Penguin Travel

Real steppe riding in Mongolia - one of the last remaining countries, spread out over huge areas of unspoiled nature!

Beyond a radius of 100 km from the capital, no asphalt roads can be found. Vultures, antilopes, foxes and wolves still live here undisturbed in the wild. Here and there you will find a few nomad families at their temporary ger camp. The trail takes us around the National park Terelj and includes highlights such as Gunj Monastery, the Turtle Rock as well as the overwhelming beauty of the natural surroundings and the richness of its flora and fauna. We usually ride for 5-8 hours (up to 30 km) per day.

Highlights:

♦ Mongolia at its best - boundless steppes, ger camps, nomad families, Mongolian horses, vast landscapes, unspoiled nature...
♦ Terelj National Park with Turtle rock and numerous unique stone formations amidst the vast steppes and hilly landscape
♦ Hustai National Park - the home of the local wild horse breed Takhi also known as Przhevalski
♦ Ulan Bator - the capital of Mongolia where the nomadic spirit can be still felt no matter of the modern buildings in the centre

Itinerary:

Day 1. Ulan Bator
Arrival in Ulan Bator and transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing of the town including a folklore show in the evening. We visit The Temple Gandan Hiid, The Museum of Natural History with skeletons of dinosaurs, The Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, Zaisan Memorial etc. In the evening – dinner, preceded by a Mongolian folklore show is included.

Day 2. Ulan Bator - Terelj
We ride by cars to the Terelj National Park around 50 km northeast from Ulan Bator. Check in into the ger camp Munkjin (traditiona yurt camp). There we meet the horses and ride to the Turtle Rock (some 10km away) and on to Gunj Monastery. Ride back and overnight in the camp.

Day 3. Real steppe riding
Ride through the mountains northwest from the ger camp, dividing the ger camp from the riverbed of Tuul River. Then we continue upstream Tuul River and set a tent camp in a wide valley by the river. First impressions of a real steppe riding.

Day 4. Real steppe riding
Today we continue riding by Tuul River, crossing it a few times and then we go downstream to spend the night again in a tent camp.

Day 5. Terelj
Ride back to the ger camp Munkjin for a shower and relaxation after the first riding stage.

Day 6. Tuul River
The second riding stage continues westwards from the ger camp Munkjin, crossing again Tuul River in the direction of the new statue of Chenghis Khan. Overnight in a tent camp.

Day 7. Elstei
We continue on through steppes, rounded mountains above 2000m a.s.l. and the sandy formations of Elstei. Overnight in a tent camp.

Day 8. Tuul River
True steppe riding today. Loads of possibilities for gallop. Overnigh in a tent camp at the banks of Tuul River. Farewell party, celebrating the last night spent in the open as a part of the trip.

Day 9. Terelj
We cross the river and ride back to the yurt camp Munkjin, where we say good bye to the horses. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 10. Terelj - Ulan Bator
Travel back to Ulan Bator, where we spend the night in a hotel. Free time after arriving in Ulan Bator. Hotel accommodation for the next 2 nights.

Day 11. Ulan Bator - Hustai - Ulan Bator
Visit to the Hustai National Park (appr. 4 hrs drive one way). The park is famous for the Takhi horses (also known as Przhewalski horses), that has been extinct in the past and recovered form horses in captivity just recently. Overnight in Ulan Bator.

Day 12. Departure
Depending on the flight times, we have a transfer to the airport for departure.

Included in the price: ►accommodation: 3 nights in double room in 3*** hotel in Ulan Bator; 3 nights in ger camp, each ger sleeps up to 4 people (WC/shower available in the camp); 5 nights in tent camps ►meals: fullboard (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on days 2-9; breakfast on days 10-12; lunch on day 11 ►local English-speaking riding guide ►fully equipped horses (helmets not included)►English-speaking tourleader from Penguin Travel ►all ground transfers ►sightseeing with folklore show in Ulan Bator ►one-day trip to Hustai National Park ►luggage transportation during the tour

Not included: ►flight ticket ►meals not mentioned above ►Mongolian Visa ►tips ►alcohol and extra soft drinks ►personal expenses ►insurance

Other expenses: ►single room supplement at the hotel: 110 Eur

Luggage transport: There is a supporting vehicle during the tour but you can not take more than 15 kg per person. You can leave your extra luggage at the camp in Terelj.

Practical information: Terrain: Most parts of the tour feature steppes, rounded hills and open valleys. Horses and saddling: The weight limit of the riders is 95 kg. You will ride traditional Mongolian horses (about 150 – 160 cm high) equipped with tour saddles (wooden base with leather gaskets and pillows).

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