Altai Horseback Ride
Nomadic horseback ride in the heart of the sacred mountains of Mongolian Altai, between crystal-clear lakes and Kazakh nomadic herders.
Duration
15 days
From
€2,490/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
Hooves resound on the frozen ground as the caravan of camels sets off. Before you stretches the immensity of the Altai Tavan Bogd national park, a remote territory where the borders of Mongolia, China and Russia converge at over 3,600 meters altitude.
Eight days in the saddle take you from the Khurgan and Khoton lakes to the forest valleys of Takhilbai, then towards the ancient petroglyphs of Tsagaan Salaa. You skirt turquoise waters where snow-capped peaks are reflected, cross wind-swept passes, and camp near steaming natural springs. Kazakh and Tuvan families welcome you in their seasonal encampments, perpetuating the art of eagle hunting and transhumant herding inherited from their Central Asian ancestors.
This border region still bears the imprint of nomadic peoples who carved their stories onto stone, silent witnesses to an equestrian culture thousands of years old. A journey where each stage reveals the ancestral harmony between man, animal and the infinite spaces of the Mongol Altai.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and discoveries in Ulan Bator
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital, where vast steppes gradually give way to a remarkable 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 captivating landscapes. Check-in at your hotel and rest (early check-in not included).
Meet at noon at your hotel, where your guide will greet 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.
Dive into the heart of Mongolian history during a visit to the National History Museum. Spread across several floors, the museum traces the country's rich past, 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.
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 bustle of this amazing city, between Soviet heritage and nomadic culture.
Around 6:00 PM, you attend a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh, famous for its performances blending folk dances, traditional music, acrobatic acts and khoomi, the fascinating Mongolian throat singing inscribed in the intangible cultural heritage.
Flight to Olgii and Western Mongolia
Arrival in Olgii, the westernmost provincial capital in Mongolia and the point on Earth most distant from the oceans.
Olgii, situated at 1,710 meters altitude and 1,636 km from Ulan Bator, is predominantly inhabited by Kazakhs. Its atmosphere bears a strong influence from Central Asia, with its signs in Arabic script and its mosques with domes rising toward the sky.
Visit to the Olgii Museum, which offers an exhibition on the region's fauna and flora. We introduce ourselves to Kazakh culture by discovering a collection of traditional costumes and visiting a reconstructed yurt inside the museum.
Night in a Kazakh yurt camp. Kazakh yurts differ from Mongolian yurts: more spacious and richly decorated, they feature embroidered hangings in bright colors arranged all around the structure, as well as canopies over the beds, adorned with small curtains.
Transfer for Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Ölgii → Région de Syrgaal
You head towards the Sirgaal region. Very remote and separated from China by high snow-capped peaks, it is home to two magnificent lakes, Khoton and Khurgan, where the Khovd river originates.
Meeting with a herding family and horse assignment.
Horse riding in the Sirgaal region
Région de Syrgaal → Lac de Khurgan
You are finally in the saddle for the start of your trek. During this 8-day horseback ride, you will cross from south to north the the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park discovering the natural landscapes of the park. The trek takes place in self-sufficiency, with logistics and your personal belongings transported by camel.
This first day takes you through the Sirgaal region and allows you to reach the first of the two great lakes of Altai Tavan Bogd: Khurgan Lake. You will also have the opportunity to meet one of the Kazakh herding families living in the region.
Discovery of Khurgan and Khoton Lakes
Horse
Ride along Lake Khurgan to reach the second major mountain lake in the region: Khoton Lake. To the South-West, the high peaks of the Altai surround us.
Horse
On the second day, we continue our ride along Lake Khoton, for a trek in a magical setting.
Horseriding along the Tahilbay Valley
Lac Khoton → Vallée de Takhilbaï
Over a day and a half, we will climb through the lush Takhilbai Valley to reach Green Lake, a small mountain lake with crystal-clear waters where the bravest will have the opportunity to swim. Here you will find landscapes of lakes and larch forests. This wild and remote region is dotted with numerous natural springs.
Passage of the Altai Mountains
To Col des monts Altai
You ride through the Altai mountains, on a route of approximately 36 kilometers. At 3,600 meters altitude, you enjoy a clear view of the wild landscapes of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. At the end of the day, we set up our camp on the snowy terrain located near the pass.
Ride Between Sacred Mountains and Ancient Petroglyphs
Col des monts Altai → Shiveet Khaïrkhan
You ride for 16 kilometers along the Tsagaan Valley, before heading back down towards a small mountain lake located southeast of the Shiveet Khairkhan mountain, where we set up our camp. Shiveet Khairkhan is a sacred mountain for the Tuva populations living in the region.
Visit to the Tsagaan salaa rock paintings. Over nearly 15 km, you observe approximately 10,000 rock paintings engraved on the rocks bordering the southern bank of the white river, Tsagaan Gol.
Track to Olgii
Visit to the Olgii Museum, which offers an exhibition on the fauna and flora of the region. We learn about Kazakh culture by discovering a collection of traditional costumes and visiting a reconstructed yurt inside the museum.
Driving
Return flight and end of stay
Transfer to Olgii airport, where you board your return flight to Ulan Bator.
Arrival in the city and check-in at your hotel where you can enjoy some relaxation time.
Rest of the day is free. Accompanied by your guide, you explore the city shops to do your last-minute shopping.
Buffer day
Flights between Olgii and Ulan Bator being irregular, a buffer day is planned to anticipate the possibility of a delay or absence of a flight on the desired date. This day can take place either in the west of the country or in Ulan Bator, depending on the domestic flight schedule.
Welcome back and see you next time!
Breakfast at the hotel. The driver will take you to Ulan Bator International Airport. The return transfer will take place at your preferred time, depending on your flight.
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 beverages / alcohols
- Meals in Ulan Bator
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
- Baggage supplement if you carry more than 15kg (hold and cabin baggage combined)
Included
- Airport / hotel / airport transfers
- 3 nights in a ** hotel in Ulan Bator, breakfast included
- Flight Ulan Bator / Olgii / Ulan Bator
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- 2 nights in comfortable Kazakh yurt camps with hot shower
- 9 nights under canvas, camping
- Transfers in 4x4 or minibus + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide
- Cook for groups > 3 participants
- Local equestrian guides
- Grooms
- Horse rental + 1 additional horse for 3 or 4 people in case of disagreement with your horse or injury
- Pack camels for equipment transportation
- Equestrian equipment with Kazakh trekking saddles
- Entry fees for the parks and museums mentioned
- Traditional show
- IRIDIUM Satellite Phone
- Kitchen equipment (mess tent, camping tables and chairs) and for sleeping (tent, sleeping bag, ground mat), sanitary tent
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 — Mongolian Altai
Cultural and encounters facilitator for Mongolia, based in Oulan Bator
The most beautiful memories from Mongolia are often born from an unexpected encounter, around a cup of tea or a ger door that opens with a smile.
— Chimgee
