Reindeer Tribe: Into the Heart of the Taiga
Unforgettable, Wilderness, Adventures.
What is your travel style
Highlights
Visit the Dukhans: The Tsaatan, or Reindeer people, are a small group of nomadic herders living in the remote Taiga region of northern Mongolia.
Horseback Riding in Darkhad Valley: Explore the wilderness, featuring rich flora, wildlife, forests, and lakes, while capturing photos along the way.
Hiking in the Khoridol Saridag Mountains: A beautiful destination with a mix of mountain meadows, taiga, steppe, springs, and gorges.
Khuvsgul Lake: The Blue Pearl of Mongolia.
Uushgiin Uvur: This renowned archaeological site is home to 14 deer stones, square burials, and numerous Khirigsuur (ancient tombs).
Would you like to ride a reindeer? Here’s your chance to capture a stunning photo while riding one!
Pay tribute to Time magazine’s “Man of the Previous Millennium” at Chinggis Khaan Statue
Terelj National Park: Mongolia’s most visited park, set in the scenic Tuul River Valley. Known for its stunning landscapes, from green meadows to granite rock formations, it’s a heaven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.
Tumen Ekh concert: Rest, Relax, and Enjoy a cultural concert performed by Mongolia’s National Dance & Song Ensemble
Tour summary
This trip is centered around visiting the Reindeer people (Tsaatan or Dukhans) to learn about their unique culture. On your arrival day, we’ll take you on a tour of Ulaanbaatar city. The following day, we’ll head east to explore Terelj National Park and the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex. Afterward, we’ll take a domestic flight to the northern part of the country, where the true adventure begins. We’ll embark on a 4x4 ride through Darkhad Valley, heading toward the Reindeer people in the taiga. Known as the Darkhad Depression, this vast, low-lying area is nestled between the Khoridol Saridag and Ulaan Taiga mountains. The region is celebrated for its natural beauty, featuring meadows, forests, lakes, and rivers.You’ll have the opportunity to ride horses, ride a reindeer, and sleep in traditional teepees.
From there, we will head to Khuvsgul Lake, known as the Blue Pearl of Mongolia. Our experienced drivers will guide us through the breathtaking Khoridol Saridag Mountains. At the lake, during the final part of our trip, we’ll swim and refresh ourselves in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy a hike around the area. We’ll spend the night in a ger camp. For our return flight to Ulaanbaatar, we will drive 100 km to the town of Murun on a paved road.
Customizable Itinerary

DAY 1

On arrival day, we’ll pick you up from the airport and settle you into your hotel. Then, enjoy a half-day city tour that includes visits to the Gandan Temple, Sukhbaatar Square, and the National Museum. The day will conclude with a taste of traditional food and a performance by the Tumen-Ekh Ensemble.

DAY 2

On the second day, we’ll visit the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex to explore the 40-meter-high statue and learn about the legendary king, with panoramic views from the observation deck. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Terelj National Park to see stunning landscapes, including Turtle Rock, and hike to the Aryabal Meditation Temple for breathtaking views. Overnight, we’ll stay at a ger camp in the park.

DAY 3

We’ll take a domestic flight to Khuvsgul, where our driver will pick us up from Murun Airport. After some shopping in Murun, we’ll head to Darkhad Valley to kick off our first day of adventure. Our first stop will be Uushgiin Uvur to explore the deer stones. The Uushgiin Uvur deer stones are among the clearest and most well-preserved examples of these ancient monuments. Most of the trip will be off-road driving. On this night, we’ll stay in a ger camp, nestled in a river valley and surrounded by impressive rock formations.

DAY 4

Another exciting travel day heading further north, where you’ll be amazed by the untouched wilderness of northern Mongolia. Today’s destination is about 200 km away, with several river crossings and high mountain passes along the way. We’ll spend overnight at a wild camp in tents.

DAY 5

Today, we’ll drive to the outskirts of the Taiga via Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake). Along the way, we’ll visit a Darkhad family to learn about their unique culture. We’ll spend overnight with a wild camp in tents at a scenic spot.

DAY 6

Today is horse-riding day. With the support of our herder crew, we’ll ride to the heart of the Taiga, the home of the Reindeer people. If you’ve never ridden a horse before, don’t worry – you’ll be in safe hands. We’ll ride through tall grass and hilly terrain, and in the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the tribe. You’ll spend the night in a teepee.

DAY 7

The entire day will be spent in the Taiga with the Reindeer people, immersing yourself in the unforgettable culture of the Tsaatan tribe. Experience their way of life firsthand and even try riding a reindeer. You'll have the chance to capture memorable photos with both the animals and the people.

DAY 8

We’ll head back down to the valley, riding horses along the same route to the camping spot where we stayed two days ago. The drivers will be waiting for us there.

DAY 9

We’ll take the eastern side of the valley toward Khoridol Saridag Mountain. Along the way, we’ll pass through beautiful meadows, flower-filled landscapes, lakes, and springs—each offering stunning photo opportunities. Tonight, we’ll stay in a ger camp in the village of Renchinlkhumbe.

DAY 10

We’ll take a stunning mountain route to Khuvsgul Lake. Along the way, we’ll hike a short distance and be amazed by the panoramic views of the valley and the lake from the mountain top. Stay overnight at ger camp.

DAY 11

The rest day at Khuvsgul Lake, where we’ll hike around the lake. In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner to thank the local drivers and cooks.

DAY 12

We’ll take the return flight to Ulaanbaatar, where we’ll have a farewell dinner together. Overnight stay at Bayangol Hotel.

DAY 13

On your departure day, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home and bid you a fond farewell.

Dates & Prices
DATES
DURATION
TOTAL COST
TOTAL COST INCLUDES THE DEPOSIT
2025.01.20
2025.01.30
10 Days
$2000
Book now
2025.01.20
2025.01.30
10 Days
$2000
Book now
2025.01.20
2025.01.30
10 Days
$2000
Book now
Included
All accommodations
All internal transportation
All food in Mongolia
All kitchen equipment
Tent
All sightseeing cost
All entry permissions
Not Included
Alcoholic drinks
Sleeping bag and mat
“The way of a canoe is the way of the wilderness, and of a freedom almost forgotten.” – Sigurd F. Olson