Central Mongolia Horse Trek

Yes, on our multi-day treks. You need to be at least an Intermediate rider: in control at walk, trot and canter in open country, able to mount and dismount unaided, and comfortable spending six or more hours in the saddle. These are not trips for first-time riders.

Your handlers do the saddling, unsaddling and hobbling, but you're welcome to be involved and we'd encourage it. Understanding how your horse is fed, watered and rested is part of the trip. Handlers work with these horses year-round and their methods differ from Western practice - please ask questions rather than intervening.

We inspect the operations we sell and we read every post-trip survey, including what travellers tell us about how the horses are handled. Horse culture differs by country and we don't pretend otherwise, but welfare standards are a condition of the operator relationship, and weight limits exist for exactly this reason.

See the individual trip page. Whichever applies, your helmet must be a current certified equestrian helmet meeting. Ski, cycling and climbing helmets are not accepted, are not safe for riding, and are not covered by travel insurance.

Not at all - solo travellers are common on our horse treks and often make up a good share of the group. Days on horseback create conversation whether you plan it or not. Single supplements (optional) and room-sharing arrangements are listed on the trip page.

Anyone who hasn't ridden before, anyone who hasn't ridden in the past year, and anyone who wants a horse that will only walk. It's also not suitable for people with limited mobility. If you want a gentle introduction to riding, a short led ride within a cultural tour will suit you better.

Answer four questions. Can you mount and dismount unaided? Have you ridden at least six times in the past year? Can you hold a rising trot for ten minutes? Are you happy cantering in open country, in a group, on an unfamiliar horse? Four yeses puts you at Strong Intermediate.

The best season is summer, when grasslands are green and riding conditions are most stable.

Accommodation is a blend of traditional tourist ger camps and tented camps. On Day 10, guests stay in a ger – the Mongolian traditional dwelling made of wood and felt. Gers are warm, often equipped with proper beds and bedding, and provide bath and hand towels. Sanitary facilities are located in separate blocks with flush toilets and hot showers, generally 3–6 for men and 3–6 for women.

On riding days in remote areas, guests sleep in four-season tents. Tents and mats are provided, but guests are advised to bring their own four-season sleeping bag, towels, and toiletries. For added comfort, an inflatable air mattress or thermarest sleep pad is recommended. This setup balances authentic cultural immersion with the practical comfort needed for an extended wilderness journey.

During the camping sections of the trip, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced expedition cook who prepares a variety of hot, freshly made meals three times a day. Our travellers often comment on the quality and creativity of the meals – especially given the remote setting. One litre of drinking water per person is also provided daily.

Start at least four to six weeks out. Ride if you can - aim for ten unbroken minutes of rising trot and ten of canter in each session, some of it out of the saddle. If you can't ride, Pilates, yoga and strength work build the core, hip and inner-thigh strength that riding uses.

Calm by local standards, which is not the same thing. In Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan the horses live out, are handled seasonally rather than daily, and are ridden by herders who have ridden since childhood. A horse your handler calls quiet will feel forward and responsive to most Australian, European or North American riders.