The Reindeer Festival
If the Ice Festival is a celebration of the "Blue Pearl," the Reindeer Festival (or Tsaam celebration) is a tribute to the "Blue Taiga." It’s an intimate, rare glimpse into the lives of the Tsaatan (Dukha) people—one of the last groups of nomadic reindeer herders on Earth.
While some reindeer make a "guest appearance" at the Ice Festival in March, the Reindeer Festival itself is its own dedicated event, held twice a year.
Where and When is it?
There are actually two versions of this festival, depending on when you visit:
Held annually on July 6–7 on the western shores of Lake Khuvsgul. This is the most popular time to go, as herders descend from the high Taiga forest to the lake to share their culture.
Why is it held?
The Tsaatan community is small—only about 80 to 90 families remain. The festival was created to:
Preserve Culture: The Tsaatan have a unique language, shamanic religion, and lifestyle that are different from the majority of Mongolians.
Support Livelihoods: It allows herders to sell traditional handicrafts (like carvings made from shed antlers) and reindeer milk products.
Celebrate the Herd: Reindeer are sacred to the Tsaatan. The festival celebrates the growth of the herds, which have rebounded from near-extinction to over 2,500 animals today.
What happens there?
It’s a mix of high-speed sport and ancient spirituality.
Reindeer Racing: You haven't seen speed until you’ve seen a reindeer sprinting across the grass or snow. They are surprisingly agile and much faster than they look!
Reindeer Polo: A fun, chaotic twist on traditional polo where riders balance on reindeer while trying to score.
The "Urts" (Teepees): Unlike most Mongolians who live in round Gers, the Tsaatan live in birch-bark or canvas Urts. During the festival, you can step inside, sit by the central fire, and try reindeer milk tea (it's rich, creamy, and slightly earthy).
Shamanic Rituals: The Tsaatan practice shamanism, believing in the spirits of nature. At night, you might witness a drum-beating ceremony under the stars, intended to bless the herds and the land.
Wrestling & Concerts: Even in the remote north, it wouldn't be a Mongolian festival without a "Mini Naadam" (wrestling) and traditional throat singing.
Why the Reindeer Festival?
It’s more than just a tourist event; it’s a lifeline for a culture that is fighting to stay relevant in the modern world. Standing in a forest of thousands of reindeer as the sun sets over the Mongolian Taiga is a spiritual experience that stays with you forever.
