Riding holiday in Mongolia: Everything you need to know

Mongolia, a country where past and present still coexist, offers a unique experience for equestrian travel. With a lifestyle still strongly influenced by nomadism and a strong horse culture, it's a top destination for many horseback adventurers.

Mongolia - What to expect?

Two very distinct ways of life remain in Mongolia: urban lifestyle versus nomadism. Nearly half the population lives in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Some live in smaller cities, but about a third of the population still lives in the traditional nomadic way. Mongolia is one of the last places on earth where nomadism thrives. The horse, of course, is ever present.

If you’re seeking luxury hotels and gourmet dining, Mongolia might not be your ideal destination. The country’s nomadic culture leads to significant differences from more settled countries. Communication often requires an interpreter, and cultural misunderstandings are common. Travelling through Mongolia means exploring vast natural landscapes with limited infrastructure, mostly accessible by jeep… or on horseback!

Mongolia has few paved roads, totalling just 3,000 kilometres, mostly around Ulaanbaatar. These roads are often poorly maintained. Many routes are gravel tracks or simple paths through the steppe, requiring robust 4x4 vehicles. On your horseback holiday in Mongolia, please be prepared for a bumpy, and sometimes long transfer from the city into the steppe!

Horseback Travel in Mongolia

Mongolia is the cradle of equestrianism in Asia and is an excellent choice for an adventurous trail riding holiday. This is a big country with distinctive provinces and as such, every holiday is different. However, they all have two very important features in common: the Mongolian horse and the fantastic hospitality of the Mongol people.

For a first taste of what Mongolia has to offer, you can choose shorter trail rides such as the Orkhon valley camping trail, or our trail across the Steppes of Khentii.
Those with an adventurous streak may choose expedition-type rides. Suitable options include a long trail ride across the Zavkhan region in the west, or our incredible 3-week trans-Mongolia riding expedition.
If you would love to ride in Mongolia has but would prefer to avoid camping, we can offer riding tours featuring yurt accommodation – not a 4**** star option, but a definite step up from a camping trail! Make sure to check our Riding and Yurts holiday.

The Mongolian Horse

The Mongolian horse is a central part of Mongolian culture and history. These small, sturdy horses are renowned for their endurance, resilience, and ability to thrive in the harsh conditions of the Mongolian steppe. They may be small, but they are incredibly strong!

These horses are also integral to traditional Mongolian festivals and sports, particularly in the famous Naadam festival (generally held in July), where they compete in games and races. Their spirited nature and significant cultural heritage make them a symbol of Mongolia's nomadic lifestyle.

The riding in Mongolia is very different from western or English riding – the aids are not the same and they are very “stop and go”! On your riding holiday in Mongolia you may hear your guides use a verbal command that sounds a little bit like “Choo-Choo” – a sign to go faster.

The pace is usually active with long canters and sometimes gallops. You do need to keep a close eye on the ground as there can be holes. You ride in Kazakh and Russian saddles. Whilst the stirrup leathers are adjustable, riders who are tall may find that they are short in length and are recommended to take their own pair of leathers.

Accommodations

In Ulaanbaatar: Standard local 3-star hotels.
Tourist Camps: These camps, open from mid-June to mid-October, consist of several yurts (traditional tents) with separate buildings for restrooms and dining. Hot water is usually available but can be inconsistent. A yurt can typically accommodate 2 or 4 people.
With Nomadic Families: You will be accommodated in a yurt set up next to the family yurt, which can accommodate 2 to 5 people. "Turkish" toilets in a wooden cabin are located near the camp. Mongolian beds are short and the mattresses thin. For your comfort, we provide mattresses, blankets, and sleeping bags. In some families, showers have been installed: you just need to remember to heat the water.
Camping: Tents are provided for camping trips, with meals prepared by your guide or cook. On some of our rides we provide mattresses, but make sure to check the packing list and bring a sleeping bag.

Food in Mongolia

Meals are usually a mix of Mongolian and European dishes, ensuring you can experience local cuisine without overwhelming your stomach. Mongolian food is simple, mostly consisting of meat and stews. A highlight is participating in the preparation of buuz, traditional meat dumplings. Breakfasts include bread, butter, jam, tea or coffee, and dairy products.

Climate

Mongolia has a continental climate with extreme conditions. It enjoys 280 days of sunshine annually, earning it the nickname "Land of the Blue Sky." The best months to visit, and when most of our trail rides are scheduled, are June through September, with temperatures exceeding 20°C from June. The steppe turns green in July and remains so for about two months. Nights get colder from mid-August, with daytime temperatures between 15-25°C until mid-September.

Cultural Etiquette

Mongols are naturally shy: as tradition dictates, they rarely show their emotions. Do not hesitate to approach them and engage with them. Feel free to take initiatives even if interpreters are not by your side. Do not be disappointed to see your host put aside the gift you offer them. As the Mongolian proverb says, "Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”!

You may have heard of many traditions and rituals to follow when visiting nomads. Do not worry; they will forgive your small mistakes. However, some rituals and rules should be known and respected to avoid offending your hosts:

The hearth in the center of the yurt is sacred: do not throw anything in it (especially not your dirty tissues!) and do not pass between the two poles.
The basins used for cooking are different from those used for washing clothes: if you want to wash some clothes, ask your host for the right basin.
It is not well regarded to refuse what is offered to you. Even if you do not like fermented mare's milk, accept the bowl handed to you, dip your lips in it, and put it back.
The gesture of putting your thumb between the index and middle finger while making a fist is equivalent to our middle finger and should be avoided.
The northern part (the back) of the yurt is reserved for the head of the family; do not go there unless invited. Once familiar with the family, you can go there.

Mongolian tradition wants the traveler to thank his host for his kind hospitality by offering small gifts. This tradition does not mean that these nomadic families cannot meet their primary needs. Nomads, despite their isolation, are fully integrated into contemporary society. Their livestock activities bring them a small income that sometimes is not enough to finance their children's education or the maintenance of the yurts. Therefore, avoid offering soaps, pens, or used clothes, which often make these families uncomfortable, but prefer to bring fresh vegetables and fruits (to be bought on the way), cakes or sweets (Mongolians love sweets), or why not a specialty from your home. You can also simply contribute with a small financial support which better meets the real needs of these families.

Locals and travellers enjoying a meal together

More information...

We hope that this guide to riding holidays in Mongolia is useful – whether you have already booked your trip or are just “browsing” for now! Mongolia is an unforgettable adventure, and we look forward to hosting you on one of our rides. If you have any questions, please contact an Equus Journeys travel consultant at info@equus-journeys.com or give us a call on +44 1905 388 977.