Why Visit Mongolia’s Reindeer Herders?
Imagine stepping into a world where time moves slower, where the only sounds you hear are the soft crunch of reindeer hooves on the forest floor and the distant howl of a wolf echoing through the valleys. Deep in the remote taiga of northern Mongolia, the Tsaatan reindeer herders live much as they have for centuries—moving with their herds, living in harmony with nature, and preserving traditions that feel almost untouched by modern life. If you’re looking for an adventure far beyond the ordinary, a journey to meet the Tsaatan people might just change the way you see the world.
TOP EXPERIENCES ON A MONGOLIA WILDLIFE TOUR
The Tsaatan people, also known as the Dukha, are a small, resilient community of reindeer herders who have made the rugged, snow-covered forests of Mongolia’s Darkhad Valley their home for generations. Their entire existence is intertwined with their reindeer, which provide them with transportation, milk, fur for warmth, and a deep spiritual connection to the land. Unlike the horse-riding nomads of the Mongolian steppe, the Tsaatan travel by reindeer, gliding silently through the dense Siberian taiga like something out of an ancient legend.
The Spiritual World of the Tsaatan: Shamanism in the Taiga
The Tsaatan are not only skilled herders but also deeply spiritual people, practicing shamanism, one of the world’s oldest belief systems. Shamanism in Mongolia revolves around a profound connection to nature, where spirits reside in mountains, rivers, and animals. Among the Tsaatan, shamans (böö) serve as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds, guiding their community through healing rituals, blessings, and ancestral ceremonies.
During your stay, you might witness or even be invited to take part in a shamanic ritual, where the rhythmic beating of drums and the chanting of the shaman create an almost trance-like atmosphere. These ceremonies are performed to seek guidance from ancestral spirits, protect the herders’ reindeer, and ensure harmony between humans and nature. It’s a mystical experience that adds another layer of depth to your journey through the taiga.
One of the most well-known stories of Mongolian shamanic healing was captured in the documentary “The Horse Boy” (2009). The film follows a young autistic boy, Rowan, whose family travels across Mongolia in search of healing through shamanic rituals. During their journey, they visit the reindeer herders and meet a powerful shaman who performs a ceremony for Rowan. After the experience, his parents report a remarkable improvement in his condition. This heartwarming and deeply moving story highlights the power of Mongolia’s spiritual traditions and their profound impact on those who seek them.
🎥 Watch The Horse Boy documentary here: The Horse Boy (2009) - IMDb
LEARN THE ANCIENT TRADITIONS OF REINDEER HERDING
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO STAY WITH THE REINDEER HERDERS
EXPLORE ONE OF THE MOST ISOLATED PLACES ON EARTH
SLEEP IN A TRADITIONAL ORTZ (NOMADIC TEEPEE)
RIDE A REINDEER THROUGH THE TAIGA
There’s something almost surreal about traveling through misty forests on the back of a reindeer, their steady, careful steps carrying you over the mossy ground. Unlike horses, reindeer move quietly, making it easier to spot wildlife like elk, foxes, and even the occasional wolf slinking through the trees.
Forget luxury hotels—here, you’ll be sleeping in an ortz, a teepee-like tent that has been the Tsaatan’s home for centuries. As the fire crackles in the center, filling the tent with warmth, you’ll sit with your hosts, sipping salty reindeer milk tea and swapping stories. With no internet, no phone signal, and only the flickering firelight, it’s a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and live as the Tsaatan do.
Caring for reindeer is no easy task, but the Tsaatan make it look effortless. You’ll see them calling their herds with soft, melodic whistles, milking the reindeer for their prized dairy products, and crafting fur-lined boots to survive the harsh winters. If you’re lucky, they might even invite you to take part in a shamanic ritual, a deeply spiritual practice that connects them to the spirits of the land.
The Mongolian taiga is wild, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful. The journey to the Tsaatan is no easy feat—multiple days of off-road driving, horseback trekking, and river crossings—but that’s exactly what makes it special. You’ll travel through untouched forests, glacial rivers, and rugged mountains, experiencing Mongolia’s wilderness in its purest form.
8 DAY TOUR
ADVENTURES AND REINDEER HOMELAND
TOURS
TIPS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE REINDEER HERDER EXPERIENCE
Leave the Modern World Behind – No WiFi, no social media, just the untouched beauty of the taiga. Embrace the silence.
Dress for the Cold – Even in summer, nights in the taiga can be freezing. Warm, waterproof clothing is essential.
Respect the Culture – The Tsaatan’s connection to nature is sacred. Be open to learning and follow their customs.
Be Open to Spiritual Experiences – If invited, witnessing a shamanic ceremony is a rare and powerful cultural experience.
Expect the Unexpected – The road is rough, the journey is long, but the reward is worth every step.
Summer (June - August): The most accessible time for trekking, with lush green landscapes and active reindeer herds.
Autumn (September - October): Fewer visitors, stunning golden forests, and a crisp chill in the air.
Winter (November - February): A true test of endurance—bone-chilling temperatures but a chance to see the reindeer herders in their most extreme, awe-inspiring environment.
BEST TIME FOR A MONGOLIA WILDLIFE TOUR
Reaching the Tsaatan is an adventure in itself. The journey begins in Ulaanbaatar, followed by a flight or long overland drive to Murun, the capital of Khuvsgul province. From there, expect an off-road trip to Tsagaan Nuur, where the paved roads end and the real adventure begins—several days of horseback trekking through the mountains to reach the Tsaatan camps.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Some places change you, and Mongolia’s reindeer herding communities are one of them. It’s not just about seeing a different way of life—it’s about experiencing it, feeling it in your bones as you ride a reindeer through ancient forests, warm your hands by a fire in a nomadic tent, and wake up to a world that feels almost untouched by time. Add to that the mystical energy of a shamanic ceremony, and your journey becomes not just a physical adventure, but a spiritual awakening. If you’re ready for an experience that will stay with you long after you return home, pack your bags and head north. The Tsaatan are waiting.
Are you ready to embark on a reindeer herders Mongolia adventure?