Horse milking is a unique and ancient tradition of the Mongolian steppe, closely tied to nomadic life and the production of airag — fermented mare’s milk. During the summer months, herder families milk mares several times a day, following seasonal rhythms that have been practiced for generations. This ritual reflects Mongolia’s deep equestrian culture and the vital role horses play in daily survival and heritage.
Join herder families during mare milking and discover how fresh milk becomes Mongolia’s beloved traditional drink, airag.
Visitors can observe or participate in the milking process, where foals are gently used to stimulate milk flow before mares are hand-milked into wooden or leather containers. The milk is then poured into a large fermentation bag inside the ger and stirred repeatedly throughout the day. The resulting airag has a mildly sour taste and is central to summer hospitality, festivals, and social gatherings across the steppe.
Mare milking is both practical work and cultural ritual, requiring patience, skill, and a close bond between herders and their horses. The process demonstrates sustainable pastoral knowledge adapted perfectly to Mongolia’s environment.
Experiencing horse milking offers travelers rare insight into nomadic dairy traditions and the seasonal lifestyle of steppe herders. It is an authentic moment of connection — between people, animals, and land — that defines Mongolia’s living equestrian heritage.
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