Why You Should Visit the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders in Mongolia

Mongolia is full of raw, unforgettable travel experiences, but few can compare to visiting the Tsaatan, one of the last remaining groups of reindeer herders in the world. Deep in the taiga near the Russian border, the Tsaatan (also called the Dukha) live in remote camps, following a nomadic lifestyle that’s barely changed in centuries.

Reaching them is no easy feat; it’s one of the most remote experiences you’ll find in Mongolia, but it’s also one of the most powerful. Here’s why it should be at the top of your travel list.

1. It’s One of the Last Reindeer-Herding Cultures on Earth

There are fewer than 300 Tsaatan people remaining in Mongolia, and only a handful of families continue to actively herd reindeer. This is not a performance for tourists, it’s a real way of life that’s disappearing fast. Visiting the Tsaatan gives you a rare chance to see and support one of the world’s few remaining reindeer-herding cultures.

From milking reindeer in the morning to watching herders ride bareback through the forest, you’re witnessing something incredibly rare. And unlike many indigenous experiences around the world, this one still happens on the community’s own terms, in their own environment.

2. You’ll Travel Far Off the Beaten Path

Getting to the Tsaatan is not your average sightseeing trip. It requires driving across northern Mongolia’s most rugged landscape, crossing rivers, navigating off-road trails, and eventually riding a horse into the taiga.

It’s a challenge, but that’s exactly why it’s so rewarding. This is adventure travel at its purest, and the journey itself is half the experience. If you’re looking to escape the tourist trail, this is about as remote as it gets.

3. It’s a Deeply Authentic Cultural Experience

There’s no souvenir shop, no curated tourist itinerary, and no performance schedule. Instead, you’re welcomed into the everyday life of a Tsaatan family. You’ll sleep in an ortz (a teepee made of wood and hides), drink salty milk tea by the fire, and learn how the family lives day to day.

It’s immersive, hands-on, and sometimes outside your comfort zone, but that’s what makes it meaningful. You’re not just observing, you’re participating.

4. It Offers a Rare Chance to Disconnect

There’s no Wi-Fi, no signal, and no screens. Just reindeer grazing in the mist, forest stretching endlessly around you, and the sound of hooves and firewood crackling.

For many travelers, the Tsaatan experience is a much-needed reset. Time slows down. You wake with the sun, eat with the family, and settle into a rhythm shaped by nature, not a schedule. If you’ve been craving a break from modern life, this is it.

5. The Landscape Is Absolutely Stunning

The taiga in northern Mongolia is something out of a dream: dense pine forests, cold rivers, foggy valleys, and endless skies. Arguably, it’s the most beautiful landscape in the country. 

You’ll pass through alpine meadows, cross glassy rivers, and camp under stars so bright they feel close enough to touch. 

6. You’ll Learn a Lot About Resilience

Life in the taiga is hard. The Tsaatan live in extreme conditions, freezing winters, limited resources, and isolation that most of us can’t imagine. But they thrive with knowledge passed down through generations: how to live off the land, read the weather, keep reindeer healthy, and move camps with the seasons.

Spending time with them teaches you more than facts; it gives you a whole new perspective. You’ll walk away with a more profound respect for the environment, for adaptation, and for people who live closely and respectfully with nature.

7. It’s Ideal for Adventure Travelers

If you like your travel experiences to be wild, unpredictable, and authentic, visiting the Tsaatan ticks all the boxes. The route there isn’t easy: it involves long drives on dirt tracks, riding horses into the forest, and sleeping in basic conditions with little access to comfort or convenience.

But for those who crave authentic adventure, it’s hard to beat. You’ll feel like an explorer, not a tourist.

8. It’s a Photographer’s Dream

Between the dramatic landscapes, traditional clothing, gentle-eyed reindeer, and glowing fires inside teepees, the Tsaatan camps offer some of the most photogenic scenes in Mongolia. And because it’s not crowded with tourists, you get clean, quiet shots without distractions.

Golden hour in the taiga, with reindeer silhouetted against the mountains, is a shot you’ll never forget, whether you’re using a phone or a full-frame DSLR.

9. It Supports a Community That Needs It

Tourism, when done respectfully and sustainably, is one of the few ways the Tsaatan can generate income without abandoning their traditional way of life. Your visit can help support a family through direct payments, hiring local horse guides, or buying handmade crafts.

Just be sure to work with ethical tour operators or go through trusted local contacts. This ensures your money stays in the community and that your presence is welcomed, not exploitative.

10. It’s Not Just a Visit—It’s a Story You’ll Tell Forever

Many people visit Mongolia and see the standard highlights: the Gobi Desert, Terelj National Park, and the capital. But visiting the Tsaatan is a deeper kind of experience, one that lingers long after the trip is over.

You’ll remember the moment you first saw a reindeer up close, the taste of hot tea after a freezing night, the sound of hooves in the forest, and the way the world seemed to stretch endlessly around you. These are the travel stories you tell for the rest of your life.

11. It Makes for an Epic Road Trip Adventure

The drive to the Tsaatan is more than just a way to get there; it’s an adventure in itself. You’ll traverse some of Mongolia’s most stunning and untouched landscapes, from vast open steppe to dense pine forests, winding dirt tracks, and river crossings that test your driving skills. 

The mix of paved roads and off-road terrain keeps the journey exciting, and every turn brings new views and unexpected moments. For travelers who love combining scenic drives with authentic cultural experiences, the trip to the Tsaatan is a must-do road trip that challenges and rewards in equal measure.

12. AVIS Now Offers Self-Drive Tours to the Tsaatan

 Getting to the Tsaatan used to mean navigating difficult logistics on your own, but AVIS Mongolia has changed the game. Their new AVIS self-drive tours provide reliable 4×4 rental vehicles specially equipped for Mongolia’s rugged terrain, detailed route maps, and local support to guide you along the way. 

This means you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of independent travel, with the confidence of knowing you’re supported by one of the country’s top rental providers. For adventurous travelers who want to explore at their own pace but avoid the usual headaches, AVIS’s self-drive Tsaatan tours make this remote destination more accessible than ever before.

Ready to Experience the Tsaatan?

Visiting the Tsaatan reindeer herders is one of Mongolia’s most unforgettable adventures, offering remote landscapes, rich culture, and an authentic glimpse into a vanishing way of life. Whether you’re craving an epic road trip or a deeper cultural journey, the Tsaatan delivers it all.

To make this adventure easier and more accessible, AVIS Mongolia now offers reliable 4×4 rental vehicles and tailored self-drive tours explicitly designed for reaching the Tsaatan safely and comfortably. Skip the stress of complicated logistics and travel on your own terms, with local support whenever you need it.

Book your AVIS rental car or self-drive tour today and start planning the journey of a lifetime into Mongolia’s wild northern taiga.