I recall a moment so vast and empty, free of modernity and the pressures of time. The moment has no fences or gate keepers. In that moment every horizon is visible in all directions at once. Nothing interrupts your thoughts or disturbs your sense of freedom.

That moment was a journey on horse across far western Mongolia on the borders of Russia and Kazakhstan. The Provinces of Uvs and Bayan-Olgii. Snowed capped mountains, crystal clean lakes and rivers cutting through wide open valleys. The scenery is as mesmerising as the people who inhabit this place. 

Mongolia is country of people who love horses, making traveling by horse across this landscape a spiritual journey.

I chose an epic horse trek expertly pieced together by Morindoo Tours and Adventures. You couldn’t have wished for a more splendid fusion of pure adrenaline and time to breath in the world around you.

Every day was an adventure on its own.  River crossings, climbing up snow-covered mountain passes and galloping across wide open plains. Not to mention vodka next to a warm fire at night.  We put our horses first. The proud herdsman who rode with us and provided the horses made sure both riders and horses were well cared for at each stage of the journey.  We had two back up vehicles to carry our tents and gear and a mobile kitchen that was nothing short of a miracle.

As for the eagle festival, I was so excited by the whole experience of being up close and personal with eagle hunters I was close to tears.  We actually rode into the festival with some of the competitors, a surreal experience that still lives in my mind. I just wanted to freeze time and take it all in and not miss a second.