Horseback Riding to Khagiin Khar Lake

We will depart from Ulaanbaatar early in the morning, heading towards Terelj National Park, which lies 70 km from the capital. Our journey will take us through a valley surrounded by lush, forested hills and breathtaking granite cliffs. The valley is adorned with vibrant wildflowers and is home to herds of peacefully grazing yaks, horses, goats, and sheep. This picturesque park, featuring granite rocks, pine trees, and a flowing river, is an ideal spot for hiking, horseback riding or simply unwinding and soaking in the views. We will explore several notable sites in the area.

Our first stop will be the Genghis Khan Monument, an impressive aluminum statue of Genghis Khan on horseback. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, a small museum offers a comprehensive overview of the Great Mongol Empire's history, including the lineage of the great Khans and their conquests. We will also visit Turtle Rock and the Aryaval Monastery, a serene meditation temple located at the mountain's base, where there are excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing, and horseback riding.

• Explore the Genghis khan statue
• Discover the Aryapal monastery
• Check out Turtle rock

We'll meet our horseman and load our gear and supplies onto the pack horses before setting off on our journey. Today marks the beginning of our adventure through wide valleys, towering mountains, and verdant forests. We'll ride for several hours across lush meadows toward the Terelj River valley. Take in the breathtaking scenery as the valley unfolds before you, stretching all the way to the Tuul River—it's a day to savor the rhythm of the trail and the beauty of the park.

• Enjoy a horseback ride through breathtaking scenery

Today, as we continue our ride along the Tuul River, you’ll notice the landscape gradually changing. We’ll pass through serene pine forests, where the only sounds are the rustle of trees and the occasional call of wildlife. Listen for the rhythmic tapping of woodpeckers and watch the skies for golden eagles soaring high above in search of prey. By evening, we’ll reach the confluence of the Tuul and Hagiin rivers, where we’ll set up camp for the night. As we venture deeper into the forest, you’ll truly begin to feel the distance from the modern world and the peaceful isolation of the wilderness.

• Enjoy a horseback ride through breath-taking scenery

As we leave the Tuul Valley behind, we’ll enter the vast and wild taiga—a dense forest that serves as the perfect habitat for moose. With a bit of luck, you might spot signs of these majestic creatures along the way. By the end of the day, you’ll begin to recognize the subtle traces they leave behind, just like a seasoned tracker. The scenery here is nothing short of breath-taking, with the untouched beauty of the taiga surrounding us at every turn.

• Enjoy a horseback ride through breath-taking scenery

After several hours on horseback, we begin our ascent into the mountains, winding through dense forests known for their rich wildlife—wolves, bears, deer, and moose all call this wilderness home. As we reach the summit, a stunning panorama unfolds before us. Below lies the breathtaking Khagiin Khar Nuur, and we begin our descent toward its serene, untouched shores. Khagiin Khar Nuur (also known as Khagiin Khar Lake) is a beautiful, remote lake in Mongolia, located in the Khentii Mountains. The name "Khagiin Khar" roughly translates to "black lake" in Mongolian, which is a reference to its dark, deep waters. The lake is known for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by rugged mountain terrain and rich wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and adventurers.

• Enjoy a horseback ride through breath-taking scenery

After breakfast, we’ll set out through the Khongoryn River valley, riding downstream for about four hours before fording the river. As we continue, the landscape begins to change, leading us into a rugged forest of birch, pine, and ancient cedar trees. Our journey then takes us on a steep climb, followed by an even steeper descent over the Khaviragiin Pass, nestled on the eastern shoulder of Altan Olgii Peak. Known as the “Golden Cradle,” this 2,646-meter summit is one of the tallest in the Khentii range. We’ll end the day camping in the forest, near a gently flowing stream—a peaceful spot to rest after a challenging ride.

The pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views, dense forests of birch, pine, and ancient cedar, and its rich biodiversity, including wolves, bears, deer, and moose. Traversing Khavirigiin Davaa offers a challenging but rewarding experience for trekkers and adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in Mongolia's pristine wilderness.​

Due to its remote location and rugged terrain, Khavirigiin Davaa remains relatively untouched by modern development, providing a rare opportunity to experience Mongolia's natural landscapes in their most authentic form.

• Enjoy a horseback ride through breathtaking scenery

Today, we’ll continue our ride toward Terelj, following the scenic path through the Dund Bayan Gol valley. As the day winds down, we’ll find a peaceful spot to set up our tented camp and settle in for the night amidst nature’s quiet beauty.

• Enjoy a horseback ride through breathtaking scenery

Today, we’ll ride to Terelj National Park. Our journey through the Ogoomor Valley will be a bit longer than the previous days, but it’s an easier ride. After crossing the Terelj River, we’ll make our way back to the local family, where our vehicle will be waiting to pick us up. It’s time to leave the wilderness behind and head back to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's vibrant capital. You’ll have the late afternoon free to explore as you wish—perhaps visit fascinating cultural exhibitions or enjoy a spectacular performance of contortionists and the colorful, rhythmic dances that showcase Mongolia’s rich traditions.

• Attend a folklore show featuring throat singers
• Shop for souvenir or cashmere. Optional