HORSE RIDE TO TSAATAN & TREK TO KHUVSGUL LAKE

Itinerary

• Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Guided City Tour

  Arrive in Ulaanbaatar (UB), Mongolia’s capital, and transfer to a centrally located 4-star hotel. In the afternoon, explore the city's highlights: the Gandan Monastery, Sukhbaatar Square with its grand Genghis Khan statue, and the Zaisan Memorial, offering panoramic views of the city. You can also visit one or two museums, such as the National Museum, the Dinosaur Museum, the Choijin Lama Museum, or the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan. In the evening, enjoy a traditional folk show featuring throat singing, music, and contortion performances, followed by a welcome dinner. (Dinner, hotel)

• Flight to Northern Mongolia, Travel to Darkhad Depression

  Take a morning flight (1.5 hours) to Murun, the gateway to Khuvsgul, Mongolia’s deepest lake, holding 1% of the world’s freshwater reserves. Upon arrival, drive to the Darkhad Depression, a land of forests, prairies, and hundreds of lakes. The journey crosses lush valleys and wetlands on rough dirt roads, passing traditional herders’ gers and large herds of livestock. Set up camp and spend the first night in the wilderness. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / tent)

• Travel to the edge of Taiga

  Drive for half a day to Tsagaan Nuur, a remote town at the northern edge of the Darkhad Depression. This is the gateway to the taiga, where the Tsaatan community lives. Finalize arrangements with local guides who will provide riding and pack horses. Stock up on supplies, if necessary, before setting up camp at the taiga’s edge. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / tent)

• Horse Trek into the Taiga

  After breakfast, load supplies onto packhorses and begin the ride into the taiga. The journey, led by local guides, moves through dense forests and marshy terrain at a steady walking pace. As you ride, notice the shift from grasslands to the taiga’s rugged landscape. After a long day in the saddle, arrive at the summer camp of the Tsaatan reindeer herders, home to about 20 families. Stay overnight in a traditional teepee. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / teepee)

• Experiencing Tsaatan Life

  Spend a full day at the Tsaatan camp, learning about their unique way of life. Reindeer play a vital role in their culture—they provide milk, transport, and materials for clothing and shelter. During winter, most reindeer roam freely in the mountains, with only a few kept for riding. Participate in daily activities or take a short reindeer ride. The Tsaatan practice shamanism, and if fortunate, you may witness a shamanic ritual. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / teepee)
  
  

• Horse Trek Back to the Taiga’s Edge

  Bid farewell to the Tsaatan families and retrace your route through the taiga. Camp overnight at the forest’s edge. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / tent)

• Trek to Khuvsgul Lake

  For the next three days, trek through the Khoridol Saridag Mountains toward Khuvsgul Lake. These mountains feature a mix of lush grasslands and dense boreal forests. The region remains largely untouched, offering breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. At the end of the trek on Day 9, arrive at Khuvsgul, Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake, which holds 70% of the country’s fresh water. Known as "The Mother Sea" by Mongolians, its clear waters stretch between rolling hills and dense forests. In the afternoon, settle into a cozy ger camp by the shore. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / tent, tent and ger camp)

• Leisure Day, Optional Activities

  Enjoy a well-deserved rest day by the lake after days of adventure and physical activity. Take a walk through the surrounding woods, hike along the shoreline, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking scenery. Optional activities include a boat trip or horseback riding. Overnight in a ger camp. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / ger camp)

• Flight Back to Ulaanbaatar

  Transfer to Murun for the return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner. (Breakfast, dinner, hotel)

• Departure

  Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)