Photographic trip to Mongolia’s Tsaatan reindeer festival

The Tsaatan and the Reindeer Festival

They are a semi-nomadic pastoralist people of Turkic origin who live in the cold steppes of Mongolia, in the province of Hôvsgôl, the northernmost province of Mongolia. The name Tsaatan means "those who have reindeer" in Mongolian. They live in small communities made up of different families. Their homes are the famous yurts. These are portable circular tents made from latticework of flexible poles and covered with felt or other fabric. The Tsaatan have a number of traditional shamanic beliefs and practices based on the worship of nature. The Tsaatan believe that the spirits of their ancestors live in the forest as animals that guide the living. Their religion is thought to be the oldest variant of shamanism practiced by the Mongolian nomads. Their lives and activities revolve around caring for their reindeer, who are considered members of the family. Their staple foods are dairy products from reindeer milk. They supplement their diet by hunting wild animals in the forest. Only a few reindeer are slaughtered during the year for meat and skins with which they make coats, hats, boots, bags... The Tsaatan Reindeer Festival annually brings together the entire community to promote reindeer husbandry. At the beginning of July, numerous families arrive with their reindeer near Lake Khuvsgul from the depths of the Taiga forest.

Lake Khuvsgul

It is the second largest lake in Mongolia. For the Mongolians it is a very spiritual place, where powerful nagas (water spirits) live and a source of inspiration for shamans.

Ulan Bator

Ulan Bator is the capital of Mongolia. It has grown to become a dynamic center of commerce, culture and entertainment. Traffic and crowds can be overwhelming, but most attractions are within walking distance from downtown. About 2 hours from the capital is the majestic statue of Genghis Khan. The best examples of dinosaur fossils are found in the new Ulaanbaatar Dinosaur Museum. Walking tour of the city, photographic practices and first portraits in the interesting Mongolian capital. We will take an optional excursion to the statue of Genghis Khan.