Stone Horse Mongolia

per person

Introduction & Quick Snapshot

If the idea of waking to a crimson dawn, saddling a sure-footed pony, and riding ancient trails once trodden by Chinggis Khaan sets your pulse racing, then Stone Horse Mongolia belongs at the very top of your travel list. This boutique outfitter—run by back-country veterans Keith Swenson and Sabine Schmidt—guides small groups through Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and the pristine Khan Khentii Wilderness. Here, forest steppe rolls into alpine meadow, nomads still follow the seasons, and a network of rivers carves valleys that are inaccessible by vehicle, making horseback the only true doorway into Mongolia’s vast silence.

In-Depth: Wilderness Expedition Roots

For more than two decades, the founders of Stone Horse Mongolia have been mapping forgotten trails, partnering with herders, and hand-building custom Western saddles to ensure both horse and rider can travel 20–30 kilometres a day in comfort. Their mission is twofold:

Authentic Connection – Every ride is personally led by Keith or Sabine, fluent in Mongolian language and culture, ensuring travellers gain genuine insight into nomadic life, wildlife conservation, and regional history.
Low-Impact Travel – Camps are packed in and out by horse, leaving no trace; kitchen waste is composted; and solar power runs lighting and satellite communications.

The result is an experience that feels both pioneering and reassuringly professional—exactly the balance discerning adventure seekers crave.

At a Glance

Location: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park & Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, northeastern Mongolia
Nearest Airport: Chinggis Khaan International (ULN), Ulaanbaatar – 90 min transfer
Season: Mid-June – late-October
Group Size: Max 8 guests
Riding Style/Ability: Western tack; beginner – advanced
Trip Lengths: 8, 10, 14 days (plus custom)

Location & Getting There

Flights arrive daily into Ulaanbaatar from Seoul, Istanbul, Tokyo and Frankfurt, making Mongolia more accessible than ever. After a restful hotel night in the capital, Stone Horse Mongolia whisks guests northeast by 4×4 to Terelj trailhead—swapping city skyline for granite tors and larch forest in just two hours. Charter helicopter or fixed-wing transfers can also be arranged for private groups keen on aerial views of the steppe.

Horses, Gear & Riding Style

The Mounts – Tough 13–14 hh Mongolian horses, famed for stamina and sure-footedness.
Tack – Custom leather Western saddles with wool fleece, English bridles, and fitted saddle-bags.
Skill Level – Rides suit confident beginners upward; lessons offered on Day 1.
Safety Gear – CE-certified helmets supplied; guests may bring air-vests; guide carries satellite phone, med-kit, GPS.
Weight Limit – 95 kg / 210 lb (heavier on request with extra horse).

Horses live free-range on steppe pasture between tours, ensuring excellent conditioning and mental freshness for each expedition.

Trip Options & Seasonal Dates

Expedition	2025 Dates	Distance	Highlights
10-Day Gorkhi-Terelj Adventure	14 Jun; 19 Aug	~170 km	Granite valleys, wildflower meadows, larch forests
8-Day Gorkhi-Terelj Short Ride	28 Jun; 4 Sep	~130 km	Rapid immersion, hot spring finale
14-Day Wilderness Conservation Trek	10 Jul	~250 km	Scientific monitoring, ranger meetings
14-Day Khentii Mountains Expedition	5 Oct	~260 km	Altai alpine zone, golden larch season

Private custom departures (minimum four riders) can blend riding with fly-fishing, wildlife tracking or Naadam festival attendance.

Accommodations on the Trail

Nights alternate between cozy dome tents (supplied with 4-inch mats & temperature-rated bags) and traditional gers set on river bends or hilltops. A heated group tent serves as dining room in cool weather, while summer dinners unfurl beneath a canvas awning with panoramic views. First and last evenings bookend the ride at a boutique Ulaanbaatar hotel, allowing hot showers and a celebratory farewell feast.

Food: From Campfire Grill to Ger Feast

Expect a fusion of local ingredients and international recipes:

Breakfasts – Omelettes, pancakes, house-baked bread, jam, coffee.
Picnic Lunches – Cheeses, salami, fresh veg, fruit, trail mix, hot soup in thermos when chilly.
Dinners – Dutch-oven goulash, grilled steak, vegetarian curries, homemade pasta, salads.
Beverages – Mongolian milk tea, filtered water, wine pre-dinner.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are welcomed with prior notice. A portable grill ensures fresh bread on the trail—an unexpected luxury miles from any road.

Rates, Discounts & Payment Methods

Expedition	2025 Price (USD)	What’s Included
10-Day Gorkhi-Terelj	$4 200	Horses, guides, tents/gers, meals, ULN transfers, park fees
8-Day Gorkhi-Terelj	$3 400	As above (shorter route)
14-Day Wilderness Conservation	$4 475	Field scientist talks, data gear
14-Day Khentii Mountains	$5 450	High-altitude route, extra horse support

Early-Bird Offer: 10 % off for bookings before 28 Feb 2025. Couples save an additional 5 %; groups of three or more save 15 %. A $700 deposit secures your saddle, payable via wire, Wise, or major credit card.

Area Attractions Beyond the Saddle

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park – Rock formations, Aryabal Meditation Temple hike.
Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area – Birthplace of Chinggis Khaan, untouched river valleys.
Ulaanbaatar City – National Museum of Mongolia, Gandan Monastery, cashmere outlets.
Naadam Festival (July 11–13) – Horse racing, wrestling, archery; official site for tickets.

Sustainability & Community Partnerships

Stone Horse Mongolia supports ranger wages, funds wildlife camera traps, and partners with local herder families for pasture access fees—an incentive that keeps land open for wildlife corridors. Guests on conservation departures assist with plant surveys and river-quality testing that feed directly into government park management plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How fit do I need to be?
You’ll ride 4–6 hours daily at mixed paces. If you can comfortably post in trot and hike 5 km, you’re ready.

2. Can beginners join?
Yes—confident beginners are welcome on 8- and 10-day trips, with arena instruction on Day 1 and calm horses assigned.

3. What is the best month to visit?
June for wildflowers, July for Naadam, August for warm nights, September–October for golden larch and crisp air.

4. Are helmets provided?
Yes, certified helmets in multiple sizes; bringing your own is encouraged for perfect fit.

5. Is there cell signal or Wi-Fi on the trail?
Expect to be offline; the guide’s satellite phone handles emergencies. Enjoy the digital detox!

6. Do I need a visa for Mongolia?
US, EU, UK, Canada & Australia currently receive 30-day visa-free entry (check before travel). Others may apply for e-visa online.

Conclusion & Next Steps

From cantering across carpeted wildflower meadows to sharing fermented mare’s milk with nomad herders, Stone Horse Mongolia delivers an immersive expedition few destinations can match. Limited group sizes and early-bird savings mean saddles disappear fast—secure yours today and ride the very paths that forged an empire.