19 Days Horse trekking among the reindeer herders

19 Days Horse trekking among the reindeer herders

General description
Mongolia undoubtedly is a country of horses. Horses always have played an important role in the lives, culture and history of the Mongolian nomads. Just think, on the backs of those short horses Chinggis Khaan was able to conquer half of the world. Therefore Mongolia is the perfect place for true riders and horse lovers. During this trip you will have a lot of riding involved beginning from the banks of Khuvsgul Lake to the Taiga, home of reindeer breeders. The trails are oftentimes mild but as you move forward in the extreme north, it gets challenging yet adventurous. You will enjoy pristine nature, spectacular landscapes together with rich history and culture of the people.

Itinerary

Day 1: Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Stop At: Orkhon Province, 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

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/

Accommodation included: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger

Day 2: Extinct Volcano Uran Togoo

Stop At: Bulgan Province, 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

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp /nomadic family ger

Day 3: Mongolian Switzerland- Khuvsgul

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
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.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight optional : Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger

Day 4: Mongolian Switzerland- Khuvsgul

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
• 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

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight optional : Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger

Day 5: Ulaan Uul and Tsagaan Nuur village

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
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.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight optional: Nomadic family ger / tents

Day 6: Tsagaan Nuur village

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
• After two days of wonderful journey amongst the thrilling landscape, we will arrive to our host family near Tsagaan Nuur.
Duration: 6 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight optional: Nomadic family ger / tents

Day 7: Taiga Ride

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
• 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.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Later in the day camp out and refresh ourselves by cold stream.

Day 8: Land of the reindeer

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
• 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.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight optional: Sleeping in the teepee / tents

Day 9: Land of the reindeer

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
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.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight optional: Sleeping in the teepee / tents

Day 10: Exploring the Reindeer breeders

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
• 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.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight optional: Teepee / tents

Day 11: Saying good bye- Riding Back

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
• Around noon, we will take our return journey. Another adventurous experience in the unspoiled nature of Taiga and on its uneasy but outstanding tracks.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight in the tents.

Day 12: Riding Back

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
• Around noon, we will take our return journey. Another adventurous experience in the unspoiled nature of Taiga and on its uneasy but outstanding tracks.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight in the tents

Day 13: Tsagaan Nuur village

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
• 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.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight at a local guesthous

Day 14: Along the Mountains of Khoridol Saridag

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
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.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight in the tents

Day 15: Back to the Steppes

Stop At: Khuvsgul, Mongolia
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.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger

Day 16: The Great White Lake

Stop At: Arkhangai Province, 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.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger

Day 17: Hot Tubs of Tsenkher hot springs

Stop At: Tsetserleg, Mongolia
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.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight at the tourist ger camp “Altan Nutag”

Day 18: Semi desert Elsen Tasarkhai- Khugnu Khaan Nature Reserve

Stop At: Bulgan Province, 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.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
• Dinner: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
Accommodation included: • Overnight optional : Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger

Day 19: Back to the capital Ulaanbaatar

Stop At: Töv, Mongolia
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.

Duration: 6 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: We would prepare everything /vegan, vegetarian and meat/
No accommodation included on this day.