About Mongolian Tsaatan Reindeer Herders' Trip:

Exploring northern Mongolia on horseback is a rewarding journey for travelers who want real nomadic life, remote landscapes, and meaningful cultural encounters. The far north of Mongolia welcomes you with alpine mountains, wide valleys, cold lakes, and the hospitality of the Darkhad herders. Deep in the Taiga forest lives one of the world’s last reindeer herding communities, the Tsaatan people, known for their quiet traditions and close connection to reindeer.

Your Tsaatan Trail journey begins with a city tour in Ulaanbaatar, visiting key places that introduce Mongolian history, nomadic culture, religion, and performing arts. After the city, you travel north to the Darkhad Valley, a place surrounded by the steep Khoridol Saridag Mountains and clear rivers. Here you meet a local nomadic family, spend time with them, and see how real herders live. From the valley, the adventure continues with a three day horseback journey across forests and open plains to reach the remote Taiga, home of the Tsaatan reindeer herders and a local shaman.

Trip Highlights

• Cultural immersion with Darkhad nomads and Tsaatan reindeer herders
• Horse trekking across the Darkhad Valley and remote Taiga forest
• Chance to learn how herders care for their reindeer and prepare traditional meals
• Time for photography, hiking, and exploring the untouched landscape of northern Mongolia
• Visit a shaman family and learn about their spiritual practices
• A realistic and slow paced experience focused on daily life and nature

If you want an authentic and off the beaten path adventure in Mongolia, this journey to the Tsaatan community is one of the most meaningful ways to experience the country. It is suitable for travelers who enjoy simple living, horseback journeys, and deep cultural encounters. Send us an inquiry to join the 2026 small group departure and experience Mongolia’s northern wilderness with a local team.

Mongolian horse riding adventure tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar city tour

Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, begin your introduction to Mongolia with a relaxed city tour.
Visit Sukhbaatar Square, the central landmark of the capital, followed by the National Museum or Chinggis Khaan Museum for a clear overview of Mongolia’s history and nomadic culture. Continue to Gandan Monastery, the heart of Mongolian Buddhism, where monks gather for daily prayers.
In the evening enjoy a traditional Mongolian art performance featuring throat singing, folk dance, and horse-head fiddle music. This offers a warm and authentic welcome to your journey ahead.

·     Travel time: 40km from airport to the city.

·     Meal(s): Lunch and dinner included along with drinking water.

·     Accommodation: You will stay in a centrally located, good-facility hotel, Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar or similar.

Day 2: Fly to Murun, a provincial town in northern region of Mongolia

Today we take a domestic flight to Murun, the provincial capital of Khovsgol aimag in northern Mongolia. Upon arrival, we’ll complete the necessary border zone permit formalities required for traveling to the Tsaatan region, as this area lies near Mongolia’s northern frontier. While there isn’t much to explore in Murun itself, the town offers a glimpse of rural life in the north.

·     Travel time: from Ulaanbaatar to Murun, domestic flight takes about 2hours.

·     Meal(s): Lunch and dinner included along with drinking water.

·     Accommodation: You will stay in a provincial small hotel. Accommodation is twin-based.

Day 3: Visit a nomadic herdsman family near Tsagaan Nuur village

Today we leave Murun earlier and head deeper into the remote northern frontier, driving across the beautiful Darkhad Depression. Our destination is Tsagaan Nuur, a distant village near the Russian border and the gateway to the Tsaatan community.

We’ll travel via Ulaan-Uul, a small settlement along the way, stopping there briefly before continuing the rugged drive toward Tsagaan Nuur. The journey offers stunning scenery from forested mountain passes to wild rivers and open taiga landscapes. By evening, we’ll arrive in our local horseman’s family. They will be your hosts and guides for the upcoming journey into the taiga. This is your first taste of authentic nomadic hospitality in the far north.

·     Travel time: From Murun to Tsagaan Nuur, approximately 200km off road drive.

·     Meal(s): Breakfast +Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water

·     Accommodation: You will stay in a traditional Mongolian ger. Long-drop loo, and no shower.

Day 4: Horseback ride to the Tsaatan community in Taiga

After breakfast with the host family, we pack our belongings onto packhorses and set off on a journey into the Taiga. Horseback riding is not only the most practical way to navigate this remote terrain but also the most immersive, allowing us to experience the rugged beauty of the Mongolian wilderness firsthand.

Over the course of six hours, we traverse rivers, muddy valleys, and steep, forest-covered mountains, gradually leaving the open steppe behind and entering the heart of the Taiga. By afternoon, we arrive at the reindeer herders’ settlement, where we are welcomed by a Tsaatan family eager to share their way of life.

Spend the evening learning about their deep connection to reindeer, their seasonal migrations, and the traditions that have sustained them for generations. As night falls, settle into a traditional teepee (urtz), surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Northern Mongolian Taiga.

·     Travel time: from the nomadic family to the taiga forest, approximately 5-6 hours by horseback ride.

·     Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water

·     Accommodation: Tsaatan people’s teepee – we call it “ortz” or “urts”. We will spend 2 nights being hosted by the reindeer herder family. Our accommodation will be basic as the life of the Tsaatan is basic. We do not try to change the Tsaatan or their way of life for our benefit or comfort.

Day 5: A Leisure day with reindeer herders

A full day immersed in the lifestyle of the Tsaatan, one of Mongolia’s last reindeer-herding communities. Around 350 Tsaatan people from 40 families continue to live in harmony with nature in Khuvsgul province, herding roughly 2,300 reindeer and preserving ancient traditions.

Participate in their daily life from milking reindeer and riding through the taiga on reindeer back to trying traditional crafts and tools. Listen to folk tales, taste reindeer milk products, and observe spiritual rituals rooted in shamanic beliefs. These days offer rare insight into a way of life that has remained unchanged for generations.

At night, return to your teepee and soak in the silence and starlight of the wild Taiga.

·     Meal(s): Breakfast +Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water

·     Accommodation: You sleep in a same urts you slept last night.

Day 6: Horseback ride through Tengis & Shishhed River Valley

After breakfast we pack our horses and continue riding deeper into the northern taiga. Today’s trail leads us across quiet forest paths, open meadows, and gentle river crossings as we make our way toward the Tengis Shishged Valley, one of the most remote and untouched areas in northern Mongolia. The ride usually takes around 6 hours with breaks, offering long stretches of solitude and wide open views. By late afternoon we reach the river valley where we set up our camping tents. Spend the evening surrounded by complete wilderness, listening to the sound of the river and the stillness of the northern mountains.
This night is one of the most peaceful of the entire journey, far from any settlements or roads..

·     Travel time: Approximately 6-7 hours by a horseback ride through beautiful boreal forests and mountain steppe. But travel distance and location hugely varies from the day’s climate condition.

·     Meal(s): Breakfast +Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water

·     Accommodation: Camping tent in the wilderness.

Day 7: Final ride & Return to Tsagaan Nuur

Today we say goodbye to the Taiga and begin our return ride. The 6-7 hour journey retraces our path through the mountains and valleys, back to Tsagaan Nuur or Khogrogo.

Upon arrival, return to the home of your horseman family for a warm welcome and a final evening of hospitality. Reflect on your time with the Tsaatan, share stories with your hosts, and enjoy a well-earned rest in a traditional Mongolian ger.

·     Travel time: from the Shishget valley to the nomadic family near Tsagaan Nuur, approximately 6-8 hours by a horseback ride through beautiful boreal forests and mountain steppe.

·     Meal(s): Breakfast +Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water

·     Accommodation: You will stay in a traditional Mongolian ger. Long-drop loo, and no shower.

Day 8: Towarding Lake Khuvsgul

Today we head to Lake Khovsgol, one of Mongolia’s most beloved natural wonders. After breakfast with our host family, we load up the vehicle and leave the high mountain steppe and forests of Tsagaan Nuur behind. The road winds through remote valleys, forested hills, and open plains, offering a full day of scenic driving through Mongolia’s untamed northern wilderness. Along the way, we’ll stop for picnic lunch and stretch our legs at a few scenic viewpoints or riversides. By evening, we’ll reach a quiet location near Lake Khovsgol or a nearby river valley, where we’ll set up camp or stay at a rustic ger camp, depending on the availability and weather conditions. Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.

·     Travel time: Approx. 6-8 hours by 4×4 vehicle (depending on road condition).

·     Meal(s): Breakfast +Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water

Accommodation: rustic ger camp or tented camp near lake Khovsgol or along the route (based on road and weather conditions)

Day 9: Khoridol Saridag Mountains & lake Khuvsgul

Wake up surrounded by the peaceful valley or riverside near the Khoridol Saridag Mountains, where the fresh mountain air and sounds of nature greet you. After breakfast, we continue our scenic drive toward the stunning shores of Lake Khovsgol. The journey takes us through beautiful landscapes of rolling hills, dense forests, and pristine rivers. Along the way, we’ll stop to enjoy short breaks and take in the natural beauty of the region.

By afternoon, we arrive at Lake Khovsgol, often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” Here, you can relax by the water, enjoy the spectacular mountain views, or take a gentle walk along the lakeshore. This serene setting is perfect for unwinding after several days of adventure.

In the evening, settle into your ger camp or tented accommodation near the lake, enjoying a cozy dinner under the wide Mongolian sky.

·     Travel time: Approximately 4-6 hours of off-road drive.

·     Meal(s): Breakfast +Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water

·     Accommodation: You will stay in a traditional Mongolian ger camp by Lake Khovsgol.

Day 10: Relaxation at Lake Khuvsgul

Take a full day to unwind and soak in the tranquil beauty of Lake Khovsgol, one of Mongolia’s most pristine and breathtaking natural treasures. Enjoy the crisp mountain air, the crystal-clear waters, and the stunning views of the surrounding forested mountains.

You can spend your day however you like—whether it’s strolling along the lakeshore, kayaking on the calm water, or simply relaxing by the camp with a good book. For those interested, optional activities such as horseback riding along the lake or visiting nearby nomadic families can be arranged.

This day is all about rest and recharging, preparing you for the next leg of your incredible journey.

·     Meal(s): Breakfast +Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water

·     Accommodation: You will stay in a traditional Mongolian ger by Lake Khovsgol.

Day 11: Flight back to Ulaanbaatar

After an early breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to the serene beauty of Lake Khovsgol and start our journey back to Murun. The drive will take a few hours as we leave the lake behind and head toward the airport. Once in Murun, you’ll catch your domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar, where your Mongolian adventure concludes. Upon arrival in UB, you can choose to rest at your hotel or continue exploring the capital city at your leisure.

·     Travel time: Domestic flight between Murun and UB lasts about 2 hours.

·     Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water.

·     Accommodation: You will stay in a centrally located, good-facility hotel, Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar or similar.

Group size: minimum 4 travellers and maximum 8 travellers

  • 4 Guests: $2420 US per person.
  • 6 Guests: $2145 US per person.
  • Accommodation: 2 nights in centrally located good-facility hotel in Ulaanbaatar, 1/2 night(s) in a provincial hotel in Murun, 2 nights in a nomadic family’s ger, 2 nights in a teepee, 1/2 night(s) in camping tent, 2 nights in a tourist ger camp in Lake Khovsgol.
  • Guiding and interpreting service
  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transportation: vehicle 4×4 or minivan with fuel
  • Horseback riding fee and pack horses
  • Camping tent and matt
  • Kitchen utensil
  • Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
  • Museums and cultural performance tickets
  • Nomadic family and Tsaatan community visit
  • 2-way domestic flight ticket between Ulaanbaatar and Murun
  • International airfare
  • Personal equipment
  • Optional activity cost
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Single room supplement
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Travel Insurance                                                                                                                                 Tips & gratitude

Personal Information (Lead Traveller)

Tour Information

2-12 years old
Under 2 years old
“I have read and agree to the following” Terms and conditions

Mystical Tsaatan Trail group dates for summer 2026

Departure number

Departure date

Group size

Price [per person] in USD

Group 1

June 16, 2026

4-6

$2420 / $2145

Group 2

June 21, 2026

4-6

$2550 / $2380

Group 3

August 13, 2026

4-6

$2420 / $2145




Please send email to us about available seats of your concerned departure date for this trip.

Pictures from this tour

error: Content is protected !!