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Trails of the Tsaatan Nomads
Hovsgol
Mongolia
A trip deep into Mongolia's wilderness is not a journey as any other. It is a wide open country, largely untouched by tourism once you are outside of the centers. Mongolia offers a true appeal to those looking for a unique culture, immense rough landscapes and untouched nature. The people outside of the towns are still semi-nomadig, moving their herds with the seasons, as they have done for centuries. Half of the Mongolian population is Rural dealing with herds that represent the country's economy base. It is the homeland of Genghis Khan and its people have kept close contact to its unique culture and heritage.
Join us on a fabulous horse ride traveling like nomads. We explore the trails created by the Tsaatan nomadic people and venture into the deepest Mongolian taiga, in the region of the Khovgol lake. We will be leaving from Hatgal, a village on the southern area of the lake, above the taiga, and go to the village of Renchilumbe, using trails cut deep in the mountains. You will witness the richness and variety of central Mongolia landscapes, an untamed nature, high passes and deep valleys.
The Khovsgol lake, the "Blue Pearl" of Mongolia, will take your breath away. The lake spans 85 x 22 miles and its water is so pure that you can drink straight from the lake - its waters being are cold - frozen from January to April. With high mountains above 2500 meters, the region hosts wolves, deer, bears, rare birds, countless small animals. The Khovsgol Lake region is the most protected area in the country. We will stay away from tourism routes and will sleep under tents or yurts.
You will be pampered by a wonderful team composed of an English speaking guide, a local horse guide, a cook and a local logistics team.
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English speaking guide: He knows Mongolia and its traditions. He will allow you to reach out to our friends and will ensure your safety. He will be your translator during the visits and your exchanges with the local people. Without him a great part of the Mongol atmosphere would be lost.
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Local horse guide: Mongols are known as some of the best horse trainers in the world and dealing with their herd is second nature - you are in good hands.
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The cook: She is used to adapt the local recipes to our tastes and she will show you the bad cooking reputation of the country is just a fantasy
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The local team will take care of logistics, moving your luggage… and always ready to share their laughs.
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We have a satellite cellular phone for safety.
A journey through time and space ... Keep an open mind at all times.
Combine the riding expeditions with the world famous Nadaam Games in UlaanBataar from July 10 to 13
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Camping Ride with pack horses
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Meeting:
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Ulaan Baatar
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Airport:
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Ulaan Baatar
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Transfer:
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Ulaan Baatar for Aeroflot arrivals
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations (yurt camps and, tents), all meals, internal flights, English speaking guide, 11 riding days
| A | 2012 | 16 day trip, AP | 16d / 15n | €1745 | $2340 |
| Nadaam Extension July 10 to 13 pp - Ger Camp UB .. Combine with June 25 trip | €305 | $410 |
| Nadaam Extension July 10 to 12 pp - Ger Camp UB .. Combine with July 12 trip | €205 | $275 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer from UB airport - per car each way
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
20
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$30
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2012
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Transfer is included from UB airport for Aeroflot flights at 6 am
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€
0
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$0
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Rates do not include:
Sleeping bag. Insurance (mandatory)
Day 1: Arrival in Ulan Bataar. We will meet you at the airport and take you to the yurt camp. After some rest, we will visit the Mongol capital. We will show you the main square, the monument dedicated to Genghis Khan and Zaisan tolgoi, the hill that will allow you an endless view over the city. Because you will probably be tired by the trip and jet lag we will not plan cultural visits. Welcome dinner at the restaurant yurt and overnight at the yurt camp.
Day 2: Flight to Moron where you will be met by the team. First meal in the country and transfer to the lake to reach the Khovsgol (Khubsugul) lake region. Flight may be delayed or even canceled, we will then adjust the program. We will need about 2 hours to cover the 80 km of road. Once at the lake, we will spend a nice evening with our guides who will introduce us to their families and neighbors. Feel free to fish if you brought your fishing rod. Overnight in a yurt.
Day 3: After breakfast we will pack the animals and start our ride in Orkhot. Packing will take most of the morning, but then we will be leaving for 12 days of amazing ride. We will leave towards the west of the lake, visit some local herdsmen, ride along the lake, taste the local food. We may even witness the milking of mares. Our cook will buy dried fish, artic char, a fish endemic to the lake. Overnight with the same family or under tent.
Day 4: After breakfast, our pack trip starts leaving towards Khubsugul. The trail leads us through deep forests of softwoods: pines, firs, cedars. A little trail will take us along a stream and to the picturesque valley of Jankhain Tsaram. Lunch will be cooked over the fire and we will have some time for a small nap. We will go over Janhkain Tsaram to reach a clearing in the afternoon and settle our camp for the night. Overnight in tent.
Days 5-6: We will be crossing the taiga from the ridges of Khadan Kyasaa to the lake. You will be winding through a beautiful forest of larch. The trees are century old and covered in moss. You will feel like riding in a fairy tale forest. The second day, the trail will be going down, the forest starts to clear, the softwoods leave room to aspen and birch trees. For lunch you will enjoy local Mongol dishes from the area. The view over the valley, bluish amidst the beautiful forest of pines and firs is stunning. 6 to 7 days on the saddle today. Overnight under tent.
Day 7: An incredible day to reach the pass of Jigleg: rocky outcrops with infinite views around the lake, stone beaches… We will keep going north, then stop for a rest before starting the climb of Jigleg. Here the trail is narrow following cut-off cliffs.
Day 8: We keep going deep into the Siberian taiga. We will cross the village of Renchinhumbe. There you will see the tallest tree of the country, at least that’s what the local herdsmen say. Tonight we will be sleeping in a tourism yurt with water and restaurant. A nice touch of civilization in the middle of nowhere. A few kilometers from here, the forest disappears to be replaced by the Mongolian step.
Day 9: Our ride today will take us to the Black lake. We will ride to the top of a rock on the trail that leads through the cliffs and enjoy a wonderful view over the lake. Weird mineral funnel shaped forms are scattered on this top. We will cross a river on a boat. Overnight in tent.
Warning, depending the conditions of the moment, Day 9 and 10 could be turn around in a vehicle - depending on the ground conditions. This area could be extremely muddy.
Day 10: We will be riding in the area to nice points of view and a natural wonder. We will then reach the step so typical of central Mongolia. We will cross the Stone spirits valley where the rock formations allow all kinds of fantasies. Nice point of view on the south of the valley. From here you will sea the canyon and the incredible valley. We are in reindeer breeders country. The last count at the valley gave a figure of 300 reindeer breeders, across the south and north taigas. Overnight in tent.
Day 11: We will be riding on the step, the hills, along small lakes with fabulous points of view, weird shaped rocks, and the larch and pine forest. The trail follows ridges and crosses the forest. Wonderful points of view over the lake from different places. Towards the end of the day, the trail will take us down to a small bay. Overnight in tent.
Days 12-13: Early afternoon, the trail starts going down, the forest clears, softwoods are replaced by different sorts of trees. We will reach the shores of the lake and stop at the entry of the National Park. For lunch we will savor the artic charr. We will go back to the Mongolian family that welcomed us on the first day. Overnight in tent. A boat trip may be organized if the weather allows… and the boat is in working order (it is very often broken down).
Day 14: Leisure morning, rest by the lake or with the family, depending on the time of our flight back to Ulan-Bator. Usually, you will fly in the afternoon from Moron to the capital.
Day 15: Visit of Ulan-Bator (or flight from Moron in case of delays). We will visit the Gandan monastery, the Mongol budhist site, go to the national museum showing a wonderful collection of clothes and objects of the Mongol culture. Last chance for shopping in the local markets and craft stores. You will assist to a show of traditional songs. Dinner and overnight in yurt.
Day 16: Flight back home.
Days 14 and 15 may be modified according to the flights.
From time to time one horse day may need to be cancelled due to flight
scheduling. Local flights are often changed without prior notice by the
local companies. Please be patient and show understanding.
The program may be changed locally to adapt to local situation, weather,
safety… Your guide will make the necessary decisions to ensure the best
ride but your safety will always be his first concern.
Local guides, driver, cook, English speaking guide. Your enthusiasm,
patient, goodwill, acceptance of local mindset will help you make this
trip one of a lifetime, participate and be active and everybody will be
happy.
Additional information:
The Reindeer People: It is not the main focus of this trip to meet the Tsaatans (reindeer herders), but to explore their territory by using their trails/paths deep into the wilderness. Since the Tsaatans are nomadic, we cannot guarantee that you will meet them, but it is quite possible. If we do, we like to make sure that we treat them with respect and honor their traditions and way of life - without intruding in any way (like modern gadgets, gifts etc).
Nadaam Extension - July 10 to 13
Combine the riding expedition with the world famous Nadaam Games in UlaanBataar from July 10 to 13. Overnights and dinners are provided at the Ger Camp just outside of UB and local restaurant (lunches not included).
July 10 : The 3 year old horse races are held in the morning in Hui Doloon Hudgat, 25 km in the beautiful valley close to Ulaanbaatar. Share the fun and preparation of this particularly important fair. You will have a most wonderful day sharing the festive mood with Mongol people dressed up in their most beautiful clothes. Lunch on your own in one of the restaurant yurts that you will find there. In the afternoon, the bus will take you to the main stadium, inside the city, for the beginning of the competition, such as archery and astragaloi throwing. Dinner and show in a restaurant yurt. Night in a yurt.
July 11: Official opening of the ceremony and Mongol wrestling. Nadaam is opened officially by the President of Mongolia. Soldiers on horseback, sometimes dressed in Genghis Khan warrior regalia, will bring the nine white horsetail banners. They will get the banners at the
Parliament where they are normally displayed and will then ride in procession through the city, later to be placed in the center if the Stadium. This is a very moving ceremony for the Mongol people. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, the first round of wrestling will start. Usually 512 wrestlers from all across Mongolia will compete in the first round! But sometimes more than 700! No judges, no time limits and no weight limits. Traditional concert at the National Theater in Ulaanbaatar. Typical dinner in a Mongol barbecue restaurant. Night in yurt.
July 12 : Wrestling will go on, as well as cultural shows (list will be known approximately one month before). Closing ceremony. Lunch on your own, dinner in a restaurant yurt.
July 13: Departure
Meeting:
Ulaan Baatar
Airport:
Ulaan Baatar
Transfer:
Ulaan Baatar for Aeroflot arrivals
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Tack:
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Kazak, Russian or Chinese saddles
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Horses:
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Mongolian. Small but sturdy
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Pace:
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Moderate at all paces. 5 to 7 hrs per riding day. Good stamina required. You need to be a confident rider, able to ride long hours in unknown country. Rhythm is "cool", no stress
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
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Max
10 riders
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This is a pack trip away from civilization. You need to be a confident rider with an adventure spirit. If you are looking for comfort and a strict schedule, then this ride is not for you.
Travel Insurance is Mandatory.
Language : English speaking guide
Horses : Mongol horses, small and strong. They are fast, resilient and comfortable - about 14 hands (1.35 to 1,45 m)
Spare horses are taken along.
Level: You need to be a confident rider, able to ride long hours in unknown country. Each rider is responsible for tacking up his/her own horse.
Rhythm is "cool", no stress, follow the lead and just enjoy the ride. No Novice riders.
Between 5 and 7 hours in the saddle per riding day.
Tack: Local saddles.
Kazak, Russian or Chinese saddles. You will be able to choose according to your body and type of riding you are used to:
1- Mongol saddle: better fit for men, short stirrups
2- Chinese saddle: deep, good for western riders
3- Russian saddle: very comfortable with average length stirrups
--Bring your own saddle bag (horn bag) for your personal belongings of the day (camera, water bottle, spare jacket).
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart. Visas Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: 1. nationals of the USA, if . more
Mongolia in the summer may surprise you: from 3 ° to 35 ° C during the day and from -3 ° to 6 ° C at night.
Take comfortable clothes, warm and light
(polar fleece is good) and t-shirts (for hot afternoons). Take a pair of
comfortable shoes for the evenings.
Luggage: 1 travel bag (please not hard shell), small backpack, horn saddle bag.
You will only be entitled to bring 20kg (44 lbs) on the plane, take some stuff with you in your hand bag.
List of what to bring - just a guideline - avoid synthetic clothes.:
• sleeping bag (for temperatures -10 to +15°C).
• boots with chaps (no English riding boots!)
• jacket (fleece)
• a pair of comfortable shoes for evening.
• warm sweaters (polar fleece), jacket for evenings
• a rain cape
• plastic bags (for your dirty
clothes and in case of rain)
• lighter
• water bottle
• shirts (long sleeve against the sun)
• light clothing trends
• hat, gloves
• sunscreen and insect repellent
• Sunglasses
• scarf
• flashlight, front practice (batteries and bulbs parts)
• multi-purpose pocket knife, sewing kit
• large plastic bags to protect your belongings (bags bin of 100 liters)
• toilet paper + lighter to burn after the use
• wipes
• for digital cameras, allow sufficient memory cards and batteries -little opportunity to recharge batteries
Please, put a copy of your important papers -- including your insurance details and emergency contact information -- in a plastic bag and give it to your host and guide on arrival. This is very important for any type of emergency situation.
Money: bring only new notes, Mongolians do not accept old dollar bills.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccination is compulsory in Mongolia, tetanus vaccination is still strongly recommended. Each participant will equip a pharmacy according to their individual habits and tolerance to certain drugs.
Personal medication - we suggest to take a small pharmacy containing the following medications:
• aspirin / paracetamol
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic
• anti-diarrhea tablets
• Laxatives
• lozenges against the sore throat
• tube of antiseptic cream
• spray or cream repellent against mosquitoes and insects
• cream for insect bites
• medicines or toiletries regularly used
• sunscreen and after sun, Biafine
• disinfectant
• Eye drops
• lipstick
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Accommodation: tents and yurts.
You will sleep in tents or yurts (the local housing). Usually one or several families live in isolated places, lost in the middle of nowhere. Primitive camping (no showers, WC in the woods). Yurts are very comfortable, with heating, and high enough to stand up in. We provide all sleeping mats, tents, cooking equipment - you just bring your own sleeping bag.
Meals : All meals are included from day 1 to 16 (including farewell dinner). Cold lunch and hot dinner. Mongolia is a country of meat, it will be present at almost all meals. We cannot cater to real vegetarians.
Yurt Camp in Ulanbataar
The yurt village is located 30 minutes east of downtown Ulan Bator and 45 minutes from the airport on a plot of 2 hectares. It is a peaceful place away from the city where you can relax at the beginning or end of your stay in Mongolia. It is composed of 8 yurts up to 38 people.
Meals are served in a yurt restaurant where you will find cold drinks (sodas, beers, vodkas, etc..), But also a gift shop, many of which are manufactured by the Mongolian women's cooperative.
Each yurt is furnished with four beds, beautifully decorated with different color with comfortable mattresses and sheets and blankets very clean.
This village has an enormous yurt Mongolian BBQ restaurant that offers fine food from an ecological vegetable garden.
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Tack:
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Kazak, Russian or Chinese saddles
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Horses:
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Mongolian. Small but sturdy
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|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate at all paces. 5 to 7 hrs per riding day. Good stamina required. You need to be a confident rider, able to ride long hours in unknown country. Rhythm is "cool", no stress
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
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Max
10 riders
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This is a pack trip away from civilization. You need to be a confident rider with an adventure spirit. If you are looking for comfort and a strict schedule, then this ride is not for you.
Travel Insurance is Mandatory.
Language : English speaking guide
Horses : Mongol horses, small and strong. They are fast, resilient and comfortable - about 14 hands (1.35 to 1,45 m)
Spare horses are taken along.
Level: You need to be a confident rider, able to ride long hours in unknown country. Each rider is responsible for tacking up his/her own horse.
Rhythm is "cool", no stress, follow the lead and just enjoy the ride. No Novice riders.
Between 5 and 7 hours in the saddle per riding day.
Tack: Local saddles.
Kazak, Russian or Chinese saddles. You will be able to choose according to your body and type of riding you are used to:
1- Mongol saddle: better fit for men, short stirrups
2- Chinese saddle: deep, good for western riders
3- Russian saddle: very comfortable with average length stirrups
--Bring your own saddle bag (horn bag) for your personal belongings of the day (camera, water bottle, spare jacket).
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
1. nationals of the USA, if entering the country as a tourist, for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
(a) All foreign nationals staying in Mongolia for longer than 30 days are required to register with the police within 10 days of arrival. (b) Nationals entering Mongolia for stays up to 30 days should apply for an Entry and Exit visa; for stays over 90 days nationals should apply for an Entry visa. (c) Nationals transiting via trains can apply for a single-, double- or multiple-entry Transit visa.
Types of Visa and Cost
Entry and Exit visa: £40 (single-entry, 30 days); £55 (double-entry, 30 days per visit). Entry visa: £35 (single-entry, 90 days). Transit visa: £35 (single-entry); £40 (double-entry); £45 (multiple-entry).
Validity
Visas are valid for three months from date of issue.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses. If travelling on an organised tour, visas can be obtained through tourism companies or travel agencies. A group visa in the name of the tour leader is valid for all tourists on the list attached, provided relevant details (nationality, sex, date of birth, passport numbers, and dates of issue and expiry) are given at the time of application.
Working Days Required
Two to five. An express service is available which costs an additional £20.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
1 |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Trails of the Tsaatan Nomads
Tour Code:
PG-WMNRI03
16 days /
15 nights
~$2,340.00
Dates :
May to Sept
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Kazak, Russian or Chinese saddles
Horses:
Mongolian. Small but sturdy
Pace:
Moderate at all paces. 5 to 7 hrs per ...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Gallop,
Airport:
Ulaan Baatar
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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