Unleash your adventure spirit, explore Mongolia on your own terms
MONGOLIA HORSE TREKKING TOUR 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 · 63 reviews on TripAdvisor · 8+ years of authentic Altai expeditions
MONGOLIA HORSE TREKKING TOUR 2026
10 DAYS -9 NIGHTS (FROM $2200 )
- Duration: 10 days 9 nights
- Price from 2200 USD
- Arrival: Bayan-Olgii
- Group size: 2- 8
- Destination: Altai Mountains
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Suitable age: 15-60
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OVERVIEW
Come and enjoy the Mongolia Horse Riding Tour. Mongolia is home to the last nomads. Mongolian Horses are the most important part of nomadic life. The children have to learn to ride a horse when they are at the age of 3 or 4.
Once you decide to visit the land of the great Chinggis Khaan, you should experience real horseback trekking in the beautiful landscape like the real nomads.
The Discover Altai team offers you a 10-day best-planned Horse Trekking Tour in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
During the horse trekking, you will be supported by the local horse herders and an English-speaking tour guide. We will do our best to make it safe and enjoyable!
Mongolian horses are well-trained, and there is nothing to worry about if it is your first time. Please join us for an unforgettable experience. The real adventure is waiting for you!
2026 Departure Dates & Pricing:
- June 14th – June 22nd – 2200 USD
- Aug 8th-Aug 17th – 2200 USD
Tour Itinerary
Ten days on horseback through Mongolia’s Altai — from Bayan-Ölgii into Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, the White River valley, Khoton Lake and its waterfalls, with nights in Tuvan and Kazakh herder camps and camels carrying every load.
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DAY1
Day 1DAY 1: Arrive in Bayan-Olgii Province
In the morning, you will take a three-hour flight to western Mongolia. You will arrive in Olgii, the center of the Bayan-Olgii province. This is the land of the famous nomadic eagle hunters and the gorgeous Altai Mountains. The annual Golden Eagle Festival is held each Autumn in the town of Ulgii
The majority population of the region is ethnic Kazakh people, who have kept their traditions for thousands of years. At the airport, you will be welcomed by your local expedition team consisting of a driver, cook, and English-speaking tour guide. We will drive to the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
Here you can see the real Mongolian nomadic lifestyle and, meet nomadic families who are living in yurts. The Mongolia horse riding tours will show you the fascinating culture of Mongolia.
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DAY2
Day 2DAY 2: Horse Riding Tour and base camp
After having breakfast, we will start our horse trekking to base camp. All baggage will be transported by camels, guided by local herders. During the trip, you will be supported by a local horseman and an English-speaking tour guide.
Our main priority is of course safety during horse trekking. So, on the first day of trekking, we will give you some instructions about how to handle and what is not recommended to do with Mongolian horses. We believe that every horse has their own character like people.
To know more about your horse we will make a discussion with the owner of the horse and also talk about Mongolian horses in general. Enjoy an open-air lunch at the halfway point. The lunches will be served via lunchboxes.
Base Camp is one of the most beautiful places in Mongolia for camping. Here you have an opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of the Altai Mountains which includes the highest peak Mt.Khuiten and Potanin Glacier.
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DAY3Day 3
DAY3: White-River Valley
Today we will trek to the White River Valley with a different trail than we came. It is one of the most beautiful valleys of the National Park. Enjoy snow-capped mountains and a stunning white river. The color of the water is really white because it comes from the glacier and the mineral dust turns it white. It is not drinkable.
Arrive at the South entrance of the National Park. We will pitch our tents at the camping place. For the evening, if you feel like hiking, we recommend Green Lake. It takes a couple of hours to hike there and back.
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DAY4Day 4
DAY4: Horse trekking to Black Valley
In both of these valleys live nomadic Tuvan people who have their own language and Shamanist beliefs. Today you have the opportunity to visit a nomadic family and explore their way of living.
When you are visiting the family, the Tuvan women might show you their hand-made souvenirs, which they made from animal wool. If you are interested, you can buy some. We will camp in the Black Valley.
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DAY5Day 5
DAY5: Bear Valley
Today we will trek over the Takhilt Pass, which is one of the highest and steepest passes on our tour. During the steep part of the trail, we ask you to hike and lead your horse to be safe. We will enter the Bear Valley.
This is a place of untouched nature where it is only possible to go in the summertime from the middle of June to the end of August. The valley is rich with wild animals such as bears, red deer, foxes, and wolves.
But when it is summer and a lot of travelers visit these valleys, animals stay far from the trails. Enjoy the stunning nature of Altai!
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DAY6Day 6
DAY6: Khoton Lake
Today we will be horse trekking for about 3-4 hours and meet our vehicle at the end of the valley. We will say goodbye to the camel herders and to your horses. We will switch to the car and drive for about 2 hours.
We will camp by Khoton Lake. Enjoy swimming in the lake. Also, you have an opportunity to hike to Biluu Hill where you can explore ancient petroglyphs from the Bronze Age.
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DAY7Day 7
DAY7: Waterfall Valley
Enjoy horseback riding in one of the main attractions of this region. The Waterfall Valley, or Baga Turgen Valley, has a nickname as “Mongolian Switzerland”.
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DAY8
Day 8Day 8: Drive back to Olgii and Visit Eagle Hunter’s family
After breakfast, we will drive back to Olgii. On the way, we can visit a nomadic eagle hunter’s family. Learn about the ancient traditions of the nomadic Kazakh people. Enjoy the hospitality of the family and be a part of nomadic life.
Have traditional milk tea and have discussions about eagle hunting. You can have a memorable picture with an eagle landed on your arm. Arrive in Olgii, and you will be transferred to your hotel. We will have a farewell dinner at the restaurant.
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DAY9Day 9
DAY 9: Leisure day
We need to be flexible, and one day we can keep it as a leisure day. In case of the first day the plane is late, we can take a rest that day and start our expedition the next day. And if everything goes smoothly as an itinerary, we will have one extra day for fishing and hiking surrounding area
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DAY10Day 10
DAY 10: Fly back to Ulaanbaatar.
Thank you for coming! Have a good trip!
Reserve your spot
10-day horse trekking expedition · small group
Everything You Need To Know
Tour information
Tour Price includes
Tour price excludes
Please Come & Enjoy the Best-planned Mongolian Adventure
Tour Price & Scheduled dates:
Tour Price
2 PAX – 2800 USD
3 PAX – 2400 USD
Join the group 2200 USD p/p (maximum group size 8 people)
Scheduled dates 2025:
13th June -22nd June
8th August – 17th August
Cancellation Policy:
· Cancellation more than two months fee would be 400 USD
· Cancellation more than 45 days fee would be 500 USD
· Cancellation less than a month before departure will 600 USD
· And rest of the payments will be return back.
How to BOOK?
- Confirm with our tour itinerary
- Agree to the terms and conditions
- Set the tour departure date
- Deposit 600 USD per person
- Send us a copy of your passports
So, Ladies and Gentlemen! The Discover Altai team is looking forward to meeting you and providing unforgettable expeditions to this remote corner of the world!
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us!
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FAQ
When are the Mongolia Horse Trekking Tour 2026 departures?
Two scheduled group departures run in 2026: June 14–22 and August 8–17. Both align with the mid-June to late-August window when Altai mountain valleys are accessible (snow-free passes, dry trails, green pastures). Outside this window the high-altitude routes either still hold snow (early June) or experience late-summer rain (September onwards). Group size is capped at 8 riders per departure. Private departures on adjacent dates available for 2+ travellers with custom pricing.
How much does the Mongolia Horse Trekking Tour cost?
Per-person pricing scales with group size: 2 PAX $2,800 each, 3 PAX $2,400 each, 4+ PAX $2,200 each (joining a scheduled departure). Maximum group size 8 riders. Deposit: $600 per person, balance due 60 days before departure. Cancellation: $400 fee 60+ days before, $500 if 45+ days, $600 if less than a month. Price includes all ground transport from Ölgii, English-speaking lead guide, local Kazakh horse herder support, expedition cook, all meals, accommodation, horse hire, Altai Tavan Bogd permits.
Do I need horse riding experience to join?
Some horse riding experience is strongly recommended but not strictly required. The Mongolia horse trekking tour involves 4–6 hours of riding per day on uneven mountain terrain, river crossings, and steady ascents/descents. Complete beginners typically struggle with saddle fatigue and balance on day 3–4. We recommend a minimum of 5–10 hours of riding practice in the 6 months before the trip. Our local Kazakh horse herders provide instruction at the start and ride alongside throughout — they are exceptional teachers for nervous riders.
What kind of horses do you use?
We ride Mongolian horses — small-framed (typically 12–14 hands), incredibly hardy, and bred for centuries on the steppe. They are far calmer and surer-footed in rough terrain than most Western breeds, with two natural advantages: a smooth amble (jorlogh) gait that reduces saddle fatigue on long days, and natural stamina at altitude. Each rider is matched to a horse based on their experience and physical size. Local Kazakh herders accompany the group on their own horses — typically more than one herder per 3 riders — for safety and care.
Where in Mongolia does the horse trekking tour take place?
The expedition is based in Bayan-Ölgii Province in far western Mongolia — the Altai Mountains and the buffer zones of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. The route covers high alpine valleys (2,200m–2,800m), glacial rivers, alpine meadows, and Kazakh nomadic herder pastures. Wildlife along the route includes red deer, foxes, marmots, ibex, and (rarely) wolves. The trek begins and ends in Ölgii city, accessed by domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar.
How fit do I need to be for the horse trekking tour?
Moderate fitness is sufficient. You should be comfortable with 4–6 hours per day of riding, occasional walking on uneven terrain, and basic camp life. The biggest physical challenge is saddle fatigue — your inner thighs and lower back will be sore on day 3–4 if you haven’t ridden recently. We recommend 8 weeks of preparation including regular cardio (cycling/walking) and 5–10 short riding sessions before the trip. Suitable age range: 15–60 (older riders welcome with doctor clearance and recent riding experience).
What’s included in the tour price?
Included: ground transport from Ölgii to trailhead and return, English-speaking lead guide, 2+ local Kazakh horse herders accompanying the group, expedition cook, all meals, 9 nights accommodation (mix of tent + Kazakh family yurt + 2 nights hotel in Ulaanbaatar), horse hire for full trek, pack-horse / camel for camping equipment, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park permits, group equipment (tents, sleeping mats, mess tent). Excluded: international flights to Mongolia, domestic flight Ulaanbaatar ↔ Ölgii, alcohol, travel insurance, personal riding gear, optional tips for guide and herders.
What should I bring for the Mongolia horse trekking tour?
Riding kit: jodhpur boots or sturdy ankle boots with a 1–1.5cm heel (essential — flat shoes slip through stirrups), padded riding tights or jodhpurs, riding helmet (we provide if needed), gloves. Outdoor kit: waterproof shell jacket + pants, fleece, thermal base layers (Altai nights drop to 5°C even in July), wide-brimmed sun hat, warm hat, SPF50 sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, soft duffel bag (no rigid suitcases — they don’t fit on pack horses). We provide tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags rated to 0°C, and a horse for personal use. Full packing list emailed 30 days before departure.