Horse Riding in Mongolia with Covid-19 Precautions

Stone Horse Expeditions is preparing for Horse Riding in Mongolia with Covid-19 precautions as restrictions are being eased, spring time is approaching and guests are getting ready to escape the city and confinement after winter and lock-down conditions. The teams at Stone Horse Expeditions, both two legged and four legged, are ready to receive guests and look forward to riding again.

In all our operations of riding and desert adventures in Mongolia, safety is always paramount, and now our safety procedures also include Covid-19 precautions.

Horse Riding in Mongolia with Covid-19 Precautions, Stone Horse Mongolia

Safety Measures for Riding Guests and Stone Horse Team Members

As a key measure for Horse Riding in Mongolia with Covid-19 precautions, we assure guests that all team members involved in a trip have tested negative in a PCR test for Covid-19 within the last 72 hours. And we ask guests to provide proof of a negative PCR test result not older than 72 hours.

We are happy to assist you in arranging the test. Please contact us here, through [email protected], or call 95921167 (English and Mongolian) to ask for assistance.

There are numerous test centers in Ulaanbaatar where the PCR test can be done, all need appointments.

Free of charge tests are performed in all Ulaanbaatar City Khoroos (Districts), usually at test centers established in local schools. This website by the Ministry of Health lists all the centers/schools for the districts and will guide you to the closest center to your home. Call us for assistance/translation (95921167) if needed.

At the Intermed Hospital tests can be done at a drive-through set-up. The cost is 33,000MNT (US $11.54). For appointments call 7701-1111. More details on the test here.  The Intermed Hospital is located at: Chinggis Avenue 41, Khan-Uul District 15, Uildver 17040, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Once vaccinations vaccinations have been received, by Stone Horse team members and arriving guests, we will review/update the safety procedures and requirements. For now, having the reassurance of test results of all involved is the best option to make your ride with us an enjoyable and safe experience. Thank you for your understanding.

Horse Riding in Mongolia with Covid-19 Precautions, Stone Horse Expeditions

Preparing for Horse Riding in Mongolia with Covid-19 Precautions

While spring time weather is approaching, there is still lots of snow in the Darkhid Valley where our horses roam. Slopes are icy, some snow drifts are deep. As of now (early March), horseback riding is possible, but rides are likely not more than a couple hours and we decide ad hoc what terrain is suitable.  For those who wish to spend a long day, or stay overnight at the Ger Stay, several short rides or hikes can be arranged, with meals taken in a cozy cabin or ger rather than the picnic we arrange on rides in the warmer season.

The members of the Stone Horse herd are still in their thick winter coats. Having been fed hay and oats throughout the winter, in addition to their daily grazing, they are in good condition and probably expecting that some kind of jobs will come up soon for them. Yet, we also go easy on our equine team until they can feed on fresh grass that provides a boost for them to get ready for longer day rides and overnight treks.

Horse Riding in Mongolia with Covid-19 precautions, Stone Horse Expeditions

Mongolia Covid-19 Situation and Measures

Mongolia had seen no community transmission of Covid-19 until November 2020. Since then, several lock-downs have been imposed, the latest from February 11 – 23, 2021. During this time, mass testing was undertaken in Ulaanbaatar city, with a member of each of the city’s some 420,000 households being tested.

Following the lock-down and testing, the State Emergency Commission lowered the state of emergency preparedness by one step in Ulaanbaatar, to a “heightenedstate of preparedness“. Approximately 95% of businesses were allowed to reopen.  As of March 1, in-country travel from and to Mongolia’s capital city Ulaanbaatar is also permitted again, and the State Emergency Commission has stated upon our inquiry that tour activities are allowed again.