Tsaatan Northern Mongolian tour
Four days on horseback into the taiga to stay with the Tsaatan — around fifty families left, still moving with their reindeer — then Khuvsgul on the way back out.
One of twenty ethnic groups, and the only one with reindeer
There are about 20 ethnic groups in Mongolia, and one of them is the Tsaatan, the reindeer people. In an isolated corner of northern Mongolia, along the border with Russian Siberia, this small group lives in the taiga. Around 50 Tsaatan families live a remote nomadic life, moving from place to place in search of the resources they need. There are minority peoples all across Asia, but the Tsaatan stand out for the animals they keep: not yaks, camels, goats or horses, but reindeer. Their unique and unchanged way of life has attracted international attention in recent years, and this tour is a great opportunity to experience it.
Day by Day
Uran Togoo–Tulga Uul is a protected area in Bulgan province, about 60 kilometres west of the town of Bulgan, around the extinct volcanoes Uran Togoo, Tulga, Togoo and Jalavch. All four names come from things found around the hearth, a nod to their volcanic past. The Uran crater is 500 to 600 metres wide and 50 metres deep, and we hike up to it.
To travel up into the taiga we need a special permit, because it is close to the border between Mongolia and Russia. We get the border permit and stay in a hotel in Murun.
The Darkhad are one of Mongolia's ethnic groups. In the Darkhad depression we meet our horse instructor and experience the Darkhad people's culture and way of life, which is quite different from that of most Mongolians. We spend time with a local family, try their food and traditional costumes, and get ready for the ride to the Tsaatan.
Saddle up for an unforgettable horseback adventure! The aims of the trip are simple: to ride and to have fun. The ride includes guides, all equipment, meals and nights in tent camps along the way.
We ride on to the Tsaatan, the reindeer herders, to experience the real life of a Tsaatan family, their culture and their hospitality.
A day with the Tsaatan family in their camp.
We ride back out of the taiga to the Darkhad depression.
Khuvsgul Lake is 136 kilometres long and 36 kilometres wide, and lies 1,645 metres above sea level. It is the second-largest lake in Mongolia and the deepest, and its crystal-clear water has earned it the name Blue Pearl of Mongolia. Cycling, swimming, walking, horse riding and hiking are the main activities here.
A second day at Khuvsgul Lake for cycling, swimming, walking, horse riding or hiking.
Uushgiin Uvur lies on the sunny south-eastern side of Uushig mountain, 17 kilometres west of Murun. Tombs, rectangular burials and 14 deer stones stand together here, including the most clearly carved deer stone in Mongolia. The stones are lined up from north to south in a single row, and between them they carry 109 deer figures, as well as arches, shields, horses, knives, the sun, the moon and belts hung with mirrors. After visiting the site, we have lunch in Murun and spend time with a nomadic family.
Khugnu Khan nature reserve covers 46,990 hectares in Rashaant soum of Bulgan province, at the point where three provinces meet. Alongside its mountains, the reserve has a remarkable stretch of sand dunes about 80 kilometres long, and the scenery is a striking mix of desert, mountain, river and green grassland. There are two monasteries in the reserve.
After breakfast, we head back to Ulaanbaatar.
