10 curated Horse Riding spots in Mongolia, each with its own note and source.
Bayan-Ölgii
Multi-day rides through alpine valleys at 2,200–2,800 m, with glacial river crossings and views of Mt Khuiten (4,374 m). Mounts are Mongolian horses, 4–6 hours in the saddle per day; some riding experience is recommended. The season runs mid-June to late August — before that the high routes still hold snow. Entering the park requires a border permit, issued in Ölgii.
Sources: Discover Altai, View Mongolia
Khövsgöl · Best time: Jun–Sep · All levels
A wide grass basin above 2,000 m between taiga and the Sayan range, cut by the Shishged river. Multi-day rides on Mongolian horses often push through to the Tsaatan reindeer herders; no prior experience is needed and you get an introductory lesson — muddy mountain trails come with it. Season is June to September, reached by flight to Mörön plus a long rough drive.
Sources: Correct Mongolia — Darkhad Valley, Horse Treks Mongolia
Ömnögovi
The mount here is the two-humped Bactrian camel, not a horse. The long route covers nearly 200 km in seven days, from the eastern end of the Gurvansaikhan range to the Khongoryn Els dunes; baggage and gear travel by support vehicle, and nights are spent in tents and ger camps. The operator expects riders who can handle a camel confidently.
Sources: mongolia.co.uk, Escape To Mongolia
Khentii · Best time: Jun–Sep · All levels
A roadless wilderness of roughly 1.2 million hectares: taiga forest, river valleys, bogs and passes holding alpine lakes. Riding is on trained trail horses, usually as one- to two-week expeditions between spring and autumn. Bogs and wild rivers make the going harder than the open steppe.
Sources: Stone Horse Expeditions Mongolia
Arkhangai
Riding through volcanic landscape, larch forest and open valleys around Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur — the lake is about 16 km long, 4–6 km wide and up to 20 m deep, with 40 percent of it shallower than two metres. Rides are run together with herding families from the area; next to it stands the extinct Khorgo volcano, whose last major eruption is dated to around 8,000 BCE.
Sources: Eternal Landscapes Mongolia, Wikipedia
Khövsgöl
Multi-day rides along the lake shore, through taiga and over the 2,500 m Jigleg Pass into the Darkhad Depression; the pass stays muddy even in dry weather. Mounts are Mongolian horses. The demand varies by operator: from beginner-friendly with instruction to riders confident at all paces; one outfit sets a 120 kg weight limit. Season: summer and autumn.
Sources: Horse Treks Mongolia, Horse Trails Mongolia
Tov · Best time: Jun–Sep · Beginner
Rolling hill steppe with birch woods and the Tuul river valley, about 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar. Riding is guided only, on Mongolian horses; the takhi (Przewalski's horses) are wild animals and are watched, not ridden — at dawn and dusk by the river, usually through binoculars. Summer, June to August, is the main season.
Sources: Go Mongolia Tours — Hustai National Park, Hustai National Park (Parkverwaltung)
Övörkhangai · Best time: Jun–Sep · All levels
A cluster of lakes in the Khangai highlands on volcanic ground, ringed by larch forest and alpine meadow. Past the end of the road vehicles are not permitted — pack yaks carry the gear and you continue on horseback. Days typically cover 30–40 km, about four hours in the saddle; the season runs mid-May to mid-October.
Sources: Stepperiders Mongolia, Horse Treks Mongolia — Eight Lakes
Övörkhangai · Best time: Jun–Sep · All levels
Open grassland along the Orkhon river: you ride upstream to the Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall, with pack yaks carrying the gear. Daily stages run 30–40 km, roughly four hours in the saddle — workable for experienced riders and game beginners. Season is mid-May to mid-October.
Sources: Stepperiders Mongolia
Tov · Best time: Jun–Sep · Beginner
Granite outcrops with forested northern slopes, flower meadows and fast streams, about 65 km northeast of Ulaanbaatar on paved road. The tourist zone offers rides from one hour up to several — the usual way in. Beyond it, experienced riders head out on multi-day trips into the remote ranges.
Sources: View Mongolia — Gorkhi Terelj National Park