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. Around 50 Tsaatan families live a remote nomadic life, migrating from place to place in search of valuable resources to continue their existence. Minority people can be found all throughout Asia, but 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 a great opportunity to experience it.
Ulaanbaatar
In the morning
The Uran Togoo – Tulga Uul is a national protected area in the Bulgan Province, Mongolia. It is located about 60 km 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. Uran crater is 500-600 meters wide and 50 meters deep. We will hike to the crater.
In order to travel up to Taiga we need special permission because that’s near the Mongolian and Russian borders. We will get the border permission and stay in Murun city in a hotel.
Darkhad is one of the ethnic groups in Mongolia. In Darkhad depression we will meet our 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 we will prepare for our horseback riding to Tsaatan people.
Saddle up the horses for an unforgettable horseback riding adventure! The main objectives on horse pack trips: riding horse and having fun. We altogether will aim to experience the true life of 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.
Khuvsgul Lake is 136km long and 36km wide at 1645m 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.
Uushgiin Uvur is located on southeastern sunny side of rock Uushig mountain 17km west from Murun. 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. A deer, an arch, a shield, a horse, a knife, the moon, the sun and a mirror figured belt were engraved on the stones. Total of 109 deer figures as well as some human figures were carved on 14 stones. After we have visited this place, we will have lunch in Murun and experience the nomadic culture.
Khugnu Khan natural reserve covers 46,990 hectares of land and located in Rashaant soum of Bulgan province. The park is a splendid mountain and situated at the border of three provinces. In the natural reserve, there are extraordinary sand dunes about 80 kilometers. The scenery is spectacular combination of desert, picturesque mountain, river and green grassland. There are two monasteries in this national park.
After breakfast we will head to Ulaanbaatar.
