9 Days Horse Trek To Reindeer Tribes In Magical Taiga And Khuvsgul Lake (Blue Pearl Of Mongolia)
About this tour
Journey deep into Northern Mongolia's wilderness on an unforgettable 9-day expedition to the remote Taiga forest and majestic Lake Khuvsgul. Designed for intrepid adventurers and culture seekers, this tour takes you far off the beaten path to meet the Tsaatan—Mongolia's iconic reindeer herders—and local horsemen families, while exploring pristine lakes, extinct volcanic craters, and sacred monasteries.Experience the rare privilege of setting off on a horseback trek through the dense Taiga wilderness, staying in traditional Urts (teepees) and staying alongside authentic horsemen and reindeer-herding families to learn about their unique shamanic heritage. Relax along the shores of Lake Khuvsgul, the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia," hike around ancient volcanic craters, and immerse yourself in the rich spiritual history of Northern Mongolia's grandest monasteries.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Uran Togoo, Mongolia
On the morning of the first day, we will pick you up from your hotel and head toward Northern Mongolia. Because the journey from Ulaanbaatar to Lake Khuvsgul is long, we will make an overnight stop at Uran Togoo, an extinct volcano. You can hike up this volcano, which stands 1,686 meters above sea level. Then stay overnight at a comfortable camp located nearby. Total driving: 520km Meals: L, D Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 2: Uran Togoo, Mongolia to Khatgal, Mongolia
On this day, we will head to Lake Khuvsgul, Mongolia's largest source of fresh water. Stretching 136 km long, 37 km wide, and with an average depth of 138 meters, this vast body of water truly looks like an ocean. You can take a relaxing stroll along the shore of Lake Khuvsgul or go for a swim in its clear waters. We will also take a speedboat trip to Wish Rock (Khusliin Khad), located 12 km from Khatgal village. Mongolians believe that if you whisper your wish to the lake at this sacred rock, your wish will come true. Total driving: 380km Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 3: Khatgal, Mongolia to Darkhad Valley, Mongolia
On this day, we will wake up early and head toward the Darkhad Valley, the legendary homeland and cradle of the Mongol nation. According to the legend of Erkune Kun, which traces the ancestry of Genghis Khan and all Mongolians, world-renowned Mongolists agree that this epic originates right here in the Darkhad Valley. Please be prepared for a long off-road drive ahead. After a full day of traveling across rugged terrain, we will arrive in the evening at Tsagaannuur sum in Khuvsgul province. Here, we will stay overnight with a local horseman family who will guide us into the Taiga to meet the Reindeer people (Tsaatan). Total driving: 250km Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Horsemen family
Day 4: Darkhad Valley, Mongolia to Reindeer, Gurvansaikhan, Mongolia
In the morning, while you enjoy breakfast in the horseman family, they will have the horses prepared for the journey. We will then take a short drive to the starting point of our horse trek, where we will load our luggage onto pack horses before setting off. Because the Tsaatan (Reindeer) people live deep inside the dense Taiga forest and migrate frequently throughout the year, our exact trail involves navigating through the wilderness to locate their current encampment. Please note that the horseback ride typically takes 3 to 4 hours (and can sometimes take longer depending on their location). By evening, after a long and rewarding ride, we will reach the Tsaatan tribe's camp. Since you will likely be tired after the journey, we recommend relaxing and resting after a warm dinner. During the evening, you will get your first look at their reindeer herd, learn about their unique way of life, and spend the night inside a traditional *Urts* (teepee). Total distance: 30-60km Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Urts /Teepee/
Day 5: Reindeer, Gurvansaikhan, Mongolia
The Tsaatan (Reindeer people) share close ethnic origins with Mongolians, yet they are a distinct ethnic minority with their own unique heritage. Up until the 1990s, they remained largely isolated from the outside world. However, with the rise of tourism in Mongolia during the 90s, they began opening their hidden world to travelers. On this day, you will spend the entire day with these extraordinary people, observing their daily way of life up close. There are many unique activities to experience—you can try milking reindeer, sample traditional reindeer dairy products, and taste reindeer jerky (bortso). Additionally, because reindeer shed their antlers every year, the Tsaatan craft exquisite, one-of-a-kind souvenirs from the fallen antlers that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Total distance: -km Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Urts /Teepee/
Day 6
After making a warm farewell to the Tsaatan clan, we will mount our horses and begin our journey back toward the horseman family. Following another 3 to 5-hour horse trek, we will return to our original starting point, where our driver will be waiting for us. We will then drive back to the horseman family's home and spend one more night with them. Riding horses can be quite tiring, so we recommend getting plenty of rest. However, if you feel up to it, you are always welcome to take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful naturE of the Darkhad Valley. Total distance: 30-60km Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Horsemen family
Day 7: Darkhad Valley, Mongolia to Murun, Mongolia
On this day, we will travel toward Murun, the provincial center of Khuvsgul province. After driving hundreds of kilometers off-road over the past few days, everyone will naturally be feeling tired. Staying at a comfortable hotel in town—where you can take a hot shower, rest, and unwind—is the best way to recharge your energy. Total driving: 290km Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Hotel / Tourist camp
Day 8: Amarbayasgalant Monastery, Дархан, Mongolia
The 17th century was one of the most tragic eras in Mongolian history. Divided into the Khalkha, Inner Mongolian, and Oirat groups, Mongolians lost their unity and were engulfed in continuous civil strife. Exhausted by a century of internal conflict, the Mongolian factions gradually fell under the rule of the Manchu Qing Dynasty, remaining under its flag for 220 years. In particular, following the devastating war between the Khalkha and the Oirat, the Khalkha Mongols submitted to the Qing Dynasty in 1691, extinguishing the last remaining flame of Chinggis Khan’s realm. A great empire that once conquered the world was absorbed by a powerful dynasty, lulled by the chants of mantra, and effectively erased from the world map for nearly three centuries. During this period, the Qing Kangxi Emperor, celebrating the submission of Khalkha Mongolia and seeking to further spread Buddhism throughout Mongolia, decreed the construction of a major monastery in honor of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, Mongolia's first Bogd Gegeen and a premier religious and political leader. This monastery is Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Construction spanned two successive reigns after Emperor Kangxi, finally reaching completion in 1736. Amarbayasgalant Monastery is renowned for its architectural masterpiece, seamlessly blending Mongolian and Asian traditional styles. On this day, you will immerse yourself in the traditions and unique atmosphere of Mongolian Buddhism, explore the monastery's grand architectural complex, and spend the night staying with a local nomadic family. Total driving: 500km Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Nomadic Family
Day 9
On the final day, after this unforgettable journey through the heart of Taiga and Northern Mongolia, we will drive back to the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, bringing our adventure to a wonderful close. Total driving: 360km Meals: B, L
What's included
- Travel insurance - Alcoholic beverages
What to know
- Raincoat or Umbrella - Warm Clothes - Bug repellent
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Uran Togoo, Mongolia