Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
51°29.930', E 099°28.803')
, north of Renchinlkhumbe and only five hours' ride from the
camp. If you are intent on making the trip, check up about permits with the General Of-
fice of Border Protection in UB (
Click here
)
, as you'll need one to travel to this border
area.
Tsaatan Community & Visitors Center
COMMUNITY TOURS
(TCVC; 9977 0480, 9525 8500;
www.visittaiga.org
)
Provides background info on the
Tsaatan, important tips on travel in the area and logistical support.
Information
Permission from Ulaanbaatar (
Click here
)
is required to visit Tsagaannuur and you have
to register at the local
checkpoint
. It's best to bring a guide and interpreter who can help
smooth out any permit issues. It may be possible to obtain a permit from the border
guards in Mörön (
Click here
)
, but as this requires the assistance of your guide, or a local
posing as your guide, it's best to get permits in Ulaanbaatar. You must also register in
Mörön.
Border permits are free and are processed in one to three working days. You'll need a
map of where you intend to travel and passport copies. In a pinch, guesthouses can ar-
range the permit in Khatgal through their Mörön contacts. This involves handing over
your passport for a few days (which many travellers are unwilling to do). Check the
TCVC website for possible updates.
Getting There & Away
HITCHING
Since all traffic to Tsagaannuur and Renchinlkhumbe starts from Mörön your best bet is
to hang around in Mörön and ask around for a ride from there.
HORSE
There is really only one way to get to the taiga in the warmer months: by horse. Horses
can be hired in Tsagaannuur and this is best done through the TCVC in accordance with
the Tsaatan wishes. Some travellers make the journey all the way from Khatgal - a return
trip from Khatgal to Tsagaannuur, with a day's visit to the Tsaatan, will take from 14 to
20 days, which means a lot of time in the saddle. You could go from Khatgal to Tsagaan-
nuur on an easy trail in about five days (bypassing Jiglegiin Am and Khövsgöl Nuur). If
you do come from Khatgal, switch to fresh horses and a Tsaatan guide through the
TCVC in Tsagaannuur. Horse hire in Tsagaannuur starts from T15,000 per day.
