8-day horseback riding in Orkhon Valley and Eight Lakes

Ride through Mongolia's lake country and volcanic highlands on horseback

An 8-day horseback riding trek based from Ulaanbaatar that crosses the Orkhon Valley, Hustai National Park and the Eight Lakes area on the back of a horse. The itinerary mixes multi-day treks in remote lake country with visits to Tuvkhun Monastery, Orkhon Waterfall and the semi-desert sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and other languages. Hotel pickup is included and the minimum age is 18.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Semi Gobi and Hustai National Park

• Visit Hustai National Park wildlife
• Ride camel at Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune
• Overnight with local Mongolian family

Day 2: Tuvkhun Monastery and Orkhon Waterfall

• Hike to Tuvkhun Monastery
• Visit Orkhon valley waterfall
• Overnight at local family

Day 3: Start Horse Trekking in 8 Lake

• Pack camping gear after breakfast
• Begin horse trekking adventure
• Overnight in tent

Day 4: Second Day of Horse Trekking

• Pack camping gear after breakfast
• Continue horse trekking in 8 lake area
• Camp at biggest lake for swimming and fishing
• Overnight in tent

Day 5: Horse Trekking Around Lake Back to Start

• Horse trek around wild lake area
• Overnight at tourist camp with facilities

Day 6: Horse Trekking Back to Orkhon Waterfall

• Visit Kharkhorin city historical sites
• Lunch on the way
• Transfer to local family ger
• Optional camel riding before dinner
• Hike around sand dunes at sunset
• Overnight at local family

Day 7: From Orkhon Valley to Khar Khorin Old City

• Visit Kharkhorin city sightseeing spots
• Lunch on the way
• Transfer back to Ulaanbaatar
• Overnight in Ulaanbaatar

Day 8: Drive to Ulaanbaatar

• Stop at Elsen Tasarkhai for camel ride
• Return to Ulaanbaatar accommodation

The experience

The trek splits into two halves. The first three days move through Hustai National Park and the Orkhon Valley, where you'll hike to Tuvkhun Monastery (built in 1653 at 2,000 meters elevation in the Khangai Mountains) and visit Orkhon Waterfall, a ten-meter-wide cascade on the Ulaan Tsutgalan river. You'll stay in local family gers and camp under canvas. The second half is the core: a three-day horse trek through the Eight Lakes area, where you ride across wild lake country and camp beside the largest of the eight. Swimming and fishing are possible at the lakes. The trek ends at a tourist camp with proper facilities before the return to Ulaanbaatar.

Days also include camel riding at Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, a visit to Kharkhorin (Karakorum), the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire, and time in local family homes to experience daily life. Meals, accommodation in gers and tents, horse rental, camel rides and all activities are included. A guide travels with you throughout. The route covers 400 kilometers from the capital and returns you to your hotel on the final day.

What’s included

• Horse rental for the full trek.
• all meals.
• accommodation in local family gers and camping tents, plus one night at a tourist camp with shower facilities.
• camel rides at Elsen Tasarkhai.
• guide services in your choice of language.
• hotel pickup from Ulaanbaatar.
• entry to Hustai National Park, Tuvkhun Monastery and Kharkhorin.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 19 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Danista Nomads Tour

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Ulaanbaatar means you don't need a car or separate transport to the starting point, and the guide handles the route and the camp setup each night, so the trek itself is the only thing you manage.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Korean and Japanese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Orkhon Valley like, and how much time do I spend there?

Orkhon Valley is home to the Orkhon Waterfall and Tuvkhun Monastery, a 2,000-meter-high monastery built in 1653 in the forested Khangai Mountains. You spend the second day of the trek hiking to the monastery and visiting the waterfall, then pass through the valley again on the return journey before heading to Kharkhorin.

How many days am I actually on horseback?

Three full days of horse trekking happen in the Eight Lakes region, where you ride through the lake country and camp each night. The first two days include shorter rides and activities like hiking to the monastery and camel riding at the sand dunes.

Where do I sleep, and is it comfortable?

You stay in local family gers for the first and sixth nights, camp in tents during the three-day horse trek in the Eight Lakes area, and spend the final night at a tourist camp with proper toilet and shower facilities before returning to Ulaanbaatar.

Do I need horseback riding experience?

The trek is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though the minimum age is 18. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What's included in the price?

Horse rental, all meals, accommodation in gers and tents, camel rides, guide services, and hotel pickup from Ulaanbaatar are included. Personal items, optional activities beyond those listed, alcoholic drinks, travel insurance and tips are not covered.