Reindeer Tribes of Mongolia

Welcome to Mongolia! Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar the capital city of Mongolia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon following lunch, you will set out to explore the city. Visit the Gandan Monastery which is home to a huge gold plated Buddha, a symbol of Mongolian national pride and cultural revival. You will also visit the National Museum of Mongolia where you can learn about the history of this fascinating country through their collection of artefacts from Mongolia and Central Asia dating from the Stone Age to the present day. This evening, enjoy a traditional art performance and welcome dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers.

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Khuvsgul province (1.5hrs). On arrival at local airport of Murun, the centre of the Khuvsgul, you will meet your driver and for an hour before stopping for a picnic lunch. Continue for another 5-6 hours before you reach Ulaan Uul town. You will cross rivers and passes and take in the scenic view over the mountain ranges. Breathe the fresh mountain air as you explore this spectacular scenery. Here you will be surrounded by stunning towering rocky mountains. The view from our camp ground is spectacular. This evening we will be camping in tents. A shower tent, toilet and kitchen tent are also provided.

This morning, you will drive to Tsagaan nuur town (approx. 2-3hrs) before continuing beyond the town another 40 mins to meet with your local horse specialist guides and trail finders and of course, your horses. After having a brief instruction on riding Mongolian horses, you will get acquainted with your own horse before it is time to set off. Start riding towards Taiga, the region where part of the Tsaachin communities live. You will be introduced to the amazing but sadly dwindling world of the reindeer-herding people (Tsaachin). Due to the marshy road conditions, we will not use vehicles to reach the area, entire our luggage and food supply will be transported by horses. Horse riding today is approx. 8-9 hours. We may break this up over two days depending on the groups ability and weather.

Spend the next day staying amongst the Tsaachin people and experience their everyday life. Learn of their unique traditions such as milking reindeer and processing milk products like cheese. Spend time talking with the local people and understanding their local culture and how they have managed to maintain such a traditional way of life for so long. You will have the opportunity to ride into the Taiga forest where the area is so energetic and mysterious. Explore Bor Khuyag river valley, which is rich in crystals and other minerals. Take in the beauty of the larch forest and wildflower patches. Be inspired and gain power while meditating in untouched wilderness.



You will witness a traditional shaman ritual and meet a shaman custodian of a hidden realm. Shamanism is a traditional spiritual belief system based on worshipping nature. Shamanism plays an important part in Tsaachin; the shaman also acts as a healer, providing traditional remedies for ailments to the local people. They also perform many mystical holy rituals and use many different magic charms in their daily life, for hunting, calling, and preventing the rain.

This morning is a free morning at the reindeer herder’s camp before you ride back to your vehicle. Today, say farewell to your new nomadic friends as you horse ride back to Tsagaannuur soum.



Your mind will be swirling with the incredibly rare experience you have just had over the past few days. When you arrive in Hogorog, you will meet with another shaman and go with him to his holy tree area and witness another shamanic ceremony. (The Shaman in the reindeer camp only perform their ceremony in the dark, so it is challenging to shoot any photos or movies). Stay in the tented camp near his home and his farm animals.

After breakfast, drive further into the mountains. It will take us whole day driving. Upon arrival, set up camp and enjoy the natural world and clear night skies.

This morning, you drive to Jigleg Pass and make your way to your camp on the shore of blue pearl Lake Khuvsgul. The Lake is sacred and is known as the ‘Mother Lake’ to Mongolians and holds 2% of the worlds fresh water. Khuvsgul Lake is surrounded by beautiful high mountains of the Khoridol Saridag and Bayan Mountain Ranges, along the west shore. Even though it is summer, some parts of the lake will be icy. Enjoy walking around the lake – this area is often referred to as Mongolia’s most scenic region and you will certainly see why.

This morning you will be met by boat. Enjoy a boat ride of just under 2 hours which will take you to your ger camp. The scenery as you cruise across the lake is spectacular and the air so fresh. Your vehicle will meet you on the other side with your luggage. Enjoy walking along the lake shore or hike through the surrounding mountains to take in the panoramic view over the lake. There is an optional boat trip on the lake this afternoon for those who are interested in getting a different perspective from the water of the spectacular surrounds. There is also the option to go for a short horse ride (payable locally). This evening, build up your appetite for an authentic Mongolian barbeque! This will be prepared in the traditional way with the meat grilled with hot stones which gives it a unique taste.

This morning, drive back to Murun town. Transfer to the domestic airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.

This morning is at leisure until it is time to transfer to airport for your onwards departure.