The program is confirmed and operated from 2 travelers.
Explore northern Mongolia with the Tsaatan reindeer herders. Ride reindeer and horses, visit shamans, enjoy Lake Khuvsgul and wild taiga landscapes on this unique 12-day adventure.
Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport. We will go to the hotel, where we can rest after the journey. Later, an exciting introduction to Ulaanbaatar awaits us.
We will have lunch, exchange money at a currency exchange for personal use, and go for a walk. We will visit Sükhbaatar Square and the main center of Buddhist religion in Mongolia — the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. We will immerse ourselves in history at the Genghis Khan Museum and afterward have dinner.
Overnight in hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport and fly to Murun, the administrative center of Khuvsgul Province. In Murun, a car will be waiting for us to travel about 200 km to the home of our guide. Here we will stay overnight, immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of northern Mongolia.
Overnight in yurt.
Today we travel by car and discover the picturesque places of this region.
We will visit the Ar Bosgot Canyon — one of the most beautiful natural corners of Mongolia.
We will enjoy the mountain landscapes, see unusually shaped rocks, and listen to the deep silence of the taiga. The open space and special atmosphere create ideal conditions for walks, observing animals, and photography.
Overnight in yurt.
From this day, we will continue our journey on horseback. We head to the Western Taiga — to the settlements of the Caatan reindeer herders. In the northwestern part of Khuvsgul Province lies the majestic Darkhadyn Valley. This is a large watershed, with 248 small and large rivers, 377 lakes, and 24 mineral springs.
The valley is surrounded by sharp, rocky mountains and amazes with its pristine beauty. In recent years, this region has attracted thousands of foreign and local travelers.
Overnight in tent.
After breakfast, we continue our journey. In the remote northern part of Mongolia, in the taiga, are the last settlements of reindeer herders — the Caatans. In search of the best pastures for their reindeer, they live far from civilization, constantly changing their camps.
We will reach them after noon. We will have lunch and get to know the life and everyday routines of the Caatans up close. In this taiga, only 44 families remain, preserving their traditional way of life. The life of the Caatans fully depends on reindeer: they make tea from reindeer milk, use reindeer in everyday life, as pack animals, and as a means of transportation.
Overnight in chum.
For the next few days, we will continue our journey on reindeer. We will explore the beautiful taiga, home of the Caatans, feeling its rhythm and silence. In the evening, an interesting conversation with a Caatan about the rules of behavior in the taiga, local customs, and shamanic beliefs, based on a special, respectful attitude toward nature, awaits us.
Overnight in tent.
People weighing up to 80 kg can ride reindeer; those over 80 kg will ride horses.
Continuing our journey on reindeer and horses, we will reach a lake where we will stay overnight. An evening by the campfire on the lakeshore will become one of the most memorable moments of the expedition.
Overnight in tent.
The day will offer amazing views from a high mountain ridge. At the highest point of the ridge, an excellent place awaits us to contemplate nature and realize the full scale of its greatness.
Overnight in tent.
After breakfast, we set off again to the Caatan settlement. Here we will have the opportunity to visit a taiga shaman and share concerns of body and soul.
Shamans are considered intermediaries between the world of humans and the world of spirits. To communicate with spirits, the shaman enters a special altered state of consciousness — trance — using rhythmic music, singing, and his drum, which is considered his “horse” for traveling between worlds.
Overnight in chum.
After breakfast, we return to our guide’s home. In the evening, a tasting of traditional Mongolian dishes and a calm evening in a warm, homely atmosphere await us.
Overnight in yurt.
Today we drive to the town of Khatgal, on the shores of Lake Khuvsgul. Here we will go on a boat trip on the lake, known for its purity and grandeur.
Overnight stay at a yurt camp.
We fly from Murun to Ulaanbaatar. We check in at the hotel, leave our luggage, and have lunch. Then we will visit a branded Mongolian cashmere textile store, attend a concert of national art, and go to a farewell dinner.
Overnight in hotel.
We depart for the airport and fly home. End of the journey.
*Minor changes to the route are possible due to weather conditions or changes in regional flights.
