From nomadic families that live scattered across the countryside to the city dwellers of Ulaanbaatar, the people and places of Mongolia will welcome you during your month of service here on the steppes. You will immerse yourself in the local culture, live with nomadic families, help a town develop in the Gobi Desert, work with endangered wild horses, and reach out to rural communities. This is a rustic cultural immersion that is bound to change the way you think about your own life.
On the dry steppes of the Gobi Desert, vegetables are a rare treat. A short growing season and harsh conditions have made meat and dairy staples of the local diet. The few vegetables that are grown require constant care and nurture. In the small town of Bulgan, unusually rich soil produces delicious vegetables that are vital to a balanced diet. Unfortunately there are not enough people here to care for these valuable crops. Here’s where you come in. You’ll work with this small community to nurture their gardens and help ensure a successful harvest. You will live with both nomadic families and city dwellers while you’re here, giving you unique insight into the Mongolian way of life.
Long ago survival on the steppes depended on three things: food, shelter, and a horse. Today the world’s last truly wild horses are fighting for survival here on the wind-swept plains of Mongolia. Travel to Hustai National Park where the takhi horse runs free and where projects are underway to help ensure its long-term survival. You will spend a week working with these majestic animals and learning about the revered place horses have in Mongolian culture.
Next you will move out of the countryside and into an apartment in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city. Here you will spend your days doing random acts of service and reaching out to the community. You may find yourself painting, delivering food, playing with children, working on construction projects, or teaching English. No matter what you do, you are bound to impact the lives around you, and may wind up changing yours in the process.
This program is designed for those who have a heart to serve and a desire to help. An adventurous spirit is also a great asset on this program. If you have any questions, please e-mail us at mongolia@rusticpathways.com.
Day 1
Arrive at Dalanzadgad
Transfer to guesthouse
Orientation over dinner
Get some much needed rest
Day 2
Breakfast
Transfer to Bulgan City
Lunch
Check in to guesthouse
City tourand service preparation
Dinner
Rest
Day 3
Breakfast
Garden service
Lunch
Picking vegetable
Dinner
Play games and rest
Sleep
Day 4
Breakfast
Pull weeds for the garden
Lunch
Pick vegetables
Dinner
Play games and relax
Sleep
Day 5
Breakfast
Transfer to nomadic family
Build a ger
Eat lunch
Learn about nomadic living
Dinner
Play games with your host family and relax
Day 6, 7, 8
Wake up early and do the chores
Breakfast
Take out the herd to graze
Lunch
Get a horse riding lesson
Milk the goats
Dinner
Play games and relax
Sleep
Day 9
Morning chores
Breakfast
Say goodbye to your family
Transfer to Dalanzadgad airport
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to guesthouse
Lunch
Clean up and enjoy the city
Dinner
Get some rest
Day 10
early breakfast
transfer to Khentii
East lunch
Set up camp
Introduction to temple restoration
Dinner
Day 11,12,13,14
Breakfast
Temple restoration service
Lunch
Temple restoration service
Dinner
Play games and relax
Day 15
Breakfast
Transfer back to Ulaanbaatar
Lunch
Settle into our apartment
Dinner and an orientation for the next service
Relax and rest
Day 16-30
Breakfast
Service to poor families in and outside the city. (service will include: providing food for the families, interaction with the children, teaching English, building friendships)
Lunch with the families
Service to poor families in an outside the city.
Transfer to apartment
Prepare dinner
Rest and relax
Day 31
Transfer to airport
Fly to wherever you are going
* The itinerary described is typical but not set in stone; changes could occur.
An Important Note about Schedule Changes:
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.
This gap program is a rustic cultural immersion where you will be getting your hands dirty. So pack clothing that you will not be afraid to get dirty
A small daypack for day trips.
If you own any rock climbing equipment like shoes or a harness, you can bring that.
Three T Shirts
Two long sleeve shirts.
Warm shirt or pullover. Like a sweatshirt or fleece shirt
Warm jacket. Like a fleece jacket or a jacket made from some synthetic material.
Long underwear
Two pairs of comfortable pants, preferably made from a quick drying material
One or two pairs of shorts
A waterproof jacket and pants is a good thing to have
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes that can be used for any trek we take and for working in
A pair of sandals or flip flops
Comfortable pair of shoes (optional)
Four pairs of socks, wool socks are recommended
Sleeping bag. One with a 0 degree rating is recommended.
Sleeping pad. Foam pads are good or a self-inflating air mattress are really good.
A hat to keep the sun out of your face
Sunglasses
Chap stick
Sunscreen
Bug repellant
Gloves
Headlamp or flashlight
A small pillow if you need one
Journal
Book to read
Camera
Water bottle
Towel
This list is what your leader will be packing for this program. If you have any questions about this list or would like further information or advice email us at: Mongolia@rusticpathways.com
1 - Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
Traveling through a very dry country such as Mongolia, we will be sure that you will receive the proper amount of water, and we will only be drinking bottled water or pure natural spring water.
2 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
On arrival to Mongolia you will receive a stamp that will be valid for thirty days. No other paperwork is necessary.
3 - What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
We will be staying in tents, tourist ger camps, and with local families. The accommodations at best will be rustic.
4 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
There are no immunizations required for this trip.
5 - What costs are not included on this trip?
You should bring your own money to buy souvenirs or for any snacks.
6- What will the weather be like?
The weather during this program will most likely be in the 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s depending where in the country we are.
7 - How does this program connect to other programs?
Due to the somewhat secluded nature of Mongolia, we recommend starting your Rustic Pathways summer in Mongolia and then connecting to other programs.
8 - How long is the flight to this country?
Total flight time should be around 14 hours.
9 - What kind of food will we be eating?
We will stock up on our own food before we depart for the countryside. Most of our meals will be prepared by our staff. Breakfast will be your typical western breakfast (toast, pancakes, yogurt, ect. ). Lunch will usually consist of sandwiches. Dinner will be cooked by our staff (pasta, stir fry, and ect.). We also enjoy traditional Mongolian cuisine which is typically meat and dairy products. If you have any food allergies or are a vegetarian please let us know before you arrive so we can properly cater to your food requests.
10 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
This is the first year for our Mongolia programs and we are uncertain of what the ratio will be. However, we expect it to be fairly even between the amount of girls and boys.
