For your first time in Mongolia or your first time horseback riding, you may have many questions.
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding Horse Camp Mongolia tours.
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us.
About Participation
- Can I participate even if I am a complete beginner at horseback riding?
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Yes. At Horse Camp Mongolia, we start with basic instructions before riding to ensure beginners can participate with peace of mind. After practicing how to interact with the horse, how to mount and dismount, how to hold the reins, and basic controls such as moving, stopping, and turning right and left, you will head out onto the steppe under staff supervision. We do not jump straight into long hours of riding, so those with no prior riding experience are welcome to join.
- Can true beginners really go out onto the steppe?
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Yes. Staff members will check your progress during the basic practice and depart for the steppe only after determining that you can ride safely. However, depending on the physical condition of the day, weather, condition of the horses, and your familiarity with riding, the riding time and activities may be adjusted. We prioritize safety above all else.
- Can I participate by myself?
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Yes. Applications are accepted starting from 1 person. Since other solo travelers also join us, solo travelers are welcome to participate comfortably. However, pre-riding lessons and riding on the steppe may be conducted in groups with other participants depending on the turnout for the day. Even for single participants, our staff structure is adjusted according to the number of participants and daily operational conditions.
- Can children participate?
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As a general guideline, participants should be at least 130 cm in tall or 8 years of age or older. However, in addition to age and height, we may check physical build and condition on the day to determine whether the child can ride safely.
About Horseback Riding & Safety
- What happens if I become scared of the horse—can I stop halfway through?
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Yes. We will never force you to continue riding. If you feel scared or unwell after mounting the horse, please inform the staff immediately. Depending on the situation, you can take a break, adjust the riding activities, or stop riding altogether.
- Is there a risk of falling off the horse?
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Horseback riding inherently carries risks, including falling off a horse. Because of this, Horse Camp Mongolia provides basic pre-riding instruction, requires safety gear such as helmets and body protectors, and conducts all riding under staff supervision. While we take every effort to ensure safety, because this is an activity involving animals in nature, the possibility of an accident cannot be completely eliminated.
- Are helmets and protectors mandatory?
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Yes. For your safety, you are required to wear the designated safety equipment during horseback riding. Helmets, protectors, and chaps are provided at the camp.
- What happens if I get injured while riding?
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First, we will stop the ride, and our staff will assess the situation. If necessary, we will make arrangements to transport you to a medical facility. Because horseback riding carries a certain degree of risk, participation requires enrollment in travel insurance that covers accidents during horseback riding.
- Is enrollment in travel insurance required?
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Yes. To participate, you must enroll in travel insurance that covers accidents and injuries sustained during horseback riding. On the day of your tour, please present a document or smartphone screen verifying your insurance coverage.
About Clothing & Belongings
- Is it fine if I don’t own any horseback riding gear?
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Yes. Helmets, body protectors, chaps, and other equipment are provided at our camp. You can participate even if you do not bring specialized horseback riding equipment.
- Are gloves necessary?
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Yes. Please bring work gloves or standard gloves. They help protect your hands while holding the reins.
- What kind of clothes should I wear?
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We recommend clothing that is easy to move in and minimizes exposed skin. Please wear long pants and bring an outer layer that can accommodate changes in wind, sunlight, and temperature. Weather on the steppe can change quickly, so layering is recommended.。
- Can I participate in sneakers?
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Please wear shoes that are easy to walk in and will not easily slip off. Depending on the shape of your shoes, they may not be suitable for riding, so if you are unsure, please contact us in advance.
About Photos & Smartphones
- Can I have photos taken while horseback riding?
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Our staff will assist you within reasonable limits. We aim to help you capture memorable photos of your trip, such as riding on the steppe or pictures with the horses. However, as safety management is our primary priority, staff may not always be available to take photos at all times.
- Is it okay to carry a smartphone while riding?
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Due to the risk of dropping or losing your device, please handle smartphones with great care during horseback riding. For safety reasons, avoid operating your phone while riding; if you would like to take photos, please ask a staff member for assistance.
About Transfers & Access
- How long does it take from Ulaanbaatar city center to the camp?
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The journey from Ulaanbaatar city center to the camp is expected to take approximately 2 hours. However, travel time may vary depending on road conditions, traffic congestion, weather, and other factors.
- Are there break stops during the drive?
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We plan to make break stops at local convenience stores or stations along the way. However, stop locations may change depending on road conditions. We recommend using the restroom at your hotel before departure.
- Can you pick me up from my hotel?
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Yes. For eligible tours, pick-up and drop-off services are provided directly from hotels within Ulaanbaatar city. Please inform us of your hotel name when making your reservation.
- Can I travel directly from the airport to the camp?
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Airport transfers can be combined for eligible tour packages. Flight details are required, so please let us know your flight number and scheduled arrival time when booking.
About Camp & Accommodations
- Is there a shower at the camp?
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Currently, Horse Camp Mongolia’s camp does not have shower facilities.
Facilities vary depending on the accommodation type; shower facilities are available at tourist camps and deluxe gers. Please check the accommodation conditions for each specific course for details.
- What kind of toilet facilities are available?
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At Horse Camp Mongolia’s camp, pit latrines (vault toilets) are used.
Depending on the accommodation type, some facilities offer flush toilets or private en-suite toilets inside the ger.
- Are gers equipped like hotels?
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It varies significantly depending on the type of ger you stay in.
Gers at nomad homestays feature simple facilities designed to let you experience authentic Mongolian living. On the other hand, tourist camps feature shared toilets and showers, while deluxe types feature private en-suite toilets and showers inside the ger.
- Does it get cold at night?
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Even in summer, temperatures on the Mongolian steppe can drop during the mornings and evenings. Depending on the season, the temperature difference between day and night can be significant, so please bring warm outer clothing.
About Meals
- What kind of meals are served?
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During the tour, we primarily serve Mongolian cuisine, including traditional dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings) and khuurshuur (deep-fried meat pies). Meal details vary depending on the course and accommodation site.
- What if I don’t like Mongolian food?
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If you have any concerns regarding meals, please inform us in advance. While we will accommodate requests to the extent possible, please note that options may be limited due to ingredient availability and cooking facilities at camps and nomadic homestays.
- I have food allergies. Can you accommodate them?
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If you have any food allergies, please be sure to notify us at the time of application. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, but due to kitchen and preparation constraints, complete removal or cross-contamination prevention cannot be guaranteed.
About the Weather
- Will the tour still run if it rains?
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The tour may still proceed in cases of light rain. However, if conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, or lightning are determined to compromise safety, the horseback riding activities may be modified, shortened, or canceled.
- Can riding time be reduced due to the weather?
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Yes. Depending on weather conditions on the steppe, the condition of the horses, road conditions, or your physical health, the planned riding time and itinerary may be adjusted. Decisions are made with safety as the absolute top priority.
About Selecting a Tour
- What is the difference between a day trip and a 2-day / 1-night tour?
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The day trip focuses on starting with basic instruction and experiencing horseback riding on the steppe. On a 2-day / 1-night tour, you will ride again on the second day based on your experience from the first day, allowing you to build confidence and enjoy riding step by step.
- Who is a 3-day / 2-night tour suitable for?
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It is recommended for those who want to spend more time interacting with horses while relaxing on the Mongolian steppe, rather than just having a short riding experience. It is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the time spent on the steppe itself, including the overnight stays, alongside the horseback riding.
About Reservations
- Can I consult with you before making a reservation?
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Yes. If you have any concerns regarding your riding experience, age, physical fitness, or travel schedule, please feel free to contact us anytime before booking. We will recommend suitable courses tailored to your situation.
- Can I make changes or cancellations after booking?
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Changes and cancellations will be handled in accordance with the cancellation policy provided at the time of your reservation. In the event that our camp needs to modify tour details due to weather or local conditions, we will inform you according to the situat
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