14 Days / 13 Nights Nature · Culture · Remote Adventure

Tsaatan Reindeer Expedition

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.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Day 2Ulaanbaatar City Tour
Day 3Flight to Murun → Uushig Deer Stones → Lake Khovsgol
Day 4Full Day at Lake Khovsgol
Day 5Lake Khovsgol → Tsagaan Nuur Village
Day 6–9East Taiga – Tsaatan Reindeer Herders
Day 10Return to Tsagaan Nuur
Day 11Tsagaan Nuur → Murun Town
Day 12Murun → Hustai National Park
Day 13Hustai National Park → Ulaanbaatar
Day 14Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Upon arrival, welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Evening walk through Sukhbaatar Square followed by a visit to Zaisan Memorial for panoramic views. Welcome dinner marks the beginning of your journey.

🏨 4★ Hotel🍽️ Dinner
Day 2
Ulaanbaatar City Tour

Full-day city sightseeing tour. Visit Gandan Monastery, the main center of Mongolian Buddhism. 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.

🏨 4★ Hotel🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Flight to Murun → Uushig Deer Stones → Lake Khovsgol

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 to observe water birds before arriving at Lake Khovsgol.

🏕️ Ger camp🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Full Day at Lake Khovsgol

Drive to Mount Hirvesteg and hike to scenic viewpoints overlooking the lake and surrounding taiga forests. Afternoon free for relaxing by the lakeshore, photography, or short walks. One of the world's purest freshwater lakes.

🏕️ Ger camp🍽️ Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Lake Khovsgol → Tsagaan Nuur Village

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.

🏠 Local guesthouse🍽️ Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 6–9
East Taiga – Tsaatan Reindeer Herders

Leave vehicles behind and continue on horseback into the East Taiga. Spend three full days living with a Tsaatan reindeer-herding family. Activities include reindeer riding, milking, herding, collecting firewood, and sharing stories around the fire beneath a star-filled sky.

⛺ Traditional tepees🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Return to Tsagaan Nuur

Say farewell to your host family and ride on horseback back through the taiga to Tsagaan Nuur village.

🏠 Local guesthouse🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Tsagaan Nuur → Murun Town

Drive back to Murun along classic Mongolian dirt roads. Arrival in the evening with time to rest and enjoy a hot shower.

🏨 Local hotel🍽️ Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Murun → Hustai National Park

Morning flight back to Ulaanbaatar and continue by road to Hustai National Park. Explore the rolling steppe and forested hills, home to the Przewalski's horse (Takhi) and other wildlife.

🏕️ Ger camp🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Hustai National Park → Ulaanbaatar

Morning drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, visit Zaisan Memorial for final panoramic views of the city.

🏨 4★ Hotel🍽️ Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14
Departure

Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight.

🍽️ Breakfast