Horse Riding the Cradle of Nomadic Civilization

Today, you will travel overland to the ancient capital of Mongolia, Karakorum. For 30 years the ancient capital of the Mongoila Empire under Genghis Khan, the largest empire the world has ever seen. At it’s height in 1279 it covered nearly all of Asia and Europe (his grandson Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing). This area is part of A UNDESCO World Heritage site. There is little left of the former capital these days, but the walls of the massive Erdenezuu Monastery, built in 1586, still stand. Other temples suffered damage under communist purges of the 20th century, as they attempted to eradicate the 60 temples that housed nearly 10,000 Buddhist monks. Afternoon, we a visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery which is the most ancient surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. It is in Ovorkhangai Province, near the town of Kharkorin and adjacent to the ancient city of Karakorin. It is part of the World Heritage Site entitled Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. After visiting Karakorum Museum continue drive to Orkhon Valley reach to Nariin Am and meet the local horseman tonight.

After breakfast the riders are matches to their horses, saddles selected, and the horse tour begins. Today we will visit the monastery, which is situated at the top of Tuvshin Mountain, and where the first religious King of Mongolia – the Ondor Gegeen Zanabazar – worked and lived. We will continue riding along the river until we reach our overnight camping spot on the river’s shores.

Today we will continue to ride to Orkhon Waterfall. The waterfall is situated in the Orkhon Valley. This valley is known as the cradle of Mongolian civilization as many of Mongolia’s ancient monuments lie within its borders. We will camp by the waterfall for the next two nights to singing games – the loser has to consume a whole bowl of ‘airag,’ so beware when visiting local families!

Refreshed and relaxing at base camp, we are back on the horses today. When you watch the packhorses being loaded, you will be amazed about how much these small, sturdy horses can carry. Nevertheless, we recommend that you take as little as possible with you on this part of the trip. The riding becomes more challenging as we will ride through more obstacle areas and narrow trails of forested mountains into more remoteness altitude of 2200m above sea level. Even though, nature will be pristine and untouched. We will reach our main destination Eight Lakes. Overnight in the tent on the shore of Lake. Following day ride between the beautiful lakes, walk around, watch birds and flowers The Naiman Lake area was formed by volcanic eruption in the late Neogene. You still can see lava rocks in the flat area and barren mountain tops. then ride back where the Nomad family lives, farewell dinner with horseman and meet the support vehicles.

After leisurely breakfast drive to Khugnu Khan by Erdene Khamba Monastery is located only 18 km north of Elsen Tasarhai, at the Khogno Khan Uul Mountains (1967 m ASL.) Today there are only the ruins. Erdene Khamba Monastery had two sections: the lower one called the Zaluu Khiid, or the “Novice Temple” and the upper one called the Uvgun Khiid, or the “Elder’s Temple”, which was built on top of the mountain. The monastery was built in a sacred valley, according to Mongolian Buddhist traditions.

After breakfast drive to drive to Hui Doloon Khudag which is outskirts of Ulaanbaatar to watch horse race competition. The tradition is said to date back to the Bronze Age Horse-racing. It’s considered as one of the three traditional skills of the Mongolian young men where good horses and skillful horse-riders race one another. Therefore, horse-racing has naturally been a favorite sport’s activity cherished by the herdsmen in Mongolia. The horses are categorized according to age; the distance of the race is determined by the age of the horse and may range between 15 and 35 kilometers. Mongolian horses are short and stocky with robust feet, a large head, and a thick neck. They bare a certain resemblance to the Przewalski’s horse and are said to be largely unchanged since the time of Genghis Khan. Then drive to Ub city check I to your Hotel.

After leisurely breakfast our nomadic neighbor will come with his ox and his card will take you on a ride! We will take also the Mongolian arrows and bows with us! Legendary for their prowess with the bow, Mongols perfected this ancient practice with bows constructed from wood, animal sinew, bone, and glue made from fish bladders in a process that could take up to a year. A stone inscription dating from the 13th century claims that one of Genghis Khan’s generals hit a target from a distance of 1/3 of a mile! Late afternoon we will learn Mongolian traditional game using ankle bones like a shooting and horse racing etc. In the evening dine a traditional Mongolian barbecue food, known as Khorhog – our family’s favorite Mongolian dish by the way – demonstrating what an important ingredient stones can be: mutton will be cooked slowly in a huge, metal urn with vegetables, water, and most importantly hot stones from the flame. The meat becomes soft and tasty, and the water turns into a thick meaty broth… Quite a few Mongolian chefs affirm that they can taste the difference between river and lake stones. The day shall finish with a camp ‘s bon-fire and star gazing … Unforgettable on a clear night.