Of mountains and spirits
- Tour group size: 4-14
- Booking by appointment for tours between May and September 2020
Discovery Tour – Shamans
This discovery tour takes us to the far north of the country, the Altai, the unique and almost untouched high mountains of Mongolia. It is characterized by great nature along the route and encounters with extraordinary people, such as reindeer herders and shamans.
Shamanism is the oldest religion in Mongolia and plays an important role in this area. Although it was officially banned during the Soviet era, it survived underground and a few years ago was revived. Participants of this discovery tour have the unique opportunity of experiencing real shamanic rituals.
Due to the large distances involved, the tour includes a domestic flight (Murun to Ulaanbaatar). In the Altai, we cover part of the route on horseback because the terrain is impassable to cars. We overnight in tents and yurts during the tour, and in a hotel in Ulaanbaatar at the beginning and end of the tour.
Well suited for
Experienced Mongolian travelers
Hikers
Mountain lovers
Culture lovers
Itinerary
The following day the tour begins southwards to the Baga Gazriin Chuluu National Park (“stone of the little place”) where we have our first overnight stay in a typical Mongolian yurt camp, the traditional and comfortable accommodation of the nomads.
We continue westwards towards the Jigleg Mountain pass. As soon as the terrain becomes more difficult, we reload our luggage and continue our tour on horseback. We spend time visiting Tsaatan (reindeer herders) and shamans where we have the opportunity to experience various rituals, including how the shamans contact spirits.
Over the next few days we share the daily life of the Tsaatan and learn how their traditions differ from those of the majority of the Mongolian population. Overnight in a tent camp with the shaman.
Return to Murun. On the way we pass the “13 Ovoo mountain pass”. Overnight in a tent camp at Lake Khuvsgul.
After breakfast the following morning we transfer to the airport.
All our tours include:
- English-speaking tour guides from arrival in Ulaanbaatar
- All transfers within Ulaanbaatar in a minibus or across the steppe in a robust off-road bus or car, each with experienced, local drivers
- All meals (cooking service if you are staying in a tent) and mineral water
- Entrance fees to sights, concerts and other performances
- Conservation fees
- Equipment and support for camel rides and fishing trips (horseback rides are charged extra)
- Travel security certificate according to § 651 k BGB
Flights are usually not included, except for tours with the option “incl. scheduled flight”.
Travel insurance is not included.
Our tip: book scheduled flights with the Mongolian airline MIAT and take out Travelsafe travel cancellation insurance.