Adventure Horse Riding in Eight Lakes Region
Ride a sturdy Mongolian horse with a spirit of horseman along the crystal fresh rivers and green hills with pine forests of Orkhon valley. Visit a nomadic horse breeding family in Eight Lakes region and mingle with the local nomads. This riding adventure makes you feel as a real Mongolian horseman throughout the journey.
14 daysAdd On :
Day 1: |
Kharkhorin Today we will set off for a driving day to Kharkhorin. Kharkhorin is
the site of the 13th century capital of the Mongolian Empire created by Genghis
Khan. The founding of Karakorum started on the ruins of Gokturk and Uigur
cities in the Orkhon valley at the eastern end of the Khangai Mountains in 1220
by the Genghis Khan's order. It completed 15 years later during the Ugedei
Khaan's reign. The town was a very cosmopolitan and religiously tolerant place.
The silver tree, part of Mungke Khan's palace has become the symbol of
Kharkhorin. The highest peak of its prosperity was from 1220 to 1260. The
specific feature of this stage is that Kharkhorin existed as the great capital
of the Euro-Asian Empire with Mongolia as its core and as the centre of
politics, economy, culture, religion, intellect, and diplomacy and the
prominent tie of international relations. At the arrival, we will visit one of the biggest Buddist monastery
Erdene Zuu. Now Erdene Zuu Monastery is
all that remains of what once was a huge monastery of 100 temples and about 1.000
lamas residing there. We will explore the grounds of Erdene Zuu Monastery
surrounded by its massive 400 m X 400 m walls. We will be guided around the 3
remaining temples: Dalai Lama, Zuu of Buddha and Lavrin Temple. Another place we will visit will be Kharkhorin's New Archaeological Museum. It is a small museum but housed in a modern well-run
building with good lighting and display cases with clear English labels. The
exhibits include dozens of artefacts dating from the 13th and 14th centuries
which were recovered from the immediate area, plus others that were found from
archaeological sites in other parts of the provinces, including prehistoric
stone tools. You'll see pottery, bronzes, coins, religious statues and stone
inscriptions. There's also a half-excavated kiln sunk into the museum floor.
Perhaps most interesting is the scale model of ancient Kharkhorin, which aims
to represent the city as it may have looked in the 1250s, and is based on
descriptions written by the French missionary William of Rubruck. Another
chamber exhibits a Turkic noble tomb with wall paintings and artefacts,
including gold items and jewellery. There is a short video of actual burial
site. We will also see the Turtle Rock and the Phallic Rock, visit little
market behind walls exposing local arts by locals. |
![]() |
Day 2: |
Orkhon Valley After our breakfast
at the ger camp, we will set further westwards into to Orkhon valley where the
Orkhon River flows. The Orkhon valley is surrounded by the foothills of the
Khangai mountain range. Meadows and fir forests are prominent here. The Orkhon
river valley is lined with the remains of an ancient lava flow. We will have our
lunch at our host family located nearby Orkhon Waterfalls which cascades
down a basalt canyon to a depth of 20 meters. After lunch we will have plenty
time to explore the waterfall, its canyon and surrounding area. This is where we will
leave our vehicles behind and load our gear and food on pack horses. Tomorrow
we will set off for a six-day trekking in the mountainous area of the Khangai.
Our translator will help us to forge contact with the local population. (Family stay, B, L,
D) |
![]() |
Day 3: |
Boorog Campsite We will leave the
Orkhon Waterfalls and start the horse riding stream upwards along the Bituu River until we go through a pass that leads us to the Eight Lakes valley.
This totally remote area was created by volcanic activities. It is locked
between several extinct volcanoes and high mountain peaks. As it name says, the
valley shelters a large number of small lakes, all interconnected by rivers.
The lakes are supplied with fresh water running from the mountains. (Tented Camp, B, L,
D) |
![]() |
Day 4: |
Khuis Lake The first lake we
will reach is Khuis Lake. This lake is dotted with a large (Tented Camp, B, L,
D) |
![]() |
Day 5: |
Shireet, Bugat and Khaliun Lakes We will continue our
horse riding towards the biggest one Shireet Lake. On the way to Shireet Lake, our riding takes through other several
smaller lakes. The Eight Lakes valley is one of the most beautiful, untouched
and picturesque place of Khangai Mountain range. You will enjoy hearing only
nature, the stream going downward to the lakes and birds tweet. One can feel
deeply relaxed and refreshed. In the afternoon we come back to the Khuis Lake camp
site and overnight here. (Tented Camp, B, L,
D) |
![]() |
Day 6: |
Khokh Davaa Mountain Pass Today
our horse ride continuously takes us to the west-north of the Eight Lakes
region. We will pass big valleys that are rich of alpine forest with many
little streams along the way. Even though it is not that much far from the
Eight lakes it requires some effort to pass big hills and forests. (Tented Camp, B, L,
D) |
|
Day 7: |
Yol Khad Rock In the morning we
will be riding further westward of the eight lakes area. Along our adventurous
horse riding path we will pass several mountain hills and small streams. Yol
Khad (Vulture Rock) is a natural rock on the edge of the Tamchiin Khavtsal
cliffs. There is a good opportunity to see the whole picturesque scenery on the
top of the cliffs. (Tented Camp, B, L,
D) |
|
Day 8: |
Erkhet Khairkhan Mountain Today’s horse riding
will take us to the highest peak Erkhet Khairkhan (3535m) in the region, which
is located not far from Tamchiin Khavtsal cliffs. You will see comparatively
different landscape rich of small rivers and mountain passes. Here, we might
have a chance to observe wildlife. Later in the afternoon we will reach our
camping spot where there is a local family of nomads. (Tented camp/Family
stay, B, L, D) |
|
Day 9: |
Tongorgyn Davaa Pass Each
day of the horse riding is peaceful and relaxing. From now on, we will start
going east-north of the mount Erkhet Khairkhan. We will be traveling in the
same mountain range Khangai. (Tented camp, B, L,
D) |
|
Day 10: |
Doloon Bulag This
riding is quite longer in distance and also worth traveling. The wind blows mildly and the birds tweet melodiously from the side forest. It
makes the horse riding more natural and meaningful. (Tented camp, B, L,
D) |
|
Day 11: |
Ar Denj We will continue our
journey in a big volcanic rocky valley where there are several families live
with their livestock. You
will bear witness to awesome views of the lakes and volcanic craters. This is
truly a sight that needs to be seen to be believed. It lies beyond the
imagination. (Tented camp, B, L,
D) |
|
Day 12: |
Orkhon Waterfall Today
our horse riding ends and we will be travelling back to our host family at the
waterfall in the later afternoon. Compared to past few days it is easier. We
don’t go up and down but mostly following Orkhon River until we get to the
waterfall. As we keep following the river, the number of herds and families
come up more and more. The Orkhon valley is registered
as world cultural heritage by UNESCO due to its ancient findings, artefacts
related to early 6th century and even before that. As well as, 12th
to 13th century great Mongol empire had expanded its capital
Karakorum here. Moreover, pasture nomadic lifestyle still remains here and it
keeps both historic and nomadic view of life. (Family stay, B, L,
D) |
![]() |
Day 13: |
Khogno Khan Mountain After a good rest we
will drive to Khogno Khan Mountains. End the afternoon we
will hike in the region of Khogno Khan Mountains, walk up the mountain and enjoy
the incredible view over the plains, the sand dune and grasslands. We will also
visit the nice little Uvgun Monastery. (Ger Camp, B, L, D). |
|
Day 14: |
Drive to Ulaanbaatar We will have a driving day back to Ulaanbaatar. You may enjoy the
free afternoon to catch up all the places you haven’t visited yet. You might as
well check the beautiful cultural show enjoy the colourful and rhythmic
Mongolian dance, throat singing & admire the contortionists. (B, L) |
![]() |
Day 1: |
Kharkhorin Today we will set off for a driving day to Kharkhorin. Kharkhorin is
the site of the 13th century capital of the Mongolian Empire created by Genghis
Khan. The founding of Karakorum started on the ruins of Gokturk and Uigur
cities in the Orkhon valley at the eastern end of the Khangai Mountains in 1220
by the Genghis Khan's order. It completed 15 years later during the Ugedei
Khaan's reign. The town was a very cosmopolitan and religiously tolerant place.
The silver tree, part of Mungke Khan's palace has become the symbol of
Kharkhorin. The highest peak of its prosperity was from 1220 to 1260. The
specific feature of this stage is that Kharkhorin existed as the great capital
of the Euro-Asian Empire with Mongolia as its core and as the centre of
politics, economy, culture, religion, intellect, and diplomacy and the
prominent tie of international relations. At the arrival, we will visit one of the biggest Buddist monastery
Erdene Zuu. Now Erdene Zuu Monastery is
all that remains of what once was a huge monastery of 100 temples and about 1.000
lamas residing there. We will explore the grounds of Erdene Zuu Monastery
surrounded by its massive 400 m X 400 m walls. We will be guided around the 3
remaining temples: Dalai Lama, Zuu of Buddha and Lavrin Temple. Another place we will visit will be Kharkhorin's New Archaeological Museum. It is a small museum but housed in a modern well-run
building with good lighting and display cases with clear English labels. The
exhibits include dozens of artefacts dating from the 13th and 14th centuries
which were recovered from the immediate area, plus others that were found from
archaeological sites in other parts of the provinces, including prehistoric
stone tools. You'll see pottery, bronzes, coins, religious statues and stone
inscriptions. There's also a half-excavated kiln sunk into the museum floor.
Perhaps most interesting is the scale model of ancient Kharkhorin, which aims
to represent the city as it may have looked in the 1250s, and is based on
descriptions written by the French missionary William of Rubruck. Another
chamber exhibits a Turkic noble tomb with wall paintings and artefacts,
including gold items and jewellery. There is a short video of actual burial
site. We will also see the Turtle Rock and the Phallic Rock, visit little
market behind walls exposing local arts by locals. |
![]() |
Day 2: |
Orkhon Valley After our breakfast
at the ger camp, we will set further westwards into to Orkhon valley where the
Orkhon River flows. The Orkhon valley is surrounded by the foothills of the
Khangai mountain range. Meadows and fir forests are prominent here. The Orkhon
river valley is lined with the remains of an ancient lava flow. We will have our
lunch at our host family located nearby Orkhon Waterfalls which cascades
down a basalt canyon to a depth of 20 meters. After lunch we will have plenty
time to explore the waterfall, its canyon and surrounding area. This is where we will
leave our vehicles behind and load our gear and food on pack horses. Tomorrow
we will set off for a six-day trekking in the mountainous area of the Khangai.
Our translator will help us to forge contact with the local population. (Family stay, B, L,
D) |
![]() |
Day 3: |
Boorog Campsite We will leave the
Orkhon Waterfalls and start the horse riding stream upwards along the Bituu River until we go through a pass that leads us to the Eight Lakes valley.
This totally remote area was created by volcanic activities. It is locked
between several extinct volcanoes and high mountain peaks. As it name says, the
valley shelters a large number of small lakes, all interconnected by rivers.
The lakes are supplied with fresh water running from the mountains. (Tented Camp, B, L,
D) |
![]() |
Day 4: |
Khuis Lake The first lake we
will reach is Khuis Lake. This lake is dotted with a large (Tented Camp, B, L,
D) |
![]() |
Day 5: |
Shireet, Bugat and Khaliun Lakes We will continue our
horse riding towards the biggest one Shireet Lake. On the way to Shireet Lake, our riding takes through other several
smaller lakes. The Eight Lakes valley is one of the most beautiful, untouched
and picturesque place of Khangai Mountain range. You will enjoy hearing only
nature, the stream going downward to the lakes and birds tweet. One can feel
deeply relaxed and refreshed. In the afternoon we come back to the Khuis Lake camp
site and overnight here. (Tented Camp, B, L,
D) |
![]() |
Day 6: |
Khokh Davaa Mountain Pass Today
our horse ride continuously takes us to the west-north of the Eight Lakes
region. We will pass big valleys that are rich of alpine forest with many
little streams along the way. Even though it is not that much far from the
Eight lakes it requires some effort to pass big hills and forests. (Tented Camp, B, L,
D) |
|
Day 7: |
Yol Khad Rock In the morning we
will be riding further westward of the eight lakes area. Along our adventurous
horse riding path we will pass several mountain hills and small streams. Yol
Khad (Vulture Rock) is a natural rock on the edge of the Tamchiin Khavtsal
cliffs. There is a good opportunity to see the whole picturesque scenery on the
top of the cliffs. (Tented Camp, B, L,
D) |
|
Day 8: |
Erkhet Khairkhan Mountain Today’s horse riding
will take us to the highest peak Erkhet Khairkhan (3535m) in the region, which
is located not far from Tamchiin Khavtsal cliffs. You will see comparatively
different landscape rich of small rivers and mountain passes. Here, we might
have a chance to observe wildlife. Later in the afternoon we will reach our
camping spot where there is a local family of nomads. (Tented camp/Family
stay, B, L, D) |
|
Day 9: |
Tongorgyn Davaa Pass Each
day of the horse riding is peaceful and relaxing. From now on, we will start
going east-north of the mount Erkhet Khairkhan. We will be traveling in the
same mountain range Khangai. (Tented camp, B, L,
D) |
|
Day 10: |
Doloon Bulag This
riding is quite longer in distance and also worth traveling. The wind blows mildly and the birds tweet melodiously from the side forest. It
makes the horse riding more natural and meaningful. (Tented camp, B, L,
D) |
|
Day 11: |
Ar Denj We will continue our
journey in a big volcanic rocky valley where there are several families live
with their livestock. You
will bear witness to awesome views of the lakes and volcanic craters. This is
truly a sight that needs to be seen to be believed. It lies beyond the
imagination. (Tented camp, B, L,
D) |
|
Day 12: |
Orkhon Waterfall Today
our horse riding ends and we will be travelling back to our host family at the
waterfall in the later afternoon. Compared to past few days it is easier. We
don’t go up and down but mostly following Orkhon River until we get to the
waterfall. As we keep following the river, the number of herds and families
come up more and more. The Orkhon valley is registered
as world cultural heritage by UNESCO due to its ancient findings, artefacts
related to early 6th century and even before that. As well as, 12th
to 13th century great Mongol empire had expanded its capital
Karakorum here. Moreover, pasture nomadic lifestyle still remains here and it
keeps both historic and nomadic view of life. (Family stay, B, L,
D) |
![]() |
Day 13: |
Khogno Khan Mountain After a good rest we
will drive to Khogno Khan Mountains. End the afternoon we
will hike in the region of Khogno Khan Mountains, walk up the mountain and enjoy
the incredible view over the plains, the sand dune and grasslands. We will also
visit the nice little Uvgun Monastery. (Ger Camp, B, L, D). |
|
Day 14: |
Drive to Ulaanbaatar We will have a driving day back to Ulaanbaatar. You may enjoy the
free afternoon to catch up all the places you haven’t visited yet. You might as
well check the beautiful cultural show enjoy the colourful and rhythmic
Mongolian dance, throat singing & admire the contortionists. (B, L) |
![]() |