FAQ

Who will be leading our Mongolia adventure, and what criteria do you use to select the guide?

Our Mongolia expeditions are led by hand-picked, bilingual local guides who combine deep cultural knowledge, wilderness expertise, and a genuine passion for sharing their homeland.

We select each guide through a rigorous process that includes:

Local Roots & Cultural Fluency

Raised in or around the regions we explore—steppe, desert, or mountain—so they speak the language of the land and its people.

Communication Skills

Fluent in English (and often additional languages) with a talent for storytelling, ensuring you connect with every landscape, legend, and local tradition.

Personality & Leadership

Outgoing, adaptable, and resourceful: able to read the group’s energy, solve unexpected challenges, and turn every moment into an immersive adventure.

Field Experience

A minimum of five years guiding in Mongolia’s diverse environments, plus hands-on expertise in horsemanship, navigation, and wildlife tracking.

This blend of local insight, technical know-how, and genuine warmth guarantees a safe, enriching, and unforgettable journey across Mongolia.

What can I expect on a Mongolia riding adventure?

Our Mongolia riding trips immerse you in true wilderness. Each night, you’ll camp in sturdy tents under the open sky, sleep on the ground, and cook meals over propane stoves or wood fires. Nearby streams double as your bathhouse, and simple rock-or-tree latrines handle nature’s calls. With more than twenty years outfitting remote expeditions, we do everything possible to keep you safe, warm, well-fed, and comfortable—but you should still be ready for occasional cold, hunger, or discomfort. Please consult a trip leader or our office to fully understand the trip’s rigors before booking.

Some itineraries include daily vehicle support, while others rely entirely on pack horses for self-sufficiency. Imagine a 200-year-old Rocky Mountains trek: no roads, no fences, and local nomads living in harmony with the land. Over 5–7 days, you’ll ride 4–6 hours per day, alternating walk and trot, with canters whenever the terrain allows. Be sure to review our gear list for all personal items and equipment. Between rides, you’ll find plenty of chances to photograph sweeping vistas, explore hidden valleys, fish tranquil streams, or simply relax by the fire.

Our Mongolia overland trips blend urban comfort with off-road adventure.

In Ulaanbaatar, you’ll stay in a western-style hotel complete with full amenities. Outside the capital, accommodations vary by itinerary—either traditional ger camps or car camping at remote sites.

You’ll journey in a four-wheel-drive jeep or van, accompanied by a local, English-speaking guide and an experienced driver.

For comprehensive details on camp facilities, daily routes, and packing essentials, please consult our detailed trip guide.

Why choose horseback travel for your Mongolia adventure?

Experiencing Mongolia on horseback builds a bridge of understanding and respect between travelers and nomads by sharing their lifelong passion for horses. Riding side by side with herders creates an immediate bond, inviting you into their daily traditions, rhythms, and stories of the steppe.

Traveling by horse through the vast open landscapes grants an unrivaled sense of freedom and immersion in the environment. It reveals the vibrant character of nomadic life—from sunrise herd movements to campfire conversations—while showcasing Mongolia’s raw beauty. This shared love of horses and wilderness inspired us to design authentic riding journeys alongside local nomads.

What riding background should I have to join your Mongolia adventures?

Our Mongolia trips welcome both seasoned equestrians and fit, eager beginners. We carefully match each rider with a horse that suits their skill level and encourage you to ride at your own comfort and pace.

These journeys aren’t nose-to-tail trail rides. You’ll choose when to walk, trot, or canter so you arrive at camp on your terms.

While basic riding experience is helpful, many first-timers succeed after completing a short riding course or showing proficiency in active, rustic wilderness travel. Above all, we look for riders who:

Feel at ease around horses
Are excited to spend full days in the saddle
Have some prior riding or wilderness travel experience
Bring a positive, adventurous attitude

If you meet these criteria and love the idea of camping under Mongolia’s open skies, you’ll thrive on our horseback adventures.

Do I need a visa for Mongolia?

Many countries are visa-exempt, including the US. Visa rules vary by country. Check before booking.

Is Mongolia good for adventure travelers?

Absolutely! Mongolia is perfect for horse trekking, hiking, camel safaris, camping under the stars, and off-road jeep expeditions across untouched landscapes.

Which tours do you offer?

We currently provide a variety of tours, with a focus on Arkhangai, Khentii, Khuvsgul, and the Gobi regions.

Is Mongolia friendly to Americans?

Yes, Mongolia is friendly and welcoming to all guests, including Americans, with locals known for their warm hospitality.

Is it safe to visit Mongolia right now?

Yes, Mongolia is safe for travelers. Just like when you travel anywhere, normal procedures such as securing valuables and staying updated on local news are recommended.

Do you offer customized tours?

Yes. We can design tailor-made itineraries to match your interests, whether it’s cultural immersion, photography, trekking, or a mix of everything. Visit the custom tour page.

How can I book a tour?

To book, please submit our contact form, and our team will get back to you to confirm details and secure your reservation with a deposit.

What is the Naadam Festival experience like?

You’ll witness horse racing, wrestling, and archery in a local, small-town Naadam—an authentic and intimate celebration with herders and townspeople.

Will I get to meet local nomadic families?

Yes, throughout the trek you’ll visit gers, share food, and experience nomadic traditions firsthand.

How much riding is involved?

You’ll ride 4–6 hours daily (about 20 miles) during the trek. Horses are matched to your skill level, and a support vehicle is available if you need breaks.

What is the price and what does it cover?

Price varies based on the duration of the trip and activities, and covers meals, transport, guides, activities, and support team.

What is Arkhangai famous for?

Beautiful nature, Orkhon Valley, horseback culture, and welcoming nomadic families.

Is Kharkhorin worth visiting?

Yes, Kharkhorin is worth visiting for its rich history as the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, its cultural sites like Erdene Zuu Monastery, and its scenic surroundings.

How long is this trip?

This is a multi-day adventure that blends hiking, horseback riding, cultural visits, and camping in Mongolia’s wilderness.

Is horseback riding safe for beginners?

Yes, horses are carefully chosen, wranglers guide you, and rides are tailored to skill level. Helmets are always recommended.

What’s special about the Khentii Mountains?

It’s the homeland of Chinggis (Genghis) Khaan, with forests, rivers, and the hidden Gunjin Sum temple ruins.

How difficult is hiking in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park?

The hikes are moderate, with daily walks through meadows, valleys, and gentle slopes. Distances are manageable, and a support vehicle or ox cart carries your luggage.

What is the significance of the Khentii?

The Khentii Mountains are historically and culturally significant as the birthplace of Chinggis (Genghis) Khan and a key region in Mongolian history. They are also valued for their natural beauty and biodiversity.

Who are the Tsaatan (Reindeer) People?

The Tsaatan are one of Mongolia’s last remaining reindeer-herding communities, living in the remote taiga near the Siberian border. Visiting their summer encampments offers a rare and respectful cultural encounter.

What kind of landscapes will I see?

Expect sweeping steppes, alpine meadows, larch forests, river crossings, and high mountain passes, plus the crystal-clear expanse of Lake Khovsgol.

Are there rest days on the itinerary?

Yes. There are planned rest days in Renchinlhumbe village and at riverside lodges to allow time for recovery and reflection.

What is the cleanest lake in Mongolia?

Lake Khovsgol, often called the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia," is considered the cleanest and most pristine lake in the country, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural surroundings.

What are the interesting facts about Khuvsgul Lake?

Khuvsgul Lake, the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” is pristine, high-altitude, rich in unique wildlife, and culturally important to local herders.

What makes the Gobi Desert unique compared to other deserts?

Unlike sandy deserts, the Gobi combines vast steppes, rocky canyons, and towering dunes. It’s home to rare wildlife like ibex, Argali sheep, and lammergeiers, plus world-renowned fossil sites and a living nomadic culture.

Are there cultural encounters on this journey?

Absolutely. You’ll visit nomadic herding families, learn about camel-breeding traditions, and attend Mongolia’s grand Naadam Festival—a national celebration of wrestling, archery, and horse racing.

Why is the Gobi Desert so special?

It’s famous for its vast landscapes, dinosaur fossil sites, unique wildlife, towering sand dunes, and rich nomadic culture.

What is the Gobi famous for?

The Gobi Desert is famous for its vast sand dunes, unique wildlife, dinosaur fossils, and striking landscapes.

Is the Gobi Desert hot or cold?

The Gobi Desert experiences extreme temperatures—it can be very hot in summer and freezing cold in winter.

Can you visit the Gobi Desert?

Yes, the Gobi Desert is open to tourists, offering guided tours, camel treks, and opportunities to explore its unique landscapes and wildlife.