Winter Reindeer Herders Tour

Tsaatan people tour, travel to Mongolia, Tour Mongolia, Reindeer people Mongolia

Scheduled Tours

For thousands of years, the Tsaatan people (Dukha people) have lived in northern Mongolia, where reindeer herding is a traditional way of life. Today, they are among the world’s last nomadic reindeer herders. There are approximately 400 Dukha people, living in around 70–80 families in northern Mongolia. The Dukha are divided into two main groups: the Western Taiga and the Eastern Taiga.

During this winter tour, we will visit one of the northernmost regions of Mongolia, known for being one of the coldest areas in the country, as well as several historically significant sites.

ACCOMMODATION:Yes duration:10-Day, 9-Night Tour Distance:2700 km group size:2-5 Tour operator:Idre Tour Mongolia

Itinerary

Tour price

Included

Not included

Route

Ulaanbaatar – Bulgan - Murun - Ulaan-Uul - Reindeer Herders - Bulgan - Kharkhorin - Elsen Tasarkhai (Mini Gobi) - Ulaanbaatar

activities

During this winter tour, we will visit one of the northernmost regions of Mongolia, known for being one of the coldest areas in the country, as well as several historically significant sites.

day 1 - Jan 04 Bulgan Village
Today, we’ll begin our journey. In total, we’ll drive more than 800 km to reach the reindeer herder’s family, so the first two days will mainly involve long hours of driving. Today, we’ll drive to Bulgan village, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 2 - Jan 05 Murun Province
In Mongolia’s administrative system, there is a capital city and 21 smaller cities. Murun is one of these smaller cities, where you can experience the local way of life and see how people live in this part of Mongolia.
Day 3 - Jan 06 Ulaan-Uul Village
In Ulaan-Uul Village, you’ll experience the beauty of the winter landscape. On this day, you’ll explore the surrounding nature with your guide.
Day 4 - Jan 07 Reindeer Herders
The reindeer herders of northern Khuvsgul Province are a small but resilient indigenous community dedicated to preserving their traditional way of life and culture despite many challenges. They are known as the Tsaatan, Tsachin, or Dukha people. The reindeer herders are divided into two main groups: the Western Taiga and the Eastern Taiga. We will spend 2 days with reindeer herders.
Day 5 - Jan 08 Reindeer Herders
Day 6 - Jan 09 Khatgal Village
Khatgal is a small village located on the northern shore of Lake Khuvsgul. Lake Khuvsgul is one of Mongolia’s largest and most spectacular protected natural areas. With approximately 380 cubic kilometers of water, Lake Khuvsgul is the 14th-largest freshwater lake in the world by volume and the second-largest in Central Asia. It contains more than 1% of the world’s freshwater. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 262 meters. Ninety-six rivers and streams flow into Lake Khuvsgul, while only the Egiin River flows out. The Egiin River runs southeast and eventually joins the Selenge River, which flows through one of Mongolia’s most densely populated regions before reaching Lake Baikal.
Day 7 - Jan 10 Bulgan Village
Today, we’ll begin our journey back to Ulaanbaatar. We’ll drive to Bulgan Village, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 8 - Jan 11 Kharkhorin & Erdenezuu Monastery
Today, we will drive to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire founded by Chinggis Khaan in 1220. Later, we will visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia, built in the 16th century using materials from the ancient city ruins.
Day 9 - Jan 12 Elsen Tasarkhai (Mini Gobi)
Today we will explore Elsen Tasarkhai, also known as the Mini Gobi, which is located next to Khugnu Khan Mountain. We will hike the sand dunes and, if you wish, enjoy an optional camel ride. The combination of sand dunes, mountains, grasslands, and nomadic culture makes this one of Mongolia's most unique landscapes.
Day 10 - Jan 13 Back to Ulaanbaatar
We’ll drive back to Ulaanbaatar and arrive between 5-6pm.

Tour Price

ALL PRICE ARE PER PERSON PER DAY

The difference between a comfortable tour and budget tour relates primarily to the accommodation type. Within a budget tour all accommodation will be with a nomadic family in their Ger, where they don't have running water. While a comfortable tour includes accommodation at Ger camps which are similar to a 3-4 star hotel standard. Finally the Mid-Range tour mixes Comfortable and Budget, where you will stay some nights in the traditional Ger with a nomadic family and others in a Ger camp.

Budget

Per person pricing

From $129
Join Group / Private 4+ guests $129
Private 1-2 guests (1 billed as 2) $190
Private 3 guests $150
Select package
Most Popular

Mid-range

Per person pricing

From $160
Join Group / Private 4+ guests $160
Private 1-2 guests (1 billed as 2) $210
Private 3 guests $180
Select package

Comfortable

Per person pricing

From $186
Join Group / Private 4+ guests $186
Private 1-2 guests (1 billed as 2) $249
Private 3 guests $210
Select package
  • Driver + 4WD vehicle + Gas
  • English speaking tour guide / cook
  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Drinking water
  • All meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Travel and Medical insurance
  • Personal items
  • Alcohol drinks
  • Tips for the driver and the guide
  • Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
  • DURATION 10-Day, 9-Night
  • From $1290 USD
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