Orkhon Valley & Eight Lakes Region · Mongolia
9 days in one of the last truly wild places on earth.A 9-day immersive journey into nomadic Mongolian life — riding on horseback through one of the world's last great wildernesses, hosted by a family whose roots run as deep as the land itself.
Suma — Your GuideThis isn't a curated tourist experience. You'll wake up in a ger, ride across open steppe with experienced local horsemen, and camp under skies that have no end. Every meal is shared. Every kilometer is earned.
8 Lakes Tours is built for people who want to be somewhere real — not just pass through it.
Riders Welcome
Intimate Group
Family Partnership
I met Ganbold while trekking solo through Mongolia. I hadn't planned to stay — but his family pulled me in with the kind of warmth that's hard to explain and impossible to forget. We rode together, shared meals, and spent evenings around the fire talking about the land, the horses, and the life they've built here across three generations.
Ganbold's son Suma grew up in this valley and has been guiding riders through it for years — he knows every trail, every animal, every shift in the weather. When I floated the idea of bringing small groups out here, both of them lit up. This trip exists because they wanted it to.
You won't be staying near the family — you'll be living with them. Same meals, same gers, same daily rhythm. Every booking goes directly to them. That part matters to me.
— Robert, Founder
Travel from the capital into the countryside and be welcomed by your host family. Settle into traditional gers and begin learning daily nomadic life.
Four days on horseback through Mongolia's stunning Eight Lakes region. Remote camping under open skies, guided by experienced local horsemen.
Return to the village for rest, shared meals, and reflection. Organized transportation back to Bat-Ulzii included.
From Ulaanbaatar, take a public bus to Bat-Ulzii, Uvurkhangai — about an 8-hour ride through stunning Mongolian countryside. Use the apps below to find the right route and purchase your ticket.
Once you arrive in Bat-Ulzii, your host family will meet you and bring you to the ger village. Coordinate your arrival time directly via WhatsApp before departure.
Need Help?
WhatsApp contact details for both English-speaking and local Mongolian support will be provided upon confirmed booking.
Recommended Apps
UB Smart Bus
Find bus routes and schedules from Ulaanbaatar to the countryside
UBCab
Get around Ulaanbaatar before your departure
UBCARD
Load credit for bus payments in the city
Your $1,699 covers the full experience. No hidden costs.
A few essentials to sort before you arrive.
All participants must sign a liability waiver and provide proof of travel insurance before the trip begins.
We're running our inaugural trip at a special introductory rate of $1,699 per person — limited to 8 participants.
Available Tour Dates — 2026
June 22 – 30, 2026
9 Days · 8 Nights · Orkhon Valley, Mongolia
July 16 – 24, 2026
9 Days · 8 Nights · Orkhon Valley, Mongolia
August 4 – 12, 2026
9 Days · 8 Nights · Orkhon Valley, Mongolia
Custom Group Date
Private booking · Contact us to arrange
We're happy to answer anything before you book — whether it's about the route, the horses, visa requirements, or packing. Reach out and we'll get back to you promptly.
Do I need riding experience?
No experience necessary. Beginners are welcome — our local guides will teach you everything you need to know before the trek begins.
How physically demanding is the trek?
Moderate. You'll ride several hours a day across open terrain and camp outdoors. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended but you don't need to be an athlete.
What airport do I fly into?
Fly into Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar (UB). From there you'll take a public bus to Bat-Ulzii — about an 8-hour ride through stunning countryside.
Do I need a visa?
US citizens receive a 90-day visa on arrival. All other nationalities should check with their local Mongolian embassy for current requirements.
What is the weather like in the summer?
Expect warm days between 15–24°C (60–75°F) and cold nights that can drop to 0–5°C (32–41°F), especially at higher altitudes. Pack layers — mornings and evenings in the Naiman Nuur region can get very cold.
What do we eat?
Three traditional Mongolian meals are provided daily. Meals are meat-heavy but vegetarian options can be accommodated — let us know in your booking form.
Is there WiFi or cell service?
Cell service is limited to none in the remote trek areas. Starlink internet is available while staying at the ger village.
What happens in a medical emergency?
Basic first aid is available on site. All participants are required to have travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage before the trip begins.
Can I bring my children?
This experience is designed for adults only. We do not accept participants under 18.
Is this trip safe?
Yes. Basic first aid is available on site and experienced local guides — including Suma, who has led numerous tourist groups through this terrain — are with you throughout the journey. Ground transportation is on call for emergencies and can reach the ger village within a few hours. All participants are required to carry travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage before departure.
How does the cash payment work?
Your $510 deposit is paid online to secure your spot. The remaining $1,189 balance is paid directly to the host family upon your arrival in Mongolia — either in Mongolian tögrög, USD, or Euros, whichever is more convenient for you. There are no hidden fees or additional charges.
What is your cancellation policy?
The $510 deposit is non-refundable. The remaining balance of $1,189 is paid directly to the host family in cash upon arrival.