full hearts.


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