Pascal Mannaerts travelled to the wilds of Mongolia to capture the reindeer herders of Mongolia

The Tsaatan reindeer herders have lived for thousands of years in the remote region of Ulaan Taiga. Moving their reindeer between five and 10 times each year, the hardy people search for cool plains upon which to feed their reindeer. They use the hair from the reindeer for their clothes, their milk for cheese and their dung for their fuel. Though due to interbreeding and illness, the reindeer-herding community has now dwindled to around 40 families. National Geographic writer Pascal Mannaerts decided to capture their way of life before it is lost forever

Reindeer The Tsaatan people originated from across the border in the Tuva republic of Russia.Herders Of Mongolia

The Tsaatan people were granted Mongolian citizenship in 1956 after many attempts at deportation

Reindeer Herders Of Mongolia

Reindeer Herders OTsaatan people have made their home in yurts made with birch wood. They will use the bark from 30 trees to create one yurtf Mongolia

Bolorma is getting ready to turn the milk ration into cheese the family

Just one of the Tsaatan families. From left, Bolorma, Ulziitsetseg, Tuvshinbayar, Ulziichimig, Narahuu and Ulziisaihan

Suggested Itineraries
Arctic_Polar Bear

From $16,450 pp

Russian High Arctic

Russia The Arctic

  • Sail around the Russian High Arctic in luxury with all modern comforts onboard Sea Spirit
  • Experience a true expedition cruise to the rarely visited Franz Josef Land archipelago
  • Visit a soviet-era research facility, once a base for polar exploration
  • Look out for colonies of nesting seabirds on the rugged, steep cliffs of the islands
  • Spot polar bears, walrus and endangered bowhead whales around the archipelago

When to go:

J F M A M J J A S O N D
ideal length 13 nights
Arctic_Ice view

From $9,770 pp

Arctic Wildlife Safari

The Arctic

  • Search for polar bears hunting seals in the pack ice on an arctic safari
  • Explore historical sites including early whaling camps, trappers’ cabins, deserted coal mining operations, and an abandoned polar research station
  • Sea kayaking near tidewater glaciers and icebergs
  • Look out for humpback whales from the outdoor decks
  • Take advantage of the included photography program and learn alongside the onboard expert

When to go:

J F M A M J J A S O N D
ideal length 10 nights
Mongolia_Hunting with Eagle

From $8,050 pp

Mongolia’s Eagle Hunting Festival

Ulaanbaatar & Central Heartland

  • Living alongside a nomadic eagle hunting family and learning about their age-old traditions and ways of life
  • Attending the annual Ulgii Eagle Hunting Festival and getting caught up in the excitement of this event which locals spend their lives training for
  • Experiencing a less mainstream part of the country and really getting off the beaten track

When to go:

J F M A M J J A S O N D
ideal length 6 nights
Destinations Featured in the Article
Kazakh Eagle Hunter in using trained golden eagles. Olgei,Western Mongolia

Mongolia

Magnificent, wild and mysterious, Mongolia offers intrepid travellers a chance to discover nomadic culture, untouched landscapes, and have a true wilderness experience.

Kazakh Eagle Hunter in using trained golden eagles. Olgei,Western Mongolia

Mongolia

Magnificent, wild and mysterious, Mongolia offers intrepid travellers a chance to discover nomadic culture, untouched landscapes, and have a true wilderness experience.

Similar Articles
Choose Lightfoot Travel
  • Knowledge
  • Expertly Crafted
  • Value
  • Peace of Mind