Horse riding to Tsaatan people in Taiga
Starting from 2360$
14 days
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Horseback ride through the Khoridol Saridag massifs in Khuvsgul region
- Explore Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake, Khuvsgul Lake, and the Darkhad depression
- Immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the Tsaatan people, reindeer herders
- Meet with a local Shaman
- Experience the extraordinary Taiga, boreal forests of Siberian tundra
- Camp under a star-filled sky and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature
- Visit museums and cultural sites in Ulaanbaatar
Tour date :
1 May to 1 October 2025
Difficulty :
Comfort :
Tour description :
A challenging yet rewarding 9-day horseback ride through the breathtaking terrain of northern Mongolia, tailored for experienced riders. This journey will transport you across the serene Khuvsgul Lake, the majestic Khoridol Saridag mountains, the Darkhad Depression, renowned for its countless lakes, expansive steppes, lofty plateaus, and vast taiga-boreal forests, all while witnessing the diverse wildlife that inhabits this region. Often referred to as the “Switzerland of Mongolia,” this destination captivates visitors with its pristine scenery and rich history.
A highlight of the tour is the unforgettable encounter with the Tsaatsan people, nomadic herders of reindeer who possess a unique and rich culture. These resilient nomads depend on their animals for transportation and milk, providing a glimpse into their traditional way of life. This journey promises not only physical adventure but also meaningful cultural immersion, allowing you to engage with the beauty and heritage of northern Mongolia.
Arrival in UB and city tour
Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, our local staffs (drivers and guide) will pick you up at the international airport of Chinggis khan. You will be transferred to a centrally located three-star hotel.
At noon, you will be escorted for a guided city tour that highlights the city’s most notable attractions, impressive National History Museum, Sukhbaatar Square and the Parliament building.
As the evening approaches, at 6:00 PM, experience a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh ensemble, featuring folk dances, contortion, and khoomii, the unique throat singing, followed by a welcome dinner.
:
100 km
:
Dinner
:
*** Hotel
Flight to Moron: The Northern Mongolia
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Moron City, with departures scheduled for either early this morning or in the afternoon. After a 1.5-hour domestic flight, your support team of drivers, cooks, and guides will be there to greet you.
We will first visit a local market to gather supplies for our journey before heading to Khuvsgul Lake, renowned for its stunning crystal-clear waters. As the largest and deepest freshwater lake in Mongolia, Khuvsgul holds about 1% of the world’s freshwater reserves and is estimated to be over 2 million years old—a true natural wonder.
We will arrive at a charming tourist ger camp situated on the lake’s shore, where you can enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.
:
2h
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tourist ger camp
Start of the exciting riding adventure!
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our day by meeting our friendly horsemen and their horses. Our vehicle will take a different route over the next three days due to the rough, swampy terrain, so we’ll carefully load the horses with the essential supplies we prepared the day before.
Today, we’ll settle into the rhythm of horseback riding and bond with our sturdy Mongolian horses as we journey along the beautiful shores of Khuvsgul Lake. Along the way, we’ll stop for a delightful lunch nestled between the lake and the forest. Later in the afternoon, we’ll choose the best spot with our guides to set up camp for the night near Khar-Us Spring, where we can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
:
40 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Jigleg Pass: Along the Ridge of the Khoridol Saridag Mountains
Today, we will leave the lake region. In the morning, we will venture into a marshy landscape, primarily moving at a walk and trot. Afterwards, we’ll continue our ride through the mountains, showcasing vibrant forests along the ridgeline of the Khoridol Saridag Mountains. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the taiga zone. If luck is on our side, we might encounter some wildlife in these elevated areas.
Ultimately, we will arrive at Jigleg Pass by late afternoon, where we will establish our camp for the night. The Darkhad Valley commences from Jigleg Mountain.
:
40 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Jigleg to Arsai river basin
Today, we’ll have a relatively easy day as we ride through forests and expansive plains, where we will seize the opportunity to canter and trot in a picturesque setting. Afterward, we will descend along the banks of the Arsai River and make our way into the Darkhad Valley. When we arrive at our campsite, you can immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of nature and savor a delightful meal prepared by our skilled cooks.
40 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Ride to Renchinlkhumbe village
We’ll start the day with a peaceful walk through the forest, where sunlight filters through the trees. Then, we’ll follow the beautiful Arsai River, the longest in the Darkhad Valley, and take in the mesmerizing views all around us. The Darkhad Valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to various ethnic nomadic families, with the indigenous Darkhad people forming the heart of this community.
In the evening, we’ll meet our drivers in the charming village of Renchinlkhumbe, which is a right spot to resupply. Upon arrival, we’ll settle into a cozy Ger camp, where we can relax and recharge before our adventure into the Taiga begins.
:
35 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tourist ger camp
Ride to the edge of Taiga, Tsagaannuur
Today, we will gallop across the vast steppe of Renchinlkhumbe, heading into the Darkhad Depression, a magnificent water basin home to over 900 rivers and lakes, both large and small. This journey promises breathtaking landscapes, where expansive steppes give way to tranquil waters.
Our adventure continues toward Tsagaan Nuur Lake and then to the Khogorgo River, where we will meet a Darkhad nomadic family. We will spend the night with them, enjoying their hospitality and gaining a deeper understanding of their rich culture and simple lifestyle.
:
40 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Traditional ger
Ride through Boreal forests
We’re beginning the last four days of our round trip on horseback, which includes one leisure day, to meet the Tsaatan people. Once again, we’re riding without our vehicle. Today, we travel through the taiga, a transition zone between the boreal forest and tundra, filled with low conifer trees, birch trees, and shrubs. It will take us two full days of riding to reach the reindeer herders’ summer camp, and along the way, we’ll face swamps, flies, and mosquitoes—an integral part of the taiga adventure.
After a long day of riding, we set up our camp by Moorog Mountain, next to a rushing mountain stream. We’re tired but happy, enjoying a warm fire and resting under a sky full of stars.
:
40 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
In the land of reindeer
We head north through the rugged mountains to reach the Tsaatans’ summer camp in the Eastern Taiga, home to about 20 families, or around 100 individuals. Living in teepees, they rely on traditional reindeer herding for transportation and consume their milk, meat, and hides to make clothing and cover their homes. The Tsaatans are deeply rooted in shamanism, seeking guidance and healing from shamans who communicate with spirits, ancestors, and natural elements through rituals and calls to the Ongods.
As afternoon arrives, the first teepees come into view on the horizon. Our encounter with this ancient culture begins with a warm cup of reindeer milk tea shared in a cozy teepee.
:
35 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tipi
Leisure day
Today offers a chance to relax and immerse yourself in Tsaatan culture. Visit the teepees to learn about their rich traditions, savor their delicious traditional bread, or embark on a ride or hike to the nearby waterfall, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. In the evening, we may have the opportunity, if we are lucky, to witness rituals and explore the world of shamanism in the heart of the Taiga.
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tipi
Return ride toward Tsagaannuur
Our wonderful riding adventure in northern Mongolia comes to an end, and it’s time to say goodbye to our dear Tsaatan friends as we prepare for our return ride. We head back to Tsagaannuur, retracing our path through the beautiful woods and marshes.
As the day comes to an end, we reach the edge of the taiga. It’s a bittersweet moment as we say farewell to our skilled horse guides, who have helped us fulfill our dreams over the past nine days. We express our heartfelt thanks and cherish the memories we’ve made together.
After this farewell, we meet our drivers and travel to the village, where we can enjoy a well-deserved rest at a local motel.
:
50 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Local motel
Drive to Ulaan Uul: A Scenic Stop at Ar Bosgot Canyon
As we head to Ulaan Uul town, we’ll take a scenic detour to see the beautiful Ar Bosgot Canyon. This amazing spot features steep gorges with a sparkling river flowing through, reflecting the high rock cliffs around it. Located in the Khoridol Saridag mountain range, it’s a must-see on our way.
If the river levels are good, we can hike along the canyon for a few hours and enjoy the stunning scenery. We plan to spend 1 to 2 hours here, taking in the beauty of nature and snapping some great photos.
:
210 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Back to Moron
We will continue our journey to Moron, the provincial capital, traveling 165 km. Along the way, we will stop at several picturesque spots, including 13 ovoos—stone and wooden cairns that serve as residences for natural spirits, often found at mountain passes.
Before reaching our destination, we’ll take a brief detour to Uushigiin Uvur, an archaeological site of great significance that features the tallest deer stone in Mongolia, crafted by nomadic civilizations from the Bronze to the Iron Age. This remarkable complex includes approximately 30 deer stones, along with cairns and ritual structures, making it one of the largest collections of deer stones in the Euro-Asian region.
Upon our arrival in Moron, we will check in at a local hotel and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.
:
165 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Local hotel
Return flight to Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to Moron Airport, where we will board our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Once you arrive, check in at your hotel. You will have free time for the rest of the day. In the evening, we will come together for a farewell dinner.
:
2h
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
*** Hotel
Departure: See you next time 🙂
Transfer to International Airport for your journey back home. You can choose your return transfer time based on your flight.
:
Breakfast
Price per person:
Tourists |
2 |
3-4 |
5-6 |
7-8 |
9-10 |
11-15 |
Price p.p |
4450$ |
4090$ |
3760$ |
3600$ |
3360$ |
Dates:
Tour dates |
Available places |
Status |
1 May to 1 October 2025 |
10 |
OPEN |
The tour includes:
The tour excludes:
