Archery lessons in Mongolia
Learn horseback archery in Mongolia
Traditional Mongolian archery is more than a sport — it is one of the “three manly games” of Naadam, practised for 2,000 years. Here is everything you need to plan an archery lesson or a horseback archery trip to Mongolia.
Why take an archery lesson in Mongolia?
Mongolian archers shoot thumb-draw with short, powerful composite bows — the same technique that carried riders across Eurasia. Learning it on the steppe, beside the herders who keep the tradition alive, is very different from a range at home.
At our academy in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park you start on foot, learning stance, the thumb-ring draw and instinctive aiming. When you are ready, you move to the saddle on one of our rescued horses — calm animals we have trained patiently, at a walk first.
Horseback archery for every level
Beginners can book a half-day lesson; riders with some experience will enjoy the full-day intensive, with mounted shooting at a canter by the afternoon. For the full experience, our multi-day steppe expeditions combine daily training with travel, ger camps and nomad hospitality.
Travel to Mongolia: practical tips
- Getting here: fly into Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). We are about 1.5 hours from Ulaanbaatar; transfers can be arranged.
- When to come: May–September for mild weather; July for the Naadam festival; winter for crisp, snowy steppe.
- Visas: many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 30 days — check your government’s current advice.
- Money: our prices are in US dollars and can be paid online by card or bank transfer.
Ride horses you help save
Every horse in our string was rescued from the meat trade. Your lesson fees fund the next rescue — and you can sponsor a horse yourself on our Let’s Save Horses page.
FAQ
Questions travellers ask
Do I need riding experience to take an archery lesson in Mongolia?
No. Our half-day lesson starts on foot with traditional Mongolian bows, then introduces mounted work at a walk on calm, rescued horses. Experienced riders can move on to the full-day intensive or a multi-day steppe expedition.
Where do the horseback archery lessons take place?
At our base in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, about 70 km (1.5 hours) from Ulaanbaatar. Expeditions travel further across the steppe. We can arrange transfers from Ulaanbaatar.
When is the best time to travel to Mongolia for horseback archery?
May to September offers the most comfortable weather, with Naadam festival in July. We also run winter sessions for hardy travellers who want the steppe at its most dramatic.
How much does an archery lesson in Mongolia cost?
A half-day lesson is $59 per person, a full-day intensive $139, and multi-day expeditions start from $1,190 including meals, ger accommodation and horses. All prices are in US dollars.
How are the horses treated?
Every horse in our programme was rescued from the slaughter trade. They are ridden in small groups, rested between sessions and cared for by our own team for the rest of their lives.
What should I bring?
Closed shoes with a small heel, long trousers, layers, sun protection and a refillable water bottle. We provide bows, arrows, thumb rings, helmets and all tack.