Experiencing the real Hokkaido – More than Sapporo & Hakodate
Jun ’10
In a country rich in nomadic traditions, the best way to get a taste of Mongolia is to do it on a horse. After a grueling 29hr train ride from Beijing to Ulan Batar (including troublesome border checks), I was itching to venture out to the endless Mongolian steppes I’ve heard so much about. The concrete post soviet era capital is more of a gateway out to the countryside, with dozens of hostels and tour agencies offering all sorts of tour packages. I was pretty lucky because I chanced upon a group of guys organizing their own trip at the hostel (Golden Gobi) and conveniently tagged along for a 6D5N horse riding adventure. It was way cheaper but if you want a hassle free trip, a package from the hostel is probably the way to go. Anyway I’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking. 
So our guides family just slaughtered their goats over the last weekend.
We camped beside random Gers along the countryside on most nights for access to water in exchange for gifts.
Just before “Sunshine” broke into a gallop. I never thought we would have the chance but after a couple of days of riding, our guide showed us how and it was crazy.
Damage done after one of the horses went crazy.
Fetching water from the well.
My horse has this thing about throwing me off when she’s drinking water.
Thank you Jan, Shamous, Jerry, Ponch, and Archardi for this awesome adventure. And to Gambar our guide!
If there is one thing you got to do in Mongolia, this is it.
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I just saw this post! Looks damn amazing.
Your trips are very awesome too Mavis!
Whats the budget for such a trip to Mongolia? ;)
Hello HY,
I was there on a longer route from China towards Russia so can only provide you with an estimate of my budget for the 10days I spent in Mongolia.
Daily expenses for a budget traveller should range from USD20-50 (mine was 20 cause I was really broke then) while exploring cities and towns.
The Horseriding trip only cost me USD110 cause I was lucky to meet some couchsurfers who planned their own trip. I was the lucky tag along. Tour prices from the hostels or agencies are a lot more pricey and can go up to USD300 for a similar trip. But it is hassle free. Trust me when I say that I went through a lot of hassle and almost didn’t get a chance to do any horseriding in Mongolia.
Yup…must plan trip here. The weather looks amazing there at the time. June? So summer is definitely recommended to go? Was it “warm” even in June?
It can get pretty warm and hot in the day. But you still need your warm clothes at night! I wasn’t prepared for it and had to wear all my layers for the night. haha :X
Hullo Hendric, horse-riding in Mongolia happens to be one of top activities on my bucket list! :) Just wondering what was your level of horse-riding experience prior to this trip and whether there were any language barriers with the guide? Also, what did you mean by the couchsurfers planned the horseriding trip instead of going through an agency/hostel? As in they hired the guide and horses separately or…? Thanks for sharing your experiences, and u have some lovely photos on this blog!
Hey Elyana,
I’ve actually had no prior experience to it! Language barriers definitely yes, but I felt it was enough for us to get the hang of it.
The couchsurfers actually hired the guides and horses themselves, I have no idea if it was a separate thing but the guides seem to know the horses so it shouldn’t be the case.
If you’re unsure, going with an agency is actually best! No worries about language if you book from the more reputable ones there. I was just really lucky to come across a group of crazy guys who wanted to organise it themselves and tagged along.
OMG i was terrify by the goat head. By the way, your photo story telling are amazing. keep sharing❤
It wasn’t that bad! Haha. Anyway thank you! :)