A very small herding community
Most images of Mongolian herding show horses, sheep, goats and camels on open grassland. In the far north, along the border with Russia, a very different tradition exists. A few small communities keep domesticated reindeer in the mountain taiga, the cold, forested terrain that continues into Siberia. These families are often called the Dukha, and are sometimes referred to by outsiders as the Tsaatan, a Mongolian word meaning “those who have reindeer.” Names for the group vary, and some people prefer one term over another, so it is courteous to ask how they would like to be addressed.
The number of reindeer-herding families is small, typically described in the low hundreds of people, though figures change and sources differ. For that reason, any description here should be treated as general, and the communities should not be thought of as one uniform group.
Where they live
The communities live in remote forest and mountain country in the north, in and around the area covered in our article on the Darkhad Valley. This is a land of larch forest, mountain meadows, rivers and long, cold winters. The ground is difficult for vehicles, and reaching reindeer camps often requires a long journey by road, then on horseback or on foot. Conditions vary by season, and access can be affected by weather, river levels and snow.
How reindeer herding differs from steppe herding
The best way to understand reindeer herding is to compare it with the family-based nomadic life described in the article on nomadic life.
Animals. Steppe herders keep the five animals that make up the traditional herd: horses, cattle (including yaks in some areas), camels, sheep and goats. Reindeer herders keep reindeer, and in some cases a few horses for transport. Reindeer eat lichen and other low plants, which are found in the taiga and high mountain areas, and do not thrive on dry steppe grass.
Dwelling. Steppe families live in a felt-covered ger, described in the article on the Mongolian ger. Reindeer families traditionally use a conical tent, similar in shape to a teepee and covered in canvas or other materials in the modern period, which is easier to pack and move frequently.
Movement. Both groups move seasonally, but reindeer camps may relocate several times a year to find fresh lichen and to escape insects in summer. Their routes are in mountain terrain rather than open plains.
Uses of the animal. Reindeer are milked, and the milk is used to make tea and curds. They are ridden and used as pack animals in forest terrain. Meat is traditionally not a daily food, and slaughter is typically limited, because the herd is also the family’s mobility and wealth. Antlers are shed and may be collected, and sold in some cases.
Environment. Where steppe herding takes place in open grassland, taiga life is shaped by trees, mosses and slopes, and the cold is more severe.
Such comparisons are generalizations, and individual families make their own choices.
Challenges the communities face
Reports and researchers have described a number of pressures on reindeer herding. These include small herd sizes, disease, predators, the high cost and difficulty of veterinary care, changes in climate and vegetation, and limits on the grazing areas available. Some of these issues are studied in the context of climate change, though conclusions vary. Changes in protected-area boundaries and hunting rules have also affected how families use the land.
Tourism has become part of the picture, which can be both a help and a strain. Visitor income may support families, but unplanned visits can disturb camps, alter daily routines and raise ethical questions about being treated as an attraction. Some Dukha families have taken part in tourism projects, others avoid it, and views vary. Details of arrangements change over time, so take local advice.
Visiting respectfully
If you plan a trip to the north, consider the following:
- Go with a reputable local guide who knows the families, and agree in advance how the visit will work. Hiring guides is discussed in more detail on this site.
- Treat the visit as a stay with a family, not a show. The general manners described in the article on visiting a herder family apply, adapted to the circumstances.
- Ask before taking photographs of people, tents, children or animals.
- Do not feed, ride or handle reindeer without permission.
- If you offer gifts or payment, follow your guide’s advice about what is appropriate, as covered under tipping customs.
- Bring your own food, medicine and warm clothing. Remote areas have limited services, and insurance and emergency planning matter more here than in towns.
- Check current permit and border-zone rules, since the north is near an international boundary and regulations may apply.
Why the story matters
Reindeer herding in Mongolia is a rare example of a lifestyle closely tied to a particular environment. The tradition shows that nomadic life in the country takes more than one form. It also reminds visitors that cultural survival depends on more than interest from outsiders; it depends on land access, healthy herds and the choices of the families themselves. For a wider overview of how northern mountains and lakes fit into Mongolia’s regions, see the entry on Lake Khuvsgul.