Northern Mongolia is home to the tall mountains of Khangai and Sayan, Khuvsgul lake that shimmers like a border-less blue pearl, Darkhad Tsenkher depression (a huge valley of rivers flowing from high mountains), and deer stones. The Taiga’s nomads, reindeer herders by trade, live here. In the deep forests of the mountains, they worship the sky and nature. The Khotgoid ethnic group whose pride is their fast-flowing Tes river, the Khalkh people who worship their picturesque mountains, and the hard-working Darkhad people all live in this area.

Venture into the remote and mesmerizing world of the Taiga Nomads, also known as Tsaatan people or Reindeer riders, residing in the untouched northern boundary of Mongolia. In this pristine region, nestled in the basin of the Tengis, Sharga, and Shishged rivers, and amidst the mountains of Jams and Ulaan Taiga, these nomads lead a unique and traditional lifestyle far from the bustle of modern civilization.

Guided by the wisdom of their ancestors, the Tsaatan people herd their majestic reindeer in the depths of the dense forests, where summers welcome +27°C temperatures while winters plunge to bone-chilling -55°C to -60°C. Their roots trace back to the Uighurs, who once thrived in the great Tagna and Soyon taiga, and over generations, they have cultivated this enduring nomadic heritage.

Among the most treasured aspects of their culture is the iconic "Yurts," their traditional dwelling fashioned from larch wood, adorned with reindeer skin, and protected by durable bark. These distinctive structures encapsulate the essence of the Tsaatan people's profound connection with nature, their unwavering spirit, and their commitment to preserving their age-old way of life amidst the timeless beauty of Mongolia's northern wilderness.

Western Mongolia has a unique combination of desert, steppe, taiga, tundra, and mountains. This land is home to many ethnic groups that have lived together in harmony since ancient times. Diverse in wildlife and people, Western Mongolia has a rich history of traditional dances (bilge), throat singing (Khoomei), and tsuur (flute–like instrument) inherited from ancestors.

Roof of Mongolia – Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain

Altai TAban Bogd mountain of the Altai mountain range is located on the western edge of Mongolia and is the highest peak in the country. Mongolians call it “the roof of the country”. Altai Tavan Bogd has five peaks (Tavan means five in Mongolian), which have three large interconnected glaciers. The largest is the Potanin Glacier, which is 14 km long. This area’s climate is extremely unpredictable. You may observe four seasons in one day: the sun will shine, but then it may snow or rain. In 1996, this area officially became a protected Natural Park. Since 2012, the mountain range has been nationally sacred.

Eej Khairkhan is a unique formation located in Tsogt soum of Gobi – Altai province. The area has rich wildlife and rare birds such as partridges, Mongolian ground jays, and Great Bustards. The blue mountain of the desert is also home to the “never seen” Gobi bear-Mazaalai (officially registered as 14th species of bear in the world), wild Bactrian camel, drought-resistant saxual trees that absorb sunshine and thermal energy.

Primeval footprints of Khoid Tsenkheriin Cave

The walls and ceiling of Khoid Tsenheriin (Northern Blue), 25 km from Mankhan soum in Khovd province, is home to paintings by Central Asian tribes during the Palaeolithic Age. Large birds, camels, mammals, buffalo, and trees are painted with deer red and beige pigment. These animals inhabited Mongolian territory in ancient times, but are now extinct. The paintings’ content and composition make them an important part of Palaeolithic history and culture studies.

National Geographic photographer David Edwards dubbed golden eagles “dinosaurs with feathers”. This bird is special to the Kazakhs who live in the western boundaries of Mongolia. When you enter a Kazakh family’s house you first greet the Golden Eagle, also a member of the family, who will be sitting inside the house. When spotting prey, a Kazakh hunter takes the hood off Golden Eagle and lets it fly. It’s amazing to see how the golden eagle lets it fly.