Riding
Horse Trekking in Mongolia: Where, How Hard, and What to Expect
Short answer
Mongolia is one of the world's great riding countries, but Mongolian horses are small, hardy and semi-wild — not riding-school horses. Beginners can enjoy short rides (1–3 hours) almost anywhere; multi-day treks in the Orkhon Valley, Khövsgöl, Terelj or Khentii need some riding experience, a well-organised horseman team and travel insurance that covers riding. Season: June–September.
Key facts
- Best regions
- Orkhon Valley, Khövsgöl, Terelj/Khentii, Arkhangai, Altai lakes
- The horses
- Small, strong, semi-wild Mongolian horses; responsive but not 'dead quiet'
- Experience
- None for short rides; confident walk/trot/canter for multi-day treks
- Insurance
- Check your policy explicitly covers horse riding
Horses are at the centre of Mongolian life, and riding — even for an hour — is one of the best ways to understand the country. Multi-day trekking takes you into valleys no vehicle reaches.
Types of riding trips
| Type | Duration | Experience needed | Typical setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short ride | 1–3 hours | None | From almost any ger camp |
| Day ride | 4–7 hours | Some comfort in the saddle | Orkhon Valley, Khövsgöl, Terelj |
| Multi-day trek | 3–10+ days | Confident at walk/trot/canter; fit | Orkhon, Khövsgöl, Khentii, Arkhangai |
| Expedition | 2+ weeks | Experienced riders | Remote regions, specialist operators |
Where to ride
- Orkhon Valley — river meadows and hills; one of the most accessible places for day rides and short treks.
- Khövsgöl — lake shore and forest trails; treks into the surrounding mountains.
- Terelj and Khentii — close to Ulaanbaatar; good for short treks and first-timers.
- Arkhangai — rolling grassland and volcanic landscapes.
- Western Mongolia — lakes in the Altai; wilder and more remote.
What a multi-day trek involves
A horseman (often a local herder) leads, with pack horses or a support vehicle carrying tents, food and luggage. Days are typically 4–6 hours in the saddle at a walk with some trotting and cantering. Nights are spent camping or with herder families. Toilets are the steppe.
How to choose a riding operator
- Ask who the horsemen are and whether they’re from the area you’ll ride in.
- Ask how horses are matched to riders, and whether there’s a spare.
- Ask about saddles, helmets and weight limits.
- Ask what happens if someone is injured — distance to the nearest road and clinic, and the evacuation plan.
- Ask about horse welfare — rest, condition, how many days in a row each horse works.
Safety, honestly
Falls are the main risk of any riding holiday, and in Mongolia help can be hours away. Wear a helmet (bring your own if possible), don’t overstate your experience, and check your travel insurance covers riding and evacuation. See is Mongolia safe?.
Best time
June to September. Midsummer brings warm days, flies and occasional storms; September is cooler and quieter. Riding is possible in other months, but cold makes long days hard.
Questions travelers ask
Can beginners go horse trekking in Mongolia?
Beginners can do short, led or accompanied rides easily. For a multi-day trek, a few riding lessons at home beforehand make a big difference to comfort and safety. Be honest with the organiser about your level.
Are Mongolian horses safe?
They're sure-footed and tough, but they are working horses of a semi-wild herd, not trained riding-school horses. Many are not used to being handled from the right side or to unfamiliar riders. A good horseman matches horses to riders and keeps a close eye on beginners.
What saddle will I ride in?
Traditional Mongolian saddles are wooden and high; most operators offering treks to foreigners use Russian-style or Western-style saddles. Ask in advance — it matters on a multi-day ride.
Is there a weight limit?
Many organisers set a rider weight limit because the horses are small. Limits vary by operator; ask before booking.
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