Mongolia – one of Asia’s last frontiers and one of the world’s last unspoilt destinations. Travel by horse to the nomadic Tsaachin tribe who have a spiritual connection the reindeer herds that they live with.
Once a thriving community, the Tsaachin tribe has dwindled in recent years leaving only 200-400 members left in northern Mongolia. Mingle with friendly nomads as you learn their way of life. Ride through lush meadows & wooded hills and walk through the icy gorges of the Darkhad Depression before reaching the magnificent turquoise Lake Khuvsgul, known in Mongolia as ‘Blue Pearl’.
The Tsaachin or Tsaatan’s entire existence is based on their reindeer herds which provide them with milk for producing cheese, antlers for carving and medicinal purposes, transportation and on the odd occasion, meat. Part of the Tuvan ethnic group, this small tribe is truly nomadic, regularly moving in search for a rare type of lichen and grass for their reindeer. The Tsaachin people do not stay in the traditional Mongolian gers we commonly recognise as a symbol on the country, but live in urts, similar to the Native American teepees which were traditionally made from birch bark.
A culture rich in Shamanism, these spiritual healers play an important role to the community providing traditional remedies for injury and illness. Previously a self-sufficient tribe with only their reindeers, the Tsaachin now forage for berries, wild potato and pine nuts in the Autumn as well as occasionally fish or hunt to simply survive. The reindeer are said to have been domesticated several thousands of years ago and play a key role in the spiritual, socio economic and linguistic traditional of the local community.
Your visit to the reindeer herding people plays an important role to help them and their culture survive. Although very few travellers venture into this realm, our tourism initiative provides them with a supplemental income and cultural exchange education for both our travellers and local Tsaachin people. To spend time with these tribes people is truly remarkable and brimming with cultural practices that provide a deep insight into this fascinating way of life.
Travelling on horseback is the best way to reach the remote settlement with a full support crew of guides, cooks and horse tenders there to assist. Sleep in teepees like the locals and after visiting this isolated land, continue through the spectacular scenery of rolling mountains, and lush forests before venturing the turquoise waters of Lake Khuvsgul.
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Signature Tour 
Welcome to Mongolia! Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar the capital city of Mongolia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
Overnight – Novotel Ulaanbaatar or similar
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Khuvsgul province in northern Mongolia (1.5hrs). On arrival at local airport of Murun, the centre of the Khuvsgul, you will meet your driver and drive for an hour before stopping for a picnic lunch. You will cross rivers and passes and take in the scenic view over the mountain ranges. Breathe the fresh mountain air as you explore this spectacular scenery. Here you will be surrounded by stunning towering rocky mountains. The view from our campground is spectacular.
This evening, we will be camping in tents. A shower tent, toilet and kitchen tent are also provided. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Camping in tents
Today is a long travel day, driving through mostly wilderness. You will officially enter the shamanic region and visit the 13 ovoo shrine where you will stop to participate in offerings. Continue driving through Ulaan Uul town (5.5 hrs) and from there it is another 1.5 hrs to our tented camping site. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Camping in tents
Today we will continue driving towards East Taiga, and as we drive we will see lots of nomad families and animals such as yaks and horses. First, we will drive to Tsagaan Nuur (approx. 3 hrs) before continuing beyond the town for another 2 hours to East Taiga, where our campsite is located.
Overnight – Camping in tents
This morning you will meet your local horse specialist guides and trail finders and of course, your horses. After having a brief instruction on riding Mongolian horses, you will get acquainted with your own horse before it is time to set off.
We will then begin riding through the Taiga, the region where part of the Tsaachin communities live. You will be introduced to the amazing but sadly dwindling world of the reindeer-herding people (Tsaachin). Due to the marshy road conditions, we will not use vehicles to reach the area, our entire luggage and food supply will be transported by horses. Horse riding today will likely be approx. 4-5 hours, however it can be up to 8-9 hours, dependant on where the nomadic Tsaachin communities are located at the time, and the riding abilities of the group. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you make your way on horseback to the Tsaachin people.
Upon arrival into the Tsaachin community, you will meet the local families and settle into your Tsaachin teepee, a traditional structure used by Mongolia’s reindeer herders. It is similar in appearance to a Native American tipi but adapted for the unique needs of the herding lifestyle in Mongolia’s taiga region. Inside the teepee, a cast iron stove – like the ones commonly found in a traditional Mongolian ger – is placed at the centre for warmth and cooking. (B,L,D)
Overnight – local Tsaachin teepee
Spend the next day staying amongst the Tsaachin people and experience their everyday life. Learn of their unique traditions such as milking reindeer and processing milk products like cheese. Spend time talking with the local people and understanding their local culture and how they have managed to maintain such a traditional way of life for so long.
You will have the opportunity to ride through the Taiga forest where the area is so energetic and mysterious. Explore Bor Khuyag river valley, which is rich in crystals and other minerals. Take in the beauty of the larch forest and wildflower patches. Be inspired and gain power while meditating in untouched wilderness.
You may also have the chance to meet a traditional shaman. Shamanism is a traditional spiritual belief system based on worshipping nature and plays an important part in Tsaachin life. The shaman acts as a healer, providing traditional remedies for ailments to the local people. They also perform many mystical holy rituals and use many different magic charms in their daily life, for hunting, calling, and preventing the rain. In the community you will be staying in, there are 2 shaman, one who is very old, and a younger female shaman. While not guaranteed, we will hope to meet one of the shaman’s, talk to them about their lives, and possibly receive a blessing. (B,L,D)
Overnight – local Tsaachin teepee
This morning is a free morning at the reindeer herder’s camp before beginning we ride on horseback back down the mountain. We will ride to Hooloi Lake, where we will bid farewell to your horses as the journey continues by vehicle from this point onward.
We will take the rest of the afternoon to rest and soak in the beauty of this stunning location. Whether you choose to unwind or explore on foot, it’s the perfect spot to recharge.
Overnight – Camping in tents
Today you will discover the Darkhad Depression, also known as Darkhad Valley, a remote, high-altitude valley that was once glaciated, leading to its dramatic landscape.
Walk through an icy gorge and experience the stark beauty of the icy landscape. From here we continue to our campsite. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Camping in tents
After breakfast at your campsite, travel to the home of a nomadic family who have livestock such as yaks, sheep and goats. You will be their guests for the night, camping near their gers and learning about their daily lives. You can get involved as much as you like – perhaps try your hand at driving sheep, ride a horse or learn how to milk a yak. Share meals and enjoy time alongside the family, observing how they work with their animals and manage daily life in this remote environment. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Camping in tents
Today, you’ll travel through a narrow river valley surrounded by beautiful mountains. The area is remote, with few nomadic families or animals along the 6.5-7-hour drive. We’ll arrive at our campsite for our final night of wilderness camping.
Overnight – Camping in tents
This morning, farewell your cook and crew before you drive to the shore of the blue pearl, Lake Khuvsgul, stopping at Khatgal town enroute. The Lake is sacred and is known as the ‘Mother Lake’ to Mongolians and holds 2% of the worlds fresh water. Khuvsgul Lake is surrounded by beautiful high mountains of the Khoridol Saridag and Bayan Mountain Ranges, along the west shore. Even though it is summer, some parts of the lake will be icy. This area is often referred to as Mongolia’s most scenic region and you will certainly see why.
This afternoon, dependant on weather conditions, you will take a boat ride on the lake (40min-1hr) for a different perspective from the water of the spectacular surrounds. You will also have some time at leisure where you can enjoy walking along the lake shore or hike through the surrounding mountains to take in the panoramic view over the lake. This evening, build up your appetite for an authentic Mongolian barbeque! This will be prepared in the traditional way with the meat grilled with hot stones which gives it a unique taste. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
This morning, drive back to Murun town. Transfer to the domestic airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, enjoy a local folk concert as your farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Novotel Ulaanbaatar or similar
This morning is at leisure until it is time to transfer to airport for your onwards departure. (B)
Please note that single supplements do not apply to Tsaachin teepees. Tsaachin teepees accommodate 2 people.
Camping in Tents
Tents are twin share, however if you have purchased a single supplement you will have your own tent. A shower tent, toilet and kitchen tent are also provided.
Local Tsaachin Teepee
A tsaachaan teepee is a traditional structure used by Mongolia’s reindeer herders. It is similar in appearance to a Native American tipi but adapted for the unique needs of the herding lifestyle in Mongolia’s taiga region. Inside the teepee, a cast iron stove—like the ones commonly found in a traditional Mongolian ger—is placed at the centre for warmth and cooking.
Sleeping arrangements are very basic, as there is no mattress. Instead, you’ll sleep directly on tree logs bound together with twine. For comfort, it’s highly recommended to bring:
Standard Ger Camp
Standard ger camps offer a semi-nomadic experience with limited electricity, and generally 3-4 beds, around a central stove. Shared bathrooms include flushing toilets and showers, though hot water and Wi-Fi availability may vary. Some gers may have earthen floors.
Before embarking on an adventure to Mongolia, it’s important to know if this unique, rugged travel experience suits your travel style. To help guide your decision, here are some aspects of travelling in Mongolia that past travellers have faced—are you ready for the adventure? Click here to read the full blog.
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
Please note that the single supplement is only available for hotel stays and not applicable to ger camps/tents.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
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