Otgoo's Mongolia Winter Tour to Reindeer Tribes in the Northern Taiga

Mongolia in winter, driven yourself, which is a very different country from the summer version. From Ulaanbaatar in a Land Cruiser the operator provides, sold as a seven day run of about 900 kilometres or a thirteen day one of about 1,500.

The drive north goes through rolling meadows and river valleys, with a possible stop at the Amarbayasgalant Monastery, and several nights at a riverside resort on the Eg with horse riding, hiking and a sauna. Then it reaches Lake Khuvsgul, and in February the route goes out onto the lake itself, driving on the frozen surface, which is the thing people book this for.

The longer version keeps going. Alpine roads lead through Ulaan Uul to a riverside camp on the Jargant, and from there the East Taiga and the Tsaatan reindeer herders, reached by vehicle or on horseback depending on what the snow allows. Two days are spent in camp, helping with the reindeer, walking in the forest and riding them, with an optional shaman ritual. Nights are in a teepee or a camper.

Explorer.Company supply the Land Cruiser for up to four travellers, camping equipment, airport transfers, the prearranged route with navigation support, and the accommodation along it. No nights count, departure dates or formal inclusions list is published, so settle those at enquiry, and the driving on the lake ice is strictly February only. For drivers who find the idea of a Mongolian winter appealing rather than alarming, this is one of the rarest trips on the whole list.