HORSE RIDING TO TSAATAN SHAMANS
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TOUR
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PRICE
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TOUR DESCRIPTION:
17 days incl. 9 horse riding days. Ride across green valleys and icy streams
of Darkhad country and meet Tsaatan people – a disappearing tribe still
practicing shamanism. Second part of the riding tour will bring you to Khuvsgul
lake, deepest and cleanest in all of Mongolia. Tented camping throughout the
ride. Safe and comfortable tack.
PRICE INCLUDES:
All accommodation (twin shared), internal transportation, arrival & departure
transfers, internal flights, meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner),
sightseeing & environmental fees, camping equipment, English speaking guide,
expedition chef, horse riding guides, horse hire.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Travel insurance, excess luggage fees on internal flight, gratuities, items
of personal nature, meals not indicated.
TOUR GALLERY:
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TOUR INTRUDUCTION:
The far North of Mongolia is a land of evergreen taiga forest, crystal clear
lakes, icy streams and lush grasslands. It does rain a lot during summer, but
this only adds to the scenery: rainbows hang over the meadows dotted with white
yurts and grazing horses and yaks. Deer, wild boars, squirrel, beaver, otter,
ermine, marten, sable and wolf are the inhabitants of the region.
There live the fascinating Tsaatan whose lives revolve around the domesticated reindeer. They eat its meat, drink its milk, ride them and use their hides to make clothing and cover their teepees. Reindeer are the best beasts of burden in forested mountains. Totaling a mere 300 people they lead a lifestyle similar to that of North American Indians: live in teepees and practice shamanism. This is your chance to drink reindeer milk and go for a reindeer ride!
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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival to Ulaanbaatar
You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to a cozy hotel within
easy walking distance of downtown. After a short briefing we explore the
vibrant city of Ulaanbaatar, the Palace of the Last Mongolian Buddhist King
topped by an hour of Folk Dance and Song performance. (L,D).
Day 2: Flight to Murun, drive to Darkhad country
Early this morning you'll be transferred to local airport for a 1.5 hours
flight to Murun, center of Khuvsgul province. Your guide accompanies you on
the twin engine propeller aircraft. On arrival we'll have picnic and climb
into our jeeps and start off towards the Darkhad country.
People of the Darkhad country were given their name in 17th century, meaning "those exempt from taxes and services" of the Manchu emperor.
Lying in the western depression of lake Khuvsgul , the area comprises of mountains, dense taiga forest and clear rivers. In the late afternoon we will camp reaching the "Beltes" river. (B,L,D).
Day 3: Drive to Beaver hill, meet with local
cowboys
Continue driving and camp reaching the "Beaver" hill, the appointment point
with our riding guides. They will meet us at the camp in the evening to say "hello".
These local men will accompany you throughout the riding tour and share secrets
of their survival. (B,L,D).
Day 4-6: Horse Riding to visit Tsaatan tribe
After a hearty breakfast a horse will be selected for you to suit riding experience.
Riding the sturdy Mongolian horses is a style quite different from that of
a western horse riding. Broken in at the age of 2 or 3 they listen to a different
set of commands and, respond to a different behavior on the side of the rider.
Your guides will teach these techniques before we set off to meet the Tsaatan.
Our entire luggage of tents, kitchen and belongings will be loaded onto horses
rope-led by our riding guides.
Our route lies through deep taiga, across clear streams, and wild animal trails. An encounter with an occasional deer or boar is not rare. As a nomadic tribe Tsaatan frequently move from one encampment to another.
On reaching their homes we initiate a cultural exchange with them. If we are lucky and, if the position of stars is right we may even witness a shaman's ritual of conveying peoples' wishes and requests to their ancestral spirits. Reindeer milk is incredibly nutritious - according to traditions a bowl of it will be passed around the guests.
Back at our camp at the "Beaver" hill in the evening of the 6th day we enjoy a deserved rest and share our impressions of the first part of the tour. (B,L,D).
Day 7: Rest day
A well deserved rest day. Around lunch time we visit a ger of one of our horse
riding guides. Nomadic yurt is a simple but reliable dwelling, perfect in
extreme weather conditions and suitable for frequent moves from one place
to another. An “essential” milk vodka will be offered to you.
The hosts will tell us interesting stories of local nature and history.
The rest of the day you may spend hiking, fishing or just lazing around. A Mongolian cuisine delicacy – “khorkhog” will be served for dinner. This is an interesting affair of chunks of meat pressure cooked using hot rocks. An attractive vegetable garnish will be served with it. (B,L,D).
Day 8-13: Horse Riding to Khuvsgul lake
Back in the saddle we head east to cross majestic ridges of Bayan Uul range
and reach Khuvsgul lake. This province is named after the magnificent Khuvsgul
lake which is its true highlight. Surrounded by 3000m peaks it holds 2 percent
of worlds’ fresh water reserves. Reaching 267m in depth it is locally
known as “The Mother Sea” or “The Blue Pearl of Mongolia” for
its crystal clear waters.
Our route initially lies across winding rivers and innumerable lakes of Darkhad country before we approach the Bayan Uul range. After riding along wooded banks of Arsain river we see a truly thrilling bird’s eye view of the vast blue expanse of water lying below. This is “The Blue Pearl of Mongolia”.
After descending to the lake we ride along its shore. This is our last riding day. We set up our camp and let our ponies graze. (B,L,D).
Day 14: Rest day
We say “good bye” to our riding guides and spend the day lazing
around. You may swim, fish or hike. (B,L,D).
Day 15: Return flight to Ulaanbaatar
Today we will fly to Ulaanbaatar from a small airstrip located at the
southern tip of the lake. On arrival you will be transfer to your hotel. After
hot showers and some rest we gather for a farewell dinner. (B,D).
Day 16:
Leisure day in Ulaanbaatar
A spare day for shopping and self-exploration around the city. You may
refer to recommendations of our team in order to make most out of it. (B).
Day 17: Departure
Transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B).
