Tsaatan, the last reindeer herders of Mongolia

18 – 27 October 2026

The last Tsaatan reindeer herders, a few hundred, are the only nomadic group left in northern Mongolia and leave between the Sayan Mountains and the Republic of Tuva, just across the border of Russia.

A visit to the Tsaatan community is a fascinating experience. It is a rare opportunity to learn about a unique traditional lifestyle, still little contaminated by modernity. Unlike the ethnic groups of reindeer herders in Russia, the Dukha tribe rides the animals and uses their milk to make cheese. During our expedition we will stay with the breeders and will have the opportunity to learn how milking takes place and how cheese is made. The remote territory in which we will move is a succession of large lakes and imposing mountains that few Westerners have had the fortune of visiting. Exclusive adventure for our group of 15 people maximum.

Tsaatan, Reindeer herders, Nomad, Sayan mountains

Program

18 October
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar.
Visit the city, the large Sukhbaatar square and the center before transferring to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel***.

19 October
Flight Ulaanbaatar – Murun.
Upon arrival we will head to Lake Khuvsgul, which is the second largest freshwater lake in Asia, after Lake Baikal. It is located in northwest Mongolia, near the border with Russia, at the foot of the Eastern Sayan Mountains. The journey will be entirely on asphalt roads through wild territory until we reach the lake where we can enjoy the magnificent panorama.
Overnight at Hotel***.

20 October
After breakfast, we will depart for Ulaan-Uul village, located northwest of Murun city. There are several rivers and mountain passes along the way. The day includes numerous stops at scenic spots and picnic lunch.
Overnight in a tent or a wooden cabin.

21 October
Departure early in the morning for the village of Tsaagan Nuur. Once we arrive at our destination we will have to register at the army headquarters, as this region is in fact subject to particular and stringent entry restrictions.
Only later will we be able to meet the nomadic family who will take care of the transport to get to the Tsaatan camp deep in the taiga. We will have the opportunity to taste traditional home-made Mongolian food and we will be able to drink mare’s milk, a typically Mongolian custom.
Overnight  in Ger.

22 October
On board 4×4 cars or minivans (for those who wish it is also possible to travel on horseback) we will move near the southern border of Siberia through the taiga. The environment, the landscape, the mountains, the streams, the tundra that replaces the taiga are spectacular and if we are lucky we can meet the deer.
Once we reach the camp we will have a first taste of the great hospitality of the reindeer herders. Overnight stay in the traditional Tsaatan tent.

23 October
Full day at the camp. We will have the unique opportunity to share daily life with the reindeer herders, ride a reindeer and help with daily activities, from milking to cheese making and maybe share some games with the children.
Overnight stay in the traditional Tsaatan tent.

24 October
Today we will leave our hosts and their wild and untouched land to return to Tsaagan Nuur. Overnight in Ger.

25 October
Oggi lasceremo i nostri ospiti e la loro terra selvaggia e incontaminata per fare ritorno a Tsaagan Nuur.
Pernottamento in Ger.

26 October
After breakfast, we will depart for Murun. There are several rivers and mountain passes along the way. The day includes numerous stops at scenic spots and a packed lunch.
Overnight stay at Hotel***.

27 October
Transfer to the airport in time for the flight home.

*This is a real expedition in poorly explored areas so the program could be carried out differently due to weather conditions or animal sightings; it is essential to be flexible.

Program

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Included in the price:

  • All overnight stays in a double room and tent with breakfast included. During the migration 4 people will share a Ger ( a double Ger may also be available but confirmation is not possible at the moment).
  • All meals from Unanbaataar to Murun.
  • All mentioned excursions.
  • All transfers.
  • English speaking guide.

Not Included:

  • Not indicated meals.
  • Alchoolic drinks.
  • Flights.
  • Any unexpected additional costs due to delays and/or forced stops due to flight connections, including flight changes, hotels and additional meals.

Price:

Euro 4700,00
(Single Supplement Euro 800)
THE GREAT MIGRATION + TSAATAN REDUCTION Euro 500,00