19 Days Horse trekking among the reindeer herders

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
1 stop
1
Orkhon Province
Ulaanbaatar- Amarbayasgalant Monastery 350km • Today we will move towards Amarbayasgalant Monastery which is located in Baruun Buren village of Selenge province. Known as Palace of Eternal Peace, Amarbayasgalant Monastery was built by the decree of Qing dynasty Emperor as a sign and token of his respect for Mongolian first spiritual leader Zanabazar. Construction took place between 1727- 1736. The Monastery was able to save its’ most part from communist destruction and today only 28 temples remain. Different styles of temple walls which combines Chinese style with Mongolian and Tibetan influence has contributed a magnificent role in Mongolian architecture and Buddhist art. • Visit temples and other surrounding Buddhist Monuments. Opportunities to attend daily ceremony
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Extinct Volcano Uran Togoo
1 stop
2
Bulgan Province
Amarbayasgalant – Uran Togoo 260km • Before arriving to our next destination we will pass thru one of major cities of Mongolia, Erdenet which is big copper mining town and built upon the Mongolian and Russian people’s friendship. • Start to drive towards to Uran Togoo an extinct volcano crater which is located in Bulgan province on the way to Khuvsgul Lake. Uran literally meaning artistic is a crater almost looks like that its ridges has been carved in very fine craftsmanship. Diameter of circled crater ridge almost about 500ms with 15m depth and surrounded with trees will add color to the scenery. • Optional climbing and hiking • Lunch at a local restaurant
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Mongolian Switzerland- Khuvsgul
1 stop
3
Uran Togoo – Khuvsgul Lake 380km • Today we will arrive in Murun city, the center of northernmost province Khuvsgul. Here we will pick our border admission to travel around border areas where Reindeer breeders live. • Continue driving to the Khuvsgul Lake which respectfully referred as “Blue Pearl” or “Mother Sea “by locals. The Lake is one of the wonders and top destinations of Mongolia. Khuvsgul Lake is located in the northwest of Mongolia near the Russian border, at the foothills of the eastern Sayan Mountains. It is 1,645 meters (5,397 feet) above sea level, 136 kilometers (85 miles) long and 262 meters (860 feet) deep. Khuvsgul Lake is the deepest lake in Mongolia. It is the second-most voluminous freshwater lake in Asia, and holds almost 70% of Mongolia's fresh water and 0.4% of all the fresh water in the world. Almost hundred springs, rivers and streams flow into the lake when only Egiin Gol River flows out form this gigantic water pool. Plus its water factors, Khuvsgul National Park cover huge percentage of Mongolian forest and primarily Taiga.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Mongolian Switzerland- Khuvsgul
1 stop
4
• Today we will start our warming up horse trekking along the Shore of Khuvsgul Lake. This is a practicing day, so the riders can get used to the Mongolian horses and to whip way their concerns and fear. Riding will take roughly 4-5 hours. • Packed picnic lunch
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Ulaan Uul and Tsagaan Nuur village
1 stop
5
Khuvsgul Lake – via Ulaan Uul- Tsagaan Nuur 300km • We will start our journey towards to the mysterious Taiga, extreme north of the country. In order to reach the point where we will saddle up our horses we will drive thru breathtakingly majestic Darkhad Depression, the green land of river and lakes. Alongside our riding there are two villages Ulaan-Uul, the Red Mount and Tsagaan Nuur, the White Lake. • After two days of wonderful journey amongst the thrilling landscape, we will arrive to our host family near Tsagaan Nuur.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Tsagaan Nuur village
1 stop
6
• After two days of wonderful journey amongst the thrilling landscape, we will arrive to our host family near Tsagaan Nuur.
6 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Taiga Ride
1 stop
7
• Today we begin challenging part our trip, trekking on the trails of Taiga on a horse back. Taiga is an unbelievably beautiful landscape of forests, high mountains and wetland. The Reindeer people live upon those mountains herding their reindeer on the lichens and mosses of the bountiful Taiga. Since we will be riding mainly on the swamp and in the trees, some flies and mosquitoes will assist us during our journey. • Driving ours will vary depending on the distance of summer camp of Reindeer people. Depending on the heat and vegetation, each year tribes change their locations.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Land of the reindeer
1 stop
8
• Continue our horse trekking to the Tsaatan people’s camp. In the summer, Reindeer people mainly live in the teepees which is made branches of tree and covered by traditionally with the skins and hides of reindeer, but lately with waterproof canvas. Although reindeer is their primary living source, some Tsaatan families own livestock as well as their reindeer herd. And these animals are used for food, for clothes and bring income home. Tsaatan people live in tribal community and today there about over 60 families with nearly 300 members. • Later in the afternoon arrive at the Tsaatan camp. Visit the teepees and enjoy reindeer milk tea.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Land of the reindeer
1 stop
9
hiking • Continue our horse trekking to the Tsaatan people’s camp. In the summer, Reindeer people mainly live in the teepees which is made branches of tree and covered by traditionally with the skins and hides of reindeer, but lately with waterproof canvas. Although reindeer is their primary living source, some Tsaatan families own livestock as well as their reindeer herd. And these animals are used for food, for clothes and bring income home. Tsaatan people live in tribal community and today there about over 60 families with nearly 300 members. • Later in the afternoon arrive at the Tsaatan camp. Visit the teepees and enjoy reindeer milk tea.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Exploring the Reindeer breeders
1 stop
10
• This is the day of exploring and experiencing. We will have full day of learning, observing and enjoying Tsaatan people, their traditions and culture. • Except learning, you can also take part in their daily activities and help around. • Tsaatan people have always been practicing shamanism as their main belief. Rest of the time, in the afternoon we will spend with local shamans and see their rituals. • Sharing is caring. While sharing our dinner with host family, we can hear some traditional stories and legends, songs of Tsaatan people.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Saying good bye- Riding Back
1 stop
11
• Around noon, we will take our return journey. Another adventurous experience in the unspoiled nature of Taiga and on its uneasy but outstanding tracks.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Riding Back
1 stop
12
• Around noon, we will take our return journey. Another adventurous experience in the unspoiled nature of Taiga and on its uneasy but outstanding tracks.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Tsagaan Nuur village
1 stop
13
• After a day and half ride will arrive back at Tsagaan Nuur village where we will meet our vehicle. Rest of day will be chill out, recovery and refreshing easy day.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 14
Along the Mountains of Khoridol Saridag
1 stop
14
Tsagaan nuur village – Khoridog Saridag 180km • Today we will shift form horses to cars. Carry on our journey back in the fields of Darkhad Depression along with high peaks of Khoridol Saridag mountains over passes of Tom and Oliin with rows of shaman Ovoo blessing and ensuring our journey of memory.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 15
Back to the Steppes
1 stop
15
Khoridog Saridag – Zuun Lake 290km • Before finally departing the north, we will visit a historical site called Uushigiin Uvur Valley. Here you can see complex of deer stone monuments erected besides the burial sites dating back to early Bronze Age era over some 4000 years ago. Deer stones were part of the ancient funeral practices and were mainly dedicated to express common people’s mourning over their great warriors and military leaders. There are 14 deer stones and one of the exclusive monuments is a deer stone with a human face. • Short stop in Murun city for fresh supplies at the market Murun - Zuun Lake 130km • Journey of the hills and steppes. As we go deeper in the remote valleys, landscapes will change dramatically into barren plains with beautiful green meadows. The Mountain passes are over 2000ms above the sea level. Great photo opportunities.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 16
The Great White Lake
1 stop
16
Arkhangai Province
Zuun Lake – The Great White Lake 180km • Road to Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park which is located in Arkhangai province and created by a volcanic eruption. The Lake is called White Lake by locals as a symbol respect to the nature and water. There are few kinds of fish were found in the lake. • Hiking along the shore of the Lake. Visit to an extinct volcano Khorgo which is on the height of 2240ms. From the top of the Volcano you will enjoy the amazing lava flows covered with forest and splendid view of the lake. Some thousands of years old lava flow formed an original moon landscape that has never seen elsewhere in Mongolia.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 17
Hot Tubs of Tsenkher hot springs
1 stop
17
The Great White Lake – Tsenkher hot spring 220km • Reaching Tsenkher hot springs via Tsetserleg city, center of Arkhangai province. It’s a lovely small city situated in an amazing valley of forested mountains. Visit to a local museum where you will great collections of exhibits representing history, culture and traditions of local people. • Arrive at Tsenkher Hot springs. It is one of the biggest Mongolia’s hot springs, has a temperature of 86 degrees with high flow rate and high alkalinity and relatively high amounts of fluoride. The hot spring is mostly used for relaxing and restoring your health. Here we will have a hot tub outside and enjoy cold beer and beautiful scenery. Optional hiking and hot tub with natural sulphur spa. A great place for wild flower observers.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 18
Semi desert Elsen Tasarkhai- Khugnu Khaan Nature Reserve
1 stop
18
Bulgan Province
Tsenkher hot springs - Khugnu Khaan Nature Reserve 250km ● Arrive at Khugnu Khaan Nature Reserve today which is a combination of all kinds of natural settings such as mountains, forest, steppe, desert, small lake and mineral water spring all in same location forming unique scenery and representation of different natural zones. The area is perfect for hiking and climbing. • Hiking to the ruins of Erdene Khamba Monastery which dates from 17th century with the perfect location of concealing and escaping the wind and cold of the steppe in the granite mountain. Later restored by a local nun and operating as a small place of pilgrimage for locals. • Visit Dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai on the camel back.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 19
Back to the capital Ulaanbaatar
1 stop
19
Töv
Semi Gobi Desert – Ulaanbaatar 280km • Return to Ulaanbaatar. On the way you see the herds of horses crossing the roads, smokes of gers fading away and never ending hills and steppe. Arrive in town, transfer to your accommodation. • If time allows you can do some short city orientation and shopping with our guide.
6 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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