Lake Khuvsgul and Reindeer Herders Horse Trek

Attractions and activities:

-        Beautiful scenery along secluded and pristine parts of Lake Khuvsgul and in the Taiga (Siberian forest)

-        Long-distance horse trekking with pack horses

-        Hiking and climbing

-        Camping in the wild and enjoying camp fires at night

-        Meeting traditional Mongols and reindeer herders to experience their nomadic lifestyles

-        Great photo opportunities

-        10-14 day trip in total

One of Mongolia’s largest and most scenic lakes, Lake Khuvsgul is located in northern Mongolia at the far southern edge of the Siberian forest near the border with Russia. Aged over two million years, this ancient lake is some 260 metres deep, 130 kilometres long and holds 70 per cent of Mongolia’s fresh water.

Mongolian Experience’s pack-horse trip to spectacular Lake Khuvsgul can be enjoyed by horse riders of all skill levels.

Our trip will delight those seeking adventure. Traveling through wild landscapes with a train of packhorses is an incredible experience that also offers fantastic photographic opportunities. 

While witnessing changing dramatic landscapes and beautiful scenery, you will also visit traditional Mongol nomads. A highlight of the trip is visiting the Tsaatan people whose lifestyle is based on reindeer herding. These extremely hardy people live in remote camps amongst scenic Taiga landscapes. Their homes are bare teepees with little insulation in temperatures that plummet to minus 40 degrees Celsius in winter.

The journey by horseback through Siberian forests, along rocky paths and over dramatic mountain passes to reach the Tsaatan’s isolated campsites is a one of a kind experience. Tasting reindeer milk and cheese is also not to be missed.

Horse riding notes:

Riding in the Taiga and around Lake Khuvsgul is suitable for beginners. It is a good place for further developing your riding skills. If you are an experienced rider, it is also possible to do an extremely challenging ride. Depending on your skill level, the ride covers 20-40km per day.

Other activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, climbing, kayaking and hiring boats.  During winter, Lake Khuvsgul completely freezes over but in summer a dip in the clear waters is wonderfully refreshing.