Mongolia tour, land of the great Khan

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This overland itinerary does not include any internal flights within Mongolia, with travel throughout the trip is undertaken overland using UAZ 4WD minibuses.

Walking is incorporated throughout the itinerary, including gorge, cliff and monastery hikes.

Travellers are actively encourages to reduce single-use plastic by carrying refillable filtered water bottles.

Local and seasonal food - Meals in ger camps are typically home-cooked Mongolian dishes prepared by local hosts, including a cooking lesson at Gobi Oasis and meals with local families. Food is largely sourced locally due to the remoteness of the locations visited and the community-based nature of the accommodation.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

An example of accommodation reducing environmental impacts and restoring nature is the Gobi Oasis Ger Camp, which operates as a long-running tree nursery and conservation project focused on combating desertification and protecting native tree species. The project contributes to carbon sequestration, creation of wildlife habitat and environmental restoration.

Travellers have the opportunity to actively contribute to the Gobi Oasis conservation project by planting trees during their stay.

Protected areas and wildlife conservation -

The itinerary visits several protected natural areas, including:

Yolyn Am Gorge (within Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park).
Khustai National Park.
Khogno Khaan Nature Reserve.

A key wildlife highlight is the visit to Khustai National Park to observe the Przewalski's horse (takhi), one of the world's most successful species reintroduction programmes. The trip also provides opportunities to observe native wildlife including Bactrian camels, gazelles, cranes and other species within their natural habitats.

The tour is led by a local Tour Leader and uses local guides where appropriate. Cultural interactions with nomadic families, camel herders and local communities provide additional locally led interpretation of the destinations visited.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

The majority of accommodation used on this itinerary consists of independently operated Mongolian ger camps and homestay-style stays.

These properties are embedded within local communities and provide direct economic benefits to local owners and staff.

The tour also incorporates a number of community-based experiences including:

Visits to nomadic families and camel herders.
Home-hosted meals.
Local markets and craft centres.
Traditional music and cultural performances.
Use of local guides where appropriate.
Visits to organic farms and local community projects.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local service providers, including ger camp staff, conservation project operators, local guides, artisans, performers, camel-herding families and restaurants are highlights throughout the journey, which contribute to income-generating opportunities for rural communities.