Horseback Expeditions
Enjoy the wilderness of Western Mongolia. If you love horseback riding in the countryside, you’ll love riding through the vast steppes and mountain trails of the Altai region with Bear Valley Adventures.
Our horseback expeditions take you deep into the heart of Western Mongolia, where the landscape is untouched and the traditions of nomadic horsemanship are alive and well. The tough little Mongolian horses are perfectly adapted to this terrain – sure-footed, hardy and full of spirit.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, our guides will match you with the right horse and ensure you feel confident in the saddle before heading out into the wilderness.
What to Expect
Riding across the Mongolian steppe is an experience like no other. The vast open grasslands stretch to the horizon in every direction, broken only by distant mountain ranges and the occasional nomad’s ger. You’ll ride through river valleys, across high mountain passes, and along ancient trails used by nomadic herders for centuries.
Along the way, you’ll experience genuine Kazakh and Mongolian hospitality – stopping at nomad families’ gers for airag (fermented mare’s milk) and freshly made dairy products. You’ll camp under some of the clearest, most star-filled skies you’ve ever seen.
Our Horses
The Mongolian horse is a breed apart. Small but incredibly tough, these horses have been bred for thousands of years to survive the harsh Mongolian winters and navigate difficult terrain. They are the descendants of the very horses that carried Genghis Khan’s armies across Asia.
Don’t let their size fool you – these horses are strong, fast and have incredible stamina. They can travel long distances over rough terrain without tiring, making them the perfect mount for exploring the Altai wilderness.
Horse Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ulgii
- Met at the Ulgii airport by our team
- Transfer to the Bear Valley ger camp
- Orientation briefing and equipment check
- Overnight at Bear Valley ger camp
Day 2: Begin the Trek
- Meet your horse and guide
- Ride out across the steppe towards the mountains
- Camp beside a river in a valley
Days 3–5: Into the Altai
- Ride deeper into the Altai mountain range
- Cross mountain passes with stunning panoramic views
- Visit nomadic Kazakh families along the way
- Camp in pristine wilderness locations each night
Day 6: Rest Day
- A rest day for riders and horses
- Explore the surrounding area on foot
- Fishing in mountain streams
- Relax at camp
Days 7–8: Return Journey
- Ride back towards Ulgii via a different route
- More spectacular scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities
- Final night camping under the stars
Day 9: Return to Ulgii
- Ride back to the Bear Valley ger camp
- Hot showers and farewell dinner
- Overnight at Bear Valley ger camp
Day 10: Departure
- Transfer to Ulgii airport for flight to Ulaanbaatar
- Farewell
Tour members: minimum 2 persons Tour price per person: on request
Contact us to discuss your ideal horseback expedition – we can customise the route, duration and difficulty to suit your group.