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Mongolia Horse Riding Tour: base camp, Malchin Peak and the glacier lakes
Explore the natural beauty of western Mongolia on a journey that combines horse riding, easy hiking and a mountain climb in the Altai Mountains. Ride through the wide White River Valley, green alpine meadows and clear mountain streams towards the sacred Altai Tavan Bogd “Five Peaks”.
9 Days / 8 Nights
Max 8 travellers
Horses & local guides
Flights UB ⇄ Ölgii included
DURATION
9 days / 8 nights
DIFFICULTY
Moderate, 4–6 h/day
HIGHEST POINT
4,051 m
GROUP SIZE
Max 10
SEASON
May – September
PRICE FROM
$1,139 pp
OVERVIEW
Ride through the high Altai on horseback
One of the highlights of the trip is climbing Malchin Peak (4,051 m), with amazing views of snow-covered mountains and glaciers. You will also visit a Kazakh eagle hunter family, learn about their traditional nomadic life and see ancient petroglyphs carved thousands of years ago.
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Two nights at Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, below the sacred “Five Peaks”
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Climb Malchin Peak (4,051 m), no special climbing equipment needed
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Ride through Oigor Valley and White River Valley with local horse guides
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Two lakeside nights at Khoton & Khurgan with campfires and stargazing
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Baga Turgen Waterfall, Potanin Glacier and ancient petroglyphs
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Golden eagle demonstration with a Kazakh eagle hunter family
THE ROUTE
Ölgii to the Five Saint Peaks and back
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Ölgii
Oigor Valley
Base Camp
Malchin Peak
White River
Khoton Lake
Baga Turgen
Eagle hunters
Ulaanbaatar
Fly in from UB
Drive & ride
Ride 4–6 h
4,051 m
Ride 4–6 h
Drive 4–5 h
Waterfall, 3–4 h
Back to Ölgii
Fly back
ITINERARY
Day by day
Open all days
DAY 1
Fly to Bayan-Ölgii
Fly from Ulaanbaatar, meet your driver and local Kazakh guide and get to know Ölgii town.
✈ Domestic flight
Flight ~2 h
Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day details +
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Morning domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Bayan-Ölgii (about 2 hours)
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Meet your driver and local Kazakh guide at Ölgii airport
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Bayan-Ölgii Museum: Kazakh culture, history and wildlife
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Local bazaar (open market) for handicrafts and souvenirs
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Welcome dinner with traditional Kazakh cuisine
DAY 2
Drive to Oigor Valley and start horse riding
Cross mountain passes towards the Altai, meet your horse guides and ride your first stage through Oigor Valley.
Drive 4–5 h
Tent or ger
Day details +
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Morning drive from Ölgii through mountain passes and river valleys (4–5 h)
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Picnic lunch with views of the snow-capped Altai Mountains
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Meet your local horse guides and get matched with your horse
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First ride through Oigor Valley: rolling steppe, wildflowers and grazing yaks
DAY 3
Ride to Altai Tavan Bogd base camp
Ride through White River Valley along glacial streams and alpine meadows to base camp below the five sacred peaks.
Ride 4–6 h
Tent
Day details +
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Morning departure from Oigor Valley (about 4–6 hours)
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Ride through White River Valley, along glacial streams and alpine meadows
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Arrive at Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, surrounded by the five sacred peaks
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Optional Short hike to Potanin Glacier for panoramic views
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Evening campfire and stargazing
DAY 4
Summit day: Malchin Peak
Climb Malchin Peak, the lowest of the five peaks of Altai Tavan Bogd, for views of glaciers and snow-covered mountains.
⛰ 4,051 m
Full day
Tent
Day details +
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Early morning start from base camp
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Ascent of Malchin Peak (4,051 m / 13,290 ft); no special climbing equipment needed
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Suitable for travellers with moderate fitness
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Panoramic views of surrounding peaks, glaciers and alpine valleys
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Descend back to base camp in the afternoon
DAY 5
Ride to White River Valley
Leave base camp and ride through alpine meadows, rivers and glacial streams to White River Valley.
Ride 4–6 h
Tent
Day details +
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Morning departure from Altai Tavan Bogd base camp (about 4–6 hours)
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Alpine meadows, rivers and glacial streams of the Altai Mountains
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Learn about the Altai Tavan Bogd massif (“Saint Five Peaks”) and its meaning in geography and culture
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Optional Potanin Glacier, if mountain weather and trail conditions allow
DAY 6
Drive to Khoton & Khurgan lakes
Drive deeper into the national park to the lakes, see ancient petroglyphs and enjoy a lakeside campfire in the evening.
Drive 4–5 h
Lakeside ger or tent
Day details +
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Drive deeper into the park (about 4–5 hours)
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Lakeshore walks and photo stops
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Petroglyphs: ancient rock carvings
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Evening campfire by the lake with dinner and hot drinks
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Optional Stargazing in the clear Altai sky
DAY 7
Ride to Baga Turgen Waterfall
A round trip to the waterfall through forested slopes and streams, back to the lake for the evening.
3–4 h
Lakeside ger or tent
Day details +
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Morning trip to Baga Turgen Waterfall (about 3–4 hours round trip)
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Picnic lunch at the waterfall, surrounded by forested slopes and streams
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Optional Alpine meadows and wildlife spotting (marmots, eagles)
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Evening campfire with dinner and hot drinks
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Optional Visit a nearby nomadic family to learn about local life
DAY 8
Eagle hunter family and back to Ölgii
Watch a golden eagle demonstration with a Kazakh eagle hunter family, then drive back to town.
Drive 5–6 h
Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day details +
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Visit a Kazakh eagle hunter family
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Golden eagle training and hunting demonstration
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Photos with the eagles and hunters
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Optional Short walk around the camp to see livestock and daily life
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Afternoon drive back to Ölgii (about 5–6 hours)
DAY 9
Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to the capital, transfer to your hotel and shop for souvenirs.
✈ Domestic flight
Flight ~2 h
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Day details +
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Transfer to Ölgii airport
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Flight back to Ulaanbaatar (about 2 hours)
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Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel
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State Department Store for souvenirs
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Optional Dinner show with Mongolian throat singing and dance
PRICES
Price per person
How much does a horse riding tour in Mongolia cost? This 9-day horse riding tour costs from $1,139 per person for groups of 7–8, $1,993 per person for two travellers and $2,965 for a solo traveller. The price includes return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, meals, an English-speaking guide, a cook and camel support. International flights, travel insurance and a sleeping bag are not included.
TRAVELLERS
PER PERSON (USD)
1 traveller
$2,965
2 travellers
$1,993
3–4 travellers
$1,448
5–6 travellers
$1,230
7–8 travellers
$1,139
The more people travel together, the lower the price per person. All prices include domestic flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, meals, guide, cook and camel support.
2027 group departures
June 2027: 2, 12 and 23 June
July 2027: 3, 14 and 24 July
August 2027: 4, 14 and 25 August
September 2027: 4, 15 and 25 September
Every departure starts on a Wednesday or Saturday flight day from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii and runs for 9 days. Up to 8 travellers per group. Private tours are possible on other dates.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included and not included
Included
✓ Round-trip domestic flights Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar
✓ Arrival and departure airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
✓ Accommodation in camping tents and traditional gers
✓ Full-board meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
✓ Bottled drinking water and snacks
✓ Professional English-speaking tour guide
✓ Experienced local driver, ground transport and fuel
✓ Dedicated expedition cook
✓ All camping and cooking equipment
✓ Camel support with professional camel handlers
✓ Visit to a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter family
✓ National park permits, local fees, sightseeing and entrance fees
✓ Visa support with an official invitation letter
Not included
✕ International airfare
✕ Visa fees
✕ Travel insurance
✕ Sleeping bag
✕ Excess baggage on domestic flights (over 15 kg allowance)
✕ Airport taxes (if applicable)
✕ Alcoholic beverages
✕ Drinks and additional charges at hotels, inns or restaurants
✕ Personal expenses and individual equipment
✕ Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and staff
✕ Any services not listed under Included
IS IT FOR ME?
Moderate riding tour, beginners welcome
Difficulty: moderate
4–6 h
longest riding days
4,051 m
highest point (Malchin Peak)
2 nights
at Altai Tavan Bogd base camp
6 nights
in tents or gers
A good fit if you…
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Want to explore the Altai on horseback, even as a beginner
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Have moderate fitness for a mountain climb
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Are happy camping in tents and gers
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Want nature, quiet and fresh mountain air more than comfort
Talk to us first if you…
Have a heart or respiratory condition
Have had altitude sickness before
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
Best time
May to September is the ideal season, with July as the peak period during the vibrant Naadam Festival. July and August bring occasional rain, but you can still expect many bright, sunny days.
Accommodation
Traditional tourist ger camps (2–4 people per ger) with 220 V electricity, showers and basic amenities, plus tents in the mountains. Every camp and hotel is personally inspected by Vacations Mongolia.
Meals
Hearty meals based on traditional ingredients — mutton, beef, rice, noodles and fresh vegetables — often served as lunchboxes prepared by the ger camps. Vegetarian options on request. Alcohol is not included, but you are free to bring your own.
Transport
Private, air-conditioned vans or modern 4WD vehicles. Daily drives in the countryside cover around 200–250 km, with ever-changing landscapes and wide-open steppe horizons.
What to bring
Warm, thin layers and a waterproof jacket, a hat and headscarf for sun and wind, insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, water-purifying tablets, a personal first-aid kit (plus any prescriptions) and camera gear. A sleeping bag is not included.
Phone and internet
Mobile signal in Ölgii town only. No signal or Wi-Fi from Day 2 to Day 8. Download offline maps.
REVIEWS
What our guests say
★ 5.0 on TripAdvisor (8 reviews, October 2026)
What reviewers mention (summary, not quotes):
Ritvik S (July 2026, travelled with a friend): a one-week expedition in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, including hiking Malchin Peak. Praised the guide, driver, host families, food and smooth organisation.
matej l (August 2026, solo): camped at Khoton Lake and describes it as remote, quiet and worth the long 4x4 drive. Notes basic conditions and no facilities at the lake.
Guille C, Spain (September 2026, solo): a great adventure with local guides; would recommend it.
Marina F, United Arab Emirates (June 2026, with a friend): the route was changed to avoid areas under quarantine; thanked the driver and guide for difficult mountain roads. Says to expect a very basic level of comfort.
Vacations Mongolia is listed on TripAdvisor as Vacations in Mongolia.
Read honest reviews from our guests on our reviews page, TripAdvisor and Google. Read all reviews →
FAQ
Questions riders ask
Are helmets provided during the tour?
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Some tour operators provide helmets, but not all. It’s recommended to bring your own if safety gear is important to you.
Can beginners learn to ride quickly?
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Yes. Mongolian horses are calm and well-trained, and guides will teach basic riding skills, making it easy for beginners to adapt.
What type of saddles are used?
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Traditional Mongolian wooden saddles are commonly used. They are sturdy but may feel less cushioned than Western saddles.
Will there be a guide during the ride?
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Yes. Experienced local guides will accompany you throughout the journey to ensure safety and navigation.
What kind of terrain will I ride through?
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You will ride across steppe grasslands, mountains, rivers and valleys.
What happens in case of bad weather?
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The tour may be adjusted for safety. Mongolia’s weather can change quickly, so flexibility is important.
Is food provided during the horse riding tour?
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Yes. Traditional meals are included, often prepared by local families or camp staff.
Where do I stay during the tour?
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In traditional Mongolian gers (yurts) or tents, offering an authentic nomadic experience.
Can I interact with local nomadic families?
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Yes. The tour includes a visit to a Kazakh eagle hunter family, so you can experience their culture and daily life.
Is it safe to ride Mongolian horses?
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Yes. They are generally safe and well-adapted to the environment, but following your guide’s instructions is important.
What should I pack for a horse riding tour?
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Essentials include comfortable riding clothes, boots, gloves, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and a small first-aid kit.
Is travel insurance required?
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Yes, with medical evacuation cover, because the route is remote.
Do I need a border zone permit for Altai Tavan Bogd, and do you arrange it?
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Yes. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park lies in the border zone with China and Russia, so a border zone permit is required. We arrange it for you together with the national park permits — just send us a copy of your passport when you book.
How cold is it at night in the mountains?
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Cold, even in summer. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least −5 °C / 23 °F. At base camp, July and August nights are typically around −2 °C to +5 °C and can drop below freezing.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
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Mild headaches or tiredness are possible above 3,000 m. Day 1 in Ölgii helps you acclimatise. Your guide watches for symptoms; if they get worse, you rest and return to lower ground, and the climb can be skipped.
Is this tour in Western Mongolia safe?
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The route is remote, with no phone signal from Day 2 to Day 8, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is required. Experienced local guides accompany you throughout, carry a first-aid kit and, in an emergency, arrange transport back to Ölgii.
What is the difference between Malchin Peak and Potanin Glacier?
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Malchin Peak (4,051 m) is the summit climb on Day 4. Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s largest glacier, is an optional side trip on Day 3 or Day 5, weather and trail conditions permitting.
What is this tour at a glance?
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9 days · Moderate · From $1,139 per person · Up to 8 travellers · May–September. Highest point: Malchin Peak, 4,051 m (13,290 ft) · Riding days about 4–6 h · No special climbing equipment needed · Return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii included.
What does each day of the tour look like?
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Day 1 — Fly to Ölgii · Flight: about 2 h · Night: Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii
Day 2 — Drive to Oigor Valley, start horse riding · Drive: about 4–5 h · Night: Tent or ger camp
Day 3 — Ride to Altai Tavan Bogd base camp · Riding: about 4–6 h · Night: Tent
Day 4 — Summit day: Malchin Peak (4,051 m) · Full day · Night: Tent
Day 5 — Ride to White River Valley · Riding: about 4–6 h · Night: Tent
Day 6 — Drive to Khoton & Khurgan lakes · Drive: about 4–5 h · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 7 — Baga Turgen Waterfall · About 3–4 h round trip · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 8 — Eagle hunter family, back to Ölgii · Drive: about 5–6 h · Night: Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii
Day 9 — Fly to Ulaanbaatar · Flight: about 2 h · Night: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
PHOTOS
On the trail
MORE IN THE ALTAI
You might also like
Which Altai tour is right for you?
Mongolia Horse Riding Tour (this tour) — 9 days · Moderate, horse riding with one summit day · Highest point: Malchin Peak, 4,051 m · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 8 · From $1,139 per person
Altai Tavan Bogd Hiking — 6 days · Moderate fitness, optional summit day · Highest point: Malchin Peak, 4,051 m (optional) · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 5 · From $992 per person
Eagle Hunter & Nomadic Life — 8 days · Moderate trekking sections, no technical climbing · Highest point: Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, about 2,400 m (no summit) · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 6 · From $1,120 per person
FROM THE BLOG
Read before you ride
● 5 min read
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● 4 min read
BOOK OR ASK A QUESTION
Talk to our team in Bayan-Ölgii
Flat 606, Happy Town 3, Bayan-Ölgii 18700, Mongolia
Written by the Vacations Mongolia team · Updated October 2026