Visit the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders in Northern Mongolia - Horseback Riding, Lake Khuvsgul & Reindeer families

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 11D10N Beginner-friendly
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
11D10N Beginner-friendly

Highlights

#CoreMemories

Why we love this experience

Nature
95%
Relax
20%
Culture
35%
City
10%

Ride with the Reindeer Herders

Horse ride into the taiga to meet a **Tsaatan family** and experience their traditions, daily life, and connection with their reindeer.

Kayak on Lake Khuvsgul

Paddle across **Lake Khuvsgul**, Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the north.

Saddle up for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Mongolia, starting with the stunning Lake Khuvsgul, the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia, where you’ll get to explore its beautiful surroundings and take to the water by kayak. Continue north through the vast landscapes of the Darkhad Valley before riding on horseback into the remote taiga to spend time with a Tsaatan reindeer-herding family. Get a closer look at their unique way of life, learn about their traditions, and experience what it’s like to live alongside one of Mongolia’s most fascinating nomadic communities. This is more than just a trip to see reindeer, it’s a journey into a completely different way of life.

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What's included

food

Day 1: Dinner Day 2-10: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 11: Not includedDay 1: Dinner Day 2-10: Breakfast, Lunch, D..

transport

Private transfer to and from Ulaanbaatar airport. Private vehicle throughout the tripPrivate transfer to and from Ulaanbaatar ai..

lodging

Accommodation throughout the trip, including stays in local accommodation and basic camp..Accommodation throughout the trip, includin..

instructor

English-speaking guide throughout the tripEnglish-speaking guide throughout the trip

activity

Horseback riding through the Taiga, kayaking and a Sukhbaatar boat ride on Lake Khövsgöl..Horseback riding through the Taiga, kayakin..

group leader services

Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers just like you. They share the experience aut..Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers..

flight

Flights not included. By joining you will receive our recommended routes.Flights not included. By joining you will r..

More details

Itinerary

Where you'll stay

Selected stays based on location, comfort, and how they support the trip experience.

Tourist Ger Camp

Tourist Ger Camp

Stay in a traditional Mongolian ger surrounded by beautiful countryside landscapes, offering a more immersive taste of life beyond the city.

Apartment at the heart of Ulaanbaatar

Apartment at the heart of Ulaanbaatar

Start and end your adventure in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, staying in a cozy apartment where you can relax and recharge before and after your journey.Apartment at the heart of Ulaanbaatar

Additional Information

Other requirements

Participants should be comfortable travelling in remote areas with limited facilities and spending time in basic accommodation. A positive attitude, flexibility, and a sense of adventure are essential for this experience.

About the weather

Expect varying weather conditions throughout the trip, especially in northern Mongolia and the taiga. Days can be mild to warm, while mornings and evenings may be cold. Weather conditions can also change quickly, so participants should come prepared with suitable layers and outdoor clothing.

How does accommodation & rooming work?

By default, solo travelers are matched with same-gender roommates. If you're traveling with friends, you can choose to room together. Private rooms are sometimes available at an additional fee at checkout.

Trip confirmation & minimum participants

Most trips require a minimum of 4 and cap at 20 participants. Booking early helps the trip reach confirmation faster — and you'll enjoy our early bird discount.

Is flight included?

Flights are not included, giving you flexibility to book your own. We recommend booking after your trip is confirmed. Once you've booked, we'll send you a detailed trip pamphlet with recommended flight options and more details about your trip.

Cancellation & refund policy

Cancel before the deadline shown at checkout and receive a full refund in credits. If we cancel the trip due to insufficient participants, you'll receive a full cash refund.

Physical level

This is an adventurous trip that requires a good level of fitness. Expect long overland journeys, outdoor activities, and multiple days of horseback riding through remote terrain. Previous horseback riding experience is not required, but participants should be comfortable with physical activities and prepared for basic conditions in remote areas.

What to Expect from Your Reindeer Land Journey

The adventure begins with several long days on the road as we travel from Ulaanbaatar toward Bulgan, Uran Togoo, and Lake Khövsgöl. Some journeys will take many hours, and road conditions can vary. Depending on weather and local conditions, parts of the route may be slow. Be prepared to spend plenty of time in the vehicle, bring your headphones, snacks, water bottle, and a good travel playlist.

Sotravel Signature

Mongolia rewards good judgement.

Design your own custom Mongolia

The map is vast, roads are variable and the best moments rarely happen on command. We design with that reality—not against it. That means sensible drive days, trusted locals, the right accommodations and enough time at each location to feel its magic.

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Why choose to travel with us?

Guides & leaders you can trust

Our guides and leaders are carefully selected and trained to deliver a safe and unforgettable Sotravel adventure.

Can't do alone adventures

We put together adventures that are best experienced with a group of like-minded individuals.

Just show up and enjoy yourself

Our team has done the heavy lifting on our end so all you have to do is show up for your adventure!

Have questions?

Contact us on Telegram to chat with us! If you are looking for an instant reply, try searching for a quick answer here.

From SGD 3,539/ pax

Day 1

Welcome to Mongolia!

Arrive at Chinggis Khaan Airport, where your private transfer awaits to take you to the apartment in the heart of Ulaanbaatar.
Enjoy free time to explore Ulaanbaatar’s vibrant mix of modernity and tradition.
In the evening, join a welcome dinner with the group and get to know your fellow travellers and guide

Accommodation: Apartment

Meals included: Dinner

Image for Get your first glimpse of Ulaanbaatar as you arrive in Mongolia’s vibrant capital

Get your first glimpse of Ulaanbaatar as you arrive in Mongolia’s vibrant capital

Day 2

Journey to Bulgan Town

Leave Ulaanbaatar and begin your journey towards northern Mongolia.
Travel through changing landscapes as you gradually leave the capital behind.
Stop in Bulgan Town, a peaceful provincial town surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and open landscapes.
Take a glimpse into everyday Mongolian life away from the busy streets of the capital.
Rest in Bulgan before continuing north towards Uran Togoo and Lake Khövsgöl.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tourist Ger Camp

Tourist Ger Camp

Image for Take in the peaceful countryside views as you make your way through Bulgan and deeper into northern Mongolia

Take in the peaceful countryside views as you make your way through Bulgan and deeper into northern Mongolia

Day 3

From Uran Togoo to Lake Khövsgöl

Continue north towards Lake Khövsgöl, stopping at Uran Togoo Volcano along the way.
Depending on weather and trail conditions, explore the volcanic landscape and walk around its remarkable crater.
Continue to Lake Khövsgöl and enjoy the surrounding mountains and forests.
Enjoy activities on the lake, including kayaking and a ride on the Sukhbaatar boat.
In the evening, gather around the campfire, enjoy stargazing, and prepare for the next stage of your journey into the Taiga.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Explore the well-preserved crater of Uran Togoo Volcano, surrounded by peaceful forests and northern Mongolia's landscapes

Explore the well-preserved crater of Uran Togoo Volcano, surrounded by peaceful forests and northern Mongolia's landscapes

Image for Paddle across Lake Khuvsgul and enjoy the peaceful scenery of northern Mongolia

Paddle across Lake Khuvsgul and enjoy the peaceful scenery of northern Mongolia

Image for Hop aboard the Sukhbaatar boat and enjoy a different view of the beautiful Lake Khövsgöl

Hop aboard the Sukhbaatar boat and enjoy a different view of the beautiful Lake Khövsgöl

Day 4

Leaving the Roads Behind

Leave Lake Khövsgöl and travel deeper into the remote Taiga region.
Experience increasingly rugged terrain as you move farther away from modern conveniences.
Meet the local horsemen who will accompany you into the Taiga and make your final preparations and check your equipment before the horseback journey.
Continue towards Darkhad Khotgor, the gateway to your journey into the Taiga.
Rest near the starting point and prepare to leave the vehicles behind the following day.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Kayaking: Paddle across Lake Khuvsgul

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Leave the roads behind and soak in the wild, wide-open landscapes as you make your way towards the Taiga

Leave the roads behind and soak in the wild, wide-open landscapes as you make your way towards the Taiga

Day 5

The Journey to the Reindeer Family

Leave the vehicles behind and begin your horseback journey towards the reindeer herding community.
Expect challenging terrain, with some sections requiring you to walk beside your horse. Work together as a team while navigating the remote trails.
By evening, reach the reindeer herding community deep in the Taiga.
Meet the families, see their reindeer, and begin learning about their traditional way of life and spend the night in Reindeer Land.

Accommodation: Tourist camp

Horseback Riding: Ride through the taiga to the reindeer family

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Begin your journey on horseback through the forests and remote landscapes of northern Mongolia

Begin your journey on horseback through the forests and remote landscapes of northern Mongolia

Image for Arrive at the Tsaatan family's camp and get your first glimpse into their life alongside the reindeer

Arrive at the Tsaatan family's camp and get your first glimpse into their life alongside the reindeer

Day 6

A Day with the Reindeer Family

Spend a full day with the Tsaatan reindeer-herding family and get a closer look at their daily life in the remote taiga.
Learn more about their traditions, way of life, and the special relationship they share with their reindeer.
Take your time to experience the peaceful surroundings, interact with the family, and enjoy a slower day immersed in this unique way of life.
In the evening, gather around the campfire, share stories, and enjoy stargazing far from the city.

Accommodation: Traditional Yurt

Tsaatan Family: Experience daily life with the reindeer-herding family

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Spend time with the Tsaatan family and learn more about their unique way of life alongside their reindeer

Spend time with the Tsaatan family and learn more about their unique way of life alongside their reindeer

Image for Experience life in the taiga, where reindeer remain an important part of the Tsaatan family's daily life

Experience life in the taiga, where reindeer remain an important part of the Tsaatan family's daily life

Day 7

Farewell to Reindeer Land

Enjoy your final breakfast and morning with the family.
Say goodbye to the Tsaatan family and begin your journey back through the taiga on horseback.
Ride through the remote landscapes of northern Mongolia as you make your way back towards the Darkhad Valley.
Arrive back in the valley and settle in for the night after your unforgettable time with the reindeer-herding family.

Accommodation: Tourist camp

Horseback Riding: Ride back through the taiga to Darkhad Valley

Image for Ride through the vast landscapes of the Darkhad Valley, surrounded by Mongolia's remote northern scenery

Ride through the vast landscapes of the Darkhad Valley, surrounded by Mongolia's remote northern scenery

Day 8

From Darkhad Valley to Murun

Leave the remote landscapes of the Darkhad Valley and begin your journey towards Murun.
Travel through northern Mongolia's vast open landscapes as you make your way back towards the city.
Arrive in Murun and walk around Murun, explore local shops, and browse for souvenirs.
Settle in for the night after several days exploring the remote taiga and spending time with the Tsaatan reindeer-herding family.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Image for Leave the remote Darkhad Valley behind and journey through the vast landscapes of northern Mongolia towards Murun

Leave the remote Darkhad Valley behind and journey through the vast landscapes of northern Mongolia towards Murun

Image for Welcome back to civilization! Explore Murun, stretch your legs, and take a peek at everyday life in northern Mongolia

Welcome back to civilization! Explore Murun, stretch your legs, and take a peek at everyday life in northern Mongolia

Day 9

Journey to the Monastery

Leave Murun and continue your journey through the changing landscapes of northern Mongolia.
Make your way towards the Amarbayasgalant, where you'll spend the night surrounded by a more peaceful and cultural setting.
Learn about the monastery and enjoy some hiking through the peaceful surrounding landscape.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Image for Discover the beautiful Amarbayasgalant Monastery and take a stroll through its peaceful surroundings

Discover the beautiful Amarbayasgalant Monastery and take a stroll through its peaceful surroundings

Day 10

Back to Ulaanbaatar

Leave the monastery and begin your journey back towards Ulaanbaatar.
Enjoy the changing landscapes along the way as you leave Mongolia's northern countryside behind.
Arrive back in the city and spend the rest of the day at your own pace after your adventure through the Darkhad Valley, Lake Khuvsgul, and the remote taiga.
End the day with a farewell dinner and party time!

Accommodation: Apartment

Image for Return to Ulaanbaatar and take in the city views after your adventure through Mongolia's remote landscapes

Return to Ulaanbaatar and take in the city views after your adventure through Mongolia's remote landscapes

Day 11

One Last Look at Ulaanbaatar

Enjoy your final morning in Ulaanbaatar and take some time to soak in the city's atmosphere before your journey home.
Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time to explore, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or simply relax before heading to the airport.
Say goodbye to Mongolia as your reindeer family adventure comes to an end.

Accommodation: None

Image for Saying goodbye with unforgettable memories

Saying goodbye with unforgettable memories

Please note

The itinerary is subject to change in order to provide an adventure that best suits your needs, weather and operating conditions. For safety reasons, we reserve the right to interrupt your participation at any time if your medical condition is deemed unfit or you are deemed a danger to yourself or those around you.

What's included

food

Day 1: Dinner Day 2-10: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 11: Not included

transport

Private transfer to and from Ulaanbaatar airport. Private vehicle throughout the trip

lodging

Accommodation throughout the trip, including stays in local accommodation and basic camps during the journey to the reindeer herder community.

instructor

English-speaking guide throughout the trip

activity

Horseback riding through the Taiga, kayaking and a Sukhbaatar boat ride on Lake Khövsgöl, exploring Uran Togoo Volcano, meeting and riding reindeer with Tsaatan herder families, and experiencing remote landscapes, campfires, stargazing, and local culture along the way.

group leader services

Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers just like you. They share the experience authentically, keep the trip running smoothly, and help you make the most of every moment.

flight

Flights not included. By joining you will receive our recommended routes.

Insurance

Please make sure your travel insurance covers this activity.

miscellaneous

Depending on the activity and location, locals may sometimes ask you to pay fees such as tourist taxes or park fees.

All photos

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Visit the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders in Northern Mongolia - Horseback Riding, Lake Khuvsgul & Reindeer families photo 20