Explore Mongolia’s Reindeer Culture
In northern Mongolia behind a wall of mountains, there is a mystical land of prairie, boreal forest and a few hundred lakes scattered over a wide plain called the Darkhad lowland. Deer, wild boar, squirrel, beaver, otter, ermine, marten, sable and wolf inhabit this remote part of Mongolia, part of Siberia. Due to isolated and inaccessible location the most pristine and unpopulated lands in whole Mongolia lie here.
As authentic is the culture of the reindeer herders of whom there is just a couple of hundreds living in teepees and grazing their reindeer in taiga forest and on alpine meadows. This is your chance to meet reindeer herders, taste reindeer milk and have a reindeer ride.
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia and transfer to a centrally located 4 star hotel. Afternoon guided walking city tour will introduce you to the highlights of the city: The central city square with a grand statue of Ghinggis Khaan and Sukhbaatar statue placed at the center as well. Museum of National History is located right next to the square introducing Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era. Then choose to visit one or two museums from the following: 1. Choijin Lama or State Oracle Residence-museum displaying best samples of Buddhist artwork and religious masks or, 2. The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum displays old arts including Buddhist arts, painting, folk arts and crafts, sculptures, carvings and embroideries. A show of traditional music, throat singing and contortion at 6PM will be followed by a welcome dinner.
Morning transfer to UB airport for one and a half hour flight to Murun town, the access point to Khuvsgul, the country’s deepest lake that holds 1% of the world’s fresh water reserves. Upon arrival we drive to Darkhad depression, a land of prairie, forest and a couple of hundreds of lakes. We make our way across lush valleys and wetlands on distinct gravel roads. White felt covered tents (also known as ger or yurts) of local herders and their large herds of horses, sheep and yaks is a glance of a way of life which seemingly has not changed since hundreds of years. In the evening we establish a tented camp alongside the road and spend our first night in the wilderness.
We travel for another half a day before arriving at Tsagaan Nuur town located in the depression’s northern corner. This is the gateway to taiga (boreal forest) where the Tsaatan community lives and herds reindeer. Here we finalize our appointment with local guides to accompany us during the next few days providing horses for riding and packing. If necessary we stock up on some addition food and drink before moving out to camp at the edge of taiga.
This morning after breakfast we load food and camp on to horses, saddle those for riding and the journey will start. Local guides will accompany us throughout the way. We will ride through woods and across marshes, almost entirely at a walking pace. While riding you can easily notice the shift from grasslands into a taiga, delineated by a distinct change in vegetation and topography.
Horse ride to Deed Urag valley.
Horse ride to Tengis river. Dinner and overnight.
Horse ride to Saalig reindeer people summer camp. Dinner and overnight.
We spend a full day at the summer camp. You can visit teepees and get a firsthand knowledge of the Tsaatan life and traditions. Traditionally, domesticated reindeer have been the basis of Tsaatan economy. They are ridden, milked, eaten and their hides are used for covering teepees, making clothing and footwear. During winters reindeer roam at large the rugged mountains and dense forests that straddle the borderline between Russia and Mongolia. Just a few are kept through the winter for riding. The main herd is then brought back in spring. You may take a reindeer ride or help in the daily chores of life in taiga but overall you should be prepared to observe from a side.
We today say good bye to Tsaatans and return to taiga edge. It is a somewhat long day of riding through woods and across marshes. Tented camp at the edge of taiga.
We drive to cross the Darkhad valley to reach the Khuvsgul lake. However, we will have to spend a night on the way. A tented camp will be set up on a picturesque riverside.
We continue driving and arrive to lake Khuvsgul. It is the second-most voluminous freshwater lake in Asia, and holds almost 70% of Mongolia's fresh water and 1% of all the world’s fresh water reserves. Mongolians revere it as "The Mother Sea". We will arrive to the lake in the afternoon of the second day. Here we will stay in a cozy holiday resort comprised of traditional felt covered gers also known as yurts. Dinner and overnight.
A leisure day. You can hike the woods or along the lake shore or just relax enjoying the stunning view of the vast water expanse. An optional boat trip or horseback riding can also be done. Overnight in gers.
After breakfast take a 2 hour transfer to Murun and catch a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Farewell dinner.
Transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)
Everything was perfect! They really work closely with the Tsaatan community; hiring guide/driver/cook among them and not from UB, Moron or Tsagaan Nuur. This way the money goes to them. They even rent horses from the Taiga and not the steppes so they are used to the reindeers! Thanks Mongolia Expeditions!
From Camels to Reindeer: 3 weeks in Mongolia”
Horse Riding to Tsaatan Mongolia travel was an excellent experience.
The coutry's landscape natural beauty and its people. The hole experience was enhanced with the help of Mongolia Expeditions and its outstanding organization. They prepare a really nice itinerary with very helpful guides. The small details, like good equipment, cars and strong horses made a big difference!
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