Riding tours through the steppe

Mongolia is the land of horses — there are more horses than people (over 4 million), and the Mongols say: "A Mongol without a horse is like a bird without wings." Experiencing the steppe on the back of a Mongolian horse is the most authentic and intense Mongolian experience you can have.

Mongolian Horses

Mongolian horses are small (130–140 cm at the withers, smaller than most European breeds), but incredibly tough. They live outdoors year-round, endure −40°C in winter, find their own food under the snow, and can run 50–80 km a day. They are semi-wild — domesticated, but with a mind of their own. Riding is different than in Europe: the horses respond to weight shifts and voice, not reins.

Multi-day Riding Tours

The most popular riding tours lead through Central Mongolia — the Orkhon Valley, the Eight Lakes Region (Naiman Nuur), and the steppe around Karakorum:

• Duration: 3–14 days. Beginners should start with 3–5 days, experienced riders can spend 2 weeks in the saddle.
• Daily routine: 4–7 hours in the saddle per day. Lunch break by the river, overnight stays with nomadic families or in a tent in the evening.
• Costs: From €70–100/day including horse, pack horse for luggage, guide, cook, meals, and ger overnight stay with nomads.
• Riding skills: Basic skills are helpful but not necessary. The guides are patient, the horses sure-footed. However: multi-day tours are physically demanding — your butt, knees, and thighs will resent you for the first few days.

Recommended Providers

• Mongolian Horse Trek: Specialist for multi-day riding tours in Central Mongolia. Excellent guides and healthy, well-cared-for horses.
• Nomadic Journeys: Premium provider with first-class service and their own camps.
• Stone Horse Expeditions: For experienced riders — challenging tours in remote areas.