Wild Mongolia Women’s Adventure with Kiera

When you arrive in Ulaanbaatar, a driver will be waiting at the airport to take you to our hotel. With travelers arriving at different times throughout the day, you’ll have free time to rest, freshen up, or explore the city at your own pace.

At 4:00 PM, we’ll meet at the hotel for our first group gathering before taking a relaxed stroll to Sukhbaatar Square, the bustling heart of the city. In the evening, we’ll share our first meal together at one of Kiera’s favorite restaurants, where traditional flavors are reimagined with a creative vegan twist.

Accommodation:

• Hotel, twin share, private bathroom

Meals included:

• No meals included

Activities:

• Airport pickup
• Sukhbaatar square walk and city wall
• Group dinner to meet each other properly (meal price not included)

After breakfast, we’ll leave the city behind and set off for the breathtaking Terelj National Park. A two-hour semi-off-road drive will take us deep into a secluded valley, far from the usual tourist trails. This special place holds a deep connection for Kiera, who once lived and volunteered here with Mongolian horse trainers, and she’s thrilled to share it with you.

Our adventure kicks off with a thrilling horseback archery demonstration, where you’ll also have the chance to test your own archery skills. After lunch, we’ll dive into the world of Mongolian horses, learning how to ride and form a connection with these extraordinary animals. Then, we’ll saddle up for a 2-3 hour ride through the vast, sweeping valley, fully immersing ourselves in Mongolia’s iconic steppes.

As evening falls, we’ll gather around a cozy bonfire or enjoy a traditional Mongolian sauna, depending on the weather. Be sure to step outside before bed – this remote valley boasts some of the clearest night skies, making it the perfect spot for stargazing under a dazzling canopy of stars. It’s the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.

Accommodation:

• Ger Camp with shared facilities

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Archery demonstration on horse back
• Try your hand at archery
• Horse riding class
• Horse ride in the national park
• Bonfire or sauna

Wake up to the peaceful surroundings of Terelj National Park, nestled in a traditional Mongolian ger. Start your morning at your own pace, take a quiet walk, soak in the fresh air, or greet the horses as they graze nearby. At 9:00 AM, we’ll gather for a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead.

Our morning kicks off with a hands-on cooking class where we’ll learn to make buuz, Mongolia’s beloved steamed dumplings. Once we’ve mastered the technique, we’ll sit down to enjoy our homemade creations for lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll set out on another horseback ride through the valley, stopping to visit a nomadic horse family along the way. Here, you’ll get the chance to try airag, Mongolia’s famous fermented horse milk, a true cultural experience. We’ll also pass by the Tuul River where the adventurous among us can take a refreshing dip in its crisp waters. As the day winds down, we’ll gather for a traditional khorhog BBQ, a Mongolian summertime favorite, prepared with one of the neighboring family’s sheep. It’s a meal and an experience you won’t forget!

Accommodation:

• Ger Camp with shared facilities

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Cooking Class making traditional Mongolian dumplings – Buzz
• Horseback ride through the national park to Tuul River
• Visit nomadic horse family Try Airag (fermented horse milk)
• Khorhog – traditional Mongolian BBQ

Waking up in the peaceful valley, we’ll pack our bags and get ready for an exciting road trip across Mongolia. After breakfast, we’ll set off on a six-hour drive to Karakorum, the historic heart of Genghis Khan’s Mongolian Empire in the 13th century.

Once a thriving political, cultural, and trade center, Karakorum played a crucial role during its time as the Mongol Empire’s capital. Though the city was later abandoned and destroyed, its legacy endures through the Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s first Buddhist monastery, built in 1588. Enclosed within massive walls, the monastery is home to three remaining temples—Dalai Lama, Zuu of Buddha, and Lavrin—which we’ll explore.

We’ll also visit the Karakorum Archaeological Museum, where artifacts from the 13th and 14th centuries bring the city’s past to life. The collection includes pottery, coins, sculptures, and a fascinating scale model of ancient Karakorum. Notable highlights include a Turkic noble’s tomb and a half excavated kiln embedded in the museum floor. If time allows, we’ll browse a small market showcasing local artists’ crafts. This day promises a deep dive into Mongolia’s rich history and culture, offering a glimpse into the empire’s remarkable past.

Accommodation:

• Ger Camp with shared facilities

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Visit Erdene Zuu monastery
• Visit Karakorum archaeological museum

Accommodation:

• Ger Camp with shared facilities

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Explore Tsetserleg Town
• Experience Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur Lake

Today is a day to relax and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. In the morning, we will set out on a hike to Khorgo Uul Volcano, located just four kilometers from the lake. This extinct volcano features a crater 200 meters wide and 100 meters deep, surrounded by trees that add to its dramatic beauty.

As we explore the area, you will come across fascinating basalt formations, nicknamed “Gers” for their resemblance to traditional Mongolian dwellings. These unique structures, formed by cooling lava, include features like gates and openings, some standing over 1.7 meters tall.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, the afternoon is yours to spend however you like. You can take a peaceful stroll along the lake, go for a horseback ride with a local, curl up with a good book, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings.

Accommodation:

• Ger Camp with shared facilities

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Hike to the Khorgo extinct volcano
• Free time to relax by the stunning Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur Lake
• See the basalt formations from the cooling lava

Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey to visit the Tsaatan reindeer tribes in Northern Mongolia. After an early breakfast, we will set off on a long travel day, driving mostly on rugged roads for approximately seven hours. Be sure to bring a book or headphones to enjoy music or podcasts as we take in the ever changing landscapes along the way.

By late afternoon, we will arrive in Mörön, the capital of Khovsgol Province. Here, we will settle into a comfortable hotel, enjoy a hearty dinner, and get some rest before the incredible five day adventure ahead.

Accommodation:

• Hotel, twin share with private bathroom

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Scenic driving day
• Visit Moron town

Accommodation:

• Guesthouse with shared facilities

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Scenic driving day
• Visit Tsagaannuur village

Accommodation:

• Tsaatan huts or tents with shared facilities

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Horseback riding to Tsaatan settlement
• Activities with reindeer tribes

Today, we’ll wake up in the peaceful Taiga and enjoy a camping-style breakfast surrounded by nature. Afterward, we’ll meet our hosts, who will introduce us to their reindeer. For the Tsaatan people, reindeer are essential to their way of life, providing milk, cheese, meat, and transportation. Reindeer skin is used to create clothing, and their horns are crafted into tools.

We’ll spend the next three days fully immersing ourselves in the community, helping with daily chores and taking care of the reindeer. Depending on where their camp is set up this summer, we may also take a horse ride to visit another family nearby, whom Kiera connected with during her last trip. If you’d like, you can purchase handmade souvenirs made by the children, who carve intricate designs into fallen reindeer antlers.

The herders charge an additional $5-10 USD for riding the reindeer, so be sure to bring cash if this is something you’d like to try. Local currency is accepted.

Accommodation:

• Tsaatan huts or tents with shared facilities

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Horseback riding to Tsaatan settlement
• Activities with reindeer tribes

Today, we’ll say our goodbyes to our hosts and begin our journey back to Tsagaannuur Village. It will be a long day of riding, approximately 4-5 hours, with breaks for lunch along the way. As we head back toward the village we visited a couple of days ago, we’ll have time to reflect on our incredible experience. Once we reach the village, we’ll rest and enjoy our final night in the peaceful Taiga region.

Accommodation:

• Guesthouse with shared facilities

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Horseback riding back to Tsagaannuur village

Accommodation:

• Ger Camp with shared facilities

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Scenic driving day
• Khovsgol Lake

Today, we’ll dedicate the entire day to exploring the shores of Khovsgol Lake and the surrounding area. It will be a day to rest, reflect, and unwind after our incredible journey to meet the Tsaatan, the last nomadic reindeer herders. The morning will be free for you to explore at your own pace, followed by lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local women’s workshop to learn about their crafts, and you may even have the opportunity to try your hand at creating something yourself. In the evening, we’ll visit a Shaman’s ger in the village. While there won’t be a ceremony due to our dates not aligning with the full moon, we’ll have the chance to meet her, ask questions, and possibly see her play the mouth harp.

Accommodation:

• Ger Camp with shared facilities

Meals included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Free time along the lakeshore to enjoy the ‘jewel’ of Mongolia
• Shaman experience
• Visit local women workshop in Khatgal village

Accommodation:

• Hotel, twin share, private bathroom

Meals included:

• Breakfast

Activities:

• Fly to Ulaanbaatar – domestic flight included
• Visit Uushig deer stone complex from the Stone Age
• Attend a folklore show featuring throat singers and Mongolian musicians and dancers

On the final morning, after a delicious breakfast, we’ll come together for a heartfelt farewell. For those returning home, a group transfer will be arranged to take you to the airport. As you depart, you’ll carry with you the unforgettable memories of an amazing journey through Mongolia. Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you again on another adventure soon!

Meals included:

• Breakfast

Activities:

• Airport transfer