Reindeer Herders

Head to Amarbayasgalant monastery once was one of the three largest Buddhist centers in Mongolia. It is located in the Eviin Gol River Valley at the foot of the Burenkhaan Mountains. It was built over a period of 10 years from 1726 to 1736. A few thousand resident monks served and studied at the monastery. The monastery was built to honor the memory of Zanabazar one of the great Buddhist leaders of Mongolia. After he passed away, his remains where brought to be buried in this monastery. Architectural complexity is famous for not using any single nails and bringing up natural materials in traditional construction method. During the Soviet purge the monks were persecuted, and some of the temples demolished. Restoration of the monastery began in 1990 after the fall of the Soviet Union. Today there are around 50 resident monks, including ordained monks and those studying at Amarbayasgalant.

Drive via Erdenet city, second biggest city known also as city of Friendship with one of the biggest Copper mine owned by Mongolian and Russian joint venture company. We will arrive in Bulgan province famous for its natural landscape as well as historical monuments and sites from Turkic and Uyghur periods. Overnight with a nomadic family.

Arrive in Murun city known as the centre of northernmost region Khuvsgul province. With about 40.000 residents the city has a bustling local market and museum to give you a true experience of culture and livelihood of the area. Visit Uushig valley which is referred as one of the major sites Deer stones that dates back to early Bronze Age Era. Overnight by Delger Murun river.

Drive towards to Renchinlhumbe village via Darkhad depression and Khoridol Saridag Mountain range at an altitude of over 3000m above sea level. Continue the journey to remote Tsagaan Nuur village in Darkhad depression. This beautiful depression/valley is rich in rivers, streams, lakes and surrounded by impressive alpine mountains and taiga forest. Depression’s size is the same as Khuvsgul Lake more than 130 km long and has width of 40 kms. Stop at Tsagaan Nuur village and discover the village. The Tsagaannuur soum was established in 1985 only, with initial purpose to develop hunting, fishing and reindeer farming. Because, the area of this soum is not for livestock, it is a very good habitat for wildlife. The driving will take place in an eye capturing beautiful nature. Upon the arrival at the family start to prepare packing for next day trekking

Trekking through taiga forest. Due to the difficulty of the terrain our luggage will be carried on horseback what will assist during our trekking. It probably will take around 3 days to arrive at the Tsaatan community. We will be heading to Baruun Taiga. There are two places in the depths of the Taiga where the reindeer herding people live in communities; Zuun Taiga (East Taiga) and Baruun Taiga (west Taiga) those are named after their location measured from the Tsagaan Nuur village. Entire riding to and from the Baruun Taiga is on wooded terrain with occasional open part, rugged and steep slopes at walking pace. West Taiga is home to 20 households live in 1-10 family groups between 2 and 10 km distance. Have an overnight in tent on the way to Baruun Taiga. Our trekking will go through rugged mountains and muddy valleys making our trails challenging yet adventurous. Our discovery about the Tsaatan/Reindeer people will be continued for two days to explore and learn their everyday life and their traditions like riding reindeers, milking reindeers, processing skins, visiting different family tepees and etc while enjoying the relaxing in the beautiful nature. There’s endless photography opportunity as the Tsaatan people are welcoming and hospitable – there’s a lot to cover about this vanishing culture and the challenges they face every day. Most of the Tsaatan tribes usually have a tribal shaman who occasionally upon the request performs shaman rituals.

Drive to Ulaan-Uul soum, home of Darkhad people. Visit and stay with a Darkhad family and learn about their lifestyle.

Continue driving towards Ulaanbaatar through Murun city and spend a night on the way.

Arrive back to Ulaanbaatar.