All ger camps near Khovsgol Nuur lake can arrange horse treks into the surrounding mountains. If you are really into this, some guides can take you to Tsagaanuur, where the Tsaatan people live. The Tsaatan, named from the Mongolian word for reindeer, tsaa, are part of a Tuvan ethnic group which inhabits nearby Russia, and they speak a Turkic language. Their entire existence is based on the reindeer, which provides milk, skins for clothes, transport and, occasionally, meat. There are about 200 Tsataan people, spread over 100,000 square kilometer, and they are extremely nomadic, often moving every two or three weeks. It is an extremely difficult trip of about 12 days; your back would not appreciate it! If you are interested in taking such a trip or for any arrangement in Mongolia, contact the people at Nomadic Expeditions.

©Erwin Bakx 1997