On this trip you will explore two very different environments on horseback: First, ride across the vast treeless steppe, which is summer pastureland of Mongolian herders. Gradually you will come through the very scenic forest steppe and up into the southern taiga zone of the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area. You will experience steppes, wooded meadows, forests and mountains and enjoy camping along winding rivers. You will undertake this horse ride without vehicle support, in wild terrain. All the luggage will be loaded onto yak carts; even a ger (Mongolian yurt) will be carried to serve as the mobile restaurant.
This horseback journey offers close encounters with Mongolian horsemen, nomadic people who have thus far been able to withstand modern pressures and lifestyles. There is no other nation in the world that depends on horses to such an extent. Mongolian horsemanship is famous and in many ways different than anywhere else. The herders keep their horses in a semi- wild condition, allowing them to live freely in harem groups. During the harsh winter with extreme subzero temperatures, the horses fend for themselves and protect their foals against predators such as wolves. Fences or stables are virtually unknown.
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Tour briefing after dinner.
After breakfast, visit the Gandan Monastery, the centerpiece for the revival of the Buddhist Lamaism in Mongolia. With luck you can catch the prayer times. Then drive out of the city to Gants Mod and gradually the wide open Mongolian landscape unfolds before your eyes. Have a picnic lunch on arrival, pitching camp near some nomadic families, where you will stay for 2 nights. Here you will meet the local herders with the yak carts and horses. Get to know the horses and go an short trial ride, and spend the next day riding in the area.
All the provisions, camping equipment and luggage will be loaded onto yak carts. Even a ger (yurt) will be brought, and you will learn how to set it up. Ride across open steppe, but also cover hilly terrain with occasional patches of birch forest. Throughout the ride you will have the chance to meet with local herdsmen, often relatives and friends of our local guides. On the second day, forests will suddenly start to appear and you are now riding towards the Khentii wilderness area, which includes the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area and
Gorkhi Terelj National Park. In Mongolia the Siberian boreal forest meets the Central Asian desert and steppe and will be riding through the transitional zone between grasslands and northern Larch forests. Spend two nights in the Khan Khentii wilderness area here.
The horses will enable you to ride through the Larch forests, up the slopes of the mountains and to follow ridges that offer views of superb scenery, whilst the yak carts will follow along the broad river valleys. You will arrive and pitch camp at Sharbulag Valley. Spend two nights here, which will allow for some flexibility in the middle of the ride.
Ride towards Jalman Meadows, famous for its wildflowers, and reach the semi-permanent ger camp, which is situated next to a beautiful wooded meadow on the upper parts of the Tuul River. Here you say good bye to the herders and their yak carts caravan. You will stay at Jalman Meadows Ger Camp for two nights, having a superb last day ride in the surrounding area.
You are picked up by a driver and return to Ulaanbaatar. Check into your hotel with time to see the capital city on your own. Distances ar.short and nearly all points of interest may by reached on foot. Your guide is standing by to assist you in your shopping or sightseeing activities. Have a farewell dinner in local restaurant as well as entertainment.
Transfer to the airport for departure
Naadam Itinerary
On the Naadam itinerary you spend Days 11 and 12 in Ulanbaatar at the festival.
The Naadam Itinerary includes two extra days at the festival in Ulaanbaatar at the start of the trip. This is a suggested itinerary only. Changes to the itinerary and camp locations may occur due to weather and other unforeseeable circumstances. The trip may be done in reverse.
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We had a wonderful vacation. At every opportunity we felt well tended to. We very strongly recommend this trip.
Lisa Shelton, March 2008
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