Tsaatan Reindeer Herder Track — Mörön to Tsagaannuur via Ulaan-Uul and Darkhad Depression
Into Mongolia's deep taiga — no roads, no signal, no margins.
The track from Mörön north through Ulaan-Uul to Tsagaannuur is the access road to the Tsaatan (Dukha) people, reindeer herders who live at elevation in the taiga above the Darkhad Depression wetlands. The route covers roughly 220 kilometers of deteriorating track, multiple unbridged river crossings through the Shishged River drainage, and a final push across the Darkhad’s boggy floor. The depression itself is the problem — spring and early summer turn it into a soft trap of standing water and deep mud. There are no bridges that matter. Navigation is by GPS and local knowledge, full stop. The track through Ulaan-Uul is the last point with any semblance of a fuel source before Tsagaannuur, and that source is unreliable.
This is a genuine expedition route requiring two-vehicle minimum, a snatch block, winch, and a full complement of recovery gear. High-clearance 4WD with low range is not optional — it’s the floor, not the ceiling. July and August are theoretically best, though the ground is still waterlogged. September firms up fast but weather deteriorates. No permits required to reach Tsagaannuur, but the tribal areas above it in the taiga require a Mongolian Protected Area permit from the local governor’s office in Tsagaannuur. Satellite comms only. This is one of the most rewarding remote drives in Central Asia — deeply human, deeply wild.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 137 mi / 220 km |
| Duration | 4-6 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7800 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with winch (two-vehicle minimum) |
| Nearest town | Mörön (Murun), Khövsgöl Province, Mongolia |
| Land manager | Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism / Darkhad Protected Area |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Mongolia Tourism official portal |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted Tacoma or Land Cruiser handle this trail stock, or do I need serious mods?
A stock 100-series Land Cruiser or similar high-clearance 4WD can physically attempt it, but a winch is non-negotiable — river crossings and boggy taiga sections will put you on a cable. Two-vehicle minimum is a hard rule out here, not a suggestion.
When does the Darkhad Depression become impassable, and is September cutting it too close?
July through August is the sweet spot. Late September brings early freezes that turn the bogs unpredictable — ground that looks firm can swallow an axle overnight. Snow is possible by early October and closes the route entirely.
Do I need a permit to drive through the Darkhad Protected Area, and where do I get one?
Yes — a protected area entry permit is required from the Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Sort this in Mörön (Murun) before you leave; there's no permit office further north and rangers do check.
What's the hardest section of the route and what specifically makes it dangerous?
The Darkhad Depression lowlands are the crux — flat-looking terrain hides deep mud and saturated peat bogs that have swallowed vehicles whole. River crossings are unbridge and vary with rainfall; mid-summer melt can push water waist-deep with strong current.
How much fuel do I need to carry, and is there any resupply between Mörön and Tsagaannuur?
Carry enough for 300+ km with zero resupply — there are no fuel stations between Mörön and Tsagaannuur. Ulaan-Uul has a small settlement but fuel availability is unreliable at best; treat it as a bonus, not a plan.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.