12-day Fall Reindeer Herder Group Tour
A 12-day group tour to visit the last of the reindeer herding families in Mongolia. Drive deep into the remote countryside before riding horses for two days to reach the tribe. Live with and experience nomadic traditions firsthand. Ride reindeer, help with chores, enjoy the tranquility of the taiga. A once-in-a-lifetime trip for intrepid travelers!
September 6 – 17, 2026
September 5 – 16, 2027
- Tour Type: Adventure
- Book Now (10/10 Spots Available)
- No Reviews
Trip Dates:
September 6 – 17, 2026
September 5 – 16, 2027
Book By: June 6, 2026 (for 2026) June 5, 2027 (for 2027)
Maximum Number of Participants: 10 Travelers
Minimum Number of Participants to Run*: 6 Travelers
Stay: Homestay with a Reindeer Herder Family, Guesthouses, Hotels
Tour Type: Homestay, Adventure, Horse Riding
Included: English-speaking Mongolian Guide, Horse Guides, Private Drivers, Meals, Accommodation, Domestic Flight (one way), Airport Transfers
Price to Book: $3,200 USD/person
*This trip requires 6 or more participants to run. The deadline to book is June 6, 2026 and June 5, 2027. If less than 6 travelers book by June 6, this group itinerary will not run and a full refund will be provided.
Join us for a 12-day adventure deep into Mongolia’s most sacred northern ecosystem, the taiga. Travel near to the Siberian border to visit the home of the famous Dukha (Tsaatan) Reindeer Herders, the last tribe in the world to herd and ride reindeer. With only 40 families still living this way, visit them now before this way of life becomes extinct.
During this group adventure tour travel north through dramatic landscapes, passing ancient deer stones (mysterious Stone Age monuments) and visit one of Mongolia’s oldest monasteries. Travel until there are no roads and the only way to get to our final destination is by following our expert horse guides who know these sacred lands like the back of their hand.
Completely inaccessible by car, take in the freedom horse riding through this area provides. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced horse rider, riders of all riding levels are welcome to book this adventure.
After two days of horse riding, reach the tribe to begin immersing in their culture and way of life. Ride reindeer alongside your hosts in this deeply spiritual land. This experience will change the way you look at your daily life, and the way you view the world.
After immersing with the Dukha (Tsaatan) tribe, ride back to your guesthouse and say goodbye to your steady steeds. End the tour with a visit to Lake Khuvsgul, where you can bathe in these sacred waters and reflect on the life-changing experience you just had.
Highlights of this 12-day Fall Reindeer Herder Group Tour itinerary include:
- Horse ride through vibrant and awe-inspiring fall colors as you traverse the taiga to reach the remote Dukha (Tsaatan) families.
- Live life completely off-grid, away from other travelers and modern amenities. This is the digital detox you’ve been searching for!
- Spend 3 days living with a reindeer herding family and learn their culture, eat traditional foods, and experience their daily way of life.
- Ride reindeer alongside your family host.
- Experience shamanic traditions in a land considered deeply spiritual and sacred.
- Visit ancient deer stones and one of Mongolia’s oldest monasteries along the route north.
- End the trip on the shores of Lake Khuvsgul, Mongolia’s revered “Mother Lake.”
Table of Contents
12-day Itinerary: Fall Reindeer Herder Group Tour 2026 & 2027
This 12-day itinerary to visit the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders is a unique journey to live and spend time with one of the last tribes in the world to herd and ride reindeer.
This is an adventure-focused itinerary that includes camping in tents, spending long hours exposed to the elements (rain or shine), and will take you far off the beaten path.
You may be pushed to leave your comfort zone throughout this journey, but that’s the beauty of this experience. Getting to the tribe is no easy feat, but that’s what makes it so special, and why so few people can say they’ve met and spent time with the tribe.
To join this 2026 group trip, you will need to arrive in Ulaanbaatar on or before September 6, 2026.
This itinerary is great for solo travelers, couples, friends, and adventure-seekers of all ages!
Day 1 / September 6: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar & Welcome Dinner
Arrive in Mongolia’s capital city and transfer to your hotel near the main square. After taking time to rest and get yourself together after traveling, meet your guide and the rest of the group in the evening for a welcome dinner.
During dinner you’ll be introduced to the journey ahead, the taiga region, and the cultural context of the reindeer herders you will soon meet.
- Stay: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
- Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 / September 7: Flight to Murun
Early morning domestic flight* to Murun, the last major city before the roads turn to dirt and the landscapes open wide. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the capital town of Khuvsgul Province. This day is intentionally light, allowing time to rest before the real adventure begins. Visit the local museum, have a coffee while watching horses roam free in the distance, and soak in the Soviet vibes of this quirky northern town.
- Stay: Local Hotel in Murun
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Domestic Flight Information: Please note that domestic flights from Ulaanbaatar to Murun only run on certain days. We will plan your itinerary according to the summer 2026 flight schedule, which will be released Spring 2026. Adjustments to this itinerary may need to be made.
Day 3 / September 8: Journey North & Park Rangers’ Headquarters
Bags packed and adventure clothes on, load up the vehicles and hit the road. Drive toward the northern taiga and stop at the park rangers’ headquarters to spend a special afternoon and evening learning about their daily work protecting the fragile taiga ecosystem and its wildlife. Continue driving through increasingly remote landscapes toward the northernmost village accessible by dirt road.
Meet your horse guide in the evening – you’ll be staying at his local guesthouse tonight!
- Stay: Local Guesthouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – 5/ September 9 – 10: Horse Trek into the Taiga
Waking up early, you have a long day ahead. The team and horse guides will begin preparing the horses for the day’s journey. Get acquainted with your steady steed and learn to work together to take on the challenging terrain of the taiga as a team.
Horse ride for two days deep into the taiga forest to reach the reindeer herders’ fall camp. Along the way, be mesmerized by the fall colors changing before your eyes. Deep reds highlighted with oranges and yellows make this a ride you’ll never forget.
Camp overnight along the way and reach the herders’ fall camp on your second day of riding. Receive a warm welcome and hard-earned steaming hot cup of reindeer milk tea. Eat a traditional Tuvan dinner, help herd in the reindeer for the evening, and settle in for the night.
- Stay: Reindeer Herder Homestay (traditional teepee called an “ortz” or tent)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 / September 11: Life with the Reindeer Herders & Shaman Visit
Spend the day immersed in reindeer herder life. Learn about daily routines, milking reindeer, food preparation, and how life is shaped by forest, season, and tradition. Ride reindeer and soak in these truly bucket list moments – they will probably never happen again.
In the evening, gather for a visit from a shaman, offering insight into the spiritual beliefs of the taiga.
- Stay: Reindeer Herder Homestay
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – 8 / September 12 – 13: Horse Ride Out of the Taiga & Drive to Khuvsgul Lake
After two nights with the family, say goodbye and begin riding back out of the taiga. Depending on the weather, this may be a slow journey. Take this time to practice your horse riding skills and get comfortable riding Mongol style – which your guide can explain and show you!
Arriving back at the guesthouse, say an even more tearful goodbye to your horse guides and start driving south toward Lake Khuvsgul.
Arrive at your lakeside ger camp and indulge in hot showers and a decadent dinner, you’ve earned it.
- Stay: Lakeside Ger Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 / September 14: Lake Khuvsgul
Called the “Mother Lake” of Mongolia, Lake Khuvsgul is a sacred destination popular with locals as well as tourists. Embrace your inner tourist today and visit the sacred Wish Rock, renew your soul in the brisk lake waters, and learn about this important natural wonder celebrated by all Mongolians.
In the evening, listen to the sounds of the lake and melt into your comfortable bed.
- Stay: Lakeside Ger Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 / September 15: Amarbaysgalant Monastery
Depart Lake Khuvsgul and begin the journey south toward Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Arrive in the afternoon and spend time exploring one of Mongolia’s most important historical and spiritual sites. Listen to the monks chant and climb the steps to the most unique stupa in all of Mongolia.
- Stay: Guesthouse Near the Monastery
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 / September 16: Drive to Ulaanbaatar
Continue the drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy your final evening in the city. Time to rest, reflect, and enjoy a farewell dinner as a group.
- Stay: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 12 / September 17: Goodbye Mongolia
Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your international departure. This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you later!
- Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Ulaanbaatar.
- One-way domestic flight between Ulaanbaatar and Murun.
- All accommodation throughout the trip, including hotels, guesthouses, ger camps, and two nights homestay with a reindeer herder family.
- All ground transportation during the trip dates (4WD vehicles; maximum of three guests per vehicle).
- Horse trekking and reindeer riding as outlined in the itinerary.
- Experienced and professional English-speaking lead guide.
- Local horse guides and reindeer herder hosts.
- Professional drivers.
- All activities listed in the itinerary.
- Shaman visit during the reindeer herder stay.
- Private cook during the horse trek and reindeer herder homestay.
- All meals* during trip dates (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Welcome dinner and welcome bags.
- Entrance fees and permits for national parks, protected areas, and cultural sites.
*Please let us know of any dietary restrictions before booking to confirm if we are able to accommodate your dietary needs.
What's Not Included
- International airfare to and from Mongolia.
- Visa costs and fees, if applicable.
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation and trip participation (required).
- Excess baggage fees on the domestic flight.
- Domestic flight allowance: 15 kg checked luggage and 5 kg hand luggage.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, and souvenirs.
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
- Tips and additional gratuities for guides, drivers, and local hosts.
Visit our tour cancellation policy page if you have any additional questions.
Book Now
Join us on the adventure of a lifetime to the Reindeer Herders of Mongolia. This group tour takes place September 6 – September 17, 2026 or September 5 – September 16, 2027.
To book your spot, please complete the Google form linked below. Once received, we will reach out with everything you’ll need to complete your booking.
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