MONGOLIA From Horses to Reindeer: The Tsaatan People May 26 - June 9, 2018
MONGOLIA From Horses to Reindeer: The Tsaatan People Designed for the more experienced horseback rider, this horse trek passes through the mountains, taiga forests, and idyllic meadows of Mongolia s northernmost province. Traveling through the beautiful Khoridal Saridag Mountains, this adventurous journey on horseback leads to Lake Hovsgol, the alpine lake known as Mongolia s dark blue pearl, stopping along the way to visit Tsaatan families who herd domesticated reindeer. This is a challenging horse trek, and riders should be comfortable traveling on horseback over difficult and steep terrain. We will ride Mongolian horses, legendary for their stamina, sturdy build, and ability to negotiate difficult terrain. Each day, approximately six to eight hours (30 40 km) will be spent in the saddle. The crew will include a bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide, a camp cook, and local horse wranglers.
Y O U R J O U R N E Y DEPARTURE DATE(S): MAY 26 - JUNE 9, 2018 ACTIVITY LEVEL: Experienced horseback riders who want to discover the wild and spectacular forests, lakes, and mountains of Mongolia s Hovsgol Province. HIGHLIGHTS: Experience riding Mongolian horses through the wilderness of Hovsgol Province Hike, kayak, or relax at pristine Lake Hovsgol Visit Tsaatan reindeer herders ACCOMMODATIONS: 3 nights at Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar 2 nights at ger camps 9 nights in tents Day 1 WELCOME TO ULAANBAATAR The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st-century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport you are welcomed by your Mongolian guide and transferred to a centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops. (Shangri-La Hotel) Day 2 ULAANBAATAR After breakfast visit the National History Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia s history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia s minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment. Next, visit Bogd Khan Winter Palace museum, home of Mongolia s last theocrat, Bogd Jabzan Damba Hutagt VIII. The museum displays elaborate ceremonial robes and other personal effects of Mongolia s 8th Living Buddha. After lunch, visit the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum. Named in honor of Zanabazar, the renowned 17th-century artist and politician, who was also the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia, the museum contains one of the best collections of Buddhist art and artifacts in the world, including many of Zanabazar s original works. In the evening, enjoy a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers, followed by dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. Day 3 ULAANBAATAR MURUN (Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D) Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. Strolling through the monastery grounds, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras, the teachings of the Buddha. Also visit the recently renovated Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig, the lord who looks in every direction. This 82-foot high statue, gilded in pure gold and clothed with silk and precious stones, completely fills one of Gandan s temples. After lunch, fly north to Murun (1.5 hours), the capital of Hovsgol Province, and continue overland towards Renchinlhumbe Village. Camp near Ulaan-Uul sum. During the expedition our guides will set up camp with expedition-quality three-person tents for every two people, outfitted with sleeping bags and mats.
Day 4 Day 6 TSAGAAN NUUR VILLAGE ZUUN TAIGA HAR DAVAA PASS Spend the day driving north to the village of Tsagaan Nuur, named for the nearby White Lake, home to Pidschjan whitefish. Built especially for the Tsaatan community in the 1950s as a town center, Tsagaan Nuur had one of the country s largest fish farms, as well as a reindeer-breeding farm, until the collapse of communism in 1990. Arrive in the late afternoon and rest before your horse trekking adventure starts the next day. For those interested, we can explore the area on foot before dinner. Overnight in tents near the village. This will be one of the most challenging but memorable days of the trek. In the afternoon, passing the west end of Targan Nuur Lake, cross the Sailag Mountains and by late afternoon reach the Tsaatan settlement. The Tsaatan in this region herd domesticated reindeer, which they use primarily for transportation and milk. Overnight in tents near Dood Sailig River. (6-8 hours, 30-40 km; terrain: marshy, mountain area, larch forest) Day 7 TSAATAN FAMILIES Day 5 DARKHADYN KHOTGOR SHARGYN RIVER Meet the horse wranglers and start riding through the Darkhadyn Khotgor depression towards the Zuun (East) taiga forest, home of the Tsaatan, crossing many rivers flowing down from the Khoridal Saridag Mountains. The largest of these, the Shargyn River, will be crossed using a pontoon boat. Camp overnight near Targan Nuur Lake, a small freshwater lake surrounded by hills and larch forest. Overnight in tents near Renchinlhumbe Mountain. (6-7 hours, 3035 km; terrain: grassy; 4 river crossings) Spend this day with local Tsaatan families and learn more about their traditional nomadic lifestyle. The Tsaatan are part of the Tuvan ethnic group, who live in the Tuvan Republic of Russia. There are only about 300 Tsaatan in total, living in the northern Mongolian taiga landscape. The Tsaatan often move their small encampments every two or three weeks, looking for special types of grass and lichen loved by the reindeer (of which there are around 1000 in total for both the east and west taiga). The Tsaatan are also strong practitioners of shamanism. Overnight in tents.
Day 8 DARKHADYN KHOTGOR This morning, we will leave the dense northern territory and begin our journey onto Lake Hovsgol, known as mother ocean in Mongolia. We will trek near the Shargyn river, one of the major river systems in the area. (6-7 hours, 30-35 km; terrain: river valley, mostly grassy, some portions muddy) Day 9 DARKHADYN KHOTGOR ARSAI RIVER We will continue our journey in this no-man s land as we trek through beautiful mountain valleys and meadows. We continue towards Jigleg Pass, again crossing the Shargyn River on a pontoon. Camp for the night near the Arsai River, near the west entry of Jigleg Pass. (6-7 hours, 30-35 km) Day 10 JIGLEG PASS Today will be a full day of trekking through the Jigleg Pass (8,500 feet above sea level), following grassy trails. Jigleg is one of the few horse trail entries into the lake shore. As we trek from the inland to the lake, we will trek amidst pine trees and open valleys as we gradually ascent this scenic valley. We will cross a freshwater mountain river and set up camp in the foothills. (6-7 hours, 30-35 km; terrain: grassy, mountain area) Day 11 HAR-US RIVER Continue the trek through northern Mongolia s pristine alpine scenery toward Lake Hovsgol and camp near the Har-Us River. Har-Us could also be described as a series of springs nestled amongst meadows of beautiful wildflowers. Even in winter, Har- Us is not frozen in some parts and is a popular local destination for the healing power of its water. In early summer, locals flock here to eat the bailius fish for its medicinal properties. Overnight in tents. (6 hours, 30 km; terrain: grassy) Day 12 HAR-US RIVER We will be trekking today along the shoreline, with the magnificent Lake Hovsgol on the eastern side and the breathtaking Khoridal Saridag mountains on the western side. Today is one of the most scenic trekking days of our journey. We will conclude our trekking journey by arriving at our tent camp on the shore of the lake. (6 hours, 30 km; terrain: grassy)
Day 13 LAKE HOVSGOL Spend today relaxing by the lake, kayaking, or enjoying a dayhike into the mountains or through alpine meadows strewn with wildflowers. There will also be the opportunity to visit local nomadic families who camp near the lake. Overnight in gers. (Ger Camp; B, L, D) Day 15 DEPARTURE After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure. B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to change the above itinerary if necessary. Day 14 MURUN ULAANBAATAR After breakfast, drive to Murun (4 hours) for the return flight to Ulaanbaatar (1.5 hours.) Stop along the way at Lake Irkh, a small lake in the midst of the steppe that attracts a variety of birds. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. (Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D)
LAND PRICE $6,395 per person based on double occupancy Internal Airfare: $300 per person Single supplement: $950 per person Airfare for International Flight to Ulaanbaatar is not included. Please contact us for details. LAND PRICE INCLUDES: Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary Transfers on arrival and departure All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy (hotel rooms, tents and gers) Sleeping bags and pads while tenting Meals as noted in itinerary Horse riding as noted in the itinerary Use of one-and two-person Folbot Expedition kayaks at Lake Hovsgol All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay LAND PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: International airfare Passport and visa fees Comprehensive medical and trip insurance Airport taxes Excess baggage charges Porterage and tips to guides, drivers, wranglers, local ger camp and restaurant staff WHY TRAVEL WITH NOMADIC EXPEDITIONS? Unrivaled Expertise Nomadic Expeditions was founded in 1992. Nothing can compete with the experience we have attained over 25 years of designing luxury adventure travel to Asia. While each trip we design is slightly different than its predecessor, our breadth of knowledge, network of contacts, and experience in the field is unrivaled. Our People We hire the best in the business to create and execute memorable journeys for our clients. From our Expedition Specialists in the United States, Ulaanbaatar, Lhasa, and Thimpu who turn wish lists into reality to our English-speaking, professionally trained guides who share their extensive knowledge of the culture and natural history of our destinations, our staff is what makes Nomadic Expeditions successful. Passion for Travel While our journeys open your eyes to a whole new world of experiences, we understand that choosing to book a trip with us requires time spent away from friends, family, and work. Your time is precious and we take that to heart. It s why we design journeys that go beyond a checklist of attractions. When you travel with us, we want you to remember drinking tea with a nomadic family or digging for fossils with a renowned paleontologist. We imbue our trips with encounters, whether it s with a local resident, a high-ranking government official, or a renowned wildlife conservationist, so you take home more than a set of photographs to frame on your nightstand. Our Philosophy Nomadic Expeditions was founded on the principle of treading lightly long before sustainable travel was a buzz phrase. Every expedition is undertaken with the greatest respect for the lands we explore and the local people we meet. Those who travel with us do so with the assurance that the preservation and protection of the ecosystems and cultures we visit is of the utmost importance to us, both as individuals and as a company. Respect for the places we travel to is at the heart of everything we do, but over our 25 years we have realized additional opportunities where we can lend a hand. We have gone beyond simply treading lightly and have wholeheartedly partnered with local communities and regions. Read more about our sustainable practices and philanthropic efforts here. Photography and video fees Food and beverages not included in the group meals Items of personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls Other items not specifically mentioned as included We would love to share this exceptional adventure with you! Our Expedition Specialists are available from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM EST, Monday thru Friday Nomadic Expeditions Inc., 1095 Cranbury-South River Road, Suite 20A Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 USA Phone: or 609-860-9008 Fax: 609-860-9608 Email: info@