Ride Through the Taiga
Taiga - Khövsgöl Lake Expedition
Travel deep into Mongolia’s remote Taiga to meet the Tsaatan reindeer herders and experience a way of life shaped by nature, tradition, and generations of nomadic knowledge. Ride through pristine forest, spend time with reindeer, share stories around the fire and experience the remarkable hospitality of a community whose connection to the land runs deep.
Meet the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders
Spend time with Tsaatan families in the remote Taiga and gain a genuine insight into their traditional way of life and enduring connection with reindeer and the forest.
A Close Encounter with Reindeer
Meet reindeer up close and experience their important role in everyday life in the taiga. Depending on local conditions, there may also be an opportunity to ride a reindeer.
Stay in a Traditional Urts
Spend a night in a traditional urts, the distinctive dwelling of Tsaatan families. Experience the simplicity of life deep in the remote Taiga, surrounded by forest and mountains.
Discover Lake Khövsgöl
Explore the shores of the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia”, surrounded by pristine forests and the mountains of the Sayan range. Take time to walk, reflect and enjoy the tranquillity of this remarkable lake.
Horseback Riding
Ride through forests, open valleys and along sections of the lakeshore, experiencing the northern landscape at a slower, more natural pace.
Explore the Northern Wilderness
Travel beyond the main tourist routes through remote valleys, mountain passes, forests and clear rivers. Experience the scale, silence and remoteness of one of Mongolia’s least-developed wilderness regions.
Stargazing in the Taiga
Far from city lights and light pollution, look up at the vast northern sky and enjoy clear, star-filled nights in the heart of the Taiga.
Comfort in the Wilderness
Experience remote wilderness without giving up essential comforts. A dedicated expedition cook prepares meals throughout the journey. Cosy ger camps, hot showers at selected camps and local support along the way.
At a glance
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Region
- Khövsgöl Province, northern Mongolia
- Trip type
- Horse trekking and Cultural immersion
- Minimum age
- 13 years
- Riding level
- Confident beginners to experienced riders
- Group
- Small, carefully formed group
Expedition highlights
Horse trekking through the Taiga
Journey through forest trails, mountain valleys and open clearings in one of northern Mongolia’s most remote and untouched landscapes.
Meet Tsaatan reindeer herders
Spend meaningful time with reindeer-herding families and learn how their animals, the forest and inherited knowledge shape daily life.
Lake Khövsgöl
Walk beside the Blue Pearl of Mongolia, surrounded by mountains, forest and clear freshwater.
Small-group travel
A small group allows more respectful encounters with local families and greater flexibility as conditions change.
Route map
Daily itinerary
Travel & activity
Your preferred mode of travel. Domestic flight or local transportation
Stay
Hotel
Meals
Dinner and breakfast
Distance
approx 650 km north of Ulaanbaatar
Make your way north to Mörön by your preferred mode of travel. The Mongol Trails team will welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation. Settle in, meet your fellow riders, guides and support crew, and complete your final preparations for the expedition. We’ll check riding gear, weigh pack-horse duffel bags, and make any necessary adjustments. There will also be time to purchase snacks, drinking water and personal supplies, with an optional opportunity to choose small gifts for the Tsaatan reindeer herder families. Before dinner, we’ll hold a full expedition briefing covering the itinerary, horse riding safety, luggage procedures, trail and weather conditions, cultural etiquette, sustainability and practical arrangements. Enjoy dinner together before an early night ahead of the journey into the Taiga.
What's included
- Domestic airport transfers and 4WD transport during the expedition
- Accommodation listed in the itinerary
- Horses and experienced local horse guides
- Tsaatan community visit and reindeer experience
- Meals and drinking water as outlined in the itinerary
- Expedition support, camping equipment, and National park permits
What's not included
- International and domestic flights are not included. We’re happy to assist with booking domestic flights and local transport where needed
- Visa fees and Travel insurance
- Personal riding gear and clothing, toiletries, and excess baggage fees
- Alcohol, extra snacks, souvenirs, and other personal expenses
- Additional accommodation or meals outside the itinerary
Before you go
What to expect
- Long riding days over uneven terrain
- Simple accommodation, outdoor toilet, and limited shower
- Little or no mobile coverage and rapidly changing weather
- Early starts, long travel days and close contact with animals
Horse and reindeer riding
Advanced riding experience is not required, but you should be comfortable spending several hours in the saddle and following local guides over natural terrain
Reindeer riding depends on animal welfare, local conditions and the decision of Tsaatan families. A rider-weight limit applies; ask us before booking if this affects you
Accommodation and meals
Accommodation may include cabins, family gers, tents, Tsaatan dwellings (teepee), and lakeside gers. In the Taiga, there may be no showers, running water, or conventional bathrooms
Our cooking team prepares wholesome, filling meals using locally available ingredients. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when registering so we can discuss your needs and confirm what can be accommodated
Safety and responsible travel
Our local guides make daily decisions based on weather, terrain, animal welfare, and participant safety. We travel respectfully, support local families and communities, and take care to minimise our impact on the landscapes we visit
What you will see
