Shaman's Heart
In the heart of Mongolian taiga, meeting the Tsaatans and their ancestral shamanic traditions.
Duration
14 days
From
€2,490/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
In the crystalline expanses of Lake Khövsgöl, where waters reflect peaks over 3,000 meters high, begins an odyssey toward one of the planet's most isolated peoples. On horseback through wild taiga, you cross sacred passes and deep forests to reach Tsaatan encampments, where smoking tipis emerge from morning mists.
The Tsaatan, Mongolia's last reindeer herders, perpetuate a way of life thousands of years old in the remote northern mountains. You share their daily life of seasonal migrations, reindeer milking, and shamanic ceremonies. Between traditional yurts on the lake shore and nights under reindeer-skin tipis, you discover the flowering valleys of Alag Sar and cross the Shishged River toward territories where time seems suspended.
This authentic immersion reveals still-living shamanism, where ovoos mark sacred passes and where the starlit Tenger guides spiritual practices. Far from tourist circuits, this journey connects you to the very essence of Mongolian nomadism and the wisdom of a people who are guardians of age-old traditions.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and discoveries in Ulaanbaatar
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, where vast steppes gradually give way to a surprising city, blending Soviet heritage, nomadic traditions and emerging modernity. Welcome by your driver and transfer to the city center, your first glimpse of this fascinating destination with already striking landscapes. Check-in at your hotel and rest (early check-in not included).
Meet at noon at your hotel, where your guide will greet you before accompanying you to a local restaurant for lunch. This first moment of exchange is an opportunity to get to know each other, discover the highlights of your adventure and gradually immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Mongolia.
Dive into the heart of Mongolian history during your visit to the national history museum. Spread over several floors, the museum traces the rich past of the country, from the first nomadic civilizations to the Soviet period, passing through the rise of the great empire founded by Genghis Khan. A fascinating visit to better understand the identity and culture of Mongolie.
A walk through the center of Ulaanbaatar discovering the famous Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of the capital dominated by the imposing statue of Genghis Khan. You will also observe the Mongolian Parliament and the bustling atmosphere of this amazing city, between Soviet heritage and nomadic culture.
Around 6:00 PM, you attend a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh, famous for its performances combining folk dances, traditional music, contortion acts and khoomi, the fascinating Mongolian throat singing inscribed on the intangible cultural heritage list.
Flight to Mörön and Lake Khövsgöl
Transfer to Ulan Bator airport and flight to Mörön, the capital of Khövsgöl province, where your driver awaits you.
Arrival at Lake Khövsgöl, one of the natural wonders of the world. Imagine 2760 km2 of a mountain lake, with water so pure that you can drink it, and surrounded by a dozen peaks reaching over 2000 meters in altitude and covered with pine forests and lush meadows where yaks and horses graze!
You head east, towards the verdant valleys of Alag Sar, where you settle into a small ger camp situated on the shores of the lake.
Hiking on the shores of Mongolia's great blue lake
Accompanied by local herders and their yaks, you set off for a day of hiking or horseback riding in the wooded valleys of Alag Tsar. At the leisurely pace of the cart, you discover a land deeply linked to nomadism. In summer, the region is covered with flowers and it is not uncommon to walk through a carpet of edelweiss. To the west, on the opposite shore, peaks exceeding 3,000 meters are reflected in the clear waters of the lake.
In the evening, you set up the yurt with the herders, the one you transported during the day, and under which you will spend the night.
Peaceful morning at Lake Khövsgöl
Wake up and breakfast in an exceptional setting, with the lake at your feet and mountains as a backdrop. You resume your mounts (*or set off on foot for hikers*) towards the Alag Sar yurt camp.
After lunch at the camp, enjoy a relaxing afternoon: swimming, a walk along the shores or canoe rental to explore the lake at your own pace.
Journey to isolated Öliin Dawaa
Alag Tsar → Öliin Dawaa
You are heading west of Lake Khövsgöl.
The Tsaatan camps, located in the mountains to the northwest, are very isolated and require several days of travel to reach. Your route instead takes you towards Öliin Dawaa, passing through a pass marked by thirteen ovoos. These ovoos, stone and wood cairns placed in mountain passes and sacred sites, are offering points where Mongols perform three circuits while depositing stones, tugriks, milk or vodka.
You set up your camp for the night and prepare to sleep in your tent, in the heart of nature.
Crossing the steppes to Tsagaan Nuur
Öliin Dawaa → Tsagaan Nuur
Road to the North towards Tsagaan Nuur, land of the Tsaatans. You cross landscapes of rivers and steppes, before crossing several passes to reach the Tsagaan Nuur lake.
Setting up camp and night under the tent.
Towards the Tsaatans on Horseback
Tsagaan Nuur → Campement Tsaatan
You meet the herders who will accompany you throughout your journey towards the tsaatans.
To reach Tsaatan territory, it is mandatory to ride for approximately one and a half days, both on the way there and back, through the taiga. This ride is done independently, with the transportation of logistics and your belongings carried on pack horses.
After crossing the Shishged river by "ferry boat", you enter the taiga landscapes. This wild zone, which forms a natural barrier protecting the Tsaatan camps, can be demanding in summer: marshes, flies and mosquitoes mark your progress. Even if the stage requires considerable effort, you use this trek to exchange with your interpreter and local guides, and learn more about the daily life of Mongolian herders.
At the end of the day, you set up camp near the Moorog river, where you enjoy well-deserved rest before reaching, the next day, the Tsaatan encampment.
Authentic Immersion among the Tsaatans
From Campement Tsaatan
You continue your ride through the taiga when, in the distance, the first smoking tipis appear. More than just a journey, it is a true human and almost timeless adventure that begins in one of the most isolated places on the planet.
You arrive at the family camp, leave your mounts and set off to meet the inhabitants, who welcome you warmly. The afternoon is free: accompanied by your guide, you will meet the families and explore the surroundings.
Immersive Discovery of the Tsaatan People
A day dedicated to discovering the Tsaatan people. According to tradition, it is up to the traveler to visit their host: take time to enter the tipis, exchange with different families and share some moments of their daily life. You observe, participate in daily tasks, get close to the reindeer, listen to stories, legends and tales, and learn a few local games. Part of the day is also dedicated to shamanism, a central element of Tsaatan spirituality.
After sharing a meal and the evening with a family, you fall asleep away from prying eyes, under a tipi made of reindeer skin, in the heart of the Tsaatan encampment.
Horseback riding trek to Lake Khar Nuur
Campement Tsaatan → Tsagaan Nuur
You resume your horseback riding after this immersion with the Tsaatans. You head south, finding the steady rhythm of your mount. At the end of the day, you set up camp near Lake Gants Uuliin Khar Nuur, where you spend the night before joining Tsagaannuur the next day.
Return route to the Beltes River
Tsagaan Nuur → Rivière Beltes
You're back on the road, this time heading towards Moron in the south. You set up camp on the banks of the Beltes River.
Along the way, you cross a different landscape, made up of steppes, mountain passes and rivers, inviting you to take a few breaks to enjoy the atmosphere.
In the evening, near the fire and weather permitting, you can look up at the sky: in Mongolia, the Tenger reveals itself in all its purity, deep blue during the day and studded with stars once night falls.
Return to Mörön and flight to Ulaanbaatar
Rivière Beltes → Murun
Return route to Mörön airport, the provincial capital.
Flight
Then board your return flight to Ulan Bator.
Arrival in the city and check-in at your hotel, where you can rest for a while.
Rest of the day is free. Accompanied by your guide, you explore the city's shops to do your last-minute shopping.
Good return and see you next time!
Breakfast at the hotel. The driver will take you to Ulaanbaatar international airport. The return transfer will take place at the time of your choice, depending on your flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transport
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals in Ulaanbaatar
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
- Baggage supplement if you transport more than 15kg for the domestic flight
Included
- Airport / hotel / airport transfers
- Flight Ulan Bator / Moron / Ulan Bator
- 2 nights in a 2-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar, breakfast included
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- 2 nights in comfortable yurt camp with hot shower
- 2 nights with Tsaatans, under hosts' tipi
- 7 nights in a tent, camping
- Transportation by 4x4 or minibus + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide
- Chef for groups > 4 participants
- 2 days of trekking by "yak carting", on foot or on horseback
- 4 days of horseback trekking
- Pack horses for equipment transport
- Equestrian equipment with Kazakh trekking saddles
- Local guides on hikes
- Entry fees for the parks and museums mentioned
- Traditional show
- IRIDIUM satellite phone
- Kitchen equipment (mess tent, camping tables and chairs) and sleeping gear (tent, sleeping bag, ground mat), sanitary tent
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Mongolia depend on your nationality. The information below provides general guidance for tourist stays. We recommend verifying the specific conditions applicable to your situation with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence, as well as with your own authorities, before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays, while others must obtain a visa before departure.
If a visa exemption applies to your nationality, the authorites may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation or your travel itinerary.
For specific information regarding visa requirements and any exemptions applicable to your nationality, please contact the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Affairs Office (GASI). For stays of 30 days or less, registration is generally handled by your hotel or accommodation provider.
It is recommended to keep a copy of this registration throughout your stay, as Mongolian authorities may request it during checks.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Mongolia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
routine immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
tick-borne encephalitis, particularly if planning trekking or staying in rural areas,
rabies, if there is a possible risk of contact with wild or stray animals.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. All travellers should verify the specific requirements applicable to them with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for assistance-repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for reporting a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A stay in Mongolia is possible without a visa for a limited duration. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry is required. For a longer stay, a visa can be obtained from the Mongolian embassy. Entry conditions change regularly: check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Mongolian consular authorities before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation (yurts, lodges), meals, 4x4 with driver and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros round trip) are additional. Mongolia offers a timeless nomadic immersion.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Lakes North
Cultural and encounters facilitator for Mongolia, based in Oulan Bator
The most beautiful memories from Mongolia are often born from an unexpected encounter, around a cup of tea or a ger door that opens with a smile.
— Chimgee
