Horseback Riding Adventure in Mongolia

Reservation & Deposit

• Deposit: To secure a spot on the 8-day tour, a 50% non-refundable deposit of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking.

• Final Payment: The remaining 50% balance must be paid in full at least 14 days before the tour start date. For last-minute bookings (within 30 days of departure), full payment is required immediately.

• Payment Methods: We accept bank transfers (SWIFT/Wise) and Paypal.

2. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

Mongolia is a land of adventure, and the nomadic lifestyle involves remote areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all participants. * Coverage: Your policy must cover emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal injury.

• Adventure Activities: Ensure your insurance specifically covers horseback riding, as some standard policies exclude this.

• Proof of Insurance: We require a digital copy of your insurance certificate before the tour begins.

3. Cancellation & Refunds

We understand that plans change. Our refund policy for the remaining balance is as follows:

• 31+ days before departure: 100% of the balance is refunded (minus the non-refundable deposit).

• 15–30 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost is refunded.

• Less than 14 days before departure: No refund is available.

4. Nomadic Stay Etiquette & Logistics

• Facilities: Living with a nomadic family is a raw, authentic experience. Please note that guest Gers usually use traditional "pit latrines" and have limited electricity (solar-powered for lights).

• Health & Diet: Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian) at least 14 days in advance. Nomadic diets are heavily meat and dairy-based.

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival in Mongolia.

Mongolian horses are small but incredibly sturdy and reactive. They are "working" horses, not pets, and they respond to different cues than horses in the West. Following these rules will help you form a bond with your horse and avoid spooking them.

1. Approaching & Mounting

• The Left Side Rule: Always approach, mount, and dismount your horse from the left side. Mongolian horses are trained exclusively from the left and can become startled or aggressive if you approach from the right.

• No Sudden Movements: Avoid flapping clothes, swinging cameras, or sudden gestures. Mongolian horses are naturally wary of "unusual" movements.

• Mounting: Hold the reins firmly but not tightly in your left hand while mounting. Ensure you are settled in the saddle before letting the horse walk.

2. Safety Around the Horse

• The "No-Go" Zone: Never walk directly behind a horse. If you must move around them, give them a wide berth (at least 2 meters) or keep a hand on their hip so they know exactly where you are.

• Secure Your Gear: Ensure all bags, raincoats, and camera straps are tightly secured. A flapping jacket sleeve is the #1 cause of horses spooking and bolting on the steppe.

• Don't Tie to Yourself: Never wrap the reins around your hand or waist. If the horse trips or runs, you need to be able to let go instantly.

3. On the Trail

• The "Lead" Horse: Always follow the lead of your local nomadic guide. They know the terrain and the temperament of the herd. Avoid overtaking the lead horse unless instructed.

• Distance: Keep at least one horse-length between you and the rider in front. This prevents horses from kicking each other.

• Steep Terrain: On steep volcanic descents or slippery forest paths, your guide may ask you to dismount and lead your horse by the reins. This is for both your safety and the horse's.

4. Understanding Cues

• The "Chu" Sound: To make the horse go faster, Mongolians use the sound "Chu!". You don't need to kick hard; a vocal cue is often enough.

• The Reins: Use neck-reining (moving the reins against the horse's neck) rather than pulling on the bit. Mongolian horses are sensitive to the neck pressure.

• Stopping: A firm, steady pull back on both reins while saying "Woah" or "Tsh" will bring the horse to a halt.

5. Equipment Check

• The Saddle: We use traditional Mongolian wooden saddles with leather padding or Russian-style saddles. If your stirrups feel uneven or the saddle feels loose, tell your guide immediately—do not try to adjust it while moving.

• Helmet: While nomadic herders don't wear them, we strongly recommend all guests wear a riding helmet. The terrain can be unpredictable.

Because this trip covers everything from sand dunes to high mountain monasteries, the "layering" rule is non-negotiable.

1. Riding Specific Clothing

• Riding Pants: Soft-shell hiking trousers or leggings. Avoid jeans with thick inner seams as they will cause painful chafing during horse rides.

• Boots: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with a good grip. We highly recommend half chaps to protect the lower legs from the stirrup leathers.

• Long-Sleeved Shirts: Even in the heat, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt protects against the intense high-altitude sun and biting flies in the river valleys.

2. Mountain & Night Layers

• Thermal Base Layer: A set of wool or synthetic thermals. Temperatures in the Khangai Mountains can drop toward freezing even in July.

• Heavy Fleece or Wool Sweater: For evenings around the campfire.

• Down Jacket: A packable "puffer" jacket is the best way to stay warm. But we highly recommend a toned down, so that it won’t distract the horses.

• Rain Shell: A 100% waterproof and windproof jacket. Mountain storms can move in quickly. Same as the down jacket, color should be toned down.

3. Gear for the Steppe & Wilds

• Binoculars: Essential for Day 7 at Khustai National Park to get a clear view of the Takhi wild horses and red deer. /Not necessary/

• Power Bank: While the ger camps and hotels have power, your days camping will not. A high-capacity power bank is a must for cameras and phones.

• Headlamp: Crucial for navigating camps and nomadic Gers at night.

• Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat with a chin strap (so it doesn’t blow away while galloping).

4. Health & Hygiene

• Personal First Aid: Include "Mole Skin" or blister plasters, as new boots and long rides are a recipe for blisters.

• Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer: Essential for the days spent camping and visiting nomadic families.

• Biodegradable Soap: If guests plan to wash in the Orkhon River.

5. Nomadic Tradition (Optional)

• Small Gifts: If guests want to thank their nomadic hosts, small, practical items or sweets are always appreciated.

Mongolian nomads are world-famous for their hospitality, but their homes are considered sacred spaces. Following these simple customs will show your hosts that you respect their way of life.

Entering the Ger

• The Threshold: Never step on the wooden threshold of the door; it is considered the "neck" of the home. Always step over it with your right foot first.

• Don’t Knock: Traditionally, Mongolians don't knock. Instead, call out "Nokhoi khor" (literally: "hold the dog") to announce your arrival.

• The Support Pillars: Never lean against or walk between the two central support pillars. These represent the stability of the family and the connection between heaven and earth.

• Direction: Once inside, move in a clockwise direction. Guests are typically seated on the left (west) side of the Ger.

Food & Drink Rituals

• The "Taste Test": If you are offered milk tea or a snack, always accept it with your right hand. Even if you aren't hungry, take a small sip or a tiny bite before putting it down. Refusing outright is considered impolite.

• Right Hand Only: Always give and receive items (especially food, tea, or gifts) with your right hand. For extra respect, support your right elbow with your left hand.

• Fire is Sacred: Never throw trash, water, or food scraps into the central stove. Fire is the most sacred element of the home.

General "Dos and Don'ts"

• Feet Placement: When sitting, never point the soles of your feet toward the altar (at the back of the Ger) or toward other people. It’s best to sit cross-legged or tuck your feet under you.

• Hats: Mongolians value the head as the most sacred part of the body. Never touch another person’s hat, and if you take yours off, place it in a high spot (like on a bed or a shelf) rather than on the floor.

• Step on a Foot: If you accidentally step on someone's foot, immediately shake their hand. It’s the local way of saying "I didn't mean any harm."

• Whistling: Avoid whistling inside the Ger; locals believe it "calls the wind" or brings bad luck to the household.