Mongolia: Khan Khentii - The Mongolian Trails

Day 1

Deciding to explore Mongolia on horseback means wanting to fully immerse yourself in the lifestyle and traditions of the nomadic Mongolian people. This journey will give you the opportunity to experience the exquisite equestrian culture of this people, where the horse, often the only means of transport, lives side by side with humans. Mongolian “horsemen” are nomads, living far away from any form of modernity, and no one depends on horses more than they do. These horses are left to live in a semi-feral state, totally autonomous. This small and sturdy horse is also called the Przewalski horse, native to these areas, and is considered the last species of wild horse, descended from a species domesticated by the Botai people 5,500 years ago. The Przewalski horse, once thought to be extinct in the wild, was reintroduced into the steppe by bringing back a small reproductive population.
Fun fact: The Mongolian horse has significant biological differences compared to the domesticated horse; while the domesticated horse has 64 chromosomes, the wild horse has 66.
During this journey, as we discover Mongolia on horseback, we will cross two different territories: the vast and barren steppe and the forested area of Khan Khentii, a protected area for wildlife conservation. A “nomadic” journey through various kilometers, accompanied only by your horses… a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

ULAANBAATAR (-/-/-)
Meet our representatives at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel in the capital. Free dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2

ULAANBAATAR / STEPPE (B/L/D)
After breakfast, pick-up at the hotel, and in the morning, visit the famous Gandan Monastery, a well-known Buddhist center. We will then take transport to the starting point of our tour, a tent camp near the encampment of some nomadic families. Picnic lunch, and in the afternoon, take a walk around the area to get familiar with your mount before dinner and overnight stay at the nomadic camp.

Day 3

STEPPE (B/L/D)
With a small caravan to carry luggage and tents, we will mount our horses and travel across predominantly desert areas of the steppe over these two days, occasionally meeting some nomads. On the second day, we will gradually enter the forested region of Khentii, which includes the Khan Khentii Protected Area and the Gorkhi Terelj National Park. In this area of Mongolia, the Siberian forest meets the desert steppe. Overnight in a typical yurt.

Day 4

STEPPE (B/L/D)
Exploration of the area.

Day 5

SHARBULANG VALLEY (B/L/D)
We will reach the Sharbulang Valley after traveling along mountainous tracks with beautiful views. We will spend the next two nights here, exploring the area during the day.

Day 6

SHARBULANG VALLEY
Exploration of the area.

Day 7

TUUL RIVER (B/L/D)
From our current location, we will pass through a mountain pass and find ourselves in the upper part of the Tuul River Valley, near the highest peak of the Khentii Mountains. The view from here will be breathtaking.

Day 8

JALMAN (B/L/D)
We will continue towards the Jalman Plateau, famous for its abundance of wildflowers, and reach a semi-mobile camp where we will spend this night and the next. We will explore the surrounding area during the day.

Day 9

JALMAN (B/L/D)
Exploration of the area.

Day 10

ULAANBAATAR (B/L/D)
By vehicle, we will return to the city. Check-in at the hotel and free time to visit the city on your own. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 11

ULAANBAATAR / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the international airport.

Note:
The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. The departure on 30/06 has an itinerary of 12 nights.

Guaranteed shared departure dates, minimum 1 person, departing from Italy:
From 10/06 to 20/06
From 30/06 to 12/07 – departure with 12 nights
From 10/08 to 20/08
From 01/09 to 11/09
Other departure dates available upon request between May and September with a minimum of 2 riders.

PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 MAX 10

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: Tent camp
EQUIPMENT: MONGOLIAN SADDLE
HORSES: MONGOLIAN, small and frugal. With a gentle and cooperative character, they live in a semi-feral state in perfect harmony with humans.
PACES: 5 to 8 hours per day in the saddle. Often fast paces. A good level of control of the horse and good physical condition are required.
WHAT TO BRING: Warm, layered clothing. Laundry service will be available at hotels, but we recommend at least 2-3 changes for the days in the tent. Soft luggage is preferred, as it will be carried on yaks (no vehicle support). We suggest bringing small snacks (like cereal bars), tea bags if desired, a small pair of binoculars, a camping knife, headlamp, water purification tablets, a small dictionary, sleeping bag (mattress provided by guides), towel, toilet paper, power bank, spare batteries, water bottle, rope to secure things to the saddle. Also, sunscreen, anti-chafing cream, necessary medicines, sunglasses, insect repellent.
MINIMUM AGE: 12 years
MAXIMUM AGE: 75 years
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 95 kg
TYPE: Itinerary with semi-fixed tent camps. Camel caravan support.

ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1 and 10 in Ulaanbaatar, staying at Bayangol Hotel (or similar), a mid-range hotel with private room facilities, TV, and Wi-Fi.
Nights 2 to 7 in a mobile tent camp, set up every evening. A restaurant tent will also be set up, along with one for showers and services. It is necessary to bring your own sleeping bag, suitable for potentially cold temperatures.
Nights 8 and 9 in a semi-mobile camp with cots and a stove. Restaurant tent, showers, and services will also be available.

Guaranteed group departure dates:
From 10/06 to 20/06
From 30/06 to 12/07 – 12-night departure
From 10/08 to 20/08
From 01/09 to 11/09
Additional departure dates are available on request between May and September, with a minimum of 2 riders.

PARTICIPANTS: MIN. 2 – MAX. 10

Extra Info:
Private dates supplement (fino a 4 pax) per group -> price per person 530€