Our 15th year offering uncommon adventure travel for small groups to Mongolia, Tibet, China, Argentina, Venezuela and Yellowstone National Park. From the back of a horse, trekking on foot or paddling a kayak , we immerse ourselves in the land and the culture. Our horse adventures are unique; suitable for the experienced equestrian and the occasional rider. Wherever they take place, our adventures are challenging and fulfilling and no two are ever alike. We also arrange FIT travel and individual and small group travel to Mongolia and Tibet.

What is a Boojum?

In his epic poem, "The Hunting of the Snark", Lewis Carroll (of Alice in Wonderland fame) describes an eclectic band of travelers in search of the elusive Snark. The Boojum, a spectral, mystical Snark alter-ego figures prominently in the poem, but is never described or illustrated. Half a century later, an English botanist and aficionado of Carroll saw the strange Idria Columnaris tree, unique to Baja California and dubbed it a "Boojum". When we began our adventure careers over 20 years ago many of our trips took place in Baja California and we adopted the intriguing name, for better or for worse.

The name has grown on us. It's from a poem about an eclectic group of travelers, it's distinctive and it has just the right touch of whimsy which keeps with our conviction that a sense of humor is the key element in a safe and fulfilling travel experience. But, don't forget your Passport.

Who's a Boojum?

Kent Madin and Linda Svendsen have been active as guides, teachers and adventurers for 25 years . Both can trace their love of travel and challenge to undergraduate work at Prescott College and employment at Outward Bound. In 1984, as China opened up, they organized and led the first group of tourists to visit the Wolong Panda Reserve. From there they became intrigued with the possibility of horseback travel in China's remote regions. Since 1985, when they ran the first horseback trip in Inner Mongolia, they have traveled on horseback with Tibetans, Oroqen, Kazakhs and Mongols.

Tibetan Highlands Horse Trek
July 4-19; $3300 (4-9 participants); $3000 (10-14 participants)
Gateway: Chengdu.

A dozen years ago we started our horseback trekking business with this trip, exploring a region of Tibet that was unknown to most westerners. This is a ride back in time, on top of the world, on the high plateau of eastern Tibet. Traveling with nomads whose life and culture are largely unchanged in the last 1000 years, our ride takes us along the great divide between the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, littered with yaks and wildflowers. In the company of our Khampa "wranglers", we'll visit nomad families, small hamlets and Buddhist temples.

Gobi / Naadam Jeep Tour
July 3-11 1999; $1650 (2-5 participants); $1350 (6-12 participants)
Gateway: Ulaan Baatar

A slice of Mongolia at its best for those not inclined to equestrian travel. Our steeds are comfortable buses (in Ulaan Baatar) and rugged jeeps (in the Gobi) and in 9 days we take in an assortment of landscapes and cultural events. After sightseeing in Ulaan Baatar, we spend a day in lovely Terelj National Park, then wing to the Gobi for dinosaur digs, ger camps and the widest open spaces in all of Asia. The finale is a day at the annual Naadam festival in Ulaan Baatar including the colorful opening ceremonies plus horse racing, archery and wrestling in celebration of this ancient culture.

Mongolia Horse Trek w/ Naadam Festival
June 30-July 14, July 9-23; $3200 (5 passenger minimum)
Gateway: Ulaan Baatar

Our most popular ride! On horseback we cross through the vast Darhat Valley in Khovsgol, visit the summer camp of the reindeer people near the Siberian border and take part in the annual Naadam Festival, Mongolia's celebration of its ancient culture through wrestling, archery, horse racing, song and food. Our new, rustic lodge in Khovsgol serves as basecamp for much of the riding.

Saddles and Paddles in Mongolia (Kayak Touring and Horseback Riding)
August 9-21; $2700 (5 passenger minimum)
Gateway: Ulaan Baatar

A unique adventure offering a combination of horseback riding with vehicle support and sea kayaking on Lake Khovsgol. The environs of Lake Khovsgol, the centerpiece of Khovsgol National Park, are some of Mongolia's most pristine wilderness. This mile-high lake is crystal clear, deep and cold, surrounded by high, snowcapped mountains, deep forests and virtually no inhabitants. The fishing is great!

Mongolia Horse Trek in Arhangay
June 16-26, August 18-28, September 1-11; $2200 (4 passenger minimum)
Gateway: Ulaan Baatar

Our "short" riding adventure in Mongolia provides six days of riding plus sightseeing in Ulaan Baatar. Arhangay has been called the "Switzerland of Mongolia" for its beautiful scenery, forests, rivers and mountains. We'll cover about 20 miles per day with plenty of time to visit the many local herders in their gers along the way. Each night we meet our support truck at a new campsite.

Arhangay River Raft and Ride NEW!
July 26-August 7; $2650 (7 passenger minimum)
Gateway: Ulaan Baatar

A combination adventure of riding the valleys of Arhangay and rafting the Chuluut River Class 3). Visit Kharhorin, ancient capitol of Genghis Khan enroute to the riding area, then
horseback with vehicle support to the put in at the canyon of the Chulutt. Easy floating, fun
riding and a helicopter ride back to Ulaan Baatar.

Mountain Biking in Khovsgol National Park NEW!
September 11-25; $2400 (6 passenger minimum)
Gateway: Ulaan Baatar

We have a great itinerary that provides varied terrain, superb scenery, wilderness and cultural contact; come help us do the exploring and research with this first mountain bike tour in Mongolia.

Important Information:
We list trip dates from the day you arrive in the gateway city. Trip services begin and end at the gateway city. 

Contact us for detailed itineraries on any of the above expeditions.

What are the trips like?
These are wilderness trips, camping out at night in tents, sleeping on the ground, cooking over wood fires. The stream is the bathhouse and the toilets are a discrete rock or tree. While we make every effort to keep you safe, warm, well-fed and comfortable (we have over 20 years of experience outfitting remote adventures like these) there is no escaping the fact that at times you may find yourself frightened, cold, hungry and uncomfortable. It is imperative that you speak with a trip leader or one of our office staff about the rigors of the trip, before signing up. Some trips have daily vehicle support, others are strictly self sufficient using pack horses . Like a trip in the Rocky Mountains 200 years ago, there are few roads, no fences and the people live in harmony with the land. For 7-9 days we spend 4-6 hours per day in the saddle walking and trotting with a canter thrown in whenever terrain allows. There are plenty of opportunities to photograph, explore, fish or just relax. 

Is it dangerous?
Yes. Any travel in remote terrain, especially on horseback, river rafting or kayaking on large bodies of water has its inherent physical dangers. Horses are never totally predictable in their behavior and bad weather and rough terrain can compound safety concerns. Some of the riding is over very rough, steep ground and rafting and paddling conditions can change drastically with the weather. At times we are several days from roads and even farther from hospitals. All wilderness travel is dangerous to some degree and each individual must decide if the rewards of experiencing new lands and cultures are worth the risk. Your trip leaders and wranglers take a conservative approach to riding, rafting and paddling with safety foremost in their minds but cannot guarantee that accidents won't happen.

Why travel on horseback?
Sharing common interests is the best way to learn about different people and cultures. Love of horses and wilderness is the common thread we share with nomads . It is the intrinsic freedom in their lifestyle, vibrancy in their character and stunning beauty of their environment that prompts us to organize horseback travel among the nomads.

How much riding experience do I need?
While basic riding experience is helpful, we have been joined by non-riders who either completed a basic riding course prior to the trip or demonstrated previous experience with active, rustic wilderness travel. Riding skill is not as important as attitude . We want to know that you are comfortable around horses and like riding all day. If you meet these criteria and enjoy wilderness camping you will do fine. 

What about the horses and tack?
We ride on local stock, small (13 -14 hands), tough, working horses well suited to the terrain. Saddles include traditional Tibetan, Chinese, and Russian cavalry saddles. 

How's the weather?
Travel in summer generally means warm weather , though the weather can change from bright sun to thunderstorm and back again several times in a day. We make a point of having rain gear ready at all times. We carry roomy tents for sleeping and a large dining tent that comfortably fits the entire group for meals and meeting in bad weather.

How's the food?
Plentiful, tasty, basic . Mutton, rice and noodles form the basis of our diet, just as it does for the local people. Over the years our hosts have improved the trail rations to include some vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and even yak, now and then. If you are a vegetarian you must speak to the trip leader about your specific requirements.

Are there bandits or brigands?
We are honored guests and our personal security is assured by ancient custom in China, Tibet and Mongolia. It is far more likely you will be robbed or assaulted in your hometown . 

Is there an age limit?
We have had participants from 14 to 83. All applications are taken on a case by case basis. 

What is included in the trip fee?
Most accommodations, meals, internal travel (air and land) horses, and group camping gear are included. Visas and international flights are not included.