Horse Trek to Mongolia's Reindeer Nomads

We’ll travel from Ulaanbaatar to Mörön, the capital of Khovsgol Province. Depending on our arrival time, we’ll either spend the night there or continue north to Khatgal village. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit the Uushig Deer Stone complex.

Khovsgol Lake—often called Mongolia’s Blue Pearl—is a magnificent alpine lake covering 2,760 square kilometers, stretching 130 km long and 40 km wide. It is surrounded by mountain ranges rising over 2,000 meters, dense pine forests, and lush meadows where yaks and horses graze. Fed by more than 100 rivers and streams, the lake’s crystal-clear waters flow out through a single river, the Egiin, which eventually joins Russia’s Lake Baikal

Khovsgol Lake holds about 1.5% of the world’s fresh water (excluding icecaps) and is home to a dozen species of fish, making it one of Mongolia’s most pristine natural treasures.

Activities:

• Explore the Uushig deer stone complex from the Stone Age
• Discover the beauty of Khovgol lake

After breakfast, we’ll begin our ride along the shores of Khovsgol Lake, taking in the lake’s breathtaking scenery and tranquil beauty.

Activities:

• Horseback riding

Today, we’ll begin our ride toward the Darkhad Valley. To reach it, we’ll cross the Jiglegiin Davaa Pass, riding up the slopes of Khoridol Saridag Mountain. The ascent rewards us with stunning views of the bay below. At the top of the pass stands an Ovoo, a sacred stone cairn where locals honor the spirits of nature. During periods of heavy rain, access to this area can become challenging—or even impossible.

Activities:

• Horseback riding

For the next two days, we’ll ride through the Khoridol Saridag Valley. To the right, you’ll see the striking snow-capped peaks of Delger Khan and Nart Mountains. The landscape bears clear traces of ancient glaciation, with its steep-sided valleys, cirques, and moraines shaping this dramatic terrain.

Activities:

• Horseback riding

Today, we’ll set out for Arsain Sair. After crossing the Arsain Gol River, we’ll reach Renchinlhumbe village—known as one of the most powerful centers of Shamanism in the world. The Darkhadiin Khotgor Depression, once a vast glacial lake, is encircled by towering mountains that rise to nearly 3,000 meters. 150 alpine lakes are scattered throughout this breathtaking valley.

Activities:

• Horseback riding

Over the next two days, we’ll ride across wide open valleys and plains. After crossing the Shishged River, we’ll reach the Khogiin River. The Shishged is one of Mongolia’s most picturesque rivers, winding through forested mountains and forming small, tranquil islets—an ideal spot for fishing and reflection.

Activities:

• Horseback riding

We’ll continue our ride across the Darkhad Valley for two more days. Nestled between the Ulaan Taiga and Khoridol Saridag mountain ranges, the valley lies northwest of Khovsgol Lake. Sitting 1,600 meters above sea level and covering 4,300 square kilometers, the Darkhad Valley is one of Mongolia’s most remote and untouched regions. Its largest bodies of water are Tsagaan Lake and the Shishged River. The valley’s many small lakes are home to a rich variety of fish, including Taimen, Lenok, Siberian Whitefish, Grayling, and Freshwater Cod.

Activities:

• Horseback riding

We’ll drive back to Mörön.

Activities:

• Driving

It’s time to depart and fly back to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city. You’ll have a free afternoon to spend as you wish. You may choose to attend a beautiful cultural performance featuring traditional music, skilful throat singers, graceful contortionists, and vibrant Mongolian dances.

Activities:

• Fly to Ulaanbaatar
• Attend a folklore show featuring throat singers
• Shop for souvenir or cashmere. Optional