Taiga
Festival
Visit the reindeer herders of the northern taiga at the close of summer.
What this event is.
The Dukha — known in Mongolian as Tsaatan, the reindeer people — live deep in the northern taiga, herding reindeer through the high pastures above 2,000 m. Once a year, they gather at the lake edge of Tsagaannuur for a festival open to outsiders.
The pace is slow. Herders demonstrate reindeer-saddling, milk processing, and the tying of summer urts (teepee). Visitors are welcomed for tea inside the urts, and shamanic rites are held in the evening for those who request to attend. This is the most remote of the events we curate; access is by horse.
Four things worth coming for.
Reindeer riding
Try riding a fully saddled reindeer — the Dukha's primary mount above the tree line.
Urts night
Sleep in a traditional teepee with a wood-stove and reindeer-skin bedding.
Throat-singing & jew's harp
Smaller, intimate performances — Dukha jew's harp is rarely heard outside the taiga.
Shamanic ceremonies
Optional evening ceremony at the sacred ovoo — strict cultural protocol applies.
Frames from past editions.
Schedule.
- Day 01Tsagaannuur arrivalLong drive from Murun, lake-edge welcome, evening introduction to the host family.
- Day 02Up to the herdersHalf-day horse ride to the summer camp, reindeer demonstrations, urts night.
- Day 03Return & closingRide back at dawn, festival closing at the lake, farewell tea.
Want to attend? We’ll handle the route.
Limited capacity. Transport, accommodation, and a small-group offroad option are available — get in touch and we’ll send a tailored itinerary.