Ride with the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders

On this tour, we’ll cross mountains, traverse grasslands and steppe, all to reach Mongolia’s taiga forests in search of the nomadic Tsaatan reindeer herders

Month: June

Ride with the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders

This ten-night tour starts from Mongolia’s ever-changing capital Ulaanbaatar visiting monasteries,
reindeer, and their herders.

On this adventure we will be heading north crossing mountains, steppe and lakes while also
visiting Mongolia’s rarely-seen Taiga forests.

Prepare for a real adventure into Mongolia’s untouched wilderness. We will use 4X4’s, ride
horses, take a flight and even enjoy a boat ride on the famous Hovsgol Lake.

We will also be staying in a mix of hotels, Mongolian Gers, and even a Teepee!

 

Highlights

Amarbayasgalant Monastery is a stunning example of 18th century architecture; a is a fully functioning Tibetan monastery, it’s the most important in Mongolia, so it’s only fitting that we pay it a visit on our northward journey.

Khuvsgul Lake is a picturesque lake nestled amongst towering mountains and deep pine forests. We’ll be able to take an early morning boat ride out onto Asia’s second-largest freshwater lake for a chance to take photos and relax.

Horse Riding is a traditional method of transport in Mongolia, and well join in with the culture; packing our bags and setting out on a real horse trek out into the wilderness in search of the Tsataan Reindeer herders.

Tsataan Reindeer Herders are semi-nomadic, roaming the steppe and forests of northern Mongolia with their herds of reindeer; once we find them, we’ll experience a day or two of local life amongst the herders as well as meeting their trusty animals.

 

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Ride with the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders - Mongolia Summer Tour

What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
  • Accommodation
  • All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Domestic Flights
  • All Entrance Fees (Where Listed)
  • Vehicles and Driver
  • Local Guide
  • Riding and Pack Horses
  • Park Permits
What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Spending Money
  • Snacks and Drinks
  • Extra Nights Accommodation
  • Tips
  1. Day 1 All Travellers Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

    We will meet in Ulaanbaatar at a designated meeting place to begin our adventure. If you require
    an airport pickup, contact your Tour Manager and this can be arranged

     

    Accommodation: 3-star hotel: The group hotel in Ulaanbaatar is right next to Sukhbatarar square at the heart of the city.

    Included Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2 Depart Ulaanbaatar and drive to Amarbayasgalant Monastery

    Today, after breakfast, we depart Ulaanbaatar as we begin our adventure. Driving north, it’s not long until we’re out into the Mongolian Steppe.

    Our aim is to reach the Amarbayasgalant Monastery; this beautiful monastery is one of the most important in Mongolia; built in the 18th century in the memory of the first Bogd Gegeen Zanabazar who, at that time, was at the head of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia.

    Located north of the province of Selenge the drive today will take around 5-6 hours (including a chance to stop for photos on the way!). Upon arrival, we will have time to enjoy the monastery, and it’s beautiful surroundings.

     

    Accommodation: Tourist Ger: Tonight, it’s our first night in the famous Mongolian Ger.

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3 Journey to Khatgal village via Erdenet city

    A slower start this morning gives us the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery a little longer before we hit the road again.

    We depart, driving via Erdenet city, then stopping for lunch and a little sightseeing. Erdenet city was once known as ’Little Russia’ due to the large number of Russian residents living there during the communist era.

    This bustling city has grown around Mongolia’s largest copper mine (the 4th largest mine in the world). The pit here employes around 7,000 people, helping to make Erdenet Mongolia’s second-largest city.

    Before leaving, we will stop at a Communist-style Monument and the Karl Marx Mural for a few pictures.

    Continuing west on the road, we will pass over the Burengiin Nuruu Mountain Range taking photos as we go; from here, all roads lead to the remote outpost town of Moron. Surrounded by beautiful green hills, this town is the gateway to the Khuvsgul National Park area.

    Our base for the next few days within this ancient national park is the lakeside village of Khatgul. As we make our way to Khatgul village, we will be sure to stop and learn a little more about the famous standing deer stones; these stones date back to the bronze age period, some still standing showing their beautiful engravings.

     

    Accommodation: Tourist Ger: Our Ger Camp here has stunning views across Khuvsgul lake.

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4 Drive to Tsagaan Nuur village

    Today it is up and out early as we head off-road, making use of our 4X4s for a bumpy, yet stunning, drive to the secluded village of Tsagaan Nuur. Tsagaan Nuur is a small settlement located in the northern corner of the ‘Darkhad Depression’ home to 1,400 people.

    The Darkhad Depression is a wide-open valley set between two mountain ranges; it is famed for its rugged natural beauty rarely visited by mainstream tourists. For us, Tsagaan Nuur will be our staging post ready for our expedition into the Taiga (boreal forest).

    It’s in this small corner of the world that we will meet our local guides who will accompany us during the next few days of horse riding. It will also be our last chance to stock up on essential supplies for the upcoming adventure.

     

    Accommodation: Local Homestay

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5 First Day Horse-riding

    This morning we ready for our horse trek adventure as we transfer our essential luggage to our pack animals.

    Our vehicles have to remain as we prepare our steeds for this adventurous trek for three days through the taiga forest. Some of the riding will be long as we aim to meet our hosts, the Tsaatan reindeer-herding people.

    The Tsaatan are the indigenous people of this area and live in small nomadic communities; meeting one of these communities will be our goal as we set out into the wilderness. We will make plenty of stops to help you adapt to your new equine form of transport.

     

    Accommodation: Traditional Camping

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6 The second day of horse riding, meet the reindeer herders

    After an early start this morning we will arrive at our goal and meet our hosts the Tsaatan reindeer herders. We aim to arrive before lunch to give us plenty of time for local interaction with these fascinating people.

    For those interested, we will learn more about the Tsaatan everyday life, their traditions, culture, and history.

    If we’re lucky, the herders will show us how to ride and milk their animals as well as explain how these beautiful creatures aid the existence of the Tsaatan.

    This short time will provide endless photographic experiences and the opportunity to learn about the Tsaatan people and their vanishing ways. Most of the Tsaatan tribes usually have a tribal shaman who may also be present during this rare visit.

     

    Accommodation: Tsaatan Teepee

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7 A day to learn and experience life amongst the Tsaatan

    As the Herders are semi-nomadic, it will depend upon where they have made their camp this summer as to what we do today.

    We will likely have an extra day for continued learning and interaction with these amazing people. Photography will be allowed so if you want your own time for exploration and those more intimate photos then this Is your opportunity.

    Your group leader will let you know the estimated times for meals.

     

    Accommodation: Tsaatan Teepee

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8 Half-a-day’s horse riding and return to Khuvsgul Lake

    This morning we bid a fond farewell to our lovely hosts, leaving them to continue their centuries-old lifestyle. We mount our horses and ride to meet with our 4X4s at their designated location.

    Once returned to our more modern form of transport, we make the bumpy journey back to Khatgal village. The trip will be long, but as it’s summer we have the added benefit of longer days.

    Once again crossing the Darkhad Depression, we arrive at the southern end of Khuvsgul Lake this evening.

    For those in need of a shower, we will make sure the local facilities are open so you can have a heated scrub.

     

    Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9 Boat trip on Lake Khuvsgul and barbeque night

    This morning you may enjoy a relaxing start or an early morning trip to the lake for some photography or to soak up the peace and solitude.

    For those that wish, there will be a mid-morning tour into the small village visiting the museum and shops. After lunch, we will board a boat for a more relaxed style of sightseeing, enjoying a summer afternoon with a drink in hand exploring Mongolia’s mother sea.

    Khuvsgul lake holds almost 70% of Mongolia’s freshwater making it the second-largest freshwater lake in Asia.

     

    Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Mongolian BBQ will be prepared to bid farewell to our
    amazing hosts).

  10. Day 10 Fly back to Ulaanbaatar for an afternoon city tour

    After a hearty farewell breakfast, we transfer to Murun airport for our two-hour flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, we will head into the city for a much-needed lunch and further exploration.

    We start our sightseeing at Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Ulaanbaatar’s largest and most impressive Buddhist Monastery. Time permitting we will catch the resident monks chanting. We will have a chance to learn about the role of Mongolia’s largest religion and how it survived the darker days of communism.

    Continuing through the city, we stop at Sükhbaatar Square; named after the revolutionary hero Damdinii Sükhbaatar, whose statue proudly marks the centre of this famous area. At the northern end of the square, everything is overlooked by the towering figures of Genghis Khan, his son, grandson, and his generals.

    Just a stone’s throw from the square is the well-appointed National History Museum, which helps to make some semblance of Mongolian history. This evening, for those who wish, we will see the ”Wonders of Mongolia” folklore show made
    famous amongst Mongolians when it toured in over 40 countries and showcasing traditional folk
    singing.

    All of this before our final farewell meal at a popular restaurant close to the city centre.

     

    Accommodation: 3-star Hotel

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11 Tour ends; all passengers transferred to the airport

    The end of the adventure! Contact your Tour Manager for information about Airport Transfers
    from Ulaanbaatar to Chinggis Khan International Airport.

    END OF TOUR

Gers, Teepees & Camping

As with all of our tours, we like the accommodation to be part of the tour experience. Not just a poorly located hotel chosen for price or convenience. The Ride With The Tsaatan Reindeer Herders Tour is an authentic nomadic adventure, with the accommodation selected to complement this.

In Ulaanbaatar, our hotel is the Hotel 9, situated just a stone’s throw from the city’s heart. From the Mongolian capital were out into the remote countryside, working our way north.  Where we can, we will utilise beautiful tourist ger camps until we reach the rugged Taiga forests; from here, we camp until we reach the comfort of the Tsaatan Teepees.

Accommodation on the Reindeer Herders Tour

Hotel 9 - Ulaanbaatar

One of Ulaanbaatar0’s newer hotels, the Hotel 9, is a three-star hotel that offers a little more than the rating suggests. This compact option is ideally situated next to Sukhbaatar Square and offers easy access to many of Ulaanbaatar’s main tourist attractions.

Urgoo Ger Camp - Amarbayasgalant

Located close to the Amarbayasgalant Monastery, at the foot of Mount Buren-Khaan, this tourist ger camp was founded in 1995. The Ger camp has all you’ll need for a night in Mongolia’s rugged wilderness; with shower facilities, a restaurant, and even a bar.  For those a little more adventurous, the countryside around the camp offers up the chance for some beautiful hikes.

Khuvsgul Ger Camp - Khuvsgul Lake

The Khuvsgul Ger Camp is a beautiful ger camp with views of the fantastic Khuvsgul Lake; you just need to open your door, and it’s there. This Ger camp, like most, has a restaurant and bar facilities as well as a clean, well-appointed shower and toilet block. The Khuvsgul ger camp makes a great jumping point into the northern wilds.

Home stay - Tsagaan Nuur

Perfect for those who wish for a truly authentic experience, today we are invited to stay in one of the local residences in Tsagaan Nuur. The homestay is clean, tidy and offers a homely experience; we stay with different families around the village, all of which have beds and basic toilet facilities.

Wild Camping

Camping is a basic, beautiful experience in Mongolia as we try to select the most memorable camping areas. We will provide tents, sleeping bags, and roll mats while our team will also cook a delicious evening treat. Pack essential kit as all that we carry will be transported on horseback for this part of the adventure.

Teepee - Reindeer Herder Camp

It’s a little rugged but a memorable experience; the teepees are constructed for our use with fires at their core if needed. We’ll be right at the heart of the action, interacting with locals and their herds. We will sleep on wooden beds using our roll mats and sleeping bags.