Northern Mongolia & Tsaatan Reindeer Experience
OVERVIEW
Northern Mongolia is a land of silence, forests, and living traditions. Far from crowded travel routes, this journey leads into Mongolia’s most pristine and remote regions, where untouched landscapes and ancient nomadic cultures continue to shape everyday life.
The journey begins in Ulaanbaatar before moving north to Lake Khovsgol, often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” Surrounded by alpine mountains and dense taiga forest, the lake is renowned for its crystal-clear water, fresh air, and rich birdlife.
Traveling deeper north, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and remote. The route leads into the East Taiga, home to the Tsaatan reindeer herders, one of the world’s last remaining nomadic reindeer cultures. Leaving vehicles behind, travelers journey on horseback through forested mountains to reach seasonal camps hidden deep within the taiga.
Traditional ger camps, local guesthouses, and nights spent in tepees beneath star-filled skies offer an authentic connection to Mongolia’s northern wilderness. This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking genuine cultural encounters, untouched nature, and meaningful experiences far beyond conventional tourism.
from $4960
COUNTRY OF LOVE
BRIEF INTENERARY
A structured outline of the expedition, highlighting the key destinations and natural transitions throughout the 14 day journey.
- 1Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
- 2Ulaanbaatar City Tour
- 3Flight to Murun – Uushig Deer Stones - Lake Khovsgol
- 4Lake Khovsgol National Park
- 5Lake Khovsgol – Tsagaan Nuur
- 6East Taiga – Tsaatan Reindeer Herders
- 7East Taiga – Tsaatan Reindeer Herders
- 8East Taiga – Tsaatan Reindeer Herders
- 9East Taiga – Tsaatan Reindeer Herders
- 10Return to Tsagaan Nuur
- 11Murun Town
- 12Murun – Hustai National Park
- 13Hustai National Park – Ulaanbaatar
- 14Departure
Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After some rest, enjoy an evening walk through Sukhbaatar Square, the political and cultural heart of the capital, followed by a visit to Zaisan Memorial for panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar and the Tuul River valley. A welcome dinner marks the beginning of your journey in Mongolia.
Accommodation: 4★ Hotel
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day city sightseeing tour introducing Mongolia’s history, spirituality, and modern life. Visit Gandan Monastery, the main center of Mongolian Buddhism, and see the impressive Migjid Janraisig Statue. Continue to the Chinggis Khan Museum for a comprehensive overview of Mongolian history. In the evening, attend a traditional cultural performance featuring music, dance, and throat singing.
Morning flight to Murun. Stop at the Uushig Deer Stone Complex to explore ancient deer stones and khirigsuur burial mounds dating back thousands of years. Continue to Erhel Lake, where you can observe water birds and enjoy the surrounding wetland landscape before arriving at Lake Khovsgol.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Mount Hirvesteg and hike to scenic viewpoints overlooking Lake Khovsgol and the surrounding taiga forests. The afternoon is free for relaxing by the lakeshore, photography, or short walks.
Why visit Lake Khovsgol?
- One of the world’s purest freshwater lakes
- Rich birdlife and alpine-taiga scenery
- Peaceful hiking and lakeside relaxation
- Remote and tranquil atmosphere
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive toward Tsagaan Nuur village. The route crosses rivers, muddy tracks, and rugged terrain, gradually leaving developed areas behind and entering Mongolia’s remote northern frontier.
Accommodation: Local guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Leave vehicles behind and continue the journey on horseback into the East Taiga. Depending on the seasonal location of the Tsaatan camps, the ride may take a full day through forested mountains and river valleys.
Spend three full days living with a Tsaatan reindeer-herding family. Learn about their daily life, traditions, and survival skills. Activities include reindeer riding, milking, herding, collecting firewood, and assisting with household tasks. Evenings are spent sharing stories around the fire and sleeping in traditional tepees beneath a star-filled sky.
Why visit the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders?
- Experience the daily life of one of the world’s last reindeer-herding cultures
- Hands-on participation in traditional nomadic activities
- Horseback travel through untouched taiga wilderness
- Deep cultural immersion over multiple days
Accommodation: Traditional tepees
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Say farewell to your host family and ride on horseback back through the taiga back to Tsagaan Nuur village.
Accommodation: Local guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive back to Murun along classic Mongolian dirt roads. Arrival in the evening with time to rest and enjoy a hot shower.
Accommodation: Local hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, take a morning flight back to Ulaanbaatar and continue by road to Hustai National Park. Explore the rolling steppe, forested hills, and wide valleys of this important conservation area, home to the Przewalski’s horse (Takhi) and other wildlife.
Why visit Hustai National Park?
- See the world’s only true wild horse in its natural habitat
- Learn about successful wildlife conservation efforts
- Experience classic Mongolian steppe landscapes
- Observe diverse wildlife in a protected area
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, visit Zaisan Memorial for final panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Accommodation: 4★ Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Price
Tour Price per Person
2-3 pax: $5560 pp
4-5 pax: $5240 pp
6-8 pax: $4960 pp
Single Supplement: $400
PS: These rates are calculated based on 2026 cost structures. For departures in 2027, prices may be subject to revision due to currency fluctuations (USD/MNT), supplier rate changes, and inflation.
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Price Includes
✔ 3 nights in **** hotels in Ulaanbaatar
✔ 2 nights in local hotels in Tsagaan Nuur village
✔ 3 nights in ger camps
✔ 4 nights in Reindeer herders’ tent (Lavvu)
✔ Drivers & Private Land Cruiser transportation in the countryside
✔ Drivers & city transport in Ulaanbaatar
✔ Horses & Wranglers in Taiga
✔ Domestic flights (UB–Murun/Murun–UB)
✔ English-speaking guide
✔ Chef(s) in Taiga
✔ Unlimited bottled water
✔ Entrance fees to national parks & museums
✔ Meals as per itinerary
Price Excludes
✘ International airfare
✘ Visa fees
✘ Travel & medical insurance
✘ Alcoholic beverages
✘ Personal expenses (laundry, bar bills, phone calls)
✘ Excess baggage charges
✘ Single supplements
✘ Photography & video fees (where applicable)
✘ Optional activities
✘ Tips for guides & drivers
✘ Gifts for nomadic families
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