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The rarest journey in Asia. Enter the world of Mongolia’s shamans and the last reindeer herders of the Siberian Taiga.

Deep in the forests of northern Mongolia, beyond dirt roads and horseback trails, lives one of the world’s most extraordinary communities — the Tsaatan people, nomadic reindeer herders who have inhabited the Siberian Taiga for thousands of years. This 14-day expedition takes you there.

You will ride on horseback through birch forests, camp beneath stars so thick they blur into the Milky Way, and sleep beside the teepees of Dukhan families whose way of life has remained almost unchanged for centuries. You will share meals with them, learn how reindeer sustain every aspect of their existence — food, clothing, transport, trade — and witness the ancient rituals of a practicing shaman family.

This is not a tour. It is an encounter with a world most people do not know still exists.

Highlights

  • Horseback journey into the heart of the Taiga to the Tsaatan reindeer community
  • Private witness to authentic shamanic rituals with full interpretation
  • Camp alongside Dukhan families; share meals and stories
  • Visit Przewalski’s wild horse sanctuary on your return
  • Explore Ulaanbaatar’s historic Gandan Monastery and National History Museum
  • Full board throughout; dedicated cook, guide, horsemen, and drivers
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Shaman spirituality and Reindeer Community

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  • Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
  • Group size: Up to 10
  • Season: May–September
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Adventure Tour

Per person rate is:

4300 USD /4 pax in group/

3650 USD /6 pax in group/

3050 USD /8 pax in group/

Shamanism is a spiritual and cultural practice that dates back thousands of years and is found in various forms across the world, from the indigenous peoples of North and South America to the indigenous tribes of Africa, Asia, and Siberia. It is important to note that shamanism is not a single, uniform belief system, but rather a diverse set of practices and beliefs that share some common themes.

Shaman is someone who is regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of benevolent and malevolent spirits, who typically enters into a trance state during a ritual, and practices divination and healing. The word “shaman” probably originates from the Tungusic Evenki language of North Asia. Shamanism originated in the territory of current Mongolia and is still available to be experienced. On this special interest trip, you will be a true witness of Shaman people in the northern part of Mongolia staying with them, where reindeer families live as a community depending on the nature and reindeer. They eat, milk, make clothings, ride and use reindeer to move from time to time.

We drive off-road till we get to the northernmost village and ride horses to visit reindeer families in the southern edge of the Siberian Taiga. We stay amongst reindeer people, talk to them and experience the Dukan people in reality.

What to expect:

  • Connection with Nature: Shamans typically have a deep connection with the natural world. They believe that everything in nature, from animals and plants to rocks and rivers, has a spirit or energy that can be communicated with or harnessed for healing and guidance.
  • Altered States of Consciousness: One of the defining features of shamanism is the use of altered states of consciousness to access the spirit world. This can be achieved through various means, such as drumming, chanting, dancing, fasting, or the use of hallucinogenic plants. These altered states allow the shaman to communicate with spirits, ancestors, and other non-physical entities.
  • Healing: Shamans are often seen as healers who can diagnose and treat illness, both physical and spiritual, by working with the spiritual realm. They may use various techniques, such as energy work, herbal medicine, or rituals, to restore balance and harmony to the individual or community.
  • Spirit Guides and Ancestors: Shamans believe in the existence of spirit guides, animal totems, and ancestral spirits who provide guidance, protection, and wisdom. These spirits often play a central role in a shaman’s practice and are consulted for advice and assistance.
  • Rituals and Ceremonies: Shamanic rituals and ceremonies are an integral part of shamanic practice. These rituals can vary widely from one culture to another but often involve dance, music, chanting, and the use of symbolic tools and objects.
  • Community and Tradition: Shamanism is often deeply rooted in the traditions and cultures of indigenous communities. Shamans serve as spiritual leaders and mediators within their communities, helping to maintain cultural practices and beliefs.
  • Ecological Awareness: Many shamans have a strong ecological awareness and advocate for the protection of the environment. They see the natural world as interconnected with the spiritual world and emphasize the importance of living in harmony with nature.

It’s important to recognize that shamanism is not a monolithic belief system but a diverse set of practices and beliefs that can vary greatly from one culture to another. Additionally, the role of shamans and the specifics of their practices can differ widely among different indigenous groups and traditions. As with any spiritual or cultural practice, it’s essential to approach it with respect and an open mind, recognizing the diversity and uniqueness of each tradition.

 

Price Includes

  • Accommodation: Hotel ****, mobile tents
  • Transportation: 4x4 vehicles, minivan
  • Tour leader, Guide: special interest, tailor-made trips
  • Full board meals: Chef, cook, assistant
  • Entrance fee: Protected areas, National Parks
  • Ticket: Museums, temples, cultural performance
  • Horseback riding /optional/
  • Camping equipment
  • Domestic airline ticket
  • Shamanic rituals and full time interpretations
  • Gratitude fee for rituals of Shaman and supporters
  • Local horsemen cooperation

Price Excludes

  • International air fare
  • International travel insurance
  • Single room supplement
  • Personal equipments
  • Optional activity cost
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Additional charge for photo and video in museums, temples
  • Gratitude Tips for tour leader, guides, drivers, cook, local staffs

Tips for the trip:

  • Sleeping bag
  • Warm, cotton, comfortable clothes
  • Sunglasses, SPF cream
  • Walking shoes and boots
  • Helmets, gloves, a pair of gaiters
  • Socks
  • First aid kits
  • Hand sanitizers, masks
  • Personal towels
  • Camera, tripod, case
  • Power Banks, USB
  • Head torch
  • Gifts for children, nomad families

Tour Plan

Day 1 in Mongolia. ULAANBAATAR, THE CAPITAL OF MODERN MONGOLIA.

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. A tour guide and driver welcome you at the airport and transfer to the hotel in 50 km. We kindly advise you to take a very good rest.

 

Day 2: Murun city domestic flight:

In the morning after breakfast, we would check out from the hotel and drive to the airport taking a domestic flight to Murun city in the north. Once we land at the airport, there will be our drivers picking us up. Tonight we will stay at a tourist camp in a ger (traditional dwelling) after dinner, which is right at the bank of the river.

Day 3: Tourist camp departure 200 - 120

After breakfast, we will depart from the tourist camp and hit the dirt road at a distance of 200 km/120 miles more or less. We will have leisure time in the evening in the wilderness. Today, we will meet our cook from Murun city for the next few days. From now on, we will build our tents and stay in those. Off-road driving (B – at the camp, L – on our way, D – by the tent)

Day 4: Tsagaan Nuur village - White Lake 100/62 miles

 

We will have breakfast and drive to the village to meet our horseman’s family. When we get to the village, we will spend the night in a tent near a local family. It is a great opportunity to watch how nomadic people live with their livestocks and daily life. We kindly advise you to take a good rest for tomorrow. (BLD – by our chef)

Day 5: Village to Taiga

On horseback, we will continue our journey to Taiga for a whole day. After breakfast we will drive to a certain edge of the Taiga in the woods to hop on horseback heading to reindeer people’s summer camp leaving our cars behind. The distance could be 40-50 km/24-30 miles away from the village depending on which trail local guides choose. We will work with local horsemen guides and assistants in the Taiga. If reindeer people moved to a summer camping area, we would surely spend tonight in the wilderness to save our energy on a horseback. (B – by the family, L,D – nature)

Day 6-7: Taiga

Once we get the Taiga, we will see Dukhan people, who live in teepees depending on their reindeer. We will stay in a tent after we introduce ourselves to Dukhan people. We will make our own food together with the help of our cook. We are welcomed by Taiga people and visit a shaman family to watch rituals during the night.While we stay in Taiga, feel free to absorb every essence of it, please. Listening to yourself, meditating, being away from modern civilization, cleaning your body in a distant digital free environment. Cook makes us all meals and today is a leisure day amongst Dukhan people. We will talk to them and watch how they live in the deep Taiga. There are Shaman people, fortune tellers, medicinal people and breathtaking environments. Playing children and communicating with Taiga people is a special opportunity to have in our lifetime. The guide is experienced enough to support you and help by being an important bridge between all people. Taiga people are talented enough to make their souvenirs and jewelry with reindeer horns or jade stone. We maintain their life by purchasing some stuff, which would be highly appreciated. (BLD)   

 

Day 8: Depart from Taiga

We will have breakfast and say goodbye to the Taiga people expressing our gratitude. We will depart from the reindeer people camping area taking the same road back. On our way, we will visit one famous shaman family by the woods. 

Day 9: Back to the village

In the morning, we will have breakfast with the family and depart to White Lake village to meet our drivers and vans. On our way, we will have our lunch at the bank of a river with local guides. When we get to the village, where we stay for the night, we will say goodbye to the local guides. (BLD)

Day 10: Village - wilderness 200 - 120

Another beautiful and free day and night in no man’s land. We should enjoy this day before reaching the settlement area more. 

Day 11: Previous tourist camp Tultiin Tokhoi 100 - 62

After breakfast, we will drive to the tourist camp. We take the same road back to the tourist camp. When we get to the camp, we will have some spare time. In the evening, after dinner we will discuss the journey and conclude. It is our last day in Khuvsgul province before heading to the capital. Overnight in the camp with dinner. (BLD)

Day 12: Murun - UB capital domestic flight, Wild Horse Sanctuary

In the morning, after breakfast at the tourist camp, we will say goodbye to our drivers and cook. Then we will fly back to the capital. Once we land, we will drive to National Park of Takhi – Przewalski’s horse. It is 100 km/ 62 miles away from the capital. Dinner is at the national park in the tourist camp. Overnight in the tourist camp too. The National Park is famous for its wild horse sanctuary and different species of wildlife. We would watch documentary films about the NP in the information center.

Day: 13 Ulaanbaatar city

Explore the highlights of Ulaanbaatar on a full-day tour after breakfast. We would visit all the major sights in the city including Chinggis Khan Square, The National History Museum, and Gandan Monastery. In the evening, we will watch cultural performances at 18:00 in ethnic group ensemble theater and have a farewell dinner.

Hope you all have a very nice and memorable trip in Mongolia with the help of us and see you again. It is a great pleasure to assist you to travel here adding a new page to your life. Have a safe and joyful trip back to your home. 

Day 14: Departure day

Depending on an international flight schedule, we will provide you with breakfast and an airport transfer service.

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