White Ride, Mongolia in Winter
Following in the footsteps of Genghis Khan, horseback riding through the frozen steppes and sacred valleys of Mongolia.
Duration
12 days
From
€1,690/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Mongolian winter spreads its white blanket over infinite steppes, where silence is broken only by the breath of horses and the crunch of snow under hooves. At minus forty degrees, frozen rivers become ice paths that riders use to reach lost valleys, where nomadic families maintain their thousand-year-old traditions in the warmth of yurts.
From the capital Ulan Bator to the Przewalski wild horses in the Khustain reserve, this circuit crosses the highlights of Mongolian history. Karakorum, the former capital of Genghis Khan, reveals its remnants beneath the snow, while the Erdene Zuu monastery stands its 108 sacred stupas against icy winds. In the Orkhon valley, UNESCO-listed, four days of total immersion with a herding family allow you to participate in morning milking, livestock gathering and yak cheese-making. The rides lead to the frozen Ulaan Tsutgalan falls, to the hot springs of Mogoit and to the rock formations of Khogno Khan, this "mini Gobi" where dunes are sometimes adorned with frost.
This white ride reveals an authentic Mongolie, that of the last nomads who perpetuate the equestrian art of the steppe warriors. Between cobalt sky and immaculate earth, each gallop traces a line of horizon towards Mongolian eternity.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and discoveries in Ulan Bator
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, where the vast steppes gradually give way to an amazing city, blending Soviet heritage, nomadic traditions and emerging modernity. Welcome by your driver and transfer to the city center, your first glimpse of this fascinating destination with already striking landscapes. Check-in at your hotel and rest (early check-in not included).
Meet at noon at your hotel, where your guide will meet you before accompanying you to a local restaurant for lunch. This first moment of exchange is an opportunity to get to know each other, discover the highlights of your adventure and slowly immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Mongolia.
A walk through downtown Ulaanbaatar discovering the famous Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of the capital dominated by the imposing statue of Genghis Khan. You will also observe the Mongolian Parliament and the vibrant atmosphere of this amazing city, between Soviet heritage and nomadic culture.
You then head to the Naran tuul market, the capital's great traditional market where you find numerous items, particularly the equipment used by Mongols to protect themselves from the cold: fur-lined boots, fur hats and long warm jackets.
Observation of Przewalski's Horses
Discovery of the Gandantegchinlen monastery, the country's main Buddhist center. Every morning, monks gather there for prayers in an atmosphere filled with serenity. This visit also allows you to learn more about Mongolian Buddhism and freely exchange with people on the site.
Oulan Bator → Parc national de Khustai
Route towards the Khustai Nuruu National Park, a vast protected territory famous for hosting the last Przewalski's horses, called Takhi locally. Successfully reintroduced into the Mongolian steppes, these wild horses now roam in complete freedom.
At the end of the day, when the light becomes softer and the animals more active, a walk takes you to their usual watering point. You can then observe them discreetly in their natural environment, in the heart of the vast Mongolian spaces.
For those who wish, it is possible to take a first horseback ride in the surroundings and peacefully enjoy the landscapes of the reserve.
Ride to the Banks of the Tuul
You set off for a longer ride that takes you to the banks of the Tuul River.
You then return to the family's home to share a warm lunch before heading back out on horseback to explore the surrounding area.
Historical Discovery of Karakorum Mongolia
Parc national de Khustai → Karakorum
Route to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongols. Founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan, this emblematic city was one of the major stops on the Silk Road. It was from Karakorum that the Mongol empire was administered until the capital was transferred to Beijing by Kublai Khan. Today, only a few remains of the capital remain, recalling the historical importance of this place marked by the passage of the great khans.
Visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 by a nomadic prince. The complex, inspired by Chinese and Tibetan architecture, is surrounded by 108 sacred stupas, which testify to the spiritual importance of the site. The discovery continues at the Karakorum Museum, dedicated to the history of the former capital and its region.
Nomadic Immersion in Orkhon Valley
Kharkhorin → Orkhon Valley
You leave the road to take the tracks and fully enjoy the natural landscapes. The route runs along the Orkhon canyons and the verdant steppe where herds of nomadic families roam. You are then welcomed by a family of herders in the heart of the Orkhon Valley, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage.
2-night stay with a nomadic herding family. You will discover the nomadic way of life and share their daily routine in complete simplicity. Depending on the season, you may be offered the opportunity to participate in animal milking, traditional dairy product making or even herding livestock on horseback.
(Activities subject to seasonal availability)
Orkhon Valley → Orkhon cascades
During your stay with the herding family, you will have horses at your disposal to discover the various sites of the Orkhon valley: the Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfalls, the hot springs of Mogoit or the Tövkhön monastery.
Horse rides will be organized according to weather conditions. Each day will begin with a shared moment with the family to discover their way of life, followed by a warm lunch in the yurt before setting out on a horse trek in the afternoon.
Visit the Ulan Tsutgalaan waterfalls, where clear water cascades over dark stone, sometimes crossed by a ray of sunlight that creates an ephemeral rainbow. At 16 meters high, they were formed nearly 20,000 years ago, as a result of a rare combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
A Change of Scenery in the Mini-Gobi
Orkhon Valley → Khogno Khan
It is with particular emotion that you bid farewell to your family.
You get back on the road towards the splendid rock formations of Khögnö Khan, the landscape changes dramatically. Here, semi-desert steppes, taiga, rocks sculpted by time and a long band of sand nearly 80 km long make up a fascinating region, often nicknamed the "mini Gobi".
Upon arrival, hike to the Khambiin Khiid Monastery. Perched in the mountains, this 17th-century monastery was built by Zanabazar as a tribute to his spiritual master, the monk Erdene. The peaceful atmosphere that prevails there and the views over the surrounding area make it a memorable cultural and spiritual stop.
Horse Trekking in the Elsen Dunes
A change of scenery for this last day of horseback riding: this time you ride through a desert landscape, along the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, which can also be snow-covered.
Return to the Mongol capital
We hit the road heading towards Ulan Bator. Along the way, the steppe offers us one last farewell: herds of wild horses crossing the track, silhouettes of yurts smoking on the horizon… so many images that accompany our final moments in the heart of nature, until we reach the gates of the capital.
Upon our arrival in the city centre, we will check in at your hotel where you can rest for a moment and enjoy some comfort.
Immerse yourself in Mongolian history with a visit to the National History Museum. Spread over several floors, the museum traces the rich past of the country, from the first nomadic civilizations through the Soviet period, including the rise of the great empire founded by Genghis Khan. A fascinating visit to better understand the identity and culture of Mongolia.
The rest of the day is free. With your guide, you will have the opportunity to explore the city's shops and markets to make your last purchases and bring a piece of Mongolia back with you.
Goodbye and see you next time!!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transport
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals in Ulan Bator
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Included
- Airport / hotel / airport transfers
- 2 nights in a 2-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar, breakfast included
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- 1 night in a countryside hotel in Kharkhorin
- 8 nights with a host family, in a host yurt
- Transfers in 4x4 or minibus + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide or French-speaking guide
- Guide assistant for groups > 8 participants
- Local horseback guides
- Horse rental
- Horse equipment with Kazakh or English trekking saddles
- Entrance fees for parks and museums mentioned
- Kitchen equipment (camping tables and chairs) and bedding (sleeping bag)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Mongolia depend on your nationality. The information below provides general guidance for tourist stays. We recommend verifying the specific conditions applicable to your situation with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence, as well as with your own authorities, before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays, while others must obtain a visa before departure.
If a visa exemption applies to your nationality, the authorites may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation or your travel itinerary.
For specific information regarding visa requirements and any exemptions applicable to your nationality, please contact the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Affairs Office (GASI). For stays of 30 days or less, registration is generally handled by your hotel or accommodation provider.
It is recommended to keep a copy of this registration throughout your stay, as Mongolian authorities may request it during checks.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Mongolia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
routine immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
tick-borne encephalitis, particularly if planning trekking or staying in rural areas,
rabies, if there is a possible risk of contact with wild or stray animals.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. All travellers should verify the specific requirements applicable to them with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for assistance-repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for reporting a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A stay in Mongolia is possible without a visa for a limited duration. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry is required. For a longer stay, a visa can be obtained from the Mongolian embassy. Entry conditions change regularly: check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Mongolian consular authorities before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation (yurts, lodges), meals, 4x4 with driver and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros round trip) are additional. Mongolia offers a timeless nomadic immersion.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Steppes
Horsewoman of the great Mongolian steppes, based in Oulan Bator
In Mongolia, you'll experience a rare sensation: the feeling of having space, time, and the impression that the horizon has no end.
— Emelyne
