8 days Extreme Winter tour to Reindeer herders in Northern Mongolia

8 days Extreme Winter tour to Reindeer herders in Northern Mongolia

For many people Mongolian winter always sounded harsh and almost unbearable. Snow covered white winter is one of the highlight of Mongolian natural beauty. Landscapes will certainly change their colors and will become more thrilling than ever. Experience Mongolian winter on a horseback together with unique culture of Reindeer breeders in the wilderness of Northern taiga.

Itinerary

Day 1: Amarbayasgalant monastery

Stop At: Amarbayasgalant Monastery, Amar Hiyd Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar- Erdenet 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 Arrive in Erdenet city.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at local hotel.

Day 2: Murun, center of Khuvsgul province

Stop At: Khuvsgul Lake Hotel, Baga Toirog, Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia
Erdenet –Murun Town 450km 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.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight optional: local hotel / local guesthouse

Day 3: Ulaan Uul and Tsagaan Nuur village

Stop At: Tsagaan Suvraga, Yoson Erdene., Erdenet, Mongolia
Murun town – East Taiga 340km Today our long driving journey will head to East taiga thru the majestic valleys of amazing Darkhad Depression over the marvelous mountain passes along the foothills of Khoridol Saridag Mountains. Continue driving to Eastern Taiga to the winter camp of the Tsaatan people. It’s always been a great difficulty to reach and access reindeer people in the summer due to their extremely crucial trails. In the winter those people move down the mountain closer to village, making it a bit easier to access, yet driving is still challenging.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tsaatan teepee

Day 4: 4-5. Amongst reindeer breeders

Stop At: Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, Khorgo Mongolia
Tsaatan people are the main resident of Taiga forest and divided in two main regions as Eastern and Western Taiga. By the statistics of the last few years, toady there about over 300 Tsaatan people who make up to 44-45 families. Tsaatan is an ethnic group with an ancient Turkish dialect and many hundreds of year’s old tradition of breeding reindeers. Their main belief is shamanistic practices. While staying at the area visit different families and teepees. Observe, learn and experience lifestyle of those people and assist them in their daily activities Options for joining reindeer herding. In the evening by the fire, listen and learn their stories, legends and songs. Meet tribal shamans and ask for your future fortune.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tsaatan teepee

Day 5: 4-5. Amongst reindeer breeders

Stop At: Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, Khorgo Mongolia
4
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tsaatan teepee

Day 6: Khuvsgul- Blue Pearl of Mongolia

Stop At: Khuvsgul Lake Hotel, Baga Toirog, Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia
East Taiga – Khuvsgul Lake 300km 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. Opportunity to see the winter frozen Khuvsgul Lake.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight with a nomadic family

Day 7: Uran Togoo Extinct Volcano

Stop At: Bulgan Mosque, Olgiy Mongolia
Khuvsgul Lake – Uran Togoo 320km 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: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight optional: local hotel / a nomadic family

Day 8: Back to Ulaanbaatar

Stop At: Ulaanbaatar Railway Station, Teeverchid Street, Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
Bulgan province- Ulaanbaatar 480km Head back to Ulaanbaatar. Arrive in the city. Transfer to your accommodation.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.