With our day trip to Khustain we approach things a little differently.

Khustain is one of Mongolia’s conservation success stories and the slower pace of the horse trek on our one-day tour helps to provide you with a better understanding of the biodiversity of Khustain – its people, landscapes and wildlife.

You’ll depart UB early and drive straight to the home of the Batchuluun family.  They are members Bayansonginot Cooperative  –  a community based tourism organisation focusing on developing community based tourism as an alternative income generation as well as promoting the modern day herding way of life. 

Once arrived, you’ll swap your four wheels for four legs as you explore the national park on horse back. Although the main valley is busy with visitors trying to catch a glimpse of the wild Takhi horses, the backcountry offers a diverse and wild landscape perfect for getting away from it all for a few hours – experiencing panoramic views and a great picnic lunch.

The stars of the show are obviously the wild Takhi horses which are free ranging through the hills and mountains of the national park. The Takhi have a number of ranges which include the ridge tops of the national park. As with all wildlife, there is no guarantee of catching a sighting but we will try – whilst keeping within the strict rules and regulations of the NP.

The length of horse trek is flexible – depending on your own requests. If you wish not to horse trek let us know as it reduces the price.

Group Size – Minimum of one and maximum of six. For larger groups please get in touch.  Includes a picnic lunch.

• 1 Guest       US$ 335 pp
• 2 Guests    US$ 195 pp
• 3-4 Guests US$ 175 pp
• 5 Guests    US$  155 pp
• 6 Guests    US$ 135 pp

Chinggis Khan practised shamanism and in this one-day experience we combine both  a visit to the home of a practising shaman in Ulaanbaatar with a visit to  Tsonjin Boldog – the remarkable Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue. All 131 ft of it! Yes, it is a tourist attraction but it’s a big draw for Mongolians as much as westerners and the view is spectacular – facing east overlooking his homeland.

Before leaving the city, visit the home of Javzandulam – a female practising shaman. Mongolian shamanism is an ethnic religion, a tradition and also, a way of life with Mongolians taking shamanism very seriously. It is a visible fixture in city life in Ulaanbaatar – shamanism in UB is thriving  – permeating many aspects of people’s daily lives. Practitioners believe it is as relevant today as it was in a ger on the steppes many centuries ago and local citizens look for advice from shamans on professional and personal decisions. Shamans can help to heal after illness, offer advice on relationships or business transactions and resolve bad luck. You’ll find shamans dedicated to preserving traditional shamanism and those with a more modern approach with their own rituals.

We don’t pre-arrange anything for the visit with Javzandulam as it leads to a more genuine experience but it will last for approximatey 1.5 to 2 hours.

For those interested, the day can be extended to include Gorkhi Terelj National Park. Although over-developed (the main valley was first developed for tourism in 1964 with most continuing construction not having planning permission) and built up for the tourist industry it still makes for a great day trip experience. Terelj remains a stunning area of magnificent alpine scenery which is still a joy to explore and the view from Araybal Temple is worth experiencing. 

Group Size – Minimum of one and maximum of six. For larger groups please get in touch.  

• 1 Guest       US$ 325 pp
• 2 Guests    US$ 185 pp
• 3-4 Guests US$ 160 pp
• 5 Guests    US$  135 pp
• 6 Guests    US$ 125 pp

‘My personal highlight was working with Erdenetsetseg. So friendly and passionate about what she does…a fantastic teacher! It was lovely to be welcomed into her home and to learn all about Mongolian felting as well as get to try out some of the methods myself. Absolutely loved doing the workshop with her. Hopefully  I can come back to UB  and spend some time with her again as I feel she has so much to teach.’ Emma

Our felt workshops are with B. Erdenetsetseg – a retired Associate Professor and member of the International Feltmakers Association.

Held at her home here in UB, these workshops are informal and relaxed and designed to give you an insight into someone’s way of life in UB as well as a chance to practise this traditional art form.

Group Size – Minimum of one and maximum of six. For larger groups please get in touch. Includes lunch at Erdenetsetseg’s home.

• 1 Guest        US$ 155 pp
• 2 – 4 Guests US$ 130 pp
• 5  Guests      US$ 115 pp
• 6 Guests       US$ 105 pp

For all day but shorter half-day experiences are possible.

NOTE. Erdenetsetseg is currently battling an illness, if she is not available we use the skills of Jargal Dalantai – a young Mongolian woman at the helm of her own NGO focusing on inequality in Mongolia.