I’m not typically someone who can keep a secret, but Mongolia was such a unique destination that I managed to pull off the ultimate surprise for Gavin’s “significant” milestone birthday, to go horse riding in Mongolia.
While he knew we had two weeks off, the destination remained a complete mystery until the morning of his birthday. I handed him his passport, revealed the Mongolian visa inside, and gave him exactly three and a half hours to go buy the clothes and boots he’d need for the trek!
Since we both grew up around horses, the idea of a riding challenge wasn’t a total shock, but horse riding across the Mongolian steppe had been a shared bucket-list dream for years. We couldn’t wait to finally tick it off together.
Quickly, About Mongolia
- Capital: Ulaanbaatar
- Population: 3,278,290
- Land Size: 1,566,000 km2 (605,000 sq mi)
- Language: Mongolian
- Religion: Buddhism (53%), Non-religious (39%), Islam (3%) Other (5%)
Highlights & Things To Do in Mongolia
These are the highlights and things we enjoyed from our travel to Mongolia:
- Hustai National Park
- Horse Riding on the Mongolian Steppe
- Yurt Stay with a Nomadic Family
- Playing Mongolian Shagai
- Trying ‘Airag’
1. Hustai National Park
For our first day out in Mongolia, we had an amazing day trip out to Hustai National Park.
Through our hostel in Ulaanbaatar we found a driver to take us, and headed for Mongolia’s Töv Province. The park is a huge conservation area, known for its population of wild takhi (Przewalski’s horse) and its ger (yurt) camps.
Despite the language barrier, Gavin and our driver Tuvchuu, spent most of the two hour trip discussing every kind of truck brand that passed; and the pros and cons of each…
Whilst looking to the other side of the road, I admired the hundreds of horses, goats and Gers we passed. The mountains that seemed to unfold forever!
The Przewalski horse, for which the park is famous for, are renowned as being the only surviving species of wild horse that remains. They are officially the last truly wild horses on the planet. It was surreal to be there and see them in the wild.
2. Horse Riding on the Mongolian Steppe
This was the experience we had been dreaming of! This was what we had come for.
We booked our tour for horse riding in Mongolia with SteppeRiders, staying at their traditional yurt camp before and after our journey.
Night 1: Bogd Khan Uul National Park
Our expedition began in Bogd Khan Uul National Park, where we spent our first night camping in the forest near the ruins of the Manzushir Monastery. Wandering through the deserted site was a powerful experience, offering a glimpse into the massive scale of Mongolian Buddhism before the era of political repression.
Night 2: Lunch in a Yurt
After a day of riding through dense forests and small villages, we shared a traditional Mongolian meal with a nomadic herder family at lunchtime. It was truly a “pinch-me” moment to be sitting in a yurt, immersed in their way of life.
By the end of the second day, we emerged from the trees onto the infinite, rolling hills of the steppe. The landscape was unlike anything we had ever seen: no fences, no buildings, and no boundaries—just the vast, open horizon and the sound of our horses.
3. Staying with a Nomadic Herder Family
Staying with a nomadic family was an unforgettable highlight—perhaps the best part of our entire adventure horse riding in Mongolia.
After a day of riding, we hobbled our horses for the night and relaxed in the wide-open spaces surrounding the family’s three summer yurts.
The vastness was breathtaking; there wasn’t a road in sight for miles. It was truly inspiring to witness their independence and self-sufficiency, watching them lean into the livestock and routines that have sustained their way of life for generations.
4. Playing Mongolian Shagai
Forget fidget spinners. Our driver, Tuvchuu, introduced us to a much more exciting craze: Mongolian Shagai. It is a traditional game played with actual sheep knucklebones.
It was highly addictive, though I have to admit, both he and Gavin beat me soundly!
The Challenge of the Saddle: Horse Riding in Mongolia
While we used Russian-style saddles, the local horsemen used traditional Mongolian saddles. They have an incredible way of perching above the wooden frame, mostly riding while standing up in their stirrups.
Our saddles had slightly more leather, but they were still built around a very solid wooden frame. Let me tell you: after three days of constant riding, you start to feel every inch of that wood!
Tips for Comfort:
- Choose Your Gear Wisely: I was very glad I wore riding jodhpurs, which provided some much-needed extra padding.
- Check Your Equipment: On the second day, one of the horsemen noticed my well-worn saddle was uneven and added some extra padding for me. It was a kind gesture—even if my body was already feeling the effects by then!
If you’re planning a trek, do yourself a favour and prioritise comfort from day one. Your body will thank you – trust me!
Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Finding the right accommodation in Ulaanbaatar is essential, as the city serves as the central hub for organising your adventures to go horse riding in Mongolia.
Zaya Hostel, Ulaanbaatar
We really rated Zaya Hostel. Located right in the center of town, this exceptionally well-organised hostel has comfortable common areas and a friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Your stay includes breakfast and the convenience of an airport pickup, all within easy walking distance of local restaurants and supermarkets. It was a great start to our trip.
SteppeRiders, Bogd Khan Uul Park
Based on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, SteppeRiders is the horse-trekking agency that we booked our Mongolian horse riding tour with. It is highly professional with excellent communication. They provide a wide range of trek lengths suited for all abilities, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced riders.
Getting to Mongolia
We traveled from New Zealand with a layover in Beijing, China.
If you are transiting through China to get to Mongolia, it is vital to check the latest visa requirements. Many travellers (including New Zealanders) can currently benefit from China’s 30-day visa-free entry or 144-hour transit policies.
But the rules can get complicated if your itinerary includes multiple stops within China — like our return flight, which went through both Beijing and Shanghai. [You can read about that mistake here!].
- Tip: Double-check if you need a transit visa before you fly. We made a mistake here, and it’s a hurdle you definitely want to avoid!
Arriving in Ulaanbaatar
International flights land at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN).
It is located about 50km (31 miles) from the city center, and the drive typically takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on Ulaanbaatar’s famous traffic.
Transport Options:
- Airport Pickup: The easiest option is to arrange a transfer through your hotel or hostel in advance. Zaya Hostel was great and picked us up on arrival.
- Taxis: Licensed taxis are available at the terminal; expect to pay around $30–$50 USD.
- Shuttle Bus: There are also public shuttle buses that run to Sukhbaatar Square and other central locations.
Read More About Travel in Asia
- Train Travel In India: Complete Guide.
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide.
- The Sacred River Ganges: Two Days In Varanasi.
- Crossing The Wagah Border From India To Pakistan.
- Pakistan Travel Guide.
- India Travel Guide.
- How To Use A Squat Toilet: Everything You Didn’t Want To Ask.
- Our Complete Packing List For Travel In India.
- The Ultimate Bangladesh Itinerary: 7-, 14- & 21-Days.
More About Travel Planning for Mongolia & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before booking horse riding in Mongolia!