MVTour10 Horse trekking among the reindeer herders for 19 days

Route Ulaanbaatar Bulgan Khuvsgul Arkhangai Uvurkhangai Ulaanbaatar 3200km
From 1950

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.

What's included

  • Transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Guide service at all times.
  • Round-trip local bus ticket
  • In the countryside all lodging will be in nomadic family’s Ger.
  • All meals are provided as stated in the itinerary.
  • Ground transportation: in the countryside driven by 4WD van
  • Park entrance fees
  • Horse and Camel ride
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • 1.5 liter of drinking water supply per day per person

What's not included

  • Accommodation in a hotel or hostel in Ulaanbaatar
  • Hotel extras, such as telephone calls, bar bills and laundry services
  • Travel insurance, medical insurance
  • Visa application fees
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • International airfare or train ticket
  • Changes of arrival/departure flights
  • Gratuity to guides and drivers
  • Additional services
  • Any charges of major force beyond our control (e.g. imposition, quarantine restrictions, etc…)

Packing list

This is a suggested packing list, which you should feel free to adjust to suit your needs. Please refer to our travel guide for more detailed information.

  • backpack or soft bag
  • waterproof bag cover
  • day pack
  • head lamp/flashlight
  • spare batteries/bulb
  • personal medications
  • waterproof hiking boots
  • waterproof jacket with hood
  • waterproof over pants
  • fleece jacket or wool jumper
  • cotton t-shirts
  • long sleeve shirts
  • lightweight trousers
  • shorts
  • socks
  • underwear
  • sun hat
  • sun glasses
  • sun cream
  • sandals
  • insect repellent
  • resealing (Ziploc) plastic bags
  • binoculars/camera
  • watch/ alarm clock
  • money belt/ pouch
  • insurance confirmation copy
  • emergency contact number
  • Amarbayasgalant Monastery

    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
    • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger (L+D)
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  • Extinct Volcano Uran Togoo

    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
    • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp /nomadic family ger (B+L+D)
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  • Mongolian Switzerland- Khuvsgul

    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.
    • Overnight optional : Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger (B+L+D)
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  • Ulaan Uul and Tsagaan Nuur village

    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.
    • Overnight optional: Nomadic family ger / tents (B+L+D)
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  • Taiga Ride

    • 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.
    • Later in the day camp out and refresh ourselves by cold stream. (B+L+D)
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  • Land of the reindeer

    • 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.
    • Overnight optional: Sleeping in the teepee / tents (B+L+D)
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  • Exploring the Reindeer breeders

    • 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.
    • Overnight optional: Teepee / tents (B+L+D)
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  • Saying good bye- Riding Back

    • Around noon, we will take our return journey. Another adventurous experience in the unspoiled nature of Taiga and on its uneasy but outstanding tracks.
    • Overnight in the tents. (B+L+D)
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  • Tsagaan Nuur village

    • 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.
    • Overnight at a local guesthouse (B+L+D)
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  • Along the Mountains of Khoridol Saridag

    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.
    • Overnight in the tents (B+L+D)
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  • Back to the Steppes

    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.
    • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger (B+L+D)
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  • The Great White Lake

    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.
    • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger (B+L+D)
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  • Hot Tubs of Tsenkher hot springs

    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.
    • Overnight at the tourist ger camp “Altan Nutag” (B+L+D)
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  • Semi desert Elsen Tasarkhai- Khugnu Khaan Nature Reserve

    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.
    • Overnight optional : Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger (B+L+D)
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  • Back to the capital Ulaanbaatar

    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. (B+L)
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We offer 2 different type of tour arrangements for our customers.

  • 1Standard Arrangement

(Staying through the tourist ger camps)
What is standard arrangement?

1 pax €3850
2 pax €2805 p.p
3 pax €2025 p.p
4 pax €2425 p.p
5 pax €2235 p.p
6-12 pax €1950 p.p
Single supplement: €100
  • 2Budget Arrangement

(Staying in the local ger guesthouses)
What is budget arrangement?
What is a local ger guesthouse?

1 pax €2900
2 pax €1855 p.p
3 pax €1655 p.p
4 pax €1475 p.p
5 pax €1285 p.p
6-12 pax €1000 p.p
Single supplement: €40
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