What are the Mongolian horses like?

Sturdy, sure-footed, spirited and great, great FUN. Mongolian horses are the ultimate adventure partners. They are incredibly well adapted to their environment, living semi-wild in natural herds, with no shoes, no hard feed and no ‘management’ to speak of from their humans. To ride a Mongolian horse in its native land is to be invited back into the animal kingdom, crossing difficult and dangerous terrain with ease and managing in extreme weather. Our horses are well-used to a variety of riders, saddle bags and western tack we will use on the ride. The horses are small, but very strong. Even so we put a weight limit on our rides of 100 kgs.


Who are these rides suitable for?

We do not require riders to be ‘experts’, but we believe the riding will be much more enjoyable if you have some prior experience and are comfortable at walk, trot and canter on a variety of horses. Everyone is different and this is something we are happy to talk to you about. If in doubt, please speak to us before booking, we’d really rather you took a jeep or a motorcycle tour rather than book a trip that you do not enjoy.

There are no age limits. Children are welcome if they can keep up with the group and are supervised by an adult, and as long as they are fit enough to mount and dismount. All riders should be able to walk up and down some of the more treacherous terrain, put up a tent and sleep on the ground after a long days’ riding.

The most important factor is your attitude. Mongolia rewards the flexible traveller. Itineraries are only ever guidelines here, and changing your plans should be viewed as an opportunity not a failure. Remote terrain and challenging conditions can make mincemeat of the best laid plans. If you are the kind of person who needs to know the time and content of your next meal, how long it will take to reach the next camp, what the weather will be tomorrow or if there is Wi-Fi, you might find Mongolia a bit much. Likewise, if you need to stay hyperconnected, stream your favourite TV show on your iPad, charge lots of gadgets then this probably isn’t the trip for you. The lower-fi your trip, the better.

Do you require riders to wear helmets?

In order to guarantee everyone's safety and prevent possible injuries we recommend that riders wear helmets. 

What kind of saddles will be used?

We use a custom designed saddle made in South Africa. It is based on an Australian stock saddle, lightweight, sturdy and comfortable for extended periods. The saddle was specifically designed to fit Mongolian horses and the model is the same one used for the Mongol Derby.

How much personal gear can I take with me?

There will be a support vehicle with the tour, in which you can store some of your belongings. However, on the Eight Lakes tour there will be a few nights where there is no vehicle support as we ride into inaccessible regions. That is very much the point! On these nights, we will use pack horses only and all riders will have a restricted amount of luggage with them; a single 30 litre dry sack each. On the horses you can take a water bottle.

What kind of clothing and camping items do you recommend to bring?

You will need light clothing for warm days and a good warm sweater for evenings and mornings. The temperatures between day and night can be dramatically different. So, we would highly recommend you bring warm clothing. You will also need a good waterproof coat and pants. A good sleeping bag will make a huge difference – a three to four season sleeping bag will be ideal. If you get cold easily, you will need a better sleeping bag. The sun is exceptionally strong and much of the country is at altitude, so bring proper sunscreen and cover your skin.

How safe is Mongolia?

Mongolia is a relatively safe country for travel. Pickpocketing is sometimes an issue in large cities. 

What if I get injured or I have to make an emergency return to my country?

If you get injured we will provide first aid and if necessary we will transfer you to a medical facility in Ulaanbaatar. Keep in mind that because of the remoteness of the location it may take some time to get proper medical attention. We do our very best to avoid any types of injuries and everyone's safety is really important. In case of a non-medical emergency, we can organize your return trip.

What's Mongolian food like and do you provide vegetarian meals?

In the capital city Ulaanbaatar, you will find a variety of excellent western restaurants. In general, Mongolian food consists mostly of meat from various animals and white flour, in noodle, dumpling or dough form. While riding, you will have your own cook who will prepare European, Mongolian and Asian cuisine. We are happy to prepare meals for anyone who is a vegetarian. Just be sure to tell us in advance if this is the case.

Do you require insurance?

Yes, we do. You will need to submit your insurance details and emergency contact numbers to us once you have booked your tour. The Mongolian insurance company Bodi sells a good policy called On Site Cover designed specifically for tourists in Mongolia. This policy is issued in partnership with the SOS Clinic in Ulaanbaatar, which means a seamless and efficient referral process and admission in the event of an injury or accident. The most important aspects of any policy you choose are medical evacuation (at least $25,000, the approximate cost of a helicopter retrieval from the furthest reaches of our tours to Ulaanbaatar), medical treatment costs, and cancellation policy.

Are there any diseases I should worry about?

In general Mongolia is quite a safe place and does not have a lot of dangerous diseases. In the area you will be travelling, the only real risk might be rabies from local dogs. Ultimately, this and all other vaccinations are up to the individual, none are legally required.

Where will we sleep?

During your riding days you will be primarily camping and sleeping in tents. In Ulaanbaatar we will book you into a mid-range hotel with twin rooms unless otherwise specified. If you want something more luxurious we are more than happy to arrange this and will charge you a supplement.

What will the weather be like?

Despite being the first month of summer, June can still be quite chilly in Mongolia. July and August are the warmest months of the summer. September can be very cold at night so please plan for this. The average summer temperature is +25°C (77° F). The temperature difference between night and day can be as much as 15°C (27°F). There will be a few wet days in July and August. In general, summer days are hot, clear and very dry, and the nights clear and cold.

Will my tour leader speak English?

Yes, you will have an English speaking guide. In some cases, the guide will be a native English speaker. Other times you guide will be Mongolian.  In all cases, they will have an extensive knowledge of Mongolian history, geography, culture, horses and way of life. They will be delighted to share their experiences and knowledge with you.

Who will be taking care of the horses?

During your trip you will be accompanied by two wranglers who will take care of the horses and prepare them for riding each day. Safety is taken very seriously and they will be checking girths and equipment regularly.

What do I need to bring and what do you provide?

To bring:

  • Helmet
  • Horse riding gloves and waterproof warm travel gloves
  • Sunglasses/Sunhat
  • Horse riding chaps
  • Sunscreen
  • Small water bottle or hydration pack
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Lightweight warm clothes
  • Personal medications
  • Mosquito spray
  • Flashlight, head torch and spare batteries
  • Sleeping bag and liner
  • Camera and a spare battery


Provided by company:

  • Tents
  • Self-Inflating sleeping mats
  • Sleeping bag. (If you don't have one we can provide you with a sleeping bag)
  • Saddles and tack