Riding with Nomads

  Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar

Description: On this adventure you will experience nomadic life, horse trekking through areas used by nomads for centuries.

The Khangai Mountain range in Central Mongolia has seen many fine horse riders over the centuries, join present day nomads on a horse trekking adventure in the land of wide open spaces and horsemanmship.

The Orkhon river has been the reason for tens of thousands of years why the Mongols settled in this particular location. The Orkhon has provided drinking water, and was / is a magnet to the horse riding nomads. The nomads lifestyle has changed little over the years - they still herd their sheep with horse and yak, protecting them against the harsh winter and the wolves. Join us for a horseback trekking experience in this pristine land with our nomad hosts.

Highlights: Local horsemen will take you to their homes to give you a greater insight to their lifestyle. We camp overnight with everything set up for you by our staff. There will be good food, including vegetarian options (rare in Mongolia), prepared by our experienced cooks, with a a dining tent to shelter you from the sun or give you warmth at night. We also provide a shower tent and a toilet tent. Vehicles will be following us, so rest days will be an option for those who do not want to horse ride every day.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Ulaan Baatar (UB) and transfer to Bayangol Hotel. D.

Day 2 After breakfast we will head out to the west of Mongolia. The scenery is wide-open steppe with rolling hills in the background. You will stop for lunch along the way. Overnight is in tents next to Ogiin Nuur. B, L, D.

Day 3 Today we begin our ride and each day the camp will be moved by vehicles. B, L, D.

Day 4 Today you will visit Khoshoo Tsaidam and see the ruins which date from the time of the Turkish Empire. B, L, D.

Day 5 Ride towards Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia and make camp at a place called Five Trees. B, L, D.

Day 6 Today you will ride around Karakorum, the heart of Genghis Khan's empire. Today only a small local township exists there now. The best known landmark now is Erdenezuu Monastery. The Monastery was built in 1586 and is surrounded by a massive 400m x 400m wall. Not a single nail was used in the construction of the ornate temples and they stood the test of time, but not the anti religious purge by the communists, very few temples survived. In the 18th century there were over 60 temples with about 10,000 monks living in the complex. You will visit the remains of the monastery and then ride alongside the Orkhon river were we will make camp. B, L, D.

Day 7 Today we will visit the monastery situated on the top of Tuvshin
Mountain, from where the first religious King of Mongolia, the Ondor Gegeen Zanabazar ruled. We continue riding alongside the river and again camp at the river side. B, L, D.

Day 8 Today we ride to Orkhon Waterfall, situated in the Orkhon Valley which is known as the cradle of Mongolian civilization. Many ancient monuments lie within this valley. After many days of in the saddle you might want to spend some at leisure by the Waterfall. If not you may ride around in this beautiful area. The area surrounding the waterfall is green and forested and you will spend the day relaxing, walking or riding in the area. This area of Mongolia is well known for producing the best 'airag' (fermented mares milk) in the country. Many locals will challenge you to a singing game, the loser having to consume a whole bowl of airag, so beware when visiting local families. B, L, D.

Day 9 Today we have a rest from riding and drive to the "Piece of Sand" as it is known, which is about 5 hours drive from the waterfall. This long finger of sand is connected to the Gobi and stretches all the way into the central aimags of Mongolia. On arrival we will make our camp in the foothills of the Khogno Khan Mountain. This mountain is perfect for some afternoon hiking and there are some remains of an ancient monastery that can be explored. B, L, D.

Day 10 After breakfast we return to UB in the vehicles (6 hours drive mainly on paved roads). On reaching UB, you will be taken to the Bayangol Hotel. Dinner in the hotels Ger Restaurant with traditional Mongolian food and entertainment. B, L, D.

Day 11 Sightseeing in UB. You will visit Ganden monastery and Bogd Khan Palace. The palace is a made up of a number of buildings. Lunch at Bayangol Hotel and later we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. B, L, D.

Day 12 After breakfast transfer to the airport. B.

Cost in US$: From 1200

Participants Travel to Mongolia Independently

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Nepal Kingdom Foundation & Muirs Tours's Mission Statement: The Nepal Kingdom Foundation was established in 1982 to develop community spirit and preserve the culture and traditions of the Nepalese people in the UK. In 1999 the objectives were extended to include development projects in Nepal to help the needy of one of the world's poorest countries. The not-for-profit tour operation - Muirs Tours was set up in July 1999 by the Nepal Kingdom Foundation as a means of raising funds for use in projects in Nepal and the Nepalese Community in the UK. From the outset Muirs Tours planned to provide trips to other places outside of Nepal and support to other charities. It currently supports the WWF, the John Muir Trust, Tourism Concern, Survival International, the Tibetan Government in exile, the American Indian Heritage Foundation as well as the Nepal Kingdom Foundation.

Year Founded: 1982 & 1999