Zavkhan Trekking
Zavkhan Trekking
5
Full view
About
Zavkhan Trekking offers day treks, and longer, to Mongolia's remotest areas, traveling by horse-back. Our treks are aimed at people who specifically wish to avoid the main tourist areas and get well off the beaten track. For intrepid travelers who know that the best way to experience Mongolia is by horse.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
77 reviews
Excellent
74
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
NZ86kilo
Bristol, WI62 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I used to be a guide in Alaska, Hawaii, and New Zealand. I know a good crew when i see it. I also know a great trip leader when i see one. Haldee and his crew made the trip. This trip is not for the faint of heart. We had a wasp attack while on our semi wild horses, flat tires on the vans, (unavoidable on Mongolian roads), changed and delayed local flights, no showers for 10 days, getting horse riders of different experience levels on semi wild horses, through all the adventure haldee and his crew were calm and took it all in stride. Dondov and his wrangler crew were extremely diligent on making sure we were as safe as possible on our horses. A large task since there all semi wild. Dagee and her crew made us amazing food. No matter what broke wether jt was a chainsaw or the gearbox on the van bimba could fix it. They made us feel so welcome. We got to see them slaughter and cook a sheep that they bought from a local family. No store bought stuff in the wilderness where we were. We got to meet real locals in there ger houses, haldee told us all about local culture and life, the man made the tour. Even day after we were done he volunteered to take us to the local market in UB and to the mongolian throat singing. His job was over and he was still the man to get it done for us.
Only two bad things the hotel we stayed at in UB was rough. No idea why they have us stay at UB inn. Where its in city doesn’t make much sense and there are better deals for better hotels in walking distance. Some of our group ate the cost and booked other accommodations to avoid it. Im easy to please i had no problems staying in tents for a month. just was not logical to me.
Were in remote places no signal, phones don’t work, why not just have radios for vans to talk to each other?
Things that would have added to experience? Seeing or putting up a Ger together, seeing a example of traditional mongolian wrestling, these are just things i think future trips would find cool.
However im nitpicking at this point. What an adventure loved it all. The sore legs from riding, the high cliffs in horse back, riding in the rain, swimming in cold rivers, it was the true adventure i was looking for.
Only two bad things the hotel we stayed at in UB was rough. No idea why they have us stay at UB inn. Where its in city doesn’t make much sense and there are better deals for better hotels in walking distance. Some of our group ate the cost and booked other accommodations to avoid it. Im easy to please i had no problems staying in tents for a month. just was not logical to me.
Were in remote places no signal, phones don’t work, why not just have radios for vans to talk to each other?
Things that would have added to experience? Seeing or putting up a Ger together, seeing a example of traditional mongolian wrestling, these are just things i think future trips would find cool.
However im nitpicking at this point. What an adventure loved it all. The sore legs from riding, the high cliffs in horse back, riding in the rain, swimming in cold rivers, it was the true adventure i was looking for.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MeFein_Dub
Dublin, Ireland21 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
My fourth trip to Mongolia with Zavkhan Trekking, this time to the western part of the country - the Altai mountains. From my first email inquiry to the last handshake when being brought to the airport to go home, everything was great. A massive thank you to everyone who makes these trips happen!
Staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable; the local crew made us feel part of their extended family and sitting in the ger listening to their singing and dombra playing while drinking tea was an absolute joy.
The horses are amazing and fantastic, and the wranglers looked after us so well, keeping us safe but also joining in on the fast riding! We were really well fed by the cooks, and the translators were funny and entertaining. Last but not least, the drivers and behind the scenes team sorted out all the logistics - not an easy task for sure.
This trip was amazing. Definitely read the pre-trip info, if you are interested in a genuine off-the-beaten-track trip where you get to experience the culture of the location, this one is 100% recommended.
Staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable; the local crew made us feel part of their extended family and sitting in the ger listening to their singing and dombra playing while drinking tea was an absolute joy.
The horses are amazing and fantastic, and the wranglers looked after us so well, keeping us safe but also joining in on the fast riding! We were really well fed by the cooks, and the translators were funny and entertaining. Last but not least, the drivers and behind the scenes team sorted out all the logistics - not an easy task for sure.
This trip was amazing. Definitely read the pre-trip info, if you are interested in a genuine off-the-beaten-track trip where you get to experience the culture of the location, this one is 100% recommended.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JuliaHubbel
Eugene, OR847 contributions
Oct 2019
Jen Buttery, who is the operations manager (and my guide on my first trip with them to Kazakhstan in 2017) planned and organized a full month in Mongolia as a private custom trip. This entailed a lengthy drive through the Gobi where we camped on the open steppes, climbed sand dunes and visited camel families. She arranged for me to interview a number of fascinating women who are running their own businesses (I'm a journalist) and then, I flew west. I stayed with two different families, one in a ger where I was able to herd sheep and goats as well as immerse myself in family life. Then to a huntress' farm, where I spent days doing chores and playing with their baby camel Gogo. We topped off the trip with two days at the Eagle Festival. I was even able to fit in a few more camel rides and a horse ride. There were some bumps along the way which is predictable for such a long trip, but I came home with priceless memories as well as many new friends. It would be hard to express the value of the experience of living in a ger, waking up to a camel right outside your door, a white guard dog that leaps in circles in joy when you come out into the wind, and being able to go eye-to-eye with a golden eagle who views you as sushi.
Written 24 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Julia,
Thanks so much for the review! We really appreciate working with you, and we hope we can get you back out there in 2020 and beyond :)
Written 2 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wjen9237
Hong Kong, China17 contributions
Sep 2019 • Family
To say that this trip was a once in a lifetime experience would not be an exaggeration! My sister and I went on this trip with high expectations given all the strong testimonials we found on TA; glad to say those reviews were all true! We were impressed by the professionalism and caring of Zavkhan throughout the whole experience. Everything from the website to the very patient and thorough responses from John, Jen, and the Zavkhan team to our endless questions prior to the trip and during the trip made us feel like they had our backs.
My sister and I both had experience riding horses before but had pretty much zero camping experience. As they say, as long as you have a good sense of adventure, you will be fine, and we had a lot of fun learning how to camp! This trip is everything that is promised - amazing hardy Mongolian horses that you bond with throughout the trip, really welcoming and friendly local team of wranglers and the opportunities to meet some of the families in the area, stunning landscapes, the most stars I've ever been able to see in my life, and a grand adventure from start to finish. We were also quite lucky in having a great group of people to travel with, and have made friendships that we hope will continue for years to come.
Some tips! We went on the late September Altai trip that also went to the Ulgii Eagle Festival. They are not kidding about the cold weather - bring long johns and thermals and lots of layers. There are also extra blankets and hot water bottles available - make sure to ask if you get cold at night! Try your best to stay up and bond with the group and wranglers - one of our regrets was letting the cold drive us to early nights in our tent, and not hanging out more.
Special shoutout to our brother from another mother: our translator Hamza, our amazing trip leader Janni (Lansi! Lansi! Lansi!), our very patient head wrangler Muikthan, and all the rest of the team. They were always considerate for our safety and comfort, and made sure we all had loads of fun!
My sister and I both had experience riding horses before but had pretty much zero camping experience. As they say, as long as you have a good sense of adventure, you will be fine, and we had a lot of fun learning how to camp! This trip is everything that is promised - amazing hardy Mongolian horses that you bond with throughout the trip, really welcoming and friendly local team of wranglers and the opportunities to meet some of the families in the area, stunning landscapes, the most stars I've ever been able to see in my life, and a grand adventure from start to finish. We were also quite lucky in having a great group of people to travel with, and have made friendships that we hope will continue for years to come.
Some tips! We went on the late September Altai trip that also went to the Ulgii Eagle Festival. They are not kidding about the cold weather - bring long johns and thermals and lots of layers. There are also extra blankets and hot water bottles available - make sure to ask if you get cold at night! Try your best to stay up and bond with the group and wranglers - one of our regrets was letting the cold drive us to early nights in our tent, and not hanging out more.
Special shoutout to our brother from another mother: our translator Hamza, our amazing trip leader Janni (Lansi! Lansi! Lansi!), our very patient head wrangler Muikthan, and all the rest of the team. They were always considerate for our safety and comfort, and made sure we all had loads of fun!
Written 29 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thanks so much for the response! It's really helpful to have your details and thoughts out there, and we are really glad (but not surprised, the team is awesome...) that you had such a great experience :)
Cheers, -Jen, John, and the ZT Team
Written 30 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
danielhoffre
Gothenburg, Sweden1 contribution
Sep 2019 • Solo
Excellent pickup to and from the airport.
Staff and food were great, despite some language barriers I had a great time with the local team.
I have a hearing aid and ran into some difficulties finding new ones, the team managed to find me enough (in Altai village) to last until I got back to Ulaanbaatar.
The group I travelled with were great, with different backgrounds and are spans. I felt that we got along very well and I would definitely go on this or another trip with Zavkhan Trekking again.
//
Daniel H
Staff and food were great, despite some language barriers I had a great time with the local team.
I have a hearing aid and ran into some difficulties finding new ones, the team managed to find me enough (in Altai village) to last until I got back to Ulaanbaatar.
The group I travelled with were great, with different backgrounds and are spans. I felt that we got along very well and I would definitely go on this or another trip with Zavkhan Trekking again.
//
Daniel H
Written 28 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Daniel, Thanks for your recommendation - hope to see you out there adventuring again! Cheers, -Jen, John, and the ZT Team
Written 30 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
796harrison
Ipswich, UK1 contribution
Sep 2019 • Solo
The most well organised, well prepared and well hosted trip I have ever been on!
I loved the authenticity of the trip, the adventure, the horses and the people. I felt so safe and looked after that I could completely relax, take in the really beautiful scenery in the best possible way, and just thoroughly enjoy this amazing trip!
I loved the authenticity of the trip, the adventure, the horses and the people. I felt so safe and looked after that I could completely relax, take in the really beautiful scenery in the best possible way, and just thoroughly enjoy this amazing trip!
Written 9 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi 796harrison,
Thanks so much for the review and recommendation, we appreciate it! Glad you had such a satisfying experience.
Best,
Jen and the ZT Team
Written 9 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
louisepoirier8
Gatineau, Canada1 contribution
Sep 2019 • Solo
Well organized, safe and fun. More than a trip...an adventure, once in a lifetime. The staff was great (guide, wranglers, drivers and cook). I enjoyed the 3 visits with the inhabitants. We played with the kids. My horse was obedient. No falls, a lot of rides and beautiful weather. I was happy I took lessons to help me feel comfortable on the horse. I just st loved the camping in beautiful sites. I travelled in more than 50 countries in the world and this one is in the three best ever, if not the first!
Written 23 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Louisepoirier8,
Thanks so much for the review, glad you enjoyed Mongolia!
Best,
Jen and the ZT Team
Written 24 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cruiser745626
1 contribution
Aug 2019 • Solo
The tour treks through the Katon-Karagay National Park. The team are very friendly and professional. The scenery in the Altai Mountains is breathtaking and remote - the best way to see it is on horseback!
Written 17 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much for the Kaz review! Hope to see you on horseback out in the world, adventuring again :)
Written 18 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kazak
1 contribution
Aug 2019 • Solo
Had a fantastic time with Zavkhan Trekking in Kazakhstan.The Hotel was conveniently located so everything was within easy walking distance. The team including the Wranglers were great,professional people and fun to be with and the locals we met along the way were wonderful.I hope to do it again next year. Highly recommended..
Written 17 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there denemar,
Thanks for the review - so glad to hear that we will be seeing you again next year, that's the real review, for us! Glad to hear the hotel in the city worked out well, as well as the Kaz team.
Best,
Jen, John, and the ZT Team
Written 18 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kylie B
1 contribution
Aug 2019 • Friends
Fantastic experience. The crew really looked after us, our guide Anar was brilliant and funny. Was very special to interact with the locals and their lifestyle in a genuine way.
Written 12 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Manager635,
Thanks for the 5 stars, for our Altai Trek :) Anar is great, we appreciate the review and words.
Best,
Jen and the Zavkhan Trekking Team
Written 14 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
spanner48
Oxford, UK26 contributions
Hello John,
I weigh 107kg. Do you have a horse that could carry me?
Thanks,
Giles
John_at_Zavkhan
Christchurch, New Zealand25 contributions
Hi Giles, sorry about the delayed reply, our maximum wt is normally 100kg. However if you are an experienced rider, and fit and active, we may be able to find a horse for you. Regards, John
SeaRay6
Shah Alam, Malaysia11 contributions
HI,
We will to go to Ulaanbaatar from 6th ~ 17th July 2016, and we are planning to go visit country side from 10th and back to city on 15th, understand Nandaam Festival is during these days, perhaps you can propose us the itinerary, we would like to experience local customs & celebrations and of course beautiful scenery & campsites, we are very particular about the hygiene of the place to stay and eat, some appreciate we can have a clear ger to stay every night during the trip.
Oh... there will be 3 of us, look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
John_at_Zavkhan
Christchurch, New Zealand25 contributions
Hi Mojo2013, this is John from Zavkhan Trekking. I just found your question, a year too late! Sorry about that. I hope you had a wonderful time in Mongolia.