Reindeer herders (Dukha or Tsaatan) in Mongolia
The Dukha people, known as Tsaatan in Khuvsgul province of northern Mongolia are some of the world's last reindeer herders who depend on reindeer for nearly all aspects of survival, as well as cultural, spiritual, linguistic, and economic identity. As of 2018, there are 85 families live in the depths of the Taiga forest herding their 2396 reindeers.
Origin & History of Tsaatan people in Mongolia:
The Tsaatan, which means 'those who have reindeer' in the Mongolian language, were originally Tuvan reindeer herders in what is now the Tuva Republic of Russia. Tuva became independent in 1921 when Mongolia gained its independence at the same time. Then, the reindeer herders were able to cross the border freely between Tuva and Mongolia. However, when Tuva was taken over by the Soviet Union in 1944, the border was closed. During World War II, a nomadic people, many Tsaatan families left Tuva and escaped to Mongolia because Russian government had been seizing their animals, while their only life was reindeers. At first, the Mongolian government repeatedly deported them back to Tuva. In 1956 the government finally gave them Mongolian citizenship and resettled them at Tsagaan Nuur Lake on the Shishigt River.
Reindeers
Reindeer are milked daily, providing the staple component of the Tsaatan diet largely consisting of reindeer dairy products. Naturally shed antlers are used to carve tools and make handicrafts that are sold to tourists. Perhaps the most significant use of deer in the Tsaatan system is for transport. Reindeer are ridden and used as pack animals during nomadic moves that occur every 2-10 weeks. They are an essential mode of transportation in the high mountain, road-less taiga. A single reindeer can accommodate up to 65 kilos of weight, consisting of household items, personal belongings. Additionally, those Reindeer herders reside between 51 and 52 degrees north latitude in wintertime.
Best time to meet with Reindeer herders?
If you want, you can visit the Dukha people in Taiga year-round. Mongolian Tsaatan people live in the east (zuun) and west (baruun) taiga. West taiga is actually southwest of the east taiga.
Where can I meet tsaatan in Mongolia?
East Taiga & West Taiga:
East (“Zuun”) Taiga is situated northeast of TsagaanNuur. Most visitors head for the East taiga where is home to more than 25 Tsaatan households. West Taiga has 19-22 households. Reindeer herder’s camps move and come closer to town as the summer ends. Average camp distances from the edge of the taiga vary from 6-40 km. The East Taiga can be reached by driving or riding approximately 30 km, crossing over the Shishged River. Alternatively, the East Taiga can be accessed from the village of Renchinlhumbe village. In winter and early spring, it is possible to travel on the ice from TsagaanNuur to reach the Taiga when the Shishged River and/or TsagaanNuur Lake are frozen.
