Tsaatan Tribe: The reindeer herders of Mongolia
Tsaatan Tribe: The reindeer herders of Mongolia
9 Days Starting and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Visiting: Lake Khovsgol National Park, Darkhad Valley, Tugul, Ulaan Uul, Murun, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an extraordinary adventure to visit the Tsaatan Tribe, the revered reindeer herders of Mongolia. Nestled in the untouched landscapes of one of the last great frontiers on Earth, this journey offers a rare opportunity to step into the nomadic lifestyle and explore a culture intricately linked to the pristine natural surroundings.
Immerse yourself in the heart of Mongolia, where the Tsaatan people have crafted a unique existence alongside their majestic reindeer herds. This expedition goes beyond the ordinary, providing a window into their timeless traditions and the connection they share with the land and its wildlife.
Your experience will involve meaningful interactions with the Tsaatan Tribe, sharing stories around the fire, learning ancient customs, and gaining insights into the challenges and joys of their nomadic life.
Join us on this authentic adventure where you will experience the local culture, unveil the rugged beauty of Mongolia and foster a genuine connection with this remarkable community.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Flight To Murun And Visit Lake Khovsgol National Park
Location: Lake Khovsgol National Park
Accommodation Name: Ger
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a domestic flight to Murun town and then drive to Lake Khovsgol (100km), known as “Blue Pearl”. The lake itself is one of the natural wonders of the earth and the second-largest freshwater lake in Asia. It is surrounded by magnificent pine-covered mountains. You will relax at the lakeshore and capture a multitude of stars over the blue lake. Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp
Day 2: Ulaan Uul Village
Location: Darkhad Valley
Accommodation Name: Ger Guest house
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we head to the north and enter the beautiful Darkhad valley (210km), named after the Darkhad ethnic group who are known for their shamanic roots and practice. The valley is situated between the Taiga and Khoridol Saridag mountain ranges, home to nature and cultural diversity. We arrive at one of the three remote villages in northern Mongolia.Accommodation: Local guest house or small ger camp
Day 3: Khogrog River Valley
Location: Darkhad Valley
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Khogrog River valley (130km) where we meet our horse crew and set up a tent camp and stay overnight.Accommodation: Camping
Day 4: Ride To The Taiga Mountains
Location: Darkhad Valley
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning pack up, saddle up the horses, and ride up to the Taiga Mountains to meet the Tsaatan people - reindeer herders. We will reach their tribe in the late afternoon depending on the weather and road conditions as well as the Tsaatan tribe’s campsite location.Accommodation: Teepee beside the Tsaatan tribe families
Day 5: Experience The Culture And Lifestyle Of The Tsaatan People
Location: Tugul
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It’s time to experience the unique lifestyle of the remote ethnic tribe, try riding a reindeer, see and learn how they breed the reindeer, meet the Tsaatan ethnic shaman and see the shamanic rituals, and learn the mysterious stories among these ethnic people while sitting around the campfire.Accommodation: Teepee beside the Tsaatan tribe families
Day 6: Back To Ulaan Uul Village
Location: Ulaan Uul
Accommodation Name: Ger Guest house
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Time to say goodbye to the reindeer herders and ride back to Khogrog River Valley. Meet our vehicle team and drive to Ulaan Uul village. Accommodation: Local guest house or small ger camp
Day 7: Murun Town
Location: Murun
Accommodation Name: Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive back to Murun town, on the the way, we will see the deer stone statues which are the tallest in Asia. Accommodation: Local Hotel
Day 8: Fly Back To Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to the hotel and enjoy your time to relax after a big adventure. Accommodation: Grand Hill Hotel
Day 9: Departure Day
Location: Mongolia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you travel home or you can take the next adventure to the Mongolia Sagsai Eagle Festival!
What's Included
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Full board meals
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Transport
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Domestic round-trip flights (Ulaanbaatar-Murun-Ulaanbaatar)
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Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
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Border area entrance permission
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Horse riding and loading luggage
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Camping equipment (except sleeping bag)
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Supporting you on your holiday will be an in-country local guide who will be with us for the duration of the holiday; offering insight into local life and customs, as well as routes during walking/horse riding excursions.
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What is the maximum group size?
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures an optimal level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a larger group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it out for you. Our links with in-country travel experts often mean that we can assist you in developing a personalised itinerary. -
Phyiscal grading of this trip
Grade 6: Intermediate - You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure. -
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2015
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Risk Assessment
YellowWood operates a Safety Management System which encompasses a planned, researched, implemented and reviewed approach to your Health & Safety. A risk assessment is a careful examination of what could cause harm (hazards) and the assessment of likelihood of hazards occuring, as well as the severity of the outcome of a hazard.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies
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Experienced Leaders
On all of our adventures you will benefit from the daily presence of an experienced, English speaking local guide. You will also have additional guides at various points during the trip (see itineraries for details).
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
As a visitor to a foreign country, we inevitably leave our mark. At YellowWood Adventures, we are determined that this ‘mark’ will be a positive one. Tourism is not always beneficial and we are conscious of treading lightly in the lands we explore.
Reviews of this operator
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Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
YellowWood Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of yellowwood adventures charges.
Up to 57 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.