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Khuvsgul

The Reindeer Trail: Expedition to Mongolia’s Hidden North

June 28- 16, 2026 (19 days)

The Reindeer Trail: Expedition to Mongolia’s Hidden North
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Aerial view of rivers and green valleys in the north, capturing the scenic beauty of a Mongolia trip

July 7 - 25  2026 (19 days)

Naadam & Reindeer Quest through Mongolia’s Northern Wilds
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Golden-hour lake with rocky cliffs in northern Mongolia.

Jul 27- 14, & Aug 16- 12, 2026 (18 days)

The Reindeer Path: Into Mongolia’s Untamed North
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The Reindeer Trail: Journey to Mongolia's Uncharted North
Why Choose The Reindeer Trail
Adventure Highlights & Activities
Mongolia Travel Made Simple
Mongolia Travel Made Easy
The Reindeer Trail: Journey to Mongolia's Uncharted North

The Reindeer Trail: Journey to Mongolia's Uncharted North

Immerse in Mongolia's untouched north wilderness and elusive cultural gems on this engaging 19-day journey, combining multi-day horse riding with exclusive interactions with the Tsaatan (Reindeer People) and colorful Naadam celebrations. Available on selected dates between June and September, this expedition promises unmatched adventure in one of Asia's remotest regions.

Why Choose The Reindeer Trail

Why Choose The Reindeer Trail

The sweeping Darhad Valley and lake shores of Lake Khovsgol—Mongolia's "Blue Pearl"—enclose this journey to the nation's distant north. Here, sparkling water, dark pine forests, alpine meadows, and tumbled hills provide a stunning canvas for adventure. You begin from Ulaanbaatar's urban convenience, traveling by domestic flight to Murun, then to the historic nomadic center. En route, experience the tranquil nomadic way of life, the breathtaking natural scenery, and the rich customs of Mongolia's northern tribes, topped by attendance at the famous Naadam Festival.

Adventure Highlights & Activities

Adventure Highlights & Activities

Ulaanbaatar Arrival: Enjoy a traditional welcome and check into a four-star hotel in Mongolia's bustling capital. Get to know the city's mix of ancient traditions and contemporary style on a guided orientation tour.

Flight to Murun and Travel to Lake Khovsgol: Fly north on a domestic flight to Murun and drive to Khatgal, the entrance to Khovsgol National Park. Visit this lake, renowned for its crystal waters that contain almost 2% of the planet's freshwater, and visit the Park Information Center to gain knowledge about the ecology and culture of this untainted nature. Spend the night at a lakeside camp.

Lake Khovsgol Boat Excursion and Arrival at Jigleg Pass: Cruise on Lake Khovsgol in a five-hour boat excursion, taking in panoramic views of mountain forests. Encounter the local guides and mount horses at Jigleg Pass. Overnight camping in tent within nature.

Horseback Ride Through Darhad Valley: Start your multi-day horseback journey through breathtaking Darhad Valley, riding along open steppe and forest trails. Camp beneath vast night skies, surrounded by the peaceful majesty of Mongolia's northern edge.

Ride to Renchinlhumbe and Saridag Ger Camp: Travel further down the valley with vehicle-supported riding for ease and convenience. Arrive at Renchinlhumbe, which is full of nomadic culture, and unwind at Saridag Ger Camp close to the grand Saridag mountain range.

In the direction of Hogrog and the Tsaatan People: Ride old trails to Hogrog, a distant outpost for visiting the Tsaatan or Reindeer People. Venture forth on a packhorse-supported expedition into the northern Taiga, riding alpine meadows and river fords to reach the Tsaatan summer camp.

Expedition to Taiga: Venture into one of Mongolia's remotest areas, indulging in isolated cultural experiences with the Tsaatan tribe while horseback riding through larch forests and mountainous terrain. Wilderness camping.

Riverside Relaxation and Leisure Horseback Riding: Relax at the peaceful meeting point of the Shishgid and Tengis Rivers. Delight in leisure horseback riding or unwind amidst nature's peace. Overnight in a rustic lodge.

Return Trip and Rest Days: Horseback ride your way back over the steppe with a rest day in Renchinlhumbe to sightsee or rest in camp.

Participation in Naadam Festival: Experience Mongolia's famous Naadam Festival, watching exhilarating horse races, wrestling matches, and archery contests that celebrate centuries-old nomadic culture. Stay overnight in Saridag Ger Camp.

Drive to Ulaan Uul and Overland to Murun: Cross an ever-changing landscape from taiga forests into open steppe and lowlands to reach Ulaan Uul, then drive north across wilderness to Murun, sleeping in traditional ger camps.

Return to Ulaanbaatar and Cultural Farewell: Fly back to the capital for a celebratory farewell dinner marking your passage across Mongolia's northern kingdoms.

Cultural Sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar: See historic and cultural sites with visits to Sukhbaatar Square, the panoramic Zaisan Memorial, the National History Museum, and the Fine Art Museum of Zanabazar. Overnight in a hotel.

Departure – Farewell Mongolia: Transfer after breakfast to the airport for your departure, with unforgettable memories of Mongolia's wild northern scenery, ancient cultures, and horse-riding traditions.

Mongolia Travel Made Easy

Mongolia Travel Made Easy

All our private trips feature airport transfers, nice hotels in Ulaanbaatar, genuine ger camps, all planned activities, and professional bilingual guides with extensive knowledge of the region. The trip combines the best aspects of traveling in Mongolia: ease of travel, immersion in culture, and flexibility to make lasting impressions. Our booking and cancellation policy is clear and traveler-friendly to provide peace of mind from your first booking to your return trip.


Book your Arkhangai, Mongolia trip with us—where every aspect is customized, and every trip goes beyond expectation. Experience the finest of Mongolia travel and unravel the wild beauty of Arkhangai province through bespoke travel that honors the spirit, terrain, and heritage of Mongolia.

Mongolia Travel Made Simple

Mongolia Travel Made Simple

This trip features all airport transfers, internal flights, nice hotel and authentic ger camp accommodations, experienced bilingual guides, and all in-country transportation as described in the itinerary. Support vehicles or packhorses carry luggage and camping equipment to provide a light and engaging wilderness experience. This trip ideally balances adventure and cultural exploration, encouraging travelers to engage deeply with Mongolia's phenomenal northern heritage and landscapes

FAQ

Who are the Tsaatan (Reindeer) People?

The Tsaatan are one world’s last remaining reindeer-herding tribes, living in the remote taiga forests near the Siberian border in Khuvsgul Province. They maintain an ancient way of life revolving entirely around their reindeer and living in teepees.

Their highly mobile lifestyle is dictated by the need to find lichen for their reindeer in the deep forest. Visiting them offers a unique cultural insight into a lifestyle preserved from modernization.

What kind of landscapes will I see?

The landscape transitions in distinct stages, offering a variety of environments.

The journey will start near Lake Khovsgol, often called the Blue Pearl of Mongolia, one of the world's clearest and deepest alpine lakes. From there, we will enter the Darkhad Valley, a large area with clear rivers and over 300 lakes, framed by the peaks of the Khoridol Saridag Mountains. Finally, we will venture into the Taiga, characterized by ancient, deep forests that border Siberia.

Are there rest days on the itinerary?

Yes. We have planned rest days built into the itinerary. This is a day of leisure at a rustic lodge where you can fish, relax, or hike or ride along the Shishged River, and even a hot shower is available!

We also build half-days into the beginning of the itinerary due to scenic routes, which ensures you have time to comfortably adjust to the pace of riding.

What is the cleanest lake in Mongolia?

Lake Khovsgol (or Hovsgol), is considered the cleanest and most pristine lake in the country, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and natural surroundings. This exceptional purity is due to its ancient geology as a deep rift lake and formations where the surrounding mountains and forests naturally filter the water. Furthermore, its remote location and centuries of minimal and sustainable human impact from nomadic herders preserve the lake's clean water quality.
What are the interesting facts about Khuvsgul Lake?

Lake Khovsgol (or Khuvsgul) is one of the world's clearest and deepest alpine lakes. Its water is so pure it is considered potable without treatment and serves as the main water source for local herders.

 The lake sits at an altitude of approximately 1,645 meters (5,397 feet), surrounded by the peaks of the Khoridol Saridag Mountains and the Siberian Taiga. It is rich in biodiversity, supporting various species of fish, including several endemic to the lake, and is a stopover for numerous migratory birds.

During the summer, the area supports activities such as kayaking, hiking, and camping. In winter, the frozen lake hosts the annual Ice Festival, featuring traditional sled races and ice art.

How do get to the Darkhad Valley?

The journey to the remote Darkhad Valley is a multi-stage adventure.
The trip begins with a domestic flight from the capital, Ulaanbaatar, to Muren.
This is followed by overland travel by vehicle to the starting point of the trek.
The final, most remote stage involves a horseback expedition deeper into the Darhad Valley itself.
This combination allows us to cover the vast distances of Mongolia efficiently and reach this unique northern wilderness.