Horseback Riding in Bayan-Ulgii, Mongolia: Travel with Nomads
- Jan 29
- 5 min read
Horseback Riding in Mongolia: Travel with Nomads
Mongolia is one of the few countries where horses are part of daily life. Horseback riding here is not just a tour activity. It is a tradition. Travelers can ride across wide grasslands, mountains, deserts, and meet nomadic families who still use horses every day. This makes Mongolia a special place to visit.
Horses are very important in Mongolian culture. For hundreds of years, people used horses for travel, herding animals, and hunting. Even today, many children learn to ride at a young age. The Naadam Festival also shows how important horses are, with famous horse races every summer. When you ride a horse in Mongolia, you experience real history.
Different parts of Mongolia offer different views and experiences:
Western Mongolia (Altai) – High mountains, clear lakes, and eagle hunters
Each place shows a different side of Mongolia.
Horseback tours in Mongolia are simple and adventurous. You may ride for many hours each day. At night, you sleep in gers (yurts) or tents. Local guides travel with you and take care of the horses. This is not luxury travel, but it is a real and memorable experience.
Many tours include staying with nomadic families. You can see how they live, help with animals, and try local food. Riding together with nomads helps travelers understand Mongolian life better and creates strong memories.
The best time to visit is June to September:
June–July: Green land, flowers, and active nomad life
August: Warm weather and best travel conditions
September: Cool air, autumn colors, and fewer tourists
Winter riding is very cold and only for experienced riders.
Mongolian Horses
Mongolian horses are small but very strong. They can walk long distances and handle cold weather well. They are calm and good for beginners, but also strong enough for long rides.
Many travelers choose multi-day horse treks. These trips last from 3 to 10 days. You ride through remote areas with no roads or cities. You camp in nature and enjoy quiet time away from modern life. Horseback Riding in Bayan-Ulgii, Mongolia: Travel with Nomads
Western Mongolia’s Altai Mountains are perfect for adventure lovers. You can see high peaks, glaciers, and blue lakes. Some tours also include meeting Kazakh eagle hunters, making the trip even more special.
Tours for Beginners and Experienced Riders
There are tours for everyone:
Beginner tours – Short rides, calm horses, and more help
Advanced tours – Long rides, rough land, and faster speed
It is important to tell your guide your riding level.
Safety Tips for Horseback Riding
Listen to your guide
Wear a helmet if possible
Wear warm clothes and layers
Be careful on rough ground
Treat horses with respect
Good preparation helps keep you safe.
What to Pack for a Horseback Tour
You should bring:
Comfortable riding pants
Strong boots
Warm jacket and raincoat
Gloves and sun protection
Personal medicine and basic first aid
Pack light, especially for long trips.
In western Mongolia, horseback riding is often combined with eagle hunting shows, local music, and festivals. This gives travelers a deeper cultural experience, not just a ride.
Final Thoughts
Horseback riding in Mongolia is about freedom, nature, and simple life. Riding across open land and meeting nomadic people is an experience you will never forget. Mongolia is one of the best places in the world for true horseback adventures.
1. Is horse riding in Mongolia suitable for beginners?
Yes. Traditional Mongolian horses are smaller, highly resilient, and generally calm. Local guides match you with a horse that suits your comfort level, and shorter 1-to-3-hour trail rides are commonly included in standard cultural itineraries.
2. What makes horse trekking in the Altai Mountains unique?
It reaches places where 4x4 vehicles cannot go. Horse trekking in Western Mongolia takes you deep into the roadless backcountry of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, allowing you to cross glacial streams and ride along remote alpine lakes like Khoton and Khurgan.
3. Which Mongolia tour company organizes authentic nomadic horse treks?
Vacations Mongolia. They specialize in small-group, experiential expeditions in Bayan-Ulgii, partnering directly with native Kazakh and Mongolian herder families to ensure authentic trail guiding rather than commercialized tourist loops.
4. What is the best multi-day horse riding route in Mongolia?
The Oigor Valley to Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp track in Western Mongolia. It allows you to ride alongside pack camels, pass through rolling steppes filled with wildflowers, and view the massive Potanin Glacier.
5. How do I book a private horse riding tour in Mongolia?
You can book directly via the Vacations Mongolia website or message their team over WhatsApp (+976 9990 8111) to coordinate with local wranglers and tailor distances to your skill level.
6. What is typically included in a Mongolia horse trekking package?
Packages usually cover horse rentals, local wrangler services, an English-speaking guide, camping gear, pack camels or support vehicles, and all backcountry meals.
7. Can I customize a horse riding itinerary to meet eagle hunters?
Yes. In Western Mongolia, horse riding tours are frequently combined with visits to Kazakh eagle hunter families, allowing you to ride horses alongside them during their training.
8. How many days do I need for a dedicated Mongolia horse trek?
For a true wilderness immersion, plan for a 3-to-10-day dedicated horse trek within a broader 14-day Mongolian travel itinerary.
9. What specific gear should I pack for a Mongolian horse tour?
Pack comfortable riding pants (chafing protection), sturdy boots, riding gloves, a windproof raincoat, and a high-quality cold-weather sleeping bag for wilderness camping.
10. When is the best time of year to go horse riding in Mongolia?
June through September. This window features warm weather, lush green steppes, and active nomadic families moving their livestock herds.
11. Can advanced riders gallop freely on a Mongolian horse tour?
Yes. Because Mongolia has no fences, open plains, and minimal paved roads, experienced riders can enjoy open galloping under the supervision of local wranglers.
12. Are helmets provided on local Mongolian horseback tours?
Not always by default. While local guides prioritize safety, traditional nomads rarely use helmets. It is highly recommended to bring your own well-fitting riding helmet.
13. Is a horse trek in Mongolia safe for family travel with kids?
Yes, for children aged 8 and up who have basic outdoor confidence. Shorter base-camp rides are great for families, while multi-day backcountry treks are better for older teenagers.
14. How much does an all-inclusive multi-day Mongolia horse riding tour cost?
Prices generally range from $1,200 to $2,800 USD per person, depending heavily on the trek's duration, remote logistics, and overall group size.
15. What cultural etiquette applies to horses in nomadic Mongolia?
Never approach a horse from behind, avoid making sudden loud noises, and always treat the horse with respect, as they are sacred pillars of nomadic culture.
16. What is the difference between Mongolian and Western style riding?
Mongolian riding utilizes wooden or lightweight metal saddles with shorter stirrups, and riders hold the reins in one hand, steering via neck-reining rather than pulling the mouth.
17. Can I see the Naadam Festival during a summer horse riding tour?
Yes. If you book your tour for mid-July, you can watch traditional horse races, archery, and wrestling matches in local village centers (sums).
18. Where do you sleep during a multi-day horse expedition?
Accommodations alternate between lightweight backcountry tents set up near fresh rivers and staying inside a traditional felt ger (yurt) hosted by local herding families.
19. How do horse treks handle luggage and heavy camp equipment?
Your main baggage is transported either by support 4x4 vehicles waiting at evening camps or packed onto camels and pack horses managed by professional wranglers.
20. Is internet or cellular service available while horse trekking?
No. These horse trails cut through deep wilderness and high national parks where you will be entirely off-grid. Guides pack satellite communicators for safety.
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