Mongolian Blue Trail to Spiritual Shaman Tour

15 days from $3290

Shamanism is the oldest religious practice in Mongolia and centers on beliefs and rituals associated with a shaman, a man, or a woman regarded as having access to the “spirit world”.

Shamanism is faith without books. All teaching and instruction have been given orally, passed from shaman to shaman over the centuries, and its traditions learned by heart. Mongolian shamans enter an ecstatic trance state in which the shaman is empowered to engage with the spirits I order to protect and heal members of the community, to guide souls, and cure illnesses.

The shaman might wear a headdress to resemble a bird, with the tail of a pheasant and the body costume of a fish. Drums are used to help the shaman enter the trance-like state, as chanting begins and the shaman “transcends “into another world while the body dances, swirls, or totters with jerky movements. Shamanism went underground during the former communist period but has been revived recently.

Highlights

  • Lake Khovsgol National Park
  • Darkhad Ethnic shaman
  • Shamans and Reindeer herding people
  • Adventure riding through Taiga wilderness
  • Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park
  • Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire

Key Info

Physical level: Moderate Physical level: Moderate
Overlanding & Discovering Overlanding & Discovering

Tour Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Transfer to the hotel. Unpack and rest in the hotel. Short city tour with Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from the Stone Age to the 21st century and Buddhism, and Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). (L/D)

in the hotel

Day 2

Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Head to northern Mongolia and arrive at the famous Amarbayasgalant Monastery, the possible stop. Excursion through the monastery, located at the foot of Burenkhaan mountain, Amarbayasgalant, or "Monastery of Tranquil Felicity”, is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Mongolia. Stay in tourist ger camp. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 3

Khutag-Undur village

Heading to the north and stopping at Hutag-Undur village, where you can visit local nomads and experience their lifestyle. Stay overnight at a tourist ger camp. (B/L/D) 

Day 4

Lake Khovsgol national park

Arrive at Khovsgol Lake National Park. Magnificent Khovsgol Lake - itself is one of the natural wonders of the world covering an area of 2.760 km2. It is a land of taiga forest, crystal-clear lakes, icy streams, and lush grass, these magnificent surroundings will make your stay enjoyable. Walking along the lakeshore and hiking in vicinity areas. Stay in tourist ger camp. (B/L/D) 

Day 5-6

Darkhad Valley and Meet Darkhad Shaman In Tsagaan Nuur Village

The shamanic trail begins as we travel north toward the Taiga Mountains. Our route leads us to Tsagaan Nuur village, crossing the “13 Ovoo” mountain pass. The Darkhad Valley lies between the Khoridol Saridag range and the Ulaan Taiga forest, a region scattered with countless small lakes. In this sacred area, we will take part in spiritual shamanic healing practices, explore their origins, and observe traditional rituals. Stay overnight at a local guest house or tent camp. (B/L/D) 

shaman mongolia

in the tent

Days 7-8

Experience Reindeer Herders’ Lifestyle and Meet Tsaatan Shaman

Today, we continue our journey northward to visit the reindeer-herding Tsaatan community and local shamans. We travel across the Darkhad Valley toward Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake), with the option to trek or go horseback riding along the way. At this stage of the trip, our luggage will be packed onto horses, and we will part ways with the vehicle team, as the terrain becomes too challenging for cars to navigate.

We will witness authentic shamanic practices—how shamans communicate with spirits and the rituals they perform. During these days, we will also experience the unique lifestyle and traditions of the Tsaatan people, who have their own distinct beliefs, language, and customs, setting them apart from other Mongolian groups. Overnight in a tented camp near the shaman’s home. (B/L/D)

in the tent 4-5 Hours

Day 9

Time to Head Back

It is time to head back and say goodbye to the incredible Tsaatan friends. Hop on a horseback and ride back towards Tsagaan Nuur. Meet back with our vehicle team and drive to Ulaan Uul village. Stay overnight at a local guest house. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 10.

Drive to Murun

Drive back and arrive at Murun town, the center of Khovsgol province. Stay overnight in a local hotel. (B/L/D)

in the hotel

Day 11.

Stopover at Shine Ider village

Today, we will start our journey towards Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park. On the way, we will stop at Shine Ider village, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Stay overnight at the Ger camp. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 12.

Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park

Arrive at a beautiful freshwater lake, Terkhiin Tsagaan (White Lake), surrounded by extinct volcanoes at an altitude of 2.060 meters above sea level. Explore the lake and its surrounding areas. Hike to Khorgo Uul volcano (2.965m) from the northeast shore of the lake. Visit caves on the way. (B/L/D)

in the camp 2-3 hour

Day 13.

Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharkhorin

Leave early in the morning to Kharkhorin /Karakorum/, the ancient capital city of the Great Mongol Empire. There’s almost nothing left from this great capital of the world, but in 1586, under the rule of King Avtai Sain, the Erdene-Zuu Monastery was built at the site of the ruins of ancient Kharkhorin. The Erdene-Zuu, which means Hundred of Treasures, was again destroyed during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. However, there are still various Buddhist statues, works of art, religious instruments, and even Tsam religious dance masks at the monastery. There are an amazing 108 stupas surrounding the monastery. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 14.

Back to Ulaanbaatar

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel and relax. Option to go shopping for souvenirs and cashmere products. Farewell dinner together. (B/L/D)

in the hotel

Day 15.

Departure Day

Transfer to Chingis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)

Prices & Inclusions

Prices & Inclusions
Group size Price/Per person
2 PAX $3790
3-4 pax $3550
5-7 PAX $3290

Includes

Accommodation: Hotel****,* ger camp, tented camp
Guiding and interpreting service
Full board meals
Transport: 4x4 vehicle
Border permission
Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
Horseback riding
Camping equipment

Not Includes

International airfare 
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost 
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement 
Alcoholic drinks 
Travel Insurance
The extra cost for photography in museums
Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc

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