11-Day Horse Trek in Mongolia with Tsaatan Reindeer Herders

11 Days Round trip from Ulaanbaatar city Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Journey deep into the remote taiga wilderness of northern Mongolia
  • 02 Visit the indigenous Tsaatan people and learn about their reindeer-herding lifestyle
  • 03 Horse trek through rugged mountains, boggy valleys, and Zuun Taiga landscapes
  • 04 Discover shamanic traditions and sacred sites in the Darkhad Valley
  • 05 Explore Kharkhorin and the ancient Erdene Zuu Monastery

Explore Mongolia's mystical Taiga on an 11-day journey that blends natural beauty, cultural immersion, unique experiences, and geological significance. Travel through northern Mongolia to volcanic craters, remote valleys, and the stunning mountainous region of Zuun Taiga, where a horseback trek leads you to the Tsaatan people and their reindeer-herding way of life. Along the way, discover nomadic traditions, sacred landscapes, and historic sites such as Kharkhorin and Erdene Zuu Monastery. This tour offers a diverse array of life experiences in some of Mongolia's most remote and captivating landscapes.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Moron, Ulan Bator, Khogno khan national park, Kharkhorin
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Uran Togoo Crater Expedition

Our expedition takes us to the captivating landscapes of northern Mongolia, where we will explore the wonders of Uran Togoo, a volcanic crater that offers stunning panoramic views from its rim. It is a must-visit for nature and geology enthusiasts. This site seamlessly blends geological history, natural beauty, and cultural richness into an unforgettable experience.

  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  • Distance: 450 km

2
Day 02

Ulaan Uul Soum and a Nomadic Family

We will continue our expedition to Ulaan Uul, a remote village in the picturesque Darkhad Valley. This culturally significant region is adorned with stunning natural beauty, including alpine mountains, taiga forests, rivers, and lakes. The valley is home to sacred sites, including thirteen ovoo sites associated with shamanic spirits.

As part of our mission to explore the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle, we will visit a nomadic family in the heart of the valley to immerse ourselves in traditional life and gain insights into local customs and traditions.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Distance: 260 km

3
Day 03

Horse Trek Toward the Reindeer Herders

The following morning, our adventure continues as we set out on a horse trek to reach a remote reindeer family, guided by an experienced horseman. We will traverse the untamed and rugged terrain of this stunning mountainous region as we make our way to Zuun Taiga.

There, under the vast open sky, we will camp for the night, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the untouched natural beauty of this unique environment.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Distance: 25 km

4
Day 04

Horse Trek to the Tsaatan Families

As we continue our horseback riding journey, we will navigate through challenging and scenic terrain, including rugged mountains and boggy valleys. By late afternoon, we will reach Zuun Taiga, where we can visit local Tsaatan families and learn about their unique way of life.

To experience their culture more closely, we will spend the night in a traditional yurt, gaining insights into the traditional lifestyle of the reindeer herders.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Distance: 25 km

5
Day 05

Full Day with the Reindeer Herders

Discover the unique lifestyle of the reindeer people during a full day of learning about their customs, traditions, and daily routines. Exchange cultures and taste the delightful reindeer milk while uncovering a way of life unlike any other.

This extraordinary experience will connect us with the natural world and enrich us with the wisdom of this indigenous community.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6
Day 06

Horse Trek Back to the Nomadic Family

As our time with the reindeer people comes to an end, we prepare to depart for our next destination. We saddle up our horses and follow the same trails back, cherishing the wild and untamed beauty of the land one last time.

As we make our way onward, we eagerly anticipate the next phase of our adventure, spending another night in a tent beneath the twinkling stars.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Distance: 40 km

7
Day 07

Return to the Nomadic Family Camp

Leaving the dense forests and mountainous terrain behind, we will witness a gradual shift in the landscape as vast open valleys adorned with lush greenery come into view. After a half-day ride through this captivating terrain, we will make our way back to the nomadic family where our horse trek began.

As the day transitions into night, we will come together to enjoy a delightful traditional Mongolian feast, experiencing the rich culture and flavors of the region.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8
Day 08

Murun Town Exploration

Our journey to Murun town includes a scenic drive to enjoy the natural beauty along the way. In Murun, we will visit the museum and other important local places.

Enjoy the local way of life before an overnight stay in a hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Distance: 220 km

9
Day 09

The Great White Lake and Khorgo Crater

Explore the scenic Great White Lake, known as Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur in Mongolian, nestled within the Khangai Mountains. This serene destination features the prominent Khorgo Volcano, a dormant volcano, making it a preferred choice for nature enthusiasts and those in search of a tranquil retreat in the heartland of Mongolia.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Distance: 350 km

10
Day 10

Kharkhorin and the Ancient Capital

Discover the rich history of Mongolia as we visit the historical capital of Kharkhorin and explore the ancient Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in the region.

After this, we will continue our journey to the stunning natural scenery of Elsen Tasarkhai, a unique landscape featuring sand dunes, mountains, and a flowing river. As our tour draws to a close, we will gather for a farewell celebration to commemorate our unforgettable experiences together.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Distance: 220 km

11
Day 11

Elsen Tasarkhai and Return to Ulaanbaatar

Explore the Khugnu Khan Mountain region and visit the renowned Erdene Khamba Monastery. Later, we will continue our journey back to Ulaanbaatar city, stopping for lunch at a small town along the way.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Distance: 360 km

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Ulaanbaatar city 4 cities · 11 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • English-speaking guide

  • Professional driver

  • Tour accommodations (camps)

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

  • All meals during the tour

  • Petrol / fuel

  • Transportation (travel vehicle)

  • Entrance fees for attractions

  • National park fees

  • Horse riding fee

  • Camel riding fee

  • Daily bottled water

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal needs

  • Extra activities

  • Single room supplement

  • Gratuities for the tour guide, driver, etc.

Know before you go

  • Accommodation: Snuggle into cozy gers, traditional Mongolian dwellings, each night during your adventure. For one special evening, immerse yourself in nomadic culture by staying overnight in a ger within a welcoming family camp.

  • Transportation: Transportation will typically be in a 4x4 vehicle, driven by an experienced driver who is familiar with the terrain. The drive can be bumpy and dusty, so be prepared for an adventurous ride.

  • Road condition: Our tour takes you through a combination of paved and off-road routes that traverse the vast region of Mongolia. Expect to experience both smooth, paved roads and bumpy, dusty terrain.

  • Distance: Our daily travel distances will range from 150 to 400 km each day, allowing us to cover a vast area of the Gobi and visit some of its most stunning destinations. The overall tour distance is 2020 km.

  • Climate: The Gobi Desert can be hot during the day and cold at night, so make sure to pack appropriate clothing. Layers are recommended, as temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day.

  • Food: Traditional Mongolian cuisine is heavily based on meat and dairy products, so vegetarians and vegans may have limited options, especially in rural areas.

  • Guides: The tour provides a local English-speaking guide who can offer insights into the local culture, history, and geography.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Hotel pick-up is included in the service.
Tour start
Ulaanbaatar city
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 11 days finish where they began, in Ulaanbaatar city.

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