Few rides are as unvarnished truth as riding Mongolia’s boundless steppes on horseback. This ageless country – where the traditions of nomadic existence continue to thrive, and the landscape rolls unbroken to distant horizons – offers riders a ride through one of the last great frontier wildernesses on earth. Mongolians’ connection with horses is not just a question of transportation; it is the cultural underpinning of a nation whose children are taught to ride as soon as they can walk.
These are 20 amazing horseback rides in the Mongolian steppe, which mirror the country’s diverse terrain, cultural richness, and unmatched horseback riding possibilities.
The Khentii Wilderness Expedition
The remote northeastern Khentii Mountains offer serious riders a challenging journey through Genghis Khan’s birthplace region. Local guides lead small groups through mountain forests, across wide valleys, and along crystalline rivers where few foreigners venture.
This two-week expedition involves camping beside mountain streams, encounters with nomadic families, and traversing terrain virtually unchanged since the 13th century. The riding demands technical skill, with steep ascents and river crossings requiring confident horsemanship and physical endurance.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
This UNESCO-protected region combines remarkable natural beauty with significant historical sites spanning centuries of Mongolian civilization. Riders follow ancient trails between volcanic mountains and fertile valleys where nomads have grazed livestock for millennia.
The 8-10 day journey includes stops at Erdene Zuu Monastery – Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist temple complex – and the ancient city ruins of Karakorum, Genghis Khan’s capital. Moderate riding skills suffice here, making this an accessible adventure for those with limited horseback experience.
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Gobi Desert Horse Trek
Contrary to popular imagery, the Gobi isn’t all dunes but rather diverse ecosystems ranging from gravel plains to rocky mountains. This unusual horse trek combines riding across sparse desert landscapes with visits to remarkable geological formations like the Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur fossils were first discovered.
Riders camp beneath star-saturated skies and learn desert navigation techniques from local guides whose knowledge spans generations. The journey requires physical resilience more than technical riding skills as days grow hot and water sources remain scarce.
Hustai National Park Wild Horse Encounter
This specialized riding program focuses on conservation, centering around the successfully reintroduced Przewalski’s horse—the world’s only truly wild horse species that never underwent domestication. Riders spend four to five days exploring the park with researchers, learning about wildlife conservation while enjoying moderate daily rides through rolling grasslands.
Evening presentations cover the fascinating story of how these horses returned from near extinction. The experience suits riders of various skill levels while offering meaningful engagement with wildlife protection efforts.
Western Mongolia Eagle Hunter Journey
In Mongolia’s westernmost Bayan-Ölgii province, Kazakh eagle hunters maintain ancient traditions of partnering with golden eagles to hunt across mountainous terrain. This specialized trek allows riders to travel with eagle-hunting families, learning their customs and witnessing hunting techniques passed through generations.
The 7-10 day adventure includes participating in training sessions and possibly a mini version of the area’s famous Eagle Festival. Strong intermediate riding skills benefit travelers as local horses navigate challenging mountain landscapes with remarkable agility.
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Lake Khövsgöl Northern Circuit
Mongolia’s enormous alpine lake near the Siberian border provides the backdrop for this stunning journey through forests, mountains, and lakeside meadows. Riders traverse terrain home to reindeer-herding Tsaatan people while enjoying views across crystal waters often called ‘Mongolia’s blue pearl.’
The 10-day circuit involves camping along pristine beaches and forested hillsides while experiencing dramatic temperature shifts between warm days and near-freezing nights. The mixed terrain requires adaptable riding skills and comfort with remote wilderness camping.
Trans-Mongolian Horse Relay
For ambitious riders seeking a genuine challenge, this extraordinary month-long journey crosses Mongolia from north to south, covering over 600 miles through multiple ecosystems. Emulating the historic horse relay postal system, riders change horses at stations spaced approximately 20-25 miles apart, experiencing many different mounts while traveling with minimal equipment.
Local herders provide fresh horses and basic accommodation along routes connecting the taiga forests near Russia to the Gobi Desert approaching China. Only experienced riders with significant endurance should attempt this demanding adventure.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Retreat
Located just 30 miles from Ulaanbaatar, this accessible park offers shorter adventures suitable for riders with limited time or experience. Three to five-day journeys wind through distinctive rock formations, alpine meadows, and river valleys while using ger camps (traditional felt tents) for comfortable overnight stays.
The proximity to Mongolia’s capital makes this ideal for combining city experiences with authentic steppe riding. Daily routes adapt easily to rider skill, making this adventure approachable for families and beginners.
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Altai Mountains Archaeology Trail
Western Mongolia’s Altai range contains remarkable archaeological treasures spanning thousands of years of human history. This specialized riding journey connects ancient burial sites, petroglyphs, and stone monuments dating from Bronze Age cultures through the Turkic period.
Expert guides provide context for these remote historical sites rarely visited by tourists. The 12-day expedition involves high-altitude riding through mountain passes and camping in spectacular valleys. Riders need intermediate skills and comfort with significant elevation changes.
Nomadic Family Homestay Circuit
Rather than covering maximum distance, this cultural immersion experience focuses on the depth of connection with nomadic families. Riders travel between seasonal camps in central Mongolia’s Arkhangai province, staying with different families to participate in daily activities, from milking mares to felt-making.
The 7-10 day journey provides an authentic insight into a lifestyle increasingly rare worldwide. Limited daily riding distances make this suitable for those prioritizing cultural exchange over covering long distances.
Eight Lakes Wilderness Loop
This spectacular circuit in central Mongolia connects eight alpine lakes nestled among forested mountains and open valleys. Riders follow meandering trails between these pristine water bodies, camping lakeside with opportunities for fishing and swimming during summer months.
The 8-12 day journey balances challenging riding sections with leisurely days exploring particularly beautiful locations. Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, deer, and numerous bird species. Intermediate riding ability helps navigate occasional challenging terrain between easier valley floors.
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Winter Horse Festival Journey
For adventurous souls willing to brave Mongolia’s extreme winter conditions, this specialized February trip centers around the ice festival at Khövsgöl Lake and traditional horse games played on frozen surfaces. Riders bundle in traditional deel robes while experiencing winter nomadic life and the extraordinary quiet of the steppe under snow.
Specialized winter gear becomes essential, as temperatures frequently drop below -20°F. The week-long adventure requires previous cold-weather camping experience alongside solid riding skills.
Eastern Steppes Wildlife Expedition
Mongolia’s eastern provinces contain the world’s largest intact temperate grassland, home to remarkable wildlife, including gazelles, wolves, and rare birds. This conservation-focused ride partners with biologists monitoring these ecosystems while covering 15-20 miles daily across seemingly endless plains.
The 10-14-day journey involves wild camping in areas seldom visited by tourists, providing extraordinary solitude. Riders develop an appreciation for Mongolia’s important role in preserving grassland ecosystems that are increasingly threatened worldwide. Comfort with open spaces and basic camping suits this wilderness experience.
Nomad Migration Participation
Many Mongolian families move entire households between seasonal pastures twice yearly. This specialized adventure allows riders to actively participate in these migrations, helping move livestock across significant distances while experiencing the logistical complexity of nomadic movements.
Available during specific May/June and September/October periods, this 7-10-day experience provides unparalleled insight into pastoral traditions central to Mongolian identity. Participants need comfort around large animal herds and a willingness to embrace unpredictable timing inherent in weather-dependent movements.
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Mongolian Horse Training Immersion
This specialized program near Ulaanbaatar pairs riders with expert horse trainers to learn traditional Mongolian horsemanship techniques. Participants spend 5-7 days developing skills in catching, training, and riding semi-wild horses using methods refined over centuries. Unlike standard treks, this experience focuses on skill development through daily lessons and practical application.
The adventure suits passionate horse enthusiasts seeking deeper equestrian knowledge rather than covering maximum distances. Previous riding experience proves essential for safety when working with spirited local horses.
Great Steppe Marathon
This annual event challenges experienced riders to cover 100 miles within 10 hours using multiple horses in the style of traditional military training exercises. Participants switch between several horses provided by local herders while following a marked route across open grasslands.
The single-day challenge draws competitive riders globally alongside local Mongolians demonstrating remarkable traditional riding skills. Only highly experienced equestrians should attempt this physically demanding event held each August during national Naadam celebrations.
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Buddhist Monastery Pilgrimage Route
Before Soviet-era religious suppression, Mongolia contained hundreds of Buddhist monasteries connected by established pilgrimage routes. This historical journey recreates these spiritual pathways, connecting restored monasteries and sacred sites across central Mongolia.
The 10-14 day route includes opportunities for meditation instruction from monks and learning about Buddhism’s important role in Mongolian culture. Moderate daily distances make this accessible to riders of various skill levels interested in Mongolia’s spiritual heritage.
Khar Us Lake Bird-Watching Journey
Western Mongolia’s wetland systems support remarkable bird diversity in otherwise arid regions. This specialized riding adventure, timed for spring or fall migrations, allows birdwatchers to access remote observation areas while moving efficiently between habitats. Local guides with exceptional spotting skills help identify numerous species, including cranes, eagles, and rare waterfowl.
The 7—to 10-day journey combines wildlife viewing with scenic riding through varied landscapes. Binoculars and photography equipment require careful packing strategies for protection during rides.
Cross-Border Expedition to Tuva
For adventurous travelers with additional visa arrangements, this specialized journey crosses from northern Mongolia into Russia’s Tuva Republic – a region sharing nomadic traditions and historical connections. The two-week expedition requires extensive paperwork and planning but rewards riders with extraordinary cultural comparisons between related but distinct nomadic societies.
The challenging journey traverses mountain passes and remote border regions, demanding experienced riders comfortable with bureaucratic complexities and basic Russian language skills.
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Beyond The Horizon
Mongolia offers not just horseback riding but genuine adventures that connect travelers with a traditional way of life that is fast disappearing in our modernizing world. These journeys through the steppe offer more than visual beauty or physical testing; they offer an understanding of human flexibility and our bond with animals and landscapes.
The Mongolian horse’s attitude—dignified cooperation rather than domination—is mirrored in its attitude towards the difficult but beautiful landscapes it inhabits. Visitors come away from these experiences with not just camera clicks but also altered attitudes about how humans could live with nature.
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