Quick answer: You can ride in Mongolia on anything from a half-day ride near Ulaanbaatar to a 10-day trek. Beginners do well with short rides in Terelj or a few easy days in the Orkhon Valley; experienced riders can cover 20–30 km a day on multi-day routes. June to September is the season, and riding excursions start from $85.
At a glance
| Duration | Half day to 10 days |
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| Where | Terelj, Orkhon Valley, Lake Khövsgöl |
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| Best months | June to September |
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| Riding level | Beginner to experienced, matched per route |
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| Price guide | Horse riding excursion from $85, driver + 4x4 from $120/day |
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Route highlights
- Half-day rides for beginners
- Multi-day Orkhon Valley riding routes
- Nomad family visits and ger stays
- Support vehicle options for mixed groups
Best for
- Riders who want real steppe landscapes
- Families with different riding levels
- Couples wanting an active itinerary
- Travellers combining horses with Gobi or Khövsgöl
Sample 6-day Orkhon Valley riding trip
- Day 1 · Ulaanbaatar to KharkhorinAbout 360 km on paved road. Visit Erdene Zuu, the monastery built on the site of the old Mongol capital.
- Day 2 · Kharkhorin to the upper Orkhon ValleyDrive to the Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall area and meet the horse handlers and host family. Short test ride to match horses to riders.
- Day 3 · Riding day in the valleyAround 4–6 hours in the saddle along the river, with a lunch stop. Night with a nomad family or at a ger camp.
- Day 4 · Riding dayContinue through open valleys and volcanic landscape. The support vehicle carries luggage, so non-riders can join.
- Day 5 · Ride out and hot springsFinal morning ride, then drive towards Tsenkher hot springs or back to Kharkhorin.
- Day 6 · Return to UlaanbaatarDrive back to the capital, with an optional stop at the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes.
Do you need riding experience?
No, but be honest about your level. Mongolian horses are small, sturdy and semi-wild; they are used to herders, not riding schools. Beginners start on calm horses at a walk, with a handler close by. Confident riders can trot and canter on longer trekking routes. Many handlers set a rider weight limit, often around 90–100 kg, because the horses are small, so tell us in advance.
What to bring for riding
Bring your own riding helmet if you have one; helmets are not always available in the countryside. Long trousers without inner seams, ankle boots, gloves, sunglasses and a buff for dust make long days far more comfortable. Traditional Mongolian saddles are wooden; ask for a Russian-style or Western saddle if you are not used to them. Check that your travel insurance covers horse riding and medical evacuation.
Short on time?
Terelj National Park is about 55 km from Ulaanbaatar, so a half-day or full-day ride there fits into a city stay. See our Terelj day trip guide. Riding also combines well with a Gobi route: a camel ride at Khongoryn Els and a few days in the saddle in the Orkhon Valley.
Before you go
Saily eSIM: mobile data ready the moment you land in Ulaanbaatar. Local SIM options are in our SIM card guide.
Useful for this route:
Full packing list: Things you need in Mongolia
Charging and camera gear guide
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need riding experience to ride horses in Mongolia?
No. Beginners can do short rides at a walk with a local handler; multi-day treks with trotting and cantering are better for confident riders. Tell us your level so the route and horse are matched to you.
Is there a weight limit for horse riding in Mongolia?
Often, yes. Mongolian horses are small, and many handlers set a limit around 90 to 100 kg. Share your weight when you enquire so the right horse can be arranged.
When is the best time for horse riding in Mongolia?
June to September. July and August are warmest but can bring rain; September is cooler with golden grass and fewer travellers.
Can eMongolia.eu plan a horse riding Mongolia route?
Yes. Share your dates, group size, comfort level and must-see places. eMongolia.eu replies with route options, logistics and pricing context.
How do I start planning?
Use the WhatsApp button to send your dates, group size and travel style. The team will suggest a realistic route and next steps.
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