A typical day on the trip: Expect six to eight hours of riding per day, but be prepared for longer days when necessary. There will also be shorter days, and rest days as required. For those who would like more riding, it is often possible to ride out in the evening, or to take a longer ‘scenic’ route.The terrain is generally not good for fast riding, but for those who are keen for a gallop, there are some opportunities. 

Suitable clients for this trek: This trek is suited to more adventurous riders, who do not mind ‘roughing it’ to a certain extent. The area of the Altai Mountains where we ride is remote and involves some days with packhorses. Riders are expected to minimize their personal gear when using packhorses.The terrain can be tough, and does involve some leading over rough, steep ground (typically less than an hour at a time). A good level of general fitness is essential to enjoy this trek. We can discuss what that means!By September the weather is generally sunny during the day, but can be below zero at night, and can snow at any time. Riders need to be aware of the possibility, and be prepared for, cold weather. We will discuss the gear they need to bring.

Cultural Interaction  : Mongolia has seen relatively little tourism, so offers a uniquely authentic chance to experience one of the last truly nomadic cultures. There are no children begging for sweets, or people trying to sell souvenirs. In order to avoid these problems occurring in future we will explain the dos and don’ts.The guides have good contacts amongst the local people, so will be invited in to their gers for a glimpse of local life and offered various ‘delicacies’ to try. They will explain how to navigate the cultural minefield, such as always giving and receiving with the right hand whilst your left hand supports your right elbow…you will remember how it goes. Luckily the culture is quite ‘relaxed’ and transgressions are more a source of amusement than offence!There are wonderful opportunities for immersion in the local people’s’ lives. The women will be more than happy to give hands-on lessons in yak-milking and how to process the milk into a range of obscure dairy products. Herding the livestock is the men’s realm, but there is no problem for ‘honorary men’ from foreign lands to get involved. Mongolians are very proud of their culture and like to share it with outsiders.The majority of people in the area where we ride, and our team, are ethnically Kazakh. and they live the same nomadic lifestyle as elsewhere in the country. They have the same amazing hospitality.

The Eagle Festival: The trip will finish with the annual Sagsai Eagle Festival. The first day, including the opening ceremony and we will fly back to UB on the second day. During the ride we will stage our own small Eagle Festival, meeting local hunters and trying our hand at horse games. There will be the opportunity to discover what it feels like to sit on your horse with a giant eagle on your arm.

• Stark beauty of Bayan-Ulgii's arid mountains and valleys as we drive south to Altai sum.
• Lush alpine meadows, forest and streams of this hidden corner of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
• Great riding country, everything from tricky forest trails to high mountain grasslands, and open valleys, and not a fence or gate to be seen
• Fascinating bronze age archaeological sites
• Rare wildlife including Asiatic ibex, elk, argali, bears and wolves (if we are lucky)
• Mongolian culture - nomadic herdsmen still live the traditional lifestyle and will be as interested in you, as you are in them!
• Explore deep in to the Altai Mountains where even local people rarely venture.
• Attend the fascinating annual Eagle Festival
• Ulaanbaatar is best explored on foot and a guide is not essential
• The itinerary remains flexible (within the start and end dates) to allow for unforeseen circumstances such as changes to the domestic flight schedule