Overview
Once a thriving community, the Tsaachin tribe has dwindled in recent years leaving only 200-400 members left in northern Mongolia. Mingle with friendly nomads as you learn their way of life. Ride through lush meadows & wooded hills and walk through the icy gorges of the Darkhad Depression read more before reaching the magnificent turquoise Lake Khuvsgul, known in Mongolia as ‘Blue Pearl’.
The Tsaachin or Tsaatan’s entire existence is based on their reindeer herds which provide them with milk for producing cheese, antlers for carving and medicinal purposes, transportation and on the odd occasion, meat. Part of the Tuvan ethnic group, this small tribe is truly nomadic, regularly moving in search for a rare type of lichen and grass for their reindeer. The Tsaachin people do not stay in the traditional Mongolian gers we commonly recognise as a symbol on the country, but live in urts, similar to the Native American teepees which were traditionally made from birch bark.
A culture rich in Shamanism, these spiritual healers play an important role to the community providing traditional remedies for injury and illness. Previously a self-sufficient tribe with only their reindeers, the Tsaachin now forage for berries, wild potato and pine nuts in the Autumn as well as occasionally fish or hunt to simply survive. The reindeer are said to have been domesticated several thousands of years ago and play a key role in the spiritual, socio economic and linguistic traditional of the local community.
Your visit to the reindeer herding people plays an important role to help them and their culture survive. Although very few travellers venture into this realm, our tourism initiative provides them with a supplemental income and cultural exchange education for both our travellers and local Tsaachin people. To spend time with these tribes people is truly remarkable and brimming with cultural practices that provide a deep insight into this fascinating way of life.
Travelling on horseback is the best way to reach the remote settlement with a full support crew of guides, cooks and horse tenders there to assist. Sleep in teepees like the locals and after visiting this isolated land, continue through the spectacular scenery of rolling mountains, and lush forests before venturing the turquoise waters of Lake Khuvsgul.
Itinerary
Welcome to Mongolia! Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar the capital city of Mongolia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Stay: Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Khuvsgul province in northern Mongolia (1.5hrs). On arrival at local airport of Murun, the centre of the Khuvsgul, you will meet your driver and drive for an hour before stopping for a picnic lunch. You will cross rivers and passes and take in the scenic view over the mountain ranges. Breathe the fresh mountain air as you explore this spectacular scenery. Here you will be surrounded by stunning towering rocky mountains. The view from our campground is spectacular.
This evening, we will be camping in tents. A shower tent, toilet and kitchen tent are also provided. Stay: Camping in tents (B/L/D)
Today is a long travel day, driving through mostly wilderness. You will officially enter the shamanic region and visit the 13 ovoo shrine where you will stop to participate in offerings. Continue driving through Ulaan Uul town (5.5 hrs) and from there it is another 1.5 hrs to our tented camping site. Stay: Camping in tents (B/L/D)
Today we will continue driving towards East Taiga, and as we drive we will see lots of nomad families and animals such as yaks and horses. First, we will drive to Tsagaan Nuur (approx. 3 hrs) before continuing beyond the town for another 2 hours to East Taiga, where our campsite is located. Stay: Camping in tents
This morning you will meet your local horse specialist guides and trail finders and of course, your horses. After having a brief instruction on riding Mongolian horses, you will get acquainted with your own horse before it is time to set off.
We will then begin riding through the Taiga, the region where part of the Tsaachin communities live. You will be introduced to the amazing but sadly dwindling world of the reindeer-herding people (Tsaachin). Due to the marshy road conditions, we will not use vehicles to reach the area, our entire luggage and food supply will be transported by horses. Horse riding today will likely be approx. 4-5 hours, however it can be up to 8-9 hours, dependant on where the nomadic Tsaachin communities are located at the time, and the riding abilities of the group. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you make your way on horseback to the Tsaachin people.
Upon arrival into the Tsaachin community, you will meet the local families and settle into your Tsaachin teepee, a traditional structure used by Mongolia's reindeer herders. It is similar in appearance to a Native American tipi but adapted for the unique needs of the herding lifestyle in Mongolia's taiga region. Inside the teepee, a cast iron stove – like the ones commonly found in a traditional Mongolian ger – is placed at the centre for warmth and cooking. Stay: local Tsaachin teepee (B/L/D)
Spend the next day staying amongst the Tsaachin people and experience their everyday life. Learn of their unique traditions such as milking reindeer and processing milk products like cheese. Spend time talking with the local people and understanding their local culture and how they have managed to maintain such a traditional way of life for so long.
You will have the opportunity to ride through the Taiga forest where the area is so energetic and mysterious. Explore Bor Khuyag river valley, which is rich in crystals and other minerals. Take in the beauty of the larch forest and wildflower patches. Be inspired and gain power while meditating in untouched wilderness.
You may also have the chance to meet a traditional shaman. Shamanism is a traditional spiritual belief system based on worshipping nature and plays an important part in Tsaachin life. The shaman acts as a healer, providing traditional remedies for ailments to the local people. They also perform many mystical holy rituals and use many different magic charms in their daily life, for hunting, calling, and preventing the rain. In the community you will be staying in, there are 2 shaman, one who is very old, and a younger female shaman. While not guaranteed, we will hope to meet one of the shaman's, talk to them about their lives, and possibly receive a blessing. Stay: local Tsaachin teepee (B/L/D)
This morning is a free morning at the reindeer herder's camp before beginning we ride on horseback back down the mountain. We will ride to Hooloi Lake, where we will bid farewell to your horses as the journey continues by vehicle from this point onward.
We will take the rest of the afternoon to rest and soak in the beauty of this stunning location. Whether you choose to unwind or explore on foot, it's the perfect spot to recharge. Stay: Camping in tents
Today you will discover the Darkhad Depression, also known as Darkhad Valley, a remote, high-altitude valley that was once glaciated, leading to its dramatic landscape.
Walk through an icy gorge and experience the stark beauty of the icy landscape. From here we continue to our campsite. Stay: Camping in tents (B/L/D)
After breakfast at your campsite, travel to the home of a nomadic family who have livestock such as yaks, sheep and goats. You will be their guests for the night, camping near their gers and learning about their daily lives. You can get involved as much as you like – perhaps try your hand at driving sheep, ride a horse or learn how to milk a yak. Share meals and enjoy time alongside the family, observing how they work with their animals and manage daily life in this remote environment. Stay: Camping in tents (B/L/D)
Today, you'll travel through a narrow river valley surrounded by beautiful mountains. The area is remote, with few nomadic families or animals along the 6.5-7-hour drive. We'll arrive at our campsite for our final night of wilderness camping. Stay: Camping in tents
This morning, farewell your cook and crew before you drive to the shore of the blue pearl, Lake Khuvsgul, stopping at Khatgal town enroute. The Lake is sacred and is known as the ‘Mother Lake' to Mongolians and holds 2% of the worlds fresh water. Khuvsgul Lake is surrounded by beautiful high mountains of the Khoridol Saridag and Bayan Mountain Ranges, along the west shore. Even though it is summer, some parts of the lake will be icy. This area is often referred to as Mongolia's most scenic region and you will certainly see why.
This afternoon, dependant on weather conditions, you will take a boat ride on the lake (40min-1hr) for a different perspective from the water of the spectacular surrounds. You will also have some time at leisure where you can enjoy walking along the lake shore or hike through the surrounding mountains to take in the panoramic view over the lake. This evening, build up your appetite for an authentic Mongolian barbeque! This will be prepared in the traditional way with the meat grilled with hot stones which gives it a unique taste. Stay: Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities (B/L/D)
This morning, drive back to Murun town. Transfer to the domestic airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, enjoy a local folk concert as your farewell dinner. Stay: Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar (B/L/D)
This morning is at leisure until it is time to transfer to airport for your onwards departure. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Camp in the wilderness amongst wildflowers
- Travel by horseback into the remote location where the Tsaachin tribe live
- Live with the Tsaachin tribe in their teepees and slip into their daily life
- Witness the spiritual connection the Tsaachin people have with their reindeer
- Walk through an icy gorge in the Darkhad Depression
- Enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Khuvsgal
- Return airport transfers
- 12 nights accommodation
- 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners
- English speaking Guide
- Local Mountain Guide and pack horses
- Domestic flights Ulaanbaatar/Murun/Ulaanbaatar in economy class with 15kg checked in luggage allowance
- Entrance fees and National Park fees and permits to protected areas
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Horses
- Tents when camping
- 2 nights in 4-star hotels in Ulaanbaatar
- 8 nights camping in tents
- 2 nights in local Tsaachin teepees
- 1 night at standard ger camp
Please note that single supplements do not apply to Tsaachin teepees. Tsaachin teepees accommodate 2 people.
Tents are twin share, however if you have purchased a single supplement you will have your own tent. A shower tent, toilet and kitchen tent are also provided.
A tsaachaan teepee is a traditional structure used by Mongolia's reindeer herders. It is similar in appearance to a Native American tipi but adapted for the unique needs of the herding lifestyle in Mongolia's taiga region. Inside the teepee, a cast iron stove—like the ones commonly found in a traditional Mongolian ger—is placed at the centre for warmth and cooking.
Sleeping arrangements are very basic, as there is no mattress. Instead, you'll sleep directly on tree logs bound together with twine. For comfort, it's highly recommended to bring:
- A sleeping bag suitable for the season.
- A self-inflating mattress, yoga mat, or you could also use additional padding like clothes or jackets for extra cushioning.
Standard ger camps offer a semi-nomadic experience with limited electricity, and generally 3-4 beds, around a central stove. Shared bathrooms include flushing toilets and showers, though hot water and Wi-Fi availability may vary. Some gers may have earthen floors.
- International and domestic flights not mentioned above
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc
- Early check-in / Late check-out
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Disruptions to itinerary may occur.
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Reindeer Tribes of Mongolia' Reviews
Dates & Pricing
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