Mongolia's Reindeer People: Horse Trekking & Camping in the Taiga - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to Mongolia! Upon arrival in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, you'll be bet at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore. You'll go on a guided city tour tomorrow, but in the meantime, you could head out to see a few sights this afternoon if you're up to it. Consider stopping into the National Museum of Mongolia for an overview of the country's history and culture, or wander around the colorful temples in the Choijin Lama Temple Museum complex. Then have dinner in a local restaurant before getting some rest.

Day 2: Ulaanbaatar City Tour & Genghis Khan Statue 

Meet your guide this morning for a fascinating tour of the Mongolian capital. You'll visit some of Ulaanbaatar's most important sites, including the Gandan Monastery (home to the towering gilded statue of Megjid Janraisag), the National Museum of Mongolia, and the city's central Genghis Khan Square.

After a lunch of modern Mongolian cuisine at a local restaurant, make your way east out of the city to marvel at the world-famous Genghis Khaan Statue Complex. Here you will learn about the history of the Mongolian Empire and see the world's largest equestrian statue. You can even ride the elevator up to the horse's head to take in breathtaking views over the plains, before returning to Ulaanbaatar for the evening.

Day 3: Fly to Mörön, Drive Towards Tsagaannuur & Base Camp

The next phase of your adventure kicks off today, as you enjoy a hearty breakfast and meet your driver for a transfer to the airport. A quick flight takes you to Mörön, the center of Huvsgul Province in northern Mongolia. After a visit to the town's bazaar for some last-minute shopping, you'll hit the road for a scenic eight-hour drive towards Tsangaannuur. The route takes you across rivers, up steep mountain passes, and through countless green meadows to finally arrive at a small, family-run camp where you'll get settled in and enjoy dinner.

Day 4: Drive to Tsagaannuur, Horse Trekking to Tsaatan Camp

After an early breakfast, your driver will take you to the village of Tsagaannuur, where you'll stop at a remote border outpost before continuing to meet the horses. After a memorable picnic lunch, it's time to saddle up and set out into the forest towards the Tsaatan's summer camp. After a long day of riding (including lots of river crossings and endless beautiful scenery), you'll arrive in the eastern Taiga and set up camp for the night near the local Tsaatan's huts. 

Days 5-6: Live with the Tsaatan "Reindeer People"

Spend the next two days living with the Tsaatan people, learning about their spiritual Shamanism, rich culture, everyday life, and important traditions such as milking reindeer and processing skins. Surrounded by vast, unspoiled nature, there will be endless opportunities for photography as you capture memories of this vanishing culture and your warm and gracious hosts. Hearty meals are prepared by your camp cook, and you'll sleep well under the clear night skies of this remote paradise. 

Day 7: Horse Trekking & Drive to Base Camp

Say your goodbyes to the Tsaatan people today, as you mount up again and head south through the beautiful Taiga forests. After about six hours of riding, you'll reach the waiting Jeeps, where you'll bid your horses farewell and get back on the road to base camp. After a three-hour drive, you'll arrive at camp as evening falls and dinner awaits. 

Day 8: Drive to Lake Khuvsgul

Get back on the road this morning for another eight-hour drive towards Lake Khuvsgul. Nicknamed the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia," this beautiful freshwater lake juts into the Siberian forests of northern Asia. Arrive at the lake as evening falls and check into a tourist camp near the village of Hatgal, where hot showers and a hearty dinner await.   

Day 9: Leisure Day on Lake Khuvsgul

Today is free for you to spend at your leisure, enjoying your lakeside surroundings with optional walks, boat expeditions, or another visit to the local Tsaatan people and their reindeer herds. 

Day 10: Return to Ulaanbaatar, Afternoon Tour & Folklore Show 

Rise early today for the drive back to Mörön and your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival in the capital, you'll get settled into your hotel and then head back out for a half-day sightseeing tour. Highlights include a visit to the fabled Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, where Mongolia’s eighth Living Buddha lived for two decades. You can also take an optional shopping trip to browse local cashmere and souvenirs. As evening falls, enjoy a folklore concert by the magnificent Tumen Ekh ensemble, featuring khoomei (Mongolian throat singing) and contortion performances followed by a farewell dinner.

Day 11: Depart Ulaanbaatar

Your Mongolian adventure draws to a close today as your driver transfers you to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Mongolia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mongolia? Check out these other Mongolia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

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