Experience Mongolia like no one has since the time of Chinggis Khan!
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Take a minute to see what the Blue Wolf Totem Expedition looked like! |
August 7 - 17, 2023 |
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Ride for 11 days experiencing the fullness and magic of Mongolian history, culture, tradition and arts while retiring nightly in your own elegant ger set in the heart of the wilderness of Hintee Province - birthplace and homeland of Chinggis Khan.
This ride is different from all others... you are not a sightseer, you are an apprentice Mongolian. |
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Horse Trek Mongolia will be setting up a collection semi-private gers for our very own base camp out in the wilds of Mongolia - home to a vast and rich history from the bronze age to the silk road to modern day…all strewn across the steppe.
To share the spirit and challenge of the original 3,600km Blue Wolf Totem Expedition in a serious 11 day endurance training adventure, riders will have the change to experience the true highlights of Mongolian history and culture in comfort and style.
You will be here... scanning the steppe with an eagle hunter and getting the chance to have that eagle grip your arm with their talons. Our photographer will be ready to snap that National Geographic style picture.
While we can't promise it, it certainly seems likely that in addition to the eagles we will be seeing as part of the ride, we can expect to see deer, antelope, falcons, wild boar, camels or wolves. There is often something interesting crossing our path.
Have you watched those movies where all of a sudden riders find themselves surrounded by hundreds of wild horses. Well, guess what? That's going to be you! You will feel the earth quake under 2000 hooves thundering beside you.
In addition to all of the free range herds, wild animals, historic sites and magical sounds of Mongolia and Mongolian history that we will be living every day will feature hours of camp time which, as our riders, guides and camp crew grow into one team, is certain to be full of Mongolian moments.
Throat singing, a lyrical guttural style of singing or chanting, is one of the world's oldest forms of music and involves the singer being able to produce two separate and very different tones at the same time. . Its a way of communing with nature, mimicing the surrounding landscape, whistling winds, howling wildlife and babbling streams.
We will find our way to this open air concert with traditional instruments like the haunting Horse Head Fiddle which has for generations exemplified the beauty and mastery of traditional Mongolian long song - the way that history was passed down for centuries. This open air concert will make for a moment and memory you won't soon forget.
The Mongol horses were bred to survive in harsh conditions, and needed little water and were able to forage for their own fodder even beneath the snow. Their excellent long distance endurance allowed warriors to outlast enemy cavalry during battle; the same endurance granted the Mongolians a communications advantage across their widely occupied territories.
Extensive grassland of steppe makes up the heart of Mongolia both geographically and economically. This sea of grass covers rolling undulating land for as far as the eye can see. It provides most important grazing lands for Mongolian livestock herds.
We will be riding in the above pictured slung leather saddles modelled on Russian military saddles with a traditional wooden tree. Other riders have said they resemble an Australian stock saddle with an additional safety feature - the holy shit handle.
Deer stones are ancient megaliths carved with depictions of flying deer. People stones usually feature a belted warrior with flying deer on his torso or faces carved with an open mouth as though singing.
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Jump into your riding boots and slap on your half chaps - we're going on a ride to test your endurance and tantalize your eyes. You will immerse yourself into the culture and traditions of Mongolia bringing out your inner warrior, explorer or historian.
We will ride to a mounted archery training area and be amazed by the speed and accuracy of the archers. If you are brave enough, you will get your chance to ride your steed at full speed and demonstrate your newly acquired skills.
The Mongolians are renowned for their horsemanship, skill and trick riding abilities. They will be more than happy to demonstrate their techniques and show you how to do this yourself - if you dare!
Paying homage to the full history of the land, the Blue Wolf Totem Experience will take riders to secret mountain shrines, to famous and little known historical spots celebrating the life and times of Chinggis Khan along with shaman sites and sacred places.
Mongolia is a land of deeply spiritual people, shamanistic traditions may be better known to the world, but Buddhism has played just as important role in shaping Mongolian history and culture. With their bold colours, richly detailed painting, and sweet smell of incense, stepping inside one of these sacred places offers a glimpse into the past.
As we travel through the countryside, we will see road side ovoos - it is imperative to circle the ovoo three times in a clockwise direction to receive good luck. The blue scarves (known as khadag) are the traditional ceremonial scarf of Mongolia and represent the Eternal Blue Sky.
Step back in time to the 13th Century and get a very hands on experience of what life was like in the time of Chinggis Khan. We will visit the warriors camp, the King's camp, the shaman camp and live the history and culture that is Mongolia.
The lifestyle of the Mongolian warriors was simple yet extremely well organized, which enabled them to travel great distances. The Mongol Empire was a network of urtuuns, the distance that could be ridden in a day between warrior camps.
Thundering across the wild steppe on Mongolian horses, riders, in the style of Chinggis Khan’s legendary messaging system, will race as a group from horse post to horse post.
Riders will get a chance to see what it is like to ride a full 100 miles (160 km) in a day and live the experience of the famed Mongol Horde…at least the riding part of it.
Riders are pictured above wearing their welcome deel which have been sewn in the Veloo Foundations sewing center. Picture yourself here... then come ride with us!
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Why Blue Wolf?
The legend of the origins of the Mongolian people tells of a union in the heavens between a wild deer and a blue wolf whose progeny became the ancestors of Genghis khan or (to use the Mongolian version) Chinggis Khan. His spirit animal was said to be the Blue Wolf and the spirit or totem of the Blue Wolf still calls to Mongolians and speaks to a higher level of excellence, to the heart of exploration and conquest, and to peace and reverence of Nature. Our goal is to live the spirit of Mongolia as we experience all that Mongolia has to offer as people have been doing here for millennia...on horseback. |
This epic charity endurance event will raise funds to help Veloo Foundation, a 501 (c)3 not for profit in the US and Registered Canadian Charity, provide food, warmth and education for hundreds of Mongolian children who, along with their families, scavenge to survive.
#RideLikeChinggis
Come Ride With Us!
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Batsaikhan Magsarjav - Baagii- Saraa's husband and co owner of Horse Trek Mongolia brings a lifetime of guiding experience and horse management to the ride. For over 30 years Baagii has been heading off into the wilds with folks from around the world and, as focus in modern times leans towards fast horses who can gallop for 30 kilometre races, he is well known as the fellow who is continuing to train his horses in traditional Mongolian endurance techniques. Baagii's horses all have undertaken the Gobi Gallop multiple times - their annual fundraiser for Veloo Foundation in which all of the horses undertake 700 kms in 10 days of riding.
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Saraa Banzragch - Co Owner of Horse Trek Mongolia. With over 20 years of managing the logistics for ever increasingly large and complicated rides, Saraa has been in the lead to plan and organize what will be the most challenging, unique and authentic experience available in Mongolia. A genius at finding picturesque and practical campsites and a warm and welcoming host, Saraa -also know as Camp Boss -soon becomes everybody's mother, sister or aunt and is an integral part of ensuring that all our guests experience are not only adventurous and exciting, but also comfortable and authentic.
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Julie Veloo brings her 10 years of riding with Baagii and Saraa to this once in a lifetime ride. As the Vice President of Veloo Foundation, Julie has loved sharing Mongolia on horseback with hundreds of people over the years AND raising money to help the children from her project up at Veloo Foundation's Children of the Peak Sanctuary.
Together with Baagii and Saraa, Julie ( who learned to ride in Mongolia...at 50! ) has logged in excess of 40,000 kms and raised in excess of $750,000 USD for the project. |
As Julie was learning to ride and starting her project which now serves to feed, care and educate in excess of 600 children every year, she was also learning Mongolia. Saraa, her Mongolian language teacher, sparked in her the desire to learn more and do better.
Through these long and lovely miles riding and chatting to the guides, cooks and locals across vast swathes of Mongolia, Julie has fallen in love with the history, the culture and the amazing strength and endurance of the Mongolian horses and is excited to be part of the team putting together what will be one of the most challenging, exciting, interesting and authentic annual events here in Mongolia
Through these long and lovely miles riding and chatting to the guides, cooks and locals across vast swathes of Mongolia, Julie has fallen in love with the history, the culture and the amazing strength and endurance of the Mongolian horses and is excited to be part of the team putting together what will be one of the most challenging, exciting, interesting and authentic annual events here in Mongolia
The team
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Mongolia looks something like this...
THIS ADVENTURE COSTS
$500 USD Non Refundable Registration Fee
$6000 USD Ride Tarriff
Minimum -$1500 USD Charity Donation - you will be provided a fundraising portal and fundraising assistance. Should you choose not to fundraise you may directly donate the minimum donation yourself.
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$8,000 USD Total
Terrain includes river crossings, bog, brush riding, and forest riding – including sometimes steep terrain both up and down and, of course, miles of Mongolian steppe. Most days will include 6-10 hours of riding with 3 or 4 rest breaks. Evenings will include loads of star gazing, chatting around the fire (when we can build one) enjoying a cup of tea or a glass or red if you prefer.
Included are: return airport transfers, horses, tack, guides, translators, special permissions, park & event entrances, accommodation (double occupancy in gers), all food, snacks, tea, coffee and water. Alcohol extra.
Please note that, as with all our treks, we will be proceeding into areas where medical coverage is sparse or non-existent and while we will have an experienced and qualified doctor along with us, it is possible that in the event of an emergency your treatment may be delayed as a result of circumstances beyond our control. You will be required to carry medical insurance covering air and ambulance extraction from the site of injury and medical evacuation out of Mongolia if necessary.
Included are: return airport transfers, horses, tack, guides, translators, special permissions, park & event entrances, accommodation (double occupancy in gers), all food, snacks, tea, coffee and water. Alcohol extra.
Please note that, as with all our treks, we will be proceeding into areas where medical coverage is sparse or non-existent and while we will have an experienced and qualified doctor along with us, it is possible that in the event of an emergency your treatment may be delayed as a result of circumstances beyond our control. You will be required to carry medical insurance covering air and ambulance extraction from the site of injury and medical evacuation out of Mongolia if necessary.
* Please note that the route is subject to change without notice for any reason deemed reasonable by Horse Trek Mongolia Staff.