Mongolia

A yurt in Mongolia

Under the endless blue sky of central Asia, windswept grasslands, rolling dunes of the Gobi Desert, and the most hospitable people you will ever meet await you in Mongolia. During your rugged journey, take part in the magnificent Naadam festival, live with a nomadic family in a traditional ger (yurt), ride horseback through the open steppe, and embrace one of the last truly unspoiled lands on earth.

Orientation in Ulaanbaatar

Your Mongolian adventure begins in the busy capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Working with Mongolian experts and your group leader, visit ancient monasteries, practice basic Mongolian language skills, explore bustling markets, and learn to cook traditional buuz.

Ancient Traditions and Festivals

Mongolian musicians, wrestlers, riders, throatsingers, and artists become your teachers. Meet with local musicians and learn how to play the morin khuur--the horsehead fiddle. Live in a thirteenth-century camp and witness Mongolian cavalry in action. You and your group will also take part in the world-renowned Naadam festival. A nomadic Olympics, the festival is a celebration of archery, horseback riding, and wrestling.

Community Service and Nomadic Homestay

From Ulaanbaatar, voyage to a frontier town deep in the Mongolian grasslands. Spend five days working side by side with Mongolian students to paint the local school, teach English, and assist with small scale construction projects. When the paint is dry and project complete, head to the open steppe outside of town to become part of a unique and fascinating community. You will live in a ger with a herder family, learn to cook traditional Mongolian meals, ride horseback, care for domesticated animals, and experience firsthand the simple, challenging, rustic ways of nomadic life.

Sample host community: Delgerkhaan

Travel and Exploration

Spend your final days in Mongolia taking in the stunning alpine vistas, deep blue lakes, and pristine forests of the north. You will horse-trek and camp through some of the most beautiful areas of the country.

"Stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in life with the locals was truly an awesome experience, and it has had a lasting effect on the way I approach each day. I gained a great respect for the place and for the people I met in Mongolia. My trip feels unfinished, not for lack of excitement while I was there, but only because I can’t wait to go back and pick up where I left off."

- Ashley St. Clair, Austin, Texas

Code: MNHD (4 Weeks)
Features: Community Service, Travel
Depart/Return: Los Angeles
Dates: June 30 - July 30
Fee: $6,500

Apply Now

Features
Community Service, Travel

Dates
June 30 - July 30

Depart/Return
Los Angeles

Related Links - Right Column - 0 931