Tsaatan Reindeer Herders 9 days tour

TSAATAN REINDEER HERDERS 9 DAYS TOUR

Capture Mongolia’s remote reindeer culture in this 9-day photo tour with the Tsaatan people, set deep in the taiga wilderness of the north.


📌 QUICK FACTS

🔍TOUR CATEGORYFilming & Photography
📅AVAILABILITYYear-Round
⏱️DURATION9 Days, 8 Nights
📍DESTINATIONNorthern Mongolia
🏕️ACCOMMODATIONHotel, Ger Camp, Teepee
🧭ACTIVITY LEVELModerate to Active
📷PHOTO GENREPortrait, Landscape, Travel, Night
🗣️GUIDE LANGUAGEEnglish-speaking photo guide
🛫START/ENDUlaanbaatar

📸 ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the photogenic landscapes of Mongolia’s Taiga Mountains and Darkhad Valley

Immerse in the nomadic lifestyle of the Tsaatan (Dukha) people

Capture stunning portraits and daily scenes of reindeer herders in their natural setting

Stay in traditional teepees deep in the wilderness

Ride horseback or reindeer through pristine forest and alpine tundra

Visit local villages and learn about Darkhad and Tsaatan history and culture

Experience shamanic rituals and fireside storytelling

Scenic domestic flight and overland drive through Khuvsgul province

Photograph Khuvsgul Lake—Mongolia’s “Blue Pearl”

Guided by experienced local photography and cultural experts


🦌 WHO ARE THE TSAATAN (DUKHA) PEOPLE?

The Tsaatan, also known as the Dukha, are one of Mongolia’s smallest ethnic groups, numbering just a few hundred people. They live in the remote Taiga forests of Northern Mongolia near the Russian border and are among the last reindeer-herding nomads in the world. Tsaatan families live in teepee-style yurts and migrate seasonally with their reindeer, relying on them for transportation, milk, and spiritual connection. Deeply rooted in shamanistic beliefs, their culture and traditions remain remarkably intact despite modernization. This tour offers an extraordinary chance to live among them and experience their way of life firsthand.


🐾 TOUR PACE

Moderate to Active

This photography tour includes a mix of domestic flights, long drives, horseback or reindeer rides, and stays in remote wilderness settings. You’ll need a basic level of fitness for walking and light riding. While not fast-paced, the tour involves camping and rustic conditions, especially in the taiga.


❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this tour suitable for beginner photographers?

Yes! Photographers of all levels are welcome. Our guides assist with framing, light, and composition.

 

Can I charge my camera batteries in the wilderness?

Limited solar charging is available. Bring extra batteries and power banks.

 

What’s the accommodation like?

Hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Murun, ger camps near Khuvsgul Lake, and teepees in the taiga with the Tsaatan.

 

Will there be translation during interactions with locals?

Yes, your guide will translate during all interactions with Tsaatan families.

 

Are there any age restrictions?

We recommend this tour for ages 16 and above due to the remoteness and basic facilities.


🎒 WHAT TO BRING

DSLR or mirrorless camera with wide-angle and portrait lenses

Tripod for landscape and night photography

Power bank and spare batteries

Waterproof and warm clothing (layers recommended)

Hiking boots

Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)

Insect repellent and sunscreen

Personal hygiene items and medications

Notebook for journaling or documenting experiences

Gifts for host families (optional but appreciated)


TSAATAN REINDEER HERDERS 9 DAYS TOUR PACKAGE PRICE

Group size1 pax2-3 pax4-6 pax7-9 pax10-12 pax13-15 paxMore than 16 pax
Price/Per person4230$3220$3150$3080$2990$2700$2500$
NoInclude serviceExclude serviceInclude service of Meals
1Vehicle with a driver.Items of personal natureBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
2English speaking guideBeverages, alcoholic drinks, bar bills, laundryPer day 3 bottle water for per person /1,5 liter/
3Accommodation/Ger camps and Hotel/Travel and insuranceOne time Mongolian traditional food  /lamb with vegetables/
4Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerInternational transportation 
5All cooking and camping gears.Taxi 
6Airport shuttleOptional activities 
7National park and border office permits (area you will go is close to China and Russia border)Single supplement /For hotel or Ger camp/ 
8Domestic flight ticketsGratuity for the tour team 


TSAATAN REINDEER HERDERS 9 DAYS TOUR ITINERARY


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