Tsaatan tour - Reindeer herders and Central Mongolia
Tours>Khuvsgul Province

Tsaatan tour - Reindeer herders and Central Mongolia

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Khuvsgul Province

Tour Overview

Duration14 Days
Group SizeMax 16
Activity Levelmoderate

The Tsaatan reindeer herders live in the remote taiga of northern Mongolia and are among the last reindeer-herding cultures in the world. Their lifestyle depends entirely on their reindeer for transport, food, and survival. Visitors can stay with Tsaatan families, learn about shamanistic traditions, and experience daily nomadic life. Reaching the area requires trekking or horseback riding, offering a true off-the-grid adventure.

Daily Itinerary

Khustai National Park and Mini Gobi

Day 1:Khustai National Park and Mini Gobi

Drive: 250km

Elsen Tasarkhai, often referred to as the "Mini-Gobi," is a unique region of sand dunes located in the central part of Mongolia. Stretching over 80 kilometers, these golden dunes are surrounded by grasslands and mountains, creating a striking contrast in the landscape. Visitors can explore Uvgun Hiid(Temple), historical place where monks were hiding from Soviets at the time.

Nomadic family
lunch, dinner
Kharkhorin and Erdenezuu Monastery

Day 2:Kharkhorin and Erdenezuu Monastery

Erdene Zuu monastery was constructed in 15th century by Abtai Sain Khan using construction materials and stones from former imperial capital Karakorum. Visitors can explore temples, relics, and traditional architecture. This historical site is one of Mongolia's important cultural heritage and listed in UNESCO.

Tourist Camp
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Orkhon Valley and Orkhon waterfall

Day 3:Orkhon Valley and Orkhon waterfall

Orkhon Waterfall, also known as Ulaan Tsutgalan, is one of Mongolia’s most beautiful natural attractions.The waterfall plunges 20 meters into a volcanic basalt canyon. The Orkhon Valley has been a center of Mongolian civilization for centuries and is home to ancient monuments, including Karakorum ruins and Orkhon Inscriptions.

Nomadic family
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tsenkher Hot spring

Day 4:Tsenkher Hot spring

Tsenkher Hot Spring is a natural thermal spring located in Arkhangai Province, known for its mineral-rich waters and healing properties. The spring flows at temperatures up to 85°C and is believed to relieve muscle and joint pain. Surrounded by forests and rolling hills, the area offers a peaceful retreat.

Tourist Camp
breakfast, lunch, dinner
The Great white Lake

Day 5:The Great white Lake

The Great white lake is located next to a Khorgo volcano. Folk tale of Terkhiin Tsagaan nuur (The Great White Lake) is famously known among Mongolians and that is why this lake is popular destination for many travelers.

Ger Camp
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Murun Province

Day 6:Murun Province

Murun is a city located in Khuvsgul province near Khusgul lake.

Guesthouse
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Horse Herder Family

Day 7:Horse Herder Family

Horse riding is part of Mongolia's culture, learning how to ride like Mongols might be challenging but we make it easier. Before we set our journey to the deep forest called Taiga we have to do preparation here.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hore Trekking To The Reindeer Forest

Day 8:Hore Trekking To The Reindeer Forest

The Tsaatan reindeer herders live in the remote taiga of northern Mongolia and are among the last reindeer-herding cultures in the world. Their lifestyle depends entirely on their reindeer for transport, food, and survival. Visitors can stay with Tsaatan families, learn about shamanistic traditions, and experience daily nomadic life. Reaching the area requires trekking or horseback riding, offering a true off-the-grid adventure.

Tipi
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tsaatan People - Reindeer Herders

Day 9:Tsaatan People - Reindeer Herders

We stay another day to learn more and explore the terrain more.

Tipi
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Horse Trekking Back to the Horse Herder Family

Day 10:Horse Trekking Back to the Horse Herder Family

Horse riding is part of Mongolia's culture, learning how to ride like Mongols might be challenging but we make it easier. Before we set our journey to the deep forest called Taiga we have to do preparation here.

Nomadic family
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Khuvsgul Lake

Day 11:Khuvsgul Lake

Lake Khuvsgul, often referred to as the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia," is one of the largest and most pristine freshwater lakes in Asia. Located in northern Mongolia near the Siberian border, the lake stretches over 130 kilometers and is surrounded by the towering Khoridol Saridag Mountains. It contains nearly 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water and is considered sacred by the local people.

Tourist Camp
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Khuvsgul Lake on 2nd Day

Day 12:Khuvsgul Lake on 2nd Day

The lake and its surroundings are part of Khuvsgul National Park, which protects diverse wildlife, including ibex, moose, and various bird species. Visitors can engage in numerous activities, such as hiking, and horseback riding. In winter, the frozen lake becomes the site of the annual Ice Festival, where locals and tourists participate in traditional games, ice skating, and cultural performances.

Tourist Camp
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Uran Togoo inactive Volcano

Day 13:Uran Togoo inactive Volcano

Uran Togoo is a striking volcanic hill rising unexpectedly from Mongolia’s wide open steppe. Its smooth, rounded slopes were formed by ancient lava flows, and a short hike to the summit rewards you with sweeping views over endless grasslands dotted with grazing livestock.

Ger Camp
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Ulaanbaatar

Day 14:Ulaanbaatar

We go Back to Ulaanbaatar

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Price & Options

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Private Tour Packages

Choose a package below to request custom dates for your private group.

Budget

Cheapest one available

Daily rate of$115/pp
AccommodationGer
Most Popular

Mid-range

Commonly chosen package

Daily rate of$140/pp
AccommodationGuesthouse

Comfortable

Comfortable experience

Daily rate of$186/pp
AccommodationTourist Camp

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