Mongolia Winter expedition: Meet the reindeer herders of the Taiga and visit the frozen Khuvsgul lake

Hosted by

Cristiano

7 Days30 Days!

Extra Cancellation Days
only for the first TripMate

Guided trip
What's special?
special Interact with Tsaatan reindeer herders
special Explore the frozen Khuvsgul Lake
special Visit the remote village of Renchinlumbe
Have you ever dreamed of exploring one of the coldest and most magical corners of Asia? Join me on a 10-day winter expedition through Northern Mongolia, where frozen lakes shine like glass, nomadic herders welcome us into their gers, and the silence of the steppe is broken only by the breath of our horses. Starting from Ulaanbaatar, we’ll visit the iconic Genghis Khan statue and the Terelj National Park before taking the train north to the remote provinces of Khuvsgul and Renchinlumbe. We’ll spend unforgettable days with the Tsaatan reindeer herders, one of the last remaining nomadic tribes living in the taiga, and experience life in the frozen wilderness. From dog sledding to horse-drawn sleigh rides, from the stunning Khuvsgul Lake (known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia”) to the traditional ger camps, this journey is for true adventurers who love culture, nature, and authentic encounters far from mass tourism. Group size is limited – small team, big adventure. Are you ready to live the Mongolian winter with me? HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR - Visiting the remote village of Renchinlumbe and staying in cozy lodge. - Interacting with Tsaatan reindeer herders and learning about their nomadic lifestyle. - Exploring Khuvsgul Lake, known as the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia," in its frozen glory. - Explore Terelj NP and visit Chingis Khaan statue

Hi! I’m Cristiano, an Italian Tour Leader and travel blogger with more than 15 years of experience leading group trips across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. I’ve already visited Mongolia and fell in love with its raw beauty, its silence, and the strength of its people. Now I can’t wait to share this magical winter adventure with you. Let’s explore the steppe together, warm up around a nomadic fire, and live a story you’ll never forget

During this journey, we'll experience a mix of comfortable hotels, local guesthouses run by welcoming mongolian families, and traditional ger camps heated by a wood stove, to truly live the spirit of the country. One night will be spent on a night train, resting in basic but cosy sleeping wagon with beds.

What's included?
english speaking local guide
domestic flight Murun - Ulaanbaatar
night train Ulaanbaatar - Edernet
all the accommodations
all transports listened in the itinerary
Twin share accommodation for 8 nights
Three meals per day: 8B, 7L, 6D
NP entrance fees
Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations.
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Hi guys, welcome to my page! I'm Cristiano, 46 years old from Italy. I'm a licenced tour leader with more than 15 years of experience.

You can chat with Cristiano once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1

Ulaanbaatar

Day 1-2
Welcome to Mongolia! Today marks the beginning of your winter adventure. Depending on your flight time, make your way to the hotel in Ulaanbaatar where you’ll meet your travel companions and tour leader. Take your first breath of crisp Mongolian air, settle in, and start soaking up the energy of this fascinating capital — tomorrow, the real journey begins! Accommodation: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar No meals included
2

Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Day 2-3
After breakfast, we’ll be picked up around 9:00 am and head to the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, the tallest horse statue in the world — an impressive monument to Mongolia’s legendary leader. We’ll then continue to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, famous for its dramatic landscapes and serene valleys. Here, we’ll visit the iconic Turtle Rock, a natural formation shaped like a giant turtle, and enjoy a short hike to Aryabal Temple, a peaceful Buddhist monastery nestled in the mountains. For those who wish, there’s also the option to ride a Mongolian horse through the park’s beautiful scenery (approx. $20 per hour per person). In the evening, we’ll settle into a traditional ger camp surrounded by nature — a true taste of nomadic life. Accommodation: Ger camp (shared bathroom) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3

Ulaanbaatar

Day 3-4
After breakfast, you can choose to experience an optional dog sledding adventure through the stunning Terelj landscapes — a thrilling winter activity that costs about $40 per person for 30 minutes. Later, we’ll drive back to Ulaanbaatar for a city tour of the capital. We’ll visit the serene Gandan Monastery, the spiritual heart of Mongolian Buddhism, explore Sukhbaatar Square, and dive into the country’s fascinating past at the National Museum of Mongolian History. After an early dinner, we’ll head to the train station to board the evening train to Erdenet (departure at 6:40 pm). Get ready for a cozy overnight journey across the Mongolian steppe! Accommodation: Overnight train (sleeper beds) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4

Murun

Day 4-5
We’ll arrive at Erdenet train station around 7:30 am, where we’ll meet our local drivers and enjoy breakfast at a cozy coffee shop before hitting the road. Our journey continues north toward Murun, the capital of Khuvsgul Province — gateway to Mongolia’s “Blue Pearl.” Along the way, we’ll stop to visit a nomadic family, learning about their traditional lifestyle and daily routines in the vast Mongolian steppe. Upon arrival in Murun, we’ll explore the local market, a lively spot filled with fresh produce, handmade goods, and authentic glimpses of everyday life. Accommodation: Hotel in Murun Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5

Renchinlkhumbe

Day 5-6
We’ll set off early this morning for Renchinlkhümbe, a remote village nestled deep in the north of Mongolia — about 5–6 hours’ drive through breathtaking scenery. The route winds across picturesque valleys, rugged mountain passes, and endless open steppe, offering plenty of photo opportunities along the way. We’ll stop for a **packed lunch or a local eatery experience**, depending on the road conditions and timing. On the way, we’ll visit a Darkhad nomadic family, getting a glimpse into their unique culture and traditions that have remained unchanged for centuries. In the evening, we’ll arrive at Jargant Lodge, where comfortable houses with private bathrooms await — the perfect place to rest after a day of adventure. Accommodation: Jargant Lodge (private bathroom) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6

Renchinlkhumbe

Day 6-7
We’ll start early for an unforgettable journey to Zuun Taiga, the heart of Mongolia’s Reindeer herder community. This 140 km round trip (about 5 hours of driving) takes us through snow-covered valleys, frozen rivers, and pristine taiga forest, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery of the entire trip. Once we reach the remote **Tsaatan (Reindeer herder) families**, we’ll spend time learning about their fascinating lifestyle, deep spiritual connection with nature, and ancient traditions that have survived for centuries in this isolated land. And if you wish, you can even ride a reindeer — a truly rare and magical experience you’ll never forget! In the evening, we’ll return to Jargant Lodge, where warm hospitality and private rooms await. Accommodation: Jargant Lodge (private bathroom) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7

Khuvsgul Lake

Day 7-8
After breakfast, we’ll drive for about 2 hours to reach the stunning Khuvsgul Lake, affectionately known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” The journey itself is spectacular, with endless snow-covered plains and mountain backdrops accompanying us along the way. We’ll spend the day exploring the frozen Khuvsgul Lake, one of the largest and most beautiful freshwater lakes in Mongolia. Riding across the ice in our Russian van is an unforgettable adventure — the vast frozen surface shimmering under the winter sun feels like another world. In the evening, we’ll settle into our ger camp in Toilogt, right by the lake, surrounded by silence and nature. Accommodation: Ger camp in Toilogt (shared bathroom) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8

Ulaanbaatar

Day 8
We’ll have a relaxed morning with some free time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings until around 11 am. Then we’ll drive to Khatgal village, where we’ll stop for lunch at noon. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Murun, stopping to see the fascinating ancient **Deer Stones**, mysterious monuments scattered across the Mongolian steppe. We’ll arrive at the airport around 3:40 pm to catch our 5:55 pm flight back to Ulaanbaatar, marking the end of our incredible northern adventure. Accommodation: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
9

Ulaanbaatar

Day 8
After breakfast, our Mongolian adventure comes to an end. There are no planned activities today, so everyone is free to spend the morning as they prefer. Some travelers will head to the airport for their flights home, while others may decide to stay longer and continue exploring Mongolia on their own. It’s time to say goodbye after an unforgettable journey through frozen lakes, vast steppes, and nomadic lands. We’ve shared great experiences, long drives, and warm moments around the fire — memories that will stay with us for a long time. As we part ways, we carry with us the spirit of Mongolia: its silence, its wide-open skies, and the kindness of its people. Thank you for joining this trip — safe travels and see you on the next adventure! Meals included: Breakfast
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Camping & Hotel
8 days trip
Ulaanbaatar, Gorkhi Terelj National Park & 7 more
Transportation
Car, Train, Plane, Other
What's excluded?
international flights and Visa
Travel and medical insurance
Meals not mentioned and drinks
Tipping
horse riding/dog & horse sledding
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