Eight Lakes Yurt-to-Yurt Horse Trekking Expedition

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 7D6N Beginner-friendly
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
7D6N Beginner-friendly

Highlights

#CoreMemories

Why we love this experience

Nature
95%
Relax
35%
Culture
15%
City
20%

A Sotravel Wild Experience

For those who want to go further: bold, less-travelled adventures built around raw nature, challenge, and unforgettable stories.

Learn to Ride Before You Trek

Start with a horseback riding lesson and practice session to get comfortable in the saddle before beginning your horse trekking adventure.

Three Days on Horseback

Spend three unforgettable days riding through forests, valleys, hills, and remote landscapes around the Eight Lakes.

From Horseback to Bactrian Camels

Experience two sides of Mongolia, from a multi-day horse trek to climbing the dunes and riding Bactrian camels in the Mini Gobi.

Saddle up for an unforgettable journey through Mongolia, starting with the open landscapes of Ugii Lake before heading into the historic Orkhon Valley. Learn the basics of Mongolian horseback riding, spend time with nomadic families, and then set off on a three-day horseback expedition through forests, valleys, hills, and remote lakes in the Naiman Nuur region. Along the way, visit Shireet, Shanaga, Haliut, Buht, Haya, and Shanaa Lakes, camp or stay with local families, and experience Mongolia far from the usual tourist routes. After returning from the wilderness, switch from horses to Bactrian camels for a Mini Gobi desert experience before heading back to **Ulaanbaatar.

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What's included

transport

Ground transportation throughout the trip, including transfers and travel between destin..Ground transportation throughout the trip, ..

lodging

Accommodation for 6 nights in a mix of local stays, including ger camps and campsites as..Accommodation for 6 nights in a mix of loca..

instructor

English-speaking guide throughout the tripEnglish-speaking guide throughout the trip

group leader services

Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers just like you. They share the experience aut..Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers..

flight

Flights not included. By joining you will receive our recommended routes.Flights not included. By joining you will r..

More details

Itinerary

Where you'll stay

Selected stays based on location, comfort, and how they support the trip experience.

Tourist Ger Camp

Tourist Ger Camp

Stay in a traditional Mongolian ger surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the countryside. This cosy ger camp offers a unique way to experience Mongolia’s nomadic culture while enjoying the peaceful surroundings

Apartment at the heart of Ulaanbaatar

Apartment at the heart of Ulaanbaatar

End your day of adventure at a cozy, centrally located apartment in Ulaanbaatar.

Additional Information

Other requirements

Participants should be comfortable spending time outdoors and riding on horseback for extended periods. Previous horseback riding experience is not required.

About the weather

Expect changing weather conditions throughout the trip, especially in Mongolia's open countryside. Days can be warm, while mornings and evenings may be cooler. Weather in remote areas can also change quickly, so suitable layers and outdoor clothing are recommended.

How does accommodation & rooming work?

By default, solo travelers are matched with same-gender roommates. If you're traveling with friends, you can choose to room together. Private rooms are sometimes available at an additional fee at checkout.

Trip confirmation & minimum participants

Most trips require a minimum of 4 and cap at 20 participants. Booking early helps the trip reach confirmation faster — and you'll enjoy our early bird discount.

Is flight included?

Flights are not included, giving you flexibility to book your own. We recommend booking after your trip is confirmed. Once you've booked, we'll send you a detailed trip pamphlet with recommended flight options and more details about your trip.

Cancellation & refund policy

Cancel before the deadline shown at checkout and receive a full refund in credits. If we cancel the trip due to insufficient participants, you'll receive a full cash refund.

Physical level

This is an active multi-day horseback expedition involving approximately 5–7 hours of riding per day during the main trekking section. A good level of fitness and comfort with outdoor conditions is recommended. Previous riding experience is not required, as you will receive a riding lesson and a 1–2 hour trial ride before the longer trek.

Are there any long driving days?

Yes. There is a 7-hour drive on the journey back to Ulaanbaatar. It’s a long stretch on the road, so you can use the time to sleep, rest, or simply enjoy the changing landscapes along the way.

Do I need prior horse riding experience

You do not need prior horse riding experience. Before the expedition begins, you will be taught the basics of horseback riding in a safe environment. That being said, riding a horse and being exposed to nature for multiple days is a challenging feat which you should be mentally ready and excited for!

What can I expect at Eight Lakes?

You’ll have time to slow down and experience the area beyond horseback riding, including light hiking, spending time with a local family, and exploring the surrounding lakes and landscapes. Swimming may also be possible depending on the weather conditions.

How much horseback riding is involved?

You will spend approximately 5–7 hours per day on horseback during the main trekking days. Comfortable footwear and clothing are therefore especially important. Previous horseback riding experience is not required, as you’ll have a 1–2 hour trial ride and riding lesson before the longer trek begins.

Sotravel Signature

Mongolia rewards good judgement.

Design your own custom Mongolia

The map is vast, roads are variable and the best moments rarely happen on command. We design with that reality—not against it. That means sensible drive days, trusted locals, the right accommodations and enough time at each location to feel its magic.

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Why choose to travel with us?

Guides & leaders you can trust

Our guides and leaders are carefully selected and trained to deliver a safe and unforgettable Sotravel adventure.

Can't do alone adventures

We put together adventures that are best experienced with a group of like-minded individuals.

Just show up and enjoy yourself

Our team has done the heavy lifting on our end so all you have to do is show up for your adventure!

Have questions?

Contact us on Telegram to chat with us! If you are looking for an instant reply, try searching for a quick answer here.

From SGD 2,359/ pax

Day 1

Arrive and Unwind at Ugii Lake

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar before 12 PM and meet your guide and fellow travellers.
Begin your journey into the Mongolian countryside and make your way towards Ugii Lake.
Arrive at the lake and take some time to relax and settle into your surroundings.
Get out on the water for a kayaking experience and enjoy the peaceful scenery around the lake.
Spend the evening unwinding by Ugii Lake before the adventure continues the following day.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Tourist Ger Camp

Tourist Ger Camp

Image for Take in the peaceful views of Ugii Lake as your Mongolia adventure begins.

Take in the peaceful views of Ugii Lake as your Mongolia adventure begins.

Image for Experience kayaking while taking in the stunning scenery

Experience kayaking while taking in the stunning scenery

Day 2

Ride Into the Orkhon Valley

Leave Ugii Lake and continue your journey towards the Orkhon Valley, surrounded by Mongolia's wide open landscapes.
Before setting off on the horse trekking adventure, take part in a horse riding lesson and practice session. Learn the basics, get comfortable in the saddle, and build your confidence with guidance from the local team.
Put your new skills into practice during a relaxed ride through the surrounding countryside.
Visit a nearby mini waterfall and take in the peaceful scenery before continuing to your camp.
Settle in for the night and get ready for the journey towards the Eight Lakes the following day.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Horse Riding Lesson: 1–2 hour trial ride

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Learn the basics of horse riding and get comfortable in the saddle before the adventure begins.

Learn the basics of horse riding and get comfortable in the saddle before the adventure begins.

Image for Take a break by a peaceful waterfall surrounded by the open landscapes of the Orkhon Valley.

Take a break by a peaceful waterfall surrounded by the open landscapes of the Orkhon Valley.

Day 3

Ride to the Eight Lakes

After breakfast, saddle up and begin your horse trekking adventure towards the remote Eight Lakes area.
Spend the day riding through Mongolia's open landscapes, passing forests, valleys, and scenic countryside along the way.
Take in the changing scenery as you travel deeper into this remote part of the Orkhon Valley.
Arrive at the Eight Lakes area and settle into your yurt for the night.
Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature and rest up for a full day exploring the area tomorrow.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Horse Trekking: 5–7 hours of horseback riding

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Ride through Mongolia's open landscapes as you make your way towards the remote Eight Lakes.

Ride through Mongolia's open landscapes as you make your way towards the remote Eight Lakes.

Image for Arrive in the peaceful Eight Lakes area and settle into your yurt surrounded by nature.

Arrive in the peaceful Eight Lakes area and settle into your yurt surrounded by nature.

Day 4

A Day Around the Eight Lakes

Wake up surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the Eight Lakes and enjoy breakfast with the local family.
Set out for a light hike around the area, taking in the lakes, forests, and surrounding landscapes at a slower pace. If conditions allow, enjoy an optional swim in the lake.
Return to the family for lunch and some time to relax.
In the afternoon, head out on horseback to explore more of the area around the lakes and enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.
End the day with dinner and another peaceful evening surrounded by nature.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for See more of the Eight Lakes area on horseback, riding through the open landscapes surrounding the lakes.

See more of the Eight Lakes area on horseback, riding through the open landscapes surrounding the lakes.

Image for Explore the peaceful landscapes around the Eight Lakes on a relaxed hike through the surrounding nature.

Explore the peaceful landscapes around the Eight Lakes on a relaxed hike through the surrounding nature.

Day 5

Horseback Journey Back

After breakfast, saddle up and begin your horseback journey back from the Eight Lakes.
Ride through Mongolia's scenic landscapes as you make your way back towards camp.
Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy some time to freshen up, including a well-deserved shower after your days on horseback.
Relax and enjoy your final evening in the Mongolian countryside.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Ride back through Mongolia's scenic landscapes after your time exploring the Eight Lakes on horseback.

Ride back through Mongolia's scenic landscapes after your time exploring the Eight Lakes on horseback.

Day 6

Back to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, leave the Orkhon Valley and begin the long journey back to Ulaanbaatar.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel through Mongolia’s countryside.
Arrive back in Ulaanbaatar and wrap up your horse trekking adventure.

Accommodation: Apartment at the heart of Ulaanbaatar

Meals included: Breakfast

Apartment at the heart of Ulaanbaatar

Apartment at the heart of Ulaanbaatar

Image for Return to Ulaanbaatar after your adventure through the Eight Lakes and Orkhon Valley.

Return to Ulaanbaatar after your adventure through the Eight Lakes and Orkhon Valley.

Day 7

Time to Say Goodbye

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Ulaanbaatar before checking out.
Say goodbye to Mongolia and head home after an adventure filled with horseback riding, lakes, and remote landscapes.

Accommodation: None

Image for Wrap up your adventure with unforgettable memories!

Wrap up your adventure with unforgettable memories!

Please note

The itinerary is subject to change in order to provide an adventure that best suits your needs, weather and operating conditions. For safety reasons, we reserve the right to interrupt your participation at any time if your medical condition is deemed unfit or you are deemed a danger to yourself or those around you.

What's included

transport

Ground transportation throughout the trip, including transfers and travel between destinations as outlined in the itinerary.

lodging

Accommodation for 6 nights in a mix of local stays, including ger camps and campsites as outlined in the itinerary.

instructor

English-speaking guide throughout the trip

group leader services

Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers just like you. They share the experience authentically, keep the trip running smoothly, and help you make the most of every moment.

flight

Flights not included. By joining you will receive our recommended routes.

Insurance

Please make sure your travel insurance covers this activity.

miscellaneous

Depending on the activity and location, locals may sometimes ask you to pay fees such as tourist taxes or park fees.

All photos

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