10-Day Tsaatan Nomad Tour in Mongolia with Taiga Reindeer Ride

Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, meet our team and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a half-day city tour visiting the city's key highlights.

Visit Gandan Monastery, home to the largest indoor Buddha statue and the center of Buddhism in Mongolia. Explore the National Museum to discover Mongolia's cultural journey from the Stone Age to the present day. Lastly, soak in the atmosphere of Sukhbaatar Square, also known as Chingis Khaan Square, a central gathering place rich in history and significance.

Overnight at H9 Hotel***.

At Murun Airport, you will be met by one of our representatives: your driver, English-speaking tour guide, and cook. From the airport, drive to Khuvsgul Lake, the second most voluminous freshwater lake in Asia.

Located in northwestern Mongolia near the Russian border, at the foot of the eastern Sayan Mountains, Lake Khovsgol holds 380 cubic km of water. This makes it the fourteenth largest freshwater lake in the world and the second largest in Central Asia by volume, containing over 1% of the world's fresh water. At its deepest point, the lake reaches 262 meters. Ninety-six rivers and streams flow into the lake, but only the Egiin River flows out. The Egiin runs southeast until it joins the Selenge River, which passes through one of Mongolia's most densely populated areas on its way to Lake Baikal.

Drive 100 km on a paved road to reach the lake and enjoy the spectacular views of the area. Overnight accommodation will be in a ger. (L-D)

After breakfast, we start driving to Ulaan-Uul village, located 171 km northwest of Murun city.

There are several rivers and mountain passes en route. Enjoy a picnic lunch and many small stops for photography.

Overnight accommodation will be in a tent or wooden cabin. (B-L-D)

Early in the morning, drive to Tsagaan Nuur village. Check in at the Army headquarters and show our passports and permission documents for the Taiga region.

Then we will meet the nomad family who will supply us with the horses and reindeer needed to go to the Tsaatan family. The family truly enjoys meeting guests. We will eat homemade Mongolian traditional food and can drink mare's milk, for those who would like to try this very Mongolian drink.

Sleep in a ger just like a Mongolian. Overnight accommodation will be in a ger. (B-L-D)

Our staff will pack our gear, and you will need to sort out any unnecessary items and leave them in the car. Our driver will remain in the village with the supplies not needed for this part of the trip.

We start riding to the East Taiga, on the southern edge of Siberia. The ride takes about 7 hours, including a lunch break. Riding in the Taiga is exciting and challenging, and if needed, we make sure you are led by very experienced guides.

We arrive at Tsagaan Nuur village to meet with the Darkhad ethnic shaman. The scenery of mountains, streams, and tundra is spectacular. There are many wild flowers and birds, and if we are lucky, we will see wild red-colored deer. When we arrive at the teepees of the reindeer families, you will be welcomed and made to feel at home.

We will spend the next two days experiencing Tsaatan life. Overnight accommodation will be in a teepee. (B-L-D)

Enjoy a full day of rest in the Taiga. We experience the everyday life of the Tsaatan reindeer herders and can ride a reindeer and help with chores, from milking to cheese making.

You may even try teaching the children some Western games. Overnight accommodation will be in a teepee. (B-L-D)

After 2 days of experiencing the life of a Tsaatan reindeer family and the wild, untouched land of the Taiga, we say goodbye to our Mongolian family and ride back to Tsagaan Nuur.

If the weather is warm, you can swim in the lake. Overnight in a ger. (B-L-D)

Drive back to Moron.

There are several rivers and mountain passes en route. Enjoy a picnic lunch and many small stops for photography.

Overnight accommodation will be in a hotel or guesthouse. (B-L-D)

After breakfast, you will be driven to the local airport with your guide for your return flight to Ulaanbaatar. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your departure home.