10 Days Horse Trekking and Nomadic Culture Experience in Northern Mongolia

Enjoy a trip to Northern Mongolia and visit Khuvsgul Lake, the deepest and freshest lake in Mongolia. Northern Mongolia is called Mongolian Switzerland because it is completely covered by a green forest. There are 20 ethnic groups in total in Mongolia, one of them is Tsaatan (reindeer people).

Hidden in an isolated corner of Northern Mongolia, straddling the border of Russian Siberia, a unique minority group lives in the sprawling tundra. The Tsaatan people are notably different for the livestock that they keep. Not yaks, camels, goats or horses, but reindeer. These reindeer herders have been attracting international attention over the last few years for their unique and unchanged way of life. This tour offers you to explore the Tsaatan people, enjoy Khuvsgul Lake and experience a nomadic culture.

Day 1: Fly to Murun city from Ulaanbaatar

Today you start the trip from Ulaanbaatar. You will fly to Ulgii city and arrive at Murun city around lunchtime. After lunch, you will head to Khuvsgul Lake – the blue pearl.

Khuvsgul Lake is 136 kilometers long and 36 kilometers wide at 1645 meters above the sea level. It is second largest lake in Mongolia as well as the deepest. It is well-known as the “blue pearl of Mongolia,” because of its crystal clear water. Bicycling, swimming, walking, horse-riding, and hiking are the main activities there.

Day 2: Horse trekking around Khuvsgul Lake

After breakfast, you will saddle up your horses for the horse trekking around the Khuvsgul Lake. You will ride horses for the whole day. During the ride, you will have a picnic with a great view surrounding you.

Day 3: Darkad Depression

Darkhad is one of the ethnic groups in Mongolia. In Darkhad depression, you will meet your horse instructor and experience Darkhad people’s culture and lifestyle. It is quite different from the majority of ethnic groups in Mongolia. Interact with the local family, try their food and traditional costumes. Also, you will prepare for your horseback riding to Tsaatan people.

Day 4-7: Horseback riding to Tsaatan people /Reindeer Herders/ and experience their lifestyle

Saddle up the horses for unforgettable horseback riding adventure! The main objectives on horse pack trips: riding horse and having fun. You altogether will aim to experience the true life of the Tsaatan family and their culture and hospitality. The horse riding trip is inclusive with guides, all equipments, meals and lodging in tent camps along the way.

Day 8: Uushgiin Uvur deer stone monuments and Murun city

After breakfast, you will head to Murun city and on the way, you will visit Uushgiin Uvur which is located on the southeastern sunny side of rock Uushig Mountain, 17 kilometers west from Murun, Huvsgul Aimag and about 3 kilometers from the northern bank of Delger River in Burentogtokh Soum.

You can find tombs, rectangular burials, and 14 deer stones in a single area at the same time. This memorial contains the most clearly depicted deer stone in Mongolia.

These deer stones were aligned from north to south in a single column. Each stone is 3-20 meters away from each other and was made of tetrahedral granite stone in reddish color. A deer, an arch, a shield, a horse, a knife, the moon, the sun, and a mirror figured belt were engraved on the stones. Afterward, you will head to Murun city and stay there.

Day 9: Uran crater

The Uran Togoo – Tulga Uul is a national protected area in the Bulgan Province, Mongolia. It is located about 60 kilometers directly west of Bulgan city around the extinct volcanoes Uran Togoo, Tulga, Togoo, and Jalavch Uul. All four mountain names allude to their volcanic past with designations borrowed from around the fireplace.

The Uran Togoo and Togoo mountains are named for their bowl shape, the Tulga mountain for its three mounds reminding of the traditional iron tripod kettle support. Jalavch is a term for a small pot. Uran crater is 500-600 meters wide and 50 meters deep. You will hike to the crater.

Day 10: Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, you will head to Ulaanbaatar.

What Includes:

Accommodation: Hotel***,* ger camp, tented camp
Guiding and interpreting service
Full board meals
Transport: vehicle 4×4 or minivan
Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
local guide
Horses
Camping equipment

Not Includes:

International airfare
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement
Alcoholic drinks
Sleeping bag
Travel Insurance