Ride into the taiga
Two days on horseback through forest, bog and river crossings. No riding experience is needed; local horsemen lead the way.
Overview
Ride deep into the West Taiga to live alongside the Dukha, one of the last reindeer-herding families on earth. On the way, cross the green heart of Mongolia, sleep beside Lake Khuvsgul and wake up to some of the wildest landscapes in Asia.
- Duration11 days
- Group size2–12 people
- Start / EndUlaanbaatar
- StayHotel · Ger camp · Tent
- Transport4x4 · Horse · Flight
- Activity levelModerate
Is this trip for me?
- Nature & adventure
- Culture & traditions
- Physical effort
- Comfort
- Relax
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Our team meets you at the airport and drives you to your hotel. In the evening, meet your guide and fellow travellers over a welcome dinner and a short trip briefing.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
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Day 2 Ulaanbaatar to Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Head north across rolling steppe to the Iven valley and Amarbayasgalant, an 18th-century monastery. Walk up to the stupa on the hill for sunset views.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Overnight: Ger camp · Drive: ~360 km
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Day 3 Uran Togoo extinct volcano
Drive west through Bulgan province to Uran Togoo. Hike to the rim of the volcano crater and visit a nomadic family nearby to try fresh dairy.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Overnight: Ger camp · Drive: ~250 km
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Day 4 Lake Khuvsgul
Continue north via Murun to the shore of Lake Khuvsgul. Spend the afternoon walking along the lake or kayaking on its clear water.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Overnight: Ger camp by the lake · Drive: ~330 km
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Day 5 Khuvsgul to Tsagaannuur
A long off-road drive through the Darkhad valley to the village of Tsagaannuur, the gateway to the taiga. Meet the horsemen and prepare for the ride.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Overnight: Local guesthouse · Drive: ~280 km
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Day 6 Horse ride into the West Taiga
Saddle up for a full day of riding through forest and open meadows. Arrive in the afternoon at the summer camp of the Dukha reindeer herders.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Overnight: Tent at the herders' camp · Ride: 6–7 hours
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Day 7 Life with the reindeer herders
Join the family's daily routine: milk the reindeer, collect firewood and learn how they live in harmony with the taiga. Optional reindeer ride.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Overnight: Tent at the herders' camp
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Day 8 A second day in the taiga
Hike to a viewpoint above the camp, visit a shaman's family if they are home, and spend a last evening sharing stories by the fire.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Overnight: Tent at the herders' camp
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Day 9 Ride back to Tsagaannuur
Say goodbye to the family and ride back out of the taiga. A hot shower and a warm meal wait in the village.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Overnight: Local guesthouse · Ride: 6–7 hours
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Day 10 Murun to Ulaanbaatar
Drive to Murun and take the domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Free afternoon for shopping, then a farewell dinner with a traditional music show.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar · Flight: ~1.5 hours
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Day 11 Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, with the taiga still in your head.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
What to expect from this tour
Honest travel conditions, comfort level and everyday life on the road, explained up front.
Live with reindeer herders
Share daily life with a Dukha family in their teepee camp: milking, herding and evenings by the stove.
Lake Khuvsgul
Crystal-clear water framed by larch forest, Mongolia's "Blue Pearl" and a perfect place to slow down.
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
One of the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia, hidden in a quiet valley of the north.
Simple, off-grid comfort
Cosy ger camps on the way, then tents in the taiga with no electricity or showers for three nights.
Long scenic drives
Expect 5–8 hours a day on rough roads in a 4x4, with plenty of stops for photos and nomad visits.
What's included
Services included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- 2 nights in a 4* hotel in Ulaanbaatar (twin room)
- Ger camps, guesthouses and tents as listed
- All meals as listed in the itinerary
- 4x4 vehicle with experienced driver
- English-speaking local guide
- Horses and horsemen for the taiga ride
- Domestic flight Murun – Ulaanbaatar
- Border zone permit and all entrance fees
- Contribution to the reindeer herder family
- Drinking water during the tour
Services not included
- International flights
- Mongolian visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Single room supplement
- Alcoholic drinks
- Camera fees at museums and monasteries
- Tips for guide, driver and horsemen
- Personal expenses
Prices & dates
Pax based price
1 pax$3,650per person
2 pax$3,350per person
3–4 pax$3,150per person
5–12 pax$2,950per person
The price per person depends on the size of your group. Single room supplement: $280.
Tour schedule
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12 Jun – 22 Jun 2027Guaranteedfrom $2,950 Book now
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3 Jul – 13 Jul 2027Few spots leftfrom $2,950 Book now
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24 Jul – 3 Aug 2027Openfrom $2,950 Book now
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14 Aug – 24 Aug 2027Openfrom $2,950 Book now
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4 Sep – 14 Sep 2027Openfrom $2,950 Book now
None of these dates work? Ask for a private departure on the dates you want.
Good to know
Best time for this trip
June to mid-September. The taiga is green, the rivers are passable and the herders are at their summer camps.
Accommodation
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar, ger camps with shared bathrooms on the road, simple guesthouses in Tsagaannuur and tents in the taiga. We provide tents and sleeping mats; bring a warm sleeping bag.
Meals
Our cook prepares fresh meals on the road. Vegetarian and other diets are possible if you tell us when booking.
Transport
Comfortable 4x4 vehicles on the road, horses in the taiga and a domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Countryside drives are about 250–350 km a day.
What to bring
Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, rain trousers for riding, a headlamp, a power bank and personal medicine.
Visa and permits
Many nationalities can visit Mongolia visa-free for up to 30 days. We arrange the border zone permit needed for the taiga.