Mongolia Expedition: Reindeer Herders Itinerary

Starting in

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Physical Difficulty

4 / 5

Breakfasts included

12

Lunches included

12

Dinners included

10

Ending in

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Accommodation

Hotel (twin share, 3 nights), Tsaatan tent (Multi-share, 3 nights), Family ger (Multi-share, 1 night), Guest house ( Multi-share, 3 nights), Tourist ger camp (Multi-share, 2 nights), Overnight train (Multi-share, 1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle , Overnight Train

Travel deep into the northern Mongolia Taiga to trace the footsteps of the Tsaatan Reindeer herders on this 14-day journey. See the majestic Chinggis Khan Statue outside of Ulaanbaatar, enjoy a Mongolian BBQ with the Darkhad nomads in their family ger, come close to the ancient bronze age Deer Stone monuments in Uushig valley, take in the majestic landscape of Khoridol Saridag Mountain and Khuvsgul lake and the most important of all, experience the Tsaatan reindeer herders life in their camp that is only accessible on foot. Take part in their daily chores, learn about their wisdom of going with the nature's flow and take in this challenging but transformative experience of being away from modern civilization.

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar

Sainbainuu! Welcome to Mongolia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and group members. If you arrive early, why not get out and discover the city. Maybe check out the Gandan Khiid, Mongolia’s largest and most important monastery. You could also stroll through a local market or visit one of the many museums, including the Fine Arts Museum and Winter Palace Museum of Bogd Khan. After your meeting, get to know your group better with an optional dinner or maybe go to the restaurant you were eyeing earlier.

Day 2: Overnight train to Erdenet

Start your morning with a drive to the Chinggis Khan equestrian statue. You’ll climb up to the horse’s mane for a great photo with the Khan. Then, drive to Terelj National Park. Stop to take a photo at the famous turtle rock and head out on a short hike to the meditation temple for a great view of the valley. Stop at a roadside cafe to refuel for lunch then head back to UB. After stocking up on some food and drinks at a local supermarket, hop on an overnight train to Erdenet. Sit back, relax and take in a mode of transportation the locals use to travel long distances in their country.

Day 3: Murun

This morning, you’ll hop off the train in Erdenet city. After a long ride, you may want to stop by a local cafe for breakfast and restock at a shop for snacks for the next leg of the trip. Make the drive to Murun today. Once you arrive, join your group for a short walk around Murun and visit the main square before heading out into the wilderness.

Day 4: Ulaan Uul

After breakfast, drive down a dirt road to Ulaan-Uul. On the way, you’ll stop at Uushig Valley to check out the unique Deer Stones that are representative of Bronze Age religion, culture and society significance. You’ll also make another stop at the sacred shamanistic site of ovoo – the pile of stones that has been built as a home for mountain spirits. Tonight, you’ll stay in a family-run guesthouse with stove-heated wooden huts or gers.

Day 5: Tsagaan Nuur

Drive to Khogorgo Valley today to spend the night with a Darkhad nomad family for a unique insight into their nomadic way of life and culture – they graze cattle, horses, sheep and goats versus the Tsaatan people who only raise reindeer. Get to know your hosts as you help them prepare for a Mongolian style BBQ dinner and get to know the importance of meat in their diet and how Mongolian characters are intertwined with their food and cooking. You might even have the chance to watch as the family’s livestock are milked and herded.

Day 6: Tsaatan Camp

Wake up this morning and have breakfast on site then meet the horsemen who will be carrying your bags for today’s hike to the autumn camp of the Tsaatan reindeer herders. Journey through a forest and across a small creek then arrive at the camp where you’ll get a firsthand look into their daily life. This group relies on reindeer for transportation, milk and is a large part of their cultural identity. Learn about their lifestyle and how its deeply tied to the mountains and shamanistic traditions. Tonight, you’ll get a taste of a traditional Tsaatan meal cooked by the family and sleep in shared Tsaatan orts – sort of like sleeping in a tent.

Day 7-8: Tsaatan Camp

For your two days here, you’ll truly experience life at the camp by helping with the daily activities, like preparing wood for the fire, fetching water from the spring, milking the reindeer or processing the milk. You may get to help in herding and rounding up the reindeer or watch the men make wood and reindeer horn carvings – you could support the families by purchasing something as an authentic souvenir to bring home. Tsaatan people love singing, so if you’re up for it, learn a traditional song and sing along with your new friends. This is a great opportunity to learn about Tsaatan daily life and culture through a hands-on experience.

Day 9: Renchinlhumbe

Say goodbye to your hosts this morning and hike back to the Tsagaan Nuur. Once back, you’ll say farewell to the horsemen and drive to Renchinlkhumbe sum where you’ll stay overnight in a family-run guesthouse.

Day 10: Khovsgol Lake

Drive to the Khovsgol Lake today via Jigleg Pass. Take in views of the lake from the top of the pass and the scenery along the way as you cross the Khoridol Saridag mountains. Some say this is Mongolia’s most beautiful destination, a pristine wilderness with forests, grasslands and meadows. You’ll arrive to the ger camp in late afternoon for time to settle into your yurt and take in the serene scenery.

Day 11: Khovsgol Lake

Today is yours to enjoy a relaxing day at the lake at your own leisure. You might like to hike up to one of the nearby peaks or maybe take a boat trip out on the lake. Explore on foot and relax on one of our few days not on the road. All of these are great ways to experience this wild region.

Day 12: Bulgan

Today, you’ll drive to Bulgan and on the way, visit the monument on the intersection of 50 and 100 degrees of longitude and latitude. There are only four points on Earth where 50 degrees intersects with 100 degrees longitude – one in the Pacific Ocean, one in the Indian Ocean, one in Canada and one in Mongolia. Stop by a roadside cafe for lunch then stay overnight in a family-run guesthouse.

Day 13: Ulaanbaatar

Say farewell to Bulgan today and drive back to Ulaanbaatar. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you please, whether you want to relax, go sightseeing or shop for some last-minute souvenirs. Tonight, join back up with your group for a special cultural show featuring throat singing and traditional dancing then head out for an optional final dinner recommended by your leader to celebrate your trip.

Day 14: Ulaanbaatar

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Guide Hotel, 9/3 University Street 9/3 Их сургуулийн гудамж, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar, 14201, MONGOLIA, Phone: +976 11353887

Finish point

Guide Hotel, 9/3 University Street 9/3 Их сургуулийн гудамж, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar, 14201, MONGOLIA, Phone: +976 11353887

Important information

1. A single supplment is only bookable for Day 1, 3, 10, 11 & 13, subject to availability. Please contact your booking agent if you are interested.
2. A heavy duty sleeping bag is required for the family ger stay and Tsaantan camp stay. You can bring your own, or hire one in Ulaanbaatar for 20 USD for the trip which is organised with your tour leader. Please let your booking agent know if you would like to hire one and they will advise your leader prior to the trip.
3. Please provide your full passport details to your booking agent no later than 40 day prior to departure.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:





Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +976 99183751

Is this trip right for you

This is an expedition trip. You'll need to be able to take on the challenges of long and bumpy drives, very basic camping conditions without electricity, running water or showers, hiking through the forest and other activities that'll put you completely outside your normal comfort zone. You'll need to have a good fitness level and an open mind for challenges and adventures to enjoy this journey. And you'll likely to be disconnected for a bigger portion of the trip with the lack of cell signals and electricity.

Majority of the nights on this trip you'll spend in multi-share accommodations like tourist ger camps, guest houses, Mongolian family gers and Tsaatan tents. Please see the itinerary day information for more details

There will be several long and bumpy drives, constantly being on the move to make it to the northern Mongolia taiga.

Food options are very limited at the reindeer camps, especially for vegetarians. Vegan, Gluten free and Lactose free diets cannot be catered for.

Why we love it

Travel to Mongolia taiga and hike to meet and live with Tsaatan reindeer herders. Take part in their daily life, sleep in their tipies, and share meals, laughs and music., Experience the Darkhad nomad's way of life with a night spent in their family gers, helping them prepare dinner and share a meal of Mongolian BBQ., Take a free day at Khovsgol lake, relax, hike, boat – a well-deserved ‘me time’ after a challenging and rewarding journey, See the stunning landscape along the way – a road trip like no other through winding mountain roads, expansive grasslands, pristine lakes and picturesque valleys, with our experienced drivers and local leaders., Learn about ancient and modern Mongolia culture with visits to the Bronze Age Deer Stone monuments, Chinggis Khan Statue, a unique culture show and shamanistic site.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative.

Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., SEAT BELTS:
Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts., MONGOLIA
Mongolia is relatively safe, but crimes against foreigners sometimes occur. Petty crime is common in Ulaanbaatar, particularly in markets or other crowded public places. Watch out for pickpockets. Be wary of large groups of street children and teenagers, who sometimes harass pedestrians for money when entering and leaving vehicles, pubs and restaurants. Keep passports, money and other valuables in a safe place. Report any theft to the police or to your leader, the police can provide a letter for insurance purposes. Hotels and ger camps in Mongolia usually don't have a safe so it's best to store your valuables in a lockable suitcase or backpack.

The incidence of violent crime in Ulaanbaatar appears to be on the rise. There has been an increase in reports of foreigners being robbed and assaulted, especially when walking at night, and while using public transport and unlicensed taxis. These incidents tends to increase during festive months – New Year, Tsagaan Sar (December – February) and Naadam (July). Take extra safety precautions during these months.

In recent years there have been occasional instances of civil and political unrest resulting in demonstrations and in some cases violence. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2026

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


MONGOLIA
Those with allergies to animals should be aware that Mongolians live in very close proximity with their livestock and while staying in family gers you may come in contact with many animals such as dogs, horses, goats, camels and yaks.

The diet and hygiene standards of Mongolia may be very different from what you are used to so please take care with washing hands before meals. We advise bringing some medication/rehydration salts etc if you commonly experience stomach problems when travelling.

In spring and early summer ticks are prevalent in rural areas. Please take precautions by wearing long trousers and covered shoes and always check your clothes and body thoroughly after walks and hikes.

It is also worth noting that outside of Ulaanbaatar medical facilities are virtually non-existent. It can take up to a few days to reach any modern facilities should you require medical attention whilst on the road.

AIR POLLUTION:
During colder months Ulaanbaatar can be very smoggy due to the use of wood & coal burning stoves for heating and cooking. Temperatures below zero outside (easily up to and below -20 C in winter) combined with this pollution can make this a difficult time to travel for those with respiratory problems. 

Food and dietary requirements

MONGOLIA
Those with special dietary requirements may choose to supplement included meals with supplies brought from home. Vegetarian lacto-ovo options (while limited) can be offered for all included meals, provided we are notified at time of booking.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

MONGOLIA
The official currency of Mongolia is the Tugrik (MNT). You can only get Tugrik in Mongolia. The easiest currencies to exchange are USD and EUR. Major credit cards may be accepted in some shops and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar. In Ulaanbaatar you will find ATMs that accept international cards and dispense local currency; however these should not be relied on as your sole financial source. Some tourist shops and restaurants may accept USD or EUR as payment but all other purchases in Mongolia must be made in local currency.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

MONGOLIA TIPPING:
If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations.

The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:

Restaurants: - we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill, however check if a service charge has already been added.

Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest 3-5 USD (or equivalent of local currency) a day for local guides. Adjust the amount accordingly for guides who are with you for less than a full day.

Porters: In some hotels a porter may offer to carry your bag to your room. We suggest 1-2 USD (or equivalent of local currency) per suitcase.

Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of US$3-5 ( or equivalent of local currency) per person per day is generally appropriate. Adjust the amount accordingly for drivers who are with you for less than a full day.

Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

What to take

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible.

If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, SLEEPING BAG
A sleeping bag is required for some nights on this trip. You can bring your own, or hire one in Ulaanbaatar for 20 USD for the trip through your tour leader. Please let your agent know at time of booking.
, The conditions at the reindeer camp are very basic. Waterproof light weight jacket with good insulation is highly recommended as the temperatures can drop to below zero at night. Water proof hiking boots will be essential for your hike to the camp. You may also wish to bring water purification pills and walking poles depending on your own needs.

Climate and seasonal

Information not available.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

Information not available.

Transport notes

This is a trip that includes extensive travelling in some remote terrain away from modern facilities and conveniences. As we spend a lot of time on the road each day, it is important to realise that the emphasis on this trip is on the journey, travelling through amazing landscapes and staying in some stunning locations. As we travel by private transport for the duration of the trip we spend a lot of time together with our group members. If you are looking for an active or independent trip with lots of choice for physical and cultural activities daily then you might want to consider whether this trip is the right one for you. However, if you are keen to explore a fascinating country "road trip" style, take in the scenery as you go and are willing to sit back and enjoy the ride (however long it takes to get there!) then this will definitely add to your experience of Mongolia.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.