Do you dream of galloping across open steppe with the wind in your hair? This is the place to live that dream. Zavkhan province has never been easy to get to, but for those who do make the effort, beautiful untouched landscapes, fascinating local culture, and perfect riding country awaits.
Zavkhan aimag (province) is a difficult region of Mongolia to get to, with erratic flights and challenging roads, which is why tourism has barely reached here. This is where we first started arranging treks, and after 16 years it really hasn't changed at all. Nomadic herders still go about their daily lives much as they have for hundreds of years, and it's incredibly beautiful.
We start off by riding across open steppe, continue on through forested valleys, and up into the mountains of Tarvagatai Uul National Park. There are various routes we can take, some we know well but others we are keen to try out. We are really only limited by the need to meet the support vehicle at the end of each day. There is a lot of new country still to explore.
Our Zavkhan Classic trek is for people who would like to immerse themselves in Mongolia's landscape and culture, travelling like the locals, away from the tourist hot-spots. Don't expect any luxury - this is wilderness camping, with a river for a wash at the end of the day's ride, and a simple meal around the campfire.
This trek has everything from tricky forest trails and sand dunes, through to wide open steppe ideal for a faster pace, and not a fence or gate to be seen. Experienced riders have the chance to gallop to their heart's content. However we structure the trek so that those with less experience are able to ride at a pace they are comfortable with. Read more about the pace of our rides here.
We have been working with local horsemen Dondov, Tsoj and Adiya, and their wonderfully tough Mongolian horses, since 2004. During that time we have grown to love and respect these sturdy steeds.
For most of the year the horses roam free where wolves still prowl, so they retain more of their natural behavior in order to survive, compared to horses back home. During the trek you will develop a relationship with your horse, and gain their trust. Even experienced riders will be learning new ways of riding. Our local team will teach you tips and techniques, and you and your horse will learn together.
The first challenge on this trip is getting from Ulaanbaatar to Zavkhan aimag. Rather than flying straight there, we set out across the steppe on the Great Mongolian Road Trip (see below). Once we meet the horses, we have 9 full days of riding, moving on each day to a new wilderness campsite. The first few days takes us through a lush valley where herders graze the 'five snouts' - yaks, horses, sheep, goats, and camels, before reaching an uninhabited mountain area.
After farewelling the horses we either drive south to Khar Nuur, a lovely desert lake where sand dunes plunge in to crystal-clear waters, or alternatively we head north via remote Gandan Nuur, a beautiful forested lake. Either location is perfect for hiking, swimming or just relaxing after all that riding, before flying back to Ulaanbaatar.
We begin the trip by travelling overland to Zavkhan, breaking the journey up over two and a half days. We use reliable Russian four-wheel drive vehicles (the mighty 'furgon'), ideal for the poor roads. We believe that no trip to Mongolia is really complete without a road trip, but once is enough for most people, so we fly back at the end of the ride! We stay in comfortable ger camps along the way (there's plenty of camping to come).
Visit Kharkhorin (Karakorum), site of the 13th century capital of the Mongolian Empire, and Erdene Zuu Khiid (monastery), founded in 1586. For the less culturally-inclined, the infamous penis rock can be experienced nearby (although it's really quite small!). By early afternoon of Day 3 we arrive at our river-side camp where we meet our local wranglers, and familiarise ourselves with the horses.
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