Northern Mongolia Adventure Tour – 11 Days Lake Khövsgöl, Nomads & Reindeer Herders

Reindeer in northern Mongolia

Embark on an 11-day journey through Mongolia’s wild beauty and living traditions. Travel from vast steppes to Lake Khuvsgul’s crystal waters and into the Taiga, home of reindeer herders. Meet nomadic families, ride horses in alpine valleys, paddle the “Blue Pearl,” and camp beneath star-filled skies. With small groups of max eight, this adventure blends rugged off-road exploration with authentic encounters and quiet moments in untouched wilderness.

What is this trip about?

This 11-day expedition takes you deep into Mongolia’s untamed beauty and timeless traditions. From the vast steppes and crystal waters of Lake Khövsgöl to the mystical Taiga forest, you’ll journey through landscapes few travelers ever reach.

Along the way, you will:

  • Live with nomadic herders and share in their daily routines.

  • Ride horses through alpine valleys and kayak across Mongolia’s “Blue Pearl.”

  • Camp under star-filled skies and hike remote mountain trails.

  • Meet the reindeer-herding Tsaatan people and sleep in a traditional teepee (urtz).

With groups of no more than eight travelers, this journey blends rugged off-road adventure with authentic cultural encounters. Comfortable lodges provide rest and comfort, while wild camping and nomadic hospitality bring you closer to the land and its people.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Ulaanbaatar → Erdenet
Early departure from Ulaanbaatar to the Aglag Buteel Monastery (hike + breakfast). Continue to Erdenet, stop at a natural spring and riverside. Dinner and sunset by the Selenge River.
➡ Overnight: Baatarvan Resort

Aglag Buteel monastery itemt

Day 2 Into Nomadic Life
Drive via Mörön town to a nomadic family. Learn about their daily routines and enjoy a traditional dinner.
➡ Overnight: Ger with nomadic hosts

Day 3 Herding & Horse Riding
Morning with the host family: milking cows, making dairy products, herding livestock, horse riding. Afternoon hike to nearby mountains.
➡ Overnight: Ger with nomadic hosts


Photo of tourists and nomadic family in Mongolia

Day 4 Arrival at Lake Khövsgöl
Travel to Khatgal village, visit local handicraft shops and the Sükhbaatar ship. Continue to your lakeside lodge. Swim, relax, and dine by the lake.
➡ Overnight: Lakeside lodge

People relaxing by Khuvsgul lake

Day 5 Sacred Island & Kayaking
Boat ride to Wishing Rock Island. Afternoon kayaking and short horseback ride along the lake shore.
➡ Overnight: Lakeside lodge

People Kayaking on Khuvsgul lake in Mongolia

Day 6 Into the Taiga
Drive through remote dirt roads to Darhad’s 13 Ovoo (shamanic site).
➡ Overnight: Riverside resort


Day 7 Mountain Hiking & Camping
Hike through Ar Bosgot Gorge (10–15 km). Continue to Nariin Tag for wild camping, BBQ dinner under the stars.
➡ Overnight: Tent camping

People on a frozen river in Mongolia

Day 8 Delgerkhaan Mountain
Full-day hike (10–20 km) in the Khordol Saridag range. Picnic lunch, swimming in the river, and time to relax.
➡ Overnight: Tent camping

Day 9 Reindeer Herders (Tsaatan Tribe)
Travel by reindeer and horse to the Tsaatan herder camp. Learn their traditions, share meals, and sleep in a teepee (urtz).
➡ Overnight: Reindeer (Tsaatan) herder camp

Below in this video you can see an overview of a Tsaatan camp. These camps change over time, as the reindeer herders need to change locations to feed their livestock.

Day 10 Return from the Taiga
Ride back by reindeer and horse, then continue by vehicle to Ulaan Uul and back to Baatarvan Resort. What makes Mongolia special is that on the way, spontaneously, beautiful and incredible experiences occur such as this horserace along our route.
➡ Overnight: Baatarvan Resort

Day 11 Volcano & Return to Ulaanbaatar
Morning visit to the extinct Uraan Togo volcano. Lunch in Erdenet, then drive back to Ulaanbaatar for our farewell dinner.

2026 Departure Dates (Max 8 travelers)

  • 10 June - 21 June

What is Included

  • Accommodation (ger camps, hotels, tented camps)

  • All transfers in Mongolia (driver, fuel, vehicle)

  • English-speaking guide (bilingual if required)

  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner – vegetarian options available)

  • Activities & entrance fees (parks, horse riding, cultural visits)

  • Support team (cook, horse guides, etc. where needed)

  • Equipment (camping gear, special activity gear)

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)

  • Personal expenses (snacks, alcohol, souvenirs)

  • Optional tips for guides and drivers

  • Visa fees (if required)

Would you like more information on this trip or a personalized experience? Let us know!

Beyond The Steppe

Contact

Address: Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar, 3rd khoroo, 5th khoroolol, 43-55.

Disclaimer

All travel experiences provided by Beyond The Steppe involve inherent risks, including but not limited to unpredictable weather conditions, remote travel logistics, limited access to medical facilities, and potential cultural or language challenges. Travelers are solely responsible for their personal safety, health, travel documents, and belongings. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Beyond The Steppe is not liable for delays, itinerary changes, or cancellations caused by circumstances outside our control, such as natural events, local regulations, or unforeseen conditions in Mongolia. By booking a trip, travelers acknowledge and accept these risks and conditions.

© Beyond The Steppe

Beyond The Steppe

Contact

Address: Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar, 3rd khoroo, 5th khoroolol, 43-55.

Disclaimer

All travel experiences provided by Beyond The Steppe involve inherent risks, including but not limited to unpredictable weather conditions, remote travel logistics, limited access to medical facilities, and potential cultural or language challenges. Travelers are solely responsible for their personal safety, health, travel documents, and belongings. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Beyond The Steppe is not liable for delays, itinerary changes, or cancellations caused by circumstances outside our control, such as natural events, local regulations, or unforeseen conditions in Mongolia. By booking a trip, travelers acknowledge and accept these risks and conditions.

© Beyond The Steppe

Beyond The Steppe

Contact

Address: Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar, 3rd khoroo, 5th khoroolol, 43-55.

Disclaimer

All travel experiences provided by Beyond The Steppe involve inherent risks, including but not limited to unpredictable weather conditions, remote travel logistics, limited access to medical facilities, and potential cultural or language challenges. Travelers are solely responsible for their personal safety, health, travel documents, and belongings. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Beyond The Steppe is not liable for delays, itinerary changes, or cancellations caused by circumstances outside our control, such as natural events, local regulations, or unforeseen conditions in Mongolia. By booking a trip, travelers acknowledge and accept these risks and conditions.

© Beyond The Steppe