KhövsgölJune – SeptemberModerate
Khövsgöl lake & the reindeer herders, 6 days
NT
Nomadica Travel
Licensed since 2014 · 111 trips sold on itours · replies in ~2.1 h
Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Group
2–8 travellers
Vehicle
Domestic flight + UAZ 452
Sleeping
Lakeside ger camp + Tsaatan tent
Honest summary
Fly to Mörön to skip two days of driving, then three nights on the western shore and two nights with a Tsaatan reindeer-herding family in the taiga. The ride up to the herders is 4 h on horseback and it is not optional.
What travellers loved, and what to brace for
Pros
Two nights with a Tsaatan family
Not a show camp — a working family — Confirmed by 100% of ratings
Flights save two driving days
Mörön flight included — Confirmed by 94% of ratings
Guide speaks English and Tuvan
Translates with the herders — Confirmed by 89% of ratings
Cons — stated by the operator
Horse riding 4 h on day 3
No alternative transport into the taiga
No shower or toilet at the herder camp
Two nights, days 3–4
Cold nights even in July
Down to 2 °C in the taiga
Percentages are itours' own check of the operator's claims against verified post-trip reviews.
Route
UlaanbaatarDay 1 · start
KhövsgölDay 2 · 3 h drive
Tsaatan campDay 3–4 · 1 h drive
KhövsgölDay 5 · 1 h drive
UlaanbaatarDay 6 · 2 h drive
520 km total9 h in the vehicle70% unpaved
Day by day
Day 1
Morning flight to Mörön, drive to Khatgal
1 h flight, then 2 h to the lake. Afternoon kayak if the wind allows.
🛏 Lakeside ger camp
🍽 L · D
🚐 2 h drive
hot shower · flush toilet
Day 2
Western shore by UAZ
Slow day along the shore, picnic lunch, swim if you dare (12 °C).
🛏 Lakeside ger camp
🍽 B · L · D
🚐 3 h drive
hot shower · flush toilet · no signal
Day 3
Ride up to the reindeer herders
4 h on horseback through the taiga. Saddle sore guaranteed.
🛏 Tsaatan tent (ortz)
🍽 B · L · D
🚐 1 h drive
no shower · long-drop toilet · no signal
Show all 6 days
Day 4
A day with the herders
Milk reindeer, learn to carve antler, sleep in the ortz.
🛏 Tsaatan tent (ortz)
🍽 B · L · D
🚐 No transfer
no shower · long-drop toilet · no signal
Day 5
Back down to the lake
Ride down, hot shower at last, farewell dinner.
🛏 Lakeside ger camp
🍽 B · L · D
🚐 1 h drive
hot shower · flush toilet
Day 6
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar
Afternoon flight, hotel drop-off.
🛏 —
🍽 B
🚐 2 h drive
no shower · flush toilet
Included
Return flight UB–Mörön
Guide, horses and horse handler
All meals and lodging
Gift for the herder family
Not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Sleeping bag rental ($15)
Reviews from travellers who booked here
IM
Isabella M. · Canada
Travelled 2 Aug 2026 · verified booking
★★★★ The reindeer family was the most genuine experience we had in Mongolia. The ride up is hard, as promised.
NW
Noah W. · USA
Travelled 2 Aug 2026 · verified booking
★★★★ Цаатан айлын амьдралыг ойроос харсан нь гайхалтай. Морин аялал хүнд байсан ч бичсэнтэй яг адил.
ZA
Zara A. · UK
Travelled 5 Jul 2026 · verified booking
★★★ Цаатан айлын амьдралыг ойроос харсан нь гайхалтай. Морин аялал хүнд байсан ч бичсэнтэй яг адил.
БО
Билгүүн О. · Mongolia
Travelled 5 Jul 2026 · verified booking
★★★★★ The guide translated everything with the herders — that made the trip.