The Mongolian Taiga is one of them.
Deep in the Darkhad Valley, past Tsagaannuur and into dense conifer forest, the Tsaatan reindeer herders continue a way of life that has endured for millennia. Fewer than 300 people remain. They move with the seasons, speak their own language, and maintain a relationship with their reindeer that predates written history.
Reaching them requires a 35–40 km horseback ride through pristine forest — crossing streams, climbing ridgelines, and moving deeper into wilderness with every hour. There are no roads. There are no shortcuts.
When you arrive, you are welcomed with homemade food, warm tea, and a quiet that is unlike any silence you have heard before.
This is not a journey you take. It is a journey that takes you.
Available as a 7-day journey or an extended 14-day expedition.
Ride 35–40 km on horseback into the Taiga — through dense conifer forest, streams, and open tundra
Live with Tsaatan reindeer herders — fewer than 300 people continue this way of life
Milk a reindeer, ride one, and experience traditions unchanged for generations
Witness a shamanic ceremony by firelight (optional — additional fee applies)
Visit the Ulaan Uushig Deer Stone Complex — one of Eurasia's most significant Bronze Age sites
Rest on the shores of Lake Khövsgöl — Mongolia's Blue Pearl, holding 70% of the country's freshwater
Trek across Jigleg Pass with views over the Darkhad Valley (14-day itinerary)
Three-day horseback journey along the western shore of Khövsgöl (14-day itinerary)
Journey Option
Why This Journey
Is This Journey For You
Accommodation
Quick Facts
Region: Northern Mongolia — Khövsgöl Taiga
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights | 14 Days / 13 Nights
Travel Type: Expedition — horseback, 4WD, camping
Best Season: June–September. Best conditions: August–September
Access: Flight to Mörön + overland + horseback
Group Size: 2–12 travelers. Led personally by Baaska
The journey begins with a 1.5-hour flight from Ulaanbaatar to Mörön — the capital of Khövsgöl province and gateway to the north. From Mörön, the route travels to Khatgal village on the southern shore of Lake Khövsgöl before continuing north into the vast Darkhad Valley.
The Darkhad is a wide, remote depression ringed by mountains — one of Mongolia's most isolated regions, where the feeling of distance begins almost immediately. From Tsagaannuur, the horses begin.
The ride into the Taiga covers 35–40 km over 6–7 hours, moving through dense conifer forest, crossing streams, and climbing over rocky ridgelines into increasingly wild terrain. Local Tsaatan guides lead the way — they know the forest, the routes, and the location of the family camps.
Time in the Taiga is unscheduled. Days follow the rhythm of the reindeer, the family, and the forest. This is the heart of the journey.
The 14-day itinerary begins earlier — driving north via Amarbayasgalant Monastery before reaching Mörön — and ends with a three-day horseback trek from the Darkhad Valley across Jigleg Pass to Jankhai on the northern shore of Khövsgöl.
Included ✅
Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar ↔ Mörön)
Airport transfers
Private 4WD vehicle and experienced driver
English-speaking guide (Baaska or senior guide)
All accommodation — hotel, ger camps, Tsaatan urts, expedition tents
All meals prepared by a professional field cook
Horses and local Tsaatan guides into the protected zone
Taiga protected zone permit
All entrance fees and national park permits
What To Bring
Clothing
Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
Warm fleece mid-layer
Waterproof and windproof outer jacket
Warm hat and gloves
Sturdy, broken-in riding or hiking boots
Sunglasses and sun hat
Extra socks (stream crossings are inevitable)
Custom route available
Private departures for groups
Family & photographer friendly
per person ~ Based on double occupancy
Pricing depends on group size, travel dates, and customizations. Private departures and tailored experiences are available.
Frequently Asked Questions