We're often told to take our time when traveling, to savor the landscapes and connect with the people who welcome us. Yet nothing quite compares to the thrill and novelty of a long horse race to explore the Mongolian steppes. While you'll need to gallop to beat the clock, it remains an unparalleled opportunity to witness Mongolia's breathtaking and serene landscape, experience life as a local nomad, and forge a powerful bond with your sole traveling companion—your horse.

Two major horse races are already scheduled for summer 2020. Highly coveted, it's best to book well in advance.

The Mongol Derby

A classic for riders worldwide, the "Mongol Derby" is the longest and most grueling race in the world. It follows the trails of Genghis Khan's messengers. The great warrior established a network to traverse Mongolia all the way to China, delivering crucial messages across his vast empire in minimal time. Based on this same model, the race features checkpoints every 40 km where you can swap horses and continue galloping across the steppes.

Over ten days, traveling entirely independently, you'll cover more than 1,000 kilometers to reach the finish line and finally rest. The distance is vast and the effort required is immense, but the landscapes you'll discover in complete freedom and solitude are worth every moment. It's a chance to discover wild Mongolia, alongside herders, eagles, yaks, and camels. All the while, rest stops are made in yurts, living closely with Mongolian nomads who will gladly welcome you with homemade meals and share their culture with you.

Mastering a Mongolian horse

It's also a unique experience shared between two, you and your semi-wild steed. Mongolian horses are small, yet incredibly strong, sturdy, and swift—they enabled all of Mongolia's vast conquests across centuries. "Mongols are the most incredible riders I've ever encountered," shares race participant Jocelyne Pierce. "Frankly, Olympic champions can't compete with six-year-old Mongolian children."

Be forewarned—physical preparation is essential. "It was one of the most powerful and inspiring experiences of my life, and at the same time, the most exhausting," recalls a 2016 participant. In fact, you must first apply online and demonstrate your riding experience, wilderness survival skills, and motivation before acceptance.

Riding for a greater cause

You'll also be asked to financially support an environmental organization, "Cool Earth," which combats deforestation. This is far more than a grueling physical test—it's a transformative journey marked by encounters, personal breakthrough, and generosity. To win, spirit matters more than anything else. Proof of this: the most recent champion was 70 years old!

The race will take place from August 2-14, 2020, but you can already book for 2021 if you need more training time. Organizers limit participants to 40, so advance reservations are crucial.

The Gobi Desert Cup

Somewhat more modest in scope, this race, running August 19-28, 2020, covers 480 kilometers across the Gobi Desert. Spread over six days, the race requires you to cover 80 km daily, with two veterinary pauses each day to check your horse's condition. Organizers give you the option to change horses daily, ensuring the animals aren't exhausted.

This race helps support approximately 60 nomadic families who assist with organization. The key difference from its cousin, the Mongol Derby, is that the route is marked: you won't need to navigate the desert and steppes yourself, as organizers guide your path. They also select calm horses to ensure participant safety. It's therefore a more accessible and less grueling race, though the distance remains substantial and demanding.

You'll have 12 hours each day to cover your 80 km stretch. A small reward awaits at day's end: you'll be welcomed into local homes, in the warmth of a yurt, where your hosts will care for your recovery and comfort.

The Gobi Desert Cup was actually founded by a former Mongol Derby participant, Camille Champagne Bargenquast. She had loved that adventure, but also recognized it was sometimes too difficult—so she created a less dangerous and less intimidating race to allow more riders to experience the heart of Mongolia.

And if you're not yet ready to cover such vast distances on horseback, we offer equally thrilling itineraries that are far less demanding, for discovering Mongolia.

Marion Biremon