Northern Mongolia

Geographically, the terrain of the Northern parts of Mongolia mainly consists of tectonically formed mountain chains. The entire region is prone to earthquakes. However, their effects are minimal from the low population density.

From the mountain chains in North Mongolia, the Khoridol Saridag mountain chain is located in the high northern corner of the area. These chains create the beautiful Darkhad Depression and the second biggest lake of Mongolia, Khuvsgul Lake.  The mountains reach an elevation of more than 3000 meters (9,800 ft).

The second chain of the Northern parts is the Khentii Mountain range. It extends northeast from near Ulaanbaatar city, the capital of Mongolia, to the border with Russia. This range is related to the Siberian south frontier. With lush green vegetation and larch pine tree mountains, Khentii Mountains is more than 2,700 meters (9,000 ft) in elevation.

Northern Mongolia’s drainage pattern consists predominantly of two river systems: Orkhon and Selenge.  The Orkhon, 1,130 km (700 miles) in length, is considered Mongolia’s longest river. It flows mainly northward, joining the Selenge river just before the Russian border.

The Selenge river drains northwest-central Mongolia before flowing northward to Russia and into Lake Baikal. The third-longest river, Kherlen, also flows in the area from Khentii Mountains across eastern Mongolia and into Dalai Nuur Lake or Hulun Nuur Lake.

The waters are rich with various fishes, such as Taimen, Sharp-Snouted Lenok, Brown Trout, Amur Pike, Khuvsgul Grayling.

The climate in northern Mongolia is quite diverse. The high elevation of the region affects the local climate, making it cold and semi-dry. Therefore, the whole area has an extreme continental climate with long, cold winters and short warm summers, during which most precipitation falls. Winter nights can drop to −40 °C (−40.0 °F). Summer days can reach +30°C (86 °F) in most years. The precipitation is highest in North Mongolia.

The mountainous region here in North Mongolia offers beautiful wildlife such as snow leopard, Siberian ibex, mountain sheep Argali, Red deer, grey wolves and palace’s cat, etc.

For domestic animals, locals tend to have more Yaks, sheep and goat compared to other regions. The Darkhad area of the north also boasts Darkhad white horses.

Darkhad, Tuva, Khotgoid, Buriad, Khalkh and other ethnic groups live in this region.

Khuvsgul 135 705

Selenge 109 285

Bulgan 61 955

Khentii 78 172

Total population is 385 117.

All Northern Mongolia destinations

Ulaan Uul village - town North of Mongolia
Ulaan Uul Town
Nomadic Reindeer herders Purevee in winter scenery
Dukha Tribe Winter Camp
Horse riding to Dukha tribe in Northern Mongolia
Dukha Tsaatan Tribe Summer Camp
Baby reindeer at Reindeer Tribe spring camp
Dukha Reindeer Tribe Spring Camp
Dukha Reindeer Herders Tour Autumn view with Tee-pee
Dukha Reindeer Tribe Autumn Camp
Murun town of Northern Mongolia
Murun town
frozen Khuvsgul Lake 2022
Khuvsgul Lake
mongolian mounted archery
Dulaan Khaan Mountain
Stunning scenery of Darkhad Depression
Darkhad Depression
Amarbayasgalant monastery Lamas chanting
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Sandra Henri with Nomadic Trails Khogorog river home stay
Khogorog river valley
Reindeer-Summer Mongolian Reindeer Herders tour
Mongolian Taiga

All Northern Mongolia Tours

Adventure Tour Mongolia

Reindeer Tour Mongolia or Tsaatan, Dukha Reindeer Tribe

Experience the hospitality and the nomadic culture of the Dukha Mongolian Reindeer Herders at the secluded Taiga in Northern Mongolia.
Walking on Sand dunes in Gobi
Best Selling Tour Mongolia

Gobi & Khuvsgul Lake Tour Mongolia

Highlights of this Gobi and Khuvsgul lake tour are the many natural wonders of both Gobi and Taiga and the ancient capital of Mongols, Kharkhorin.
Winter Reindeer Mongolia
Tours for EXPATS in Mongolia

Winter Reindeer Tour for Expats in Mongolia

Winter Reindeer Tour for Expats in Mongolia is now a special offer to you and your loved ones to make unforgettable holiday memories in the
Winter reindeer herders tour Mongolia
Adventure Tour Mongolia

Winter Reindeer Herders Mongolia – Dukha Adventure Tour

This Winter journey to visit the Reindeer People Mongolia offers both comfortable traveling conditions as well as an adventure of a lifetime. Unravel history…
Mongolian shaman
Adventure Tour Mongolia

Spiritual and Shaman Tour Mongolia 2024

A life-changing spiritual journey to the Mongolian wilderness where you heal your body and soul while enjoying the hospitality of a shaman.
Horse riding to Dukha tribe in Northern Mongolia
Adventure Tour Mongolia

Horse Riding Mongolia – A journey off the beaten track

Visit the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders while riding your trusted steeds through untouched land during this Horse Riding Mongolia adventure tour