Reindeer herders tours
9-Day Reindeer Adventure
Travel into the northern taiga to meet Tsaatan reindeer herders and experience Lake Khuvsgul.
Overview
Travel from Mongolia's vast central steppes to the remote taiga forests of the north on this unforgettable 9-day adventure. Discover extinct volcanoes, pristine lakes, nomadic culture, and the unique lifestyle of the Tsaatan (Reindeer People), one of the world's last remaining reindeer-herding communities. This journey combines spectacular natural landscapes with authentic cultural experiences, taking you from Ulaanbaatar through Uran Togoo Volcano, Khuvsgul Province, and deep into the taiga. Meet reindeer herders, learn about their traditions, spend a full day with the Tsaatan community, and visit the crystal-clear waters of Lake Khuvsgul before returning to the capital via Erdenet.
Route sketch
Northern Mongolia · Khuvsgul Taiga
A complete day-by-day outline of the journey.
- 1
Day 1
Ulaanbaatar → Uran Togoo Volcano
- 2
Day 2
Uran Togoo → Murun
- 3
Day 3
Murun → Ulaan Uul
- 4
Day 4
Ulaan Uul → Tsaatan (Reindeer People)
- 5
Day 5
Full Day with the Tsaatan Community
- 6
Day 6
Tsaatan → Ulaan Uul
- 7
Day 7
Ulaan Uul → Hatgal (Lake Khuvsgul)
- 8
Day 8
Hatgal → Erdenet
- 9
Day 9
Erdenet → Ulaanbaatar
Photo gallery
Field images
4 photos
Itinerary
Day by day
Exact roads can change with weather and local conditions. Drive times shown here come from the itinerary notes.
01
Ulaanbaatar → Uran Togoo Volcano
Drive: 530 km (8–9 hrs)
Uran Togoo Volcano is a well-preserved extinct volcano known for its impressive crater and panoramic views of the surrounding steppe. Visitors can hike to the rim of the crater and enjoy the unique volcanic landscape, making it a fascinating stop between northern and central Mongolia.
Highlights
Scenic drive through Central Mongolia
Visit Uran Togoo extinct volcano
Hike to the crater rim
Panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
Sunset photography
02
Uran Togoo → Murun
Drive: 260 km (4–5 hrs)
Murun is the capital of Khuvsgul Province and the main gateway to northern Mongolia. The town serves as an important supply and transportation hub for travelers heading to Lake Khövsgöl, the taiga region, and reindeer communities.
Highlights
Scenic drive through northern Mongolia
Explore Murun town
Visit local market and museum (if time permits)
Preparation for the taiga journey
03
Murun → Ulaan Uul
Drive: 220 km (6–9 hrs)
Ulaan-Uul Sum is a remote district in northern Khövsgöl Province, surrounded by vast taiga forests, rivers, and mountain landscapes. It serves as a gateway to the homeland of Mongolia's Tsaatan (Reindeer People) and offers visitors a chance to experience pristine wilderness, traditional nomadic culture, and the unique natural beauty of the northern taiga region.
Highlights
Remote northern landscapes
Traditional nomadic settlements
River valleys and forest scenery
Opportunities to meet local herders
04
Ulaan Uul → Tsaatan (Reindeer People)
Drive: 20-40 km (1–2 hrs) · Ride: 10-25 km (3–6 hrs)
The Tsaatan, also known as the Reindeer People, are one of Mongolia's smallest indigenous communities. Living in the remote taiga forests of northern Khövsgöl Province, they maintain a unique nomadic lifestyle centered around reindeer herding. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about their traditions, culture, and deep connection with nature while experiencing one of Mongolia's most distinctive ways of life....
Highlights
Drive to horse riding starting point
Ride horse to reindeer people’s temporary settlement
Meet reindeer herders
Learn about their unique lifestyle and traditions
Experience reindeer culture firsthand
05
Full Day with the Tsaatan Community
Drive: None
Spend a full day immersed in the daily life of the reindeer herders.
Highlights
Full day cultural immersion
Observe daily reindeer herding activities
Learn about survival skills
Photography and cultural exchange
Explore the taiga environment
06
Tsaatan → Ulaan Uul
Ride: 10-25 km (3–6 hrs) · Drive: 20-40 km (1–2 hrs)
After breakfast, say farewell to your hosts and return to Ulaan Uul.
Highlights
Morning with the reindeer
Scenic taiga landscapes
Final cultural experiences
Relaxing evening in Ulaan Uul
07
Ulaan Uul → Hatgal (Lake Khuvsgul)
Drive: 190 km (5–8 hrs)
Lake Khövsgöl is Mongolia's largest freshwater lake by volume and one of the country's most spectacular natural attractions. Often called the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia," the lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain scenery, and rich biodiversity. It is a popular destination for hiking, boating, and experiencing the pristine beauty of northern Mongolia.
Highlights
Visit Lake Khuvsgul
Lakeside walks and photography
Beautiful mountain scenery
Relax by the lake
08
Hatgal → Erdenet
Drive: 500 km (7–8 hrs)
Erdenet is Mongolia's second-largest city and an important industrial center. Known for one of the world's largest copper mines, the city is surrounded by rolling hills and steppe landscapes. Erdenet serves as a convenient stop between northern and central Mongolia, offering modern amenities and insight into the country's mining industry and urban development.
Highlights
Scenic countryside drive
Explore Erdenet town
Local cultural experiences
Farewell dinner
09
Erdenet → Ulaanbaatar
Drive: 380 km (5–6 hrs)
Return to Ulaanbaatar through the beautiful steppe landscapes of Central Mongolia.
Highlights
Scenic drive back to the capital
Souvenir shopping (if time permits)
Transfer to hotel or airport
What’s included
Hotel/airport pickup or airport transfer in Ulaanbaatar
All ground transportation during the tour (4WD vehicle with driver)
English-speaking tour guide
Ger camps/guesthouse/nomadic family in the countryside
All meals during the countryside tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Entrance fees to national parks and sightseeing areas
Horse riding in Huvsgul
Bottled drinking water during the trip
Fuel and road fees
Not included
International and domestic airfare
Travel insurance
Mongolian visa fee (if required)
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, minibar, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Tips for the guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Additional hotel nights in Ulaanbaatar outside the program
Packing notes
Warm layered clothing (temperature swings are big)
Windproof jacket (very important)
Waterproof boots
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Personal medications
Power bank / spare batteries
Field notes
Roads are rough → expect long, bumpy drives
No paved roads in many areas
Remote regions → limited shops & facilities
Nights can be cold even in summer
Can change quickly: sun, wind, cold in one day
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