DURATION:
9 Days
GROUP SIZE:
2-8 pax
The Tsaatan (Dukha) people of the Russian border region of Mongolia’s Khuvsgul Province are the only reindeer-herding culture in the country and one of the few groups of their kind in the world. This tour offers you the chance to witness their unique way of life first-hand, living amongst them and joining in with their daily activities. Because of their remoteness, even the journey to visit the Tsaatan is an adventure, involving a multi-day horse trek through stunning Taiga (boreal) forest. This tour is unlike anything else you’ll experience in Mongolia.
Beginning and ending in Murun, Khuvsgul Province, this tour may be added to other travel plans, or we can add transport to and from Ulaanbaatar.
Cost
Group of 2: USD $2800 per person
Group of 4: USD $1775 per person
Group of 6: USD $1460 per person
Group of 8: USD $1390 per person
Day 1
Murun, Khuvsgul Province
Your driver and English-speaking guide will meet you in the morning in Murun and take you directly to the military office to apply for border passes.*
Meet your cook, who will have purchased food and groceries for the trip, and purchase anything else needed for the next few days of horse trekking and camping.
Once all preparations are made, begin your drive towards Tsagaan Nuur, camping overnight along the way.
*Military-issued border passes are a requirement for entry into this region.
Day 2
Tsagaan Nuur Village
Finish your drive through rolling hills to Tsagaan Nuur village and check into a basic guesthouse there.
Meet with your horse guides and make final preparations for your horseback adventure.
Day 3
Horse Trek
Head off on horseback with your guide, cook, and other horsemen who will lead pack horses carrying your gear.
Journey through lush valleys surrounded by craggy mountain peaks, camping overnight in modern hiking tents.
Day 4
Tsaatan Reindeer Herders
Saddle up once more, travelling ever further into the Taiga to visit a Tsaatan family and stay the night in a ortz (tipi), their traditional homes.
Spend time with the reindeer herders, participating in their evening activities.
Take the opportunity to ride a reindeer!
Day 5
Tsaatan Reindeer Herders
Wake up in a tipi ready for a full day with your Tsaatan host family.
Join in with their daily routines and chores, working with reindeer and other livestock. Deepen in your understanding and appreciation of their unique way of life.
Day 6
Horse Trek in the Taiga
In the morning, bid farewell to your Tsaatan host family and begin your return journey on horseback back towards Tsagaan Nuur, riding through lush Taiga forest–the world’s largest terrestrial ecosystem.
Meander along stunning river valleys, camping in tents once again, this time beside a beautiful stream.
Day 7
Tsagaan Nuur Village
Complete your horse trek back to Tsagaan Nuur and your guesthouse.
Rest and relax in town and around the lakeside. Be sure to spend some time taking in the breathtaking scenery, watching the sun set upon snow-capped mountains as the lake laps the shore.
Khuvsgul Lake
Take a long day's drive out of the mountains and down to the beautiful Khusvgul Lake, known as 'The Blue Pearl of Mongolia’ and one of the largest lakes in the entire country.
Note the changes in the landscape as you travel: from mountain forests to rolling hills.
Camp by the lake and explore the lake edge in the evening.
Day 8
Day 9
Return to Murun
Continue your return drive through the hills back to Murun.
Enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide to complete your tour.
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14