Horse Riding to the Taiga Tsaatan Nomads and Meeting a Shaman
Tour Description
Living near the northernmost border of Mongolia, the Tsaatan nomadic reindeer herders attract us with their far from city lifestyle and mysterious legends told generations to generations. The word Tsaatan means “ones who herd reindeers’’.
Another highlight of this tours is that you will meet a local shaman and get to know their practices. This area is famous for its shamanic culture and stories. If you wish, get an advise from the shaman.
The minority group reindeer herders are often characterized as “mystical,” “untouched,” and even a “lost tribe.” And not to mention “highly photogenic.” Also, the landscape they roam is so inaccessible that any visitor is automatically upgraded to a horse rider. You have to ride a horse to reach them.
The Tsaatan nomads have maintained their reindeer herding through the taiga for centuries, first in their native Tuva—a Russian republic—and then, when borders were redrawn under Soviet influence in 1944, in the People`s Republic of Mongolia /then named so/. There are only a few hundred still follow the traditional lifestyle, and with search engines opening up the hidden corners of our world, they have become an attraction. They move between 5 and 10 times a year. They are dependent on one another.
We beleive if the reindeers disappear, so too will Tsaatan culture. Reindeers provide them with everything that they need to live on: milk, cheese, meat, and transportation. They also sew their clothes with reindeer hair, reindeer dung fuels their stoves and antlers are used to make tools. They do not use their animals for meat. This makes their group unique among reindeer-herding communities.
This tour cover 5 good horse riding days through Taiga and Darkhad depression and hotel, teepee and tent stays.
As the reindeer populations shrink, only about 40 families continue the tradition today. Their existence is threatened by the dwindling number of their domesticated reindeers. Live, eat and sleep like Tsaatan nomads with us.
Itinerary
Welcome to Ulaanbaatar and city tour
We meet at the airport or train station and transfer to the hotel booked.
After few hours of rest, we will take you on guided walking city tour that will introduce you to the highlights of the city which are the central city square with a grand statue of Genghis Khan and Sukhbaatar statue placed at the center as well. Also, the Museum of National History is located right next to the square, and then choose to visit one of the Choijin Lama or State Oracle Residence-museum or Fine Arts Museum named after Zanabazar.
Towards the end of the day at 6 p.m you will be brought to watch traditional music, throat singing and contortion performance. After the performance a welcome dinner is set for you.
Fly to Murun
In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel transfer to the airport for check in. The flight takes an hour and half. Our staff will meet you at the airport in Murun and drive to Ulaan Uul village. You will have lunch on the way and will reach the camping site in the late afternoon. Have dinner, hike around and rest in tent overnight.
Drive to Tsagaannuur village, the gate to the Taiga
First morning in the countryside will charge you with fresh air. After breakfast we will load our luggages in the car and drive to Tsagaannuur village which is located at the gateway to the Taiga (boreal forest) where the Tsaatan community lives and herds their reindeers. We will have lunch and dinner and stay in a local guest house.
Horse riding to the Taiga Tsaatan nomads
After breakfast meet local horsemen who brought a horse for you and will guide you to the Taiga. Our driver will stay here and wait for us untill we return from the Taiga. We will continue the trip on horseback. We will have lunch boxes and eat on the way. We will reach the Taiga and meet the Tsaatan people. Enjoy dinner with the locals and overnight in Teepee.
Stay with reindeer people
Today we will mingle with the reindeer friends and learn about their lifestyle. You may hike, ride reindeer and participate in their daily chores such as milking reindeers and making meals.
Domesticated reindeer have been the basis of Tsaatan economy. During winter reindeers roam at large the rugged mountains and dense forests. Some are kept through the winter for riding. The main herd is then brought back in spring.
In terms of beliefs, the Tsaatans practice shamanism where ancestors and natural features are held sacred, and serve as a source of strength or insight for individuals identified as shamans in the community.
Horse riding back to Tsagaannuur village
Today is a day to say good bye to our Tsaatan freinds. We will ride horse back to the edge of the Taiga where our driver in his car waiting for us. After reaching the village, say "thank you" to our horse guides and join the car and continue driving to Tsagaannuur village. Once at the guest house enjoy dinner and overnight.
Meet a shaman
Today you will meet the shaman. We will reach the shaman`s place on horseback. We will ask the shaman to do some practices and take us to their mysterious world. If you wish, get an advise from the shaman.
We will ride horse for next 3 days through vast Darkhad valley surrounded by beautiful mountain with plenty of litlle lakes and rivers, but of course there will be grassy land surface good for riding. White felt covered tents (also known as ger or yurts) of local herders and their large herds of horses, sheep and yaks is a glance of a way of life which seemingly has not changed since hundreds of years. In the evening we establish a tented camp alongside the road and spend our first night in the wilderness. Horse riding starts from North end of Darkhad valley and to the all the ways South till Ulaan Uul which is South end of this vast depression. We will visit Nomadic family en route get to know their way of authentic Nomadic life. Vehicle will be accompanied closer in order to carry food and camping.
Drive to Murun city
After breakfast we will drive to Murun city, the capital of Khuvsgul province. We will have lunch on the way and will be transferred to a local hotel for a good rest. Have dinner in local restaurant and take a rest.
Murun is the administrative center of Khuvsgul Aimag (province) in northern Mongolia. Before 1933, Khatgal had been the aimag capital. Having around 36.000 inhabitants, the city at a height of 1280 metres (0,80 mile) in the valley of the Delgermurun River that has its source in Mount Ulaan Taiga, in the extreme Northwest of the province. The Delgermurun river valley has been protected as a natural reserve since 2003.
You may visit local museum that displays a good idea of the local fauna and flora, traditional, Buddhist and shamanist costumes. Have a hike around local market and buy items if you like.
Flight back to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we will be taken to local airport for transfer. In Ulaanbaatar our staff will pick us up and take you to the hotel.
Today is a private day for you. You can enjoy some time in the city and do shopping of Mongolian products.
Departure
Our staff will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport for transfer. Have a safe flight back home.
Customer Reviews
Highlights
- Horse ride through Taiga in the far north where Tsaatan people live
- Enjoy the untouched prestine nature of the Taiga
- Live like a reindeer herder and sleep in Teepee
- Feel the authentice lifestyle of reindeer Tsaatan people and have good talk with them
Tour Dates
2024
2025
Price Per Person
- 2 pax: 2660 USD
- 3-4 pax: 2170 USD
- 5-6 pax: 2045 USD
- 7-8 pax: 1920 USD
- 9-10 pax: 1720 USD
- 11-12 pax: 1665 USD
What’s Included
- Transport 4 WD drive
- Domestic flight tickets
- Meals indicated in the programme
- All indicated accommodations
- English speaking tour guide
- All entrance and sightseeing fees
- Horses and horse guiding
- Drinking water and snack for the trip
- Airport/train station transfers
What's Excluded
- Travel insurance
- Meals not indicated in the programme
- Private items
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuity
Tour Map
