Northern Mongolia

Northern Mongolia is forest country — the southern edge of the Siberian taiga. Lake Khövsgöl ("the Dark Blue Pearl") stretches 136 km long and 262 m deep, holding 70% of Mongolia's freshwater. Its banks are summer pasture for Darkhad herders and a place of pilgrimage.

Deeper into the taiga live the Tsaatan — the last reindeer-herding people in Mongolia. Visiting their summer camps takes a multi-day horse trek through swampy forest, and the welcome at the other end is unforgettable.

Cold in shoulder season, perfect in July and August.