Hiking tour with yak trek
Introduction
This horse riding tour offers close encounters with Mongolian horsemen, nomadic people who have thus far been able to withstand modern pressures and lifestyles. There is no other nation in the world that depends on horses to such an extent. Mongolian horsemanship is famous, and in many ways different than anywhere else. The herders keep their horses in a semi-wild condition, allowing them to live freely in harem groups. During the harsh winter with extreme subzero temperatures, the horses fend for themselves and protect their foals against predators such as wolves. Fences or stables are virtually unknown.
On this trip we will explore two very different environments on horseback: First, we ride across the vast treeless steppe, summer pastureland of Mongolian herders, once was a homeland of Genghis Khan (Chinggis Khaan). You will experience the Mongolian steppes, mountains and enjoy the outdoor camp along winding rivers. We will undertake this horse ride without vehicle support, in wild terrain. All our luggage will be loaded onto yak carts; even a ger (Mongolian yurt) will be carried to serve as our mobile restaurant.
DAY 1: ULAANBAATAR
Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar you will be transferred to your hotel. There will be a tour briefing and dinner. (overnight at hotel)
DAY 2: TO NOMADIC FAMILY
In the morning we visit the Gandan Lamasery, the center for the Buddhist revival in Mongolia, possibly in time to see the prayers. Mongolians follow Lamaism (Tibetan Buddhism), with the Dalai Lama being the supreme theoretical leader. We then drive out of the city, and gradually the wide open Mongolian landscape unfolds before our eyes. We have a picnic lunch on arrival, pitching camp outside of a nomadic family. Here we will meet the local herders with the yak carts and our horses. We will get to know the horses and go an short trial ride. (overnight in tent)
DAY 3-4: STEPPE RIDE
All our provisions, camping equipment and luggage will be loaded onto yak carts. Even a ger (yurt) will be brought, and we will learn how to set it up. We ride across open steppe and cover hilly terrain with occasional patches of birch forest. Throughout the ride we will have the chance to meet with local herdsmen, often relatives and friends of our local horse trail guides. (overnight in tent)
DAY 5: TO TUUL RIVER
Today we will ride along the Tuul River Valley. The horses will allow us to go up onto the ridges where the panoramic views across this forested mountain area are extraordinary. Our yak carts caravan will make its way in through the valleys on another route. (overnight in tent)
DAY 6: TO HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
A.M after packing your luggage and loaded in vehicle we will drive to Hustai National Park for about an hour. En route we will see remarkable Neolithic graves of Ungut, of the 6th or 7th Century A.D on magnificent open steppe. Lunch at Hutsai Ger camp. Thereafter we will make our back way to a valley where Przewalskii horses highly probability to appear with some of the free roaming herds. During the day they usually stay high in mountains and rather difficult to see, whereas very early and late in the day usually come down into the valleys for water and to graze. (overnight at ger camp)
DAY 7: HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
Today we will explore varied habitats of Hustai National Park. We will hike to partly forested Hustai Mountains while having reasonable chance to see red deer, marmot and raptors such as black vultures, eagles and falcons. We will reach a small camp, Moilt consists of several wooden houses is located at wild valley. Transfer back to Hustai camp by vehicle and overnight in gers. (overnight at ger camp)
DAY 8: TO ULAANBAATAR
We are picked up by a driver and return to Ulaanbaatar. Check into your hotel. See the capital city on your own. Distances are short and nearly all points of interest may by reached on foot. Your guide is standing by to assist you in your shopping or sightseeing activities. We will have a farewell dinner in local restaurant as well as entertainment. (overnight at hotel)
DAY 9: DEPARTURE
Transfer out back home or on to your next destination.
1 June to 1 October
Double occupancy: USD 1900 per person
Single occupancy: USD 2300 per person
Group discounts available on request for 4 persons or more.
Includes:
- Airport pick up and drops
- 3 nights’ accommodation at ger camps/hotels outside of UB with applicable of all taxes
- Meals stated in the program
- All transportation inside Mongolia
- Monument and National Park entrance fees
- Services of accompanied English speaking guide from arrival in UB till departure
- 1 bottle of mineral water per day
Excludes:
- UB stay in UB
- International and local airfare / airport tax
- Items of personal nature such as table drinks, telephone calls, laundry, tips, porterage, mineral water at restaurant & hotel / Camera fee (still / video)
- Any tipping for guide(s) & driver(s)
- Any other services which are not mentioned in above tour inclusion
