Mongolia tours, small group

Planet

Carbon Reduction
The vast Mongolian landscape is one of the highlights of visiting the country and our tour leaders are keen to impress the importance of keeping it as pristine as possible. The use of refillable water bottles is actively encouraged and a large tank of fresh drinking water is available for refills so there is no need for travelers to buy single-use water bottles. Meeting local people in remote areas that live off the land, and have a deep connection to it, helps to press home the importance of respecting and looking after the environment.
Most of the night stays are in traditional ger camps, which provide a low-impact way to experience Mongolia without the infrastructure of a fixed hotel. Meals are included, and while the menu choice is limited, all food is sourced locally, keeping the carbon footprint to a minimum.
Many of the ger camps on our itinerary have invested in solar power to meet their daily electricity needs, such as lighting. Some camps do still use generators, but these are now only switched on for an hour or two each day to provide hot water and cover peak electricity demands— a big improvement from the past when they ran more frequently.
As a travel company we're acutely aware of our impact on the environment. Each one of our tours displays a carbon footprint, and we're working to reduce our emissions by regularly reviewing our itineraries and embracing lower-impact styles of travel such as trains, public buses or walking – which aren't just better for the planet, but we believe offer a more enjoyable and authentic travel experience too. We're a Certified B Corp that's committed to creating unforgettable adventures while protecting our planet for future generations.

Environment and Wildlife
Most of the nights on this trip are spent in traditional ger camps, including eco-ger camps run by local herding families who have lived on the land for generations. These families continue to herd animals such as yaks, cows, horses, and sheep, which helps to maintain the region’s natural ecological balance. By staying in these camps, we support traditional practices that help to counter the impact of overgrazing caused by the growing demand for cashmere goats.
The trip also includes entry fees to a number of Mongolia’s protected areas, including the Khongor Sand Dunes, Bayanzag, Orkhon Valley, and Yolyn Am (Vulture Gorge). These fees, which usually range from 1,000 to 2,000 Mongolian tugrik per person, play an important role in the conservation of these unique landscapes. While the accommodations themselves don’t feature specific wildlife restoration projects such as bird boxes or rooftop planting, the simple design of the ger camps ensures a minimal impact on the surrounding environment, helping to preserve the land much as it has been for centuries.
We strive to support nature and biodiversity through protection and regeneration projects, and for every customer that travels with us we make a donation to Rewilding Britain and Cool Earth.
We encourage customers to avoid single-use plastic on tour, and our leaders give advice on refill points each day. Where tap water isn't safe to drink we recommend Water-to-Go bottles, a filtration bottle allowing you to drink water from any source.

People

Local Economy
All of the accommodations on this trip are locally owned, offering an authentic experience while directly benefiting local communities. Many of the ger camps are run by nomadic families who have lived in the region for generations, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience their way of life.
Beyond accommodation, the trip supports the local economy by employing local guides and drivers who bring invaluable insights into the land, culture, and traditions. We also visit small town markets and nomadic families, giving travelers the chance to purchase locally made crafts and products, further contributing to traditional livelihoods.
Our leaders are the heart of tours. They bring passion and unrivalled knowledge of the destinations and communities that we visit. Their guidance ensures we observe the cultural norms in a destination, they act as a bridge between travelers and the local community and ensure that tourism is a positive experience for both host and guest. We believe in supporting local; staying in locally-run hotels, exploring markets, buying snacks from street vendors, and by doing this we add money to the local economy and enhance our connection with the local community.

Employment, Inclusivity and Diversity
We make a conscious effort to visit camps that are owned or run in partnership with local nomadic families, offering them a valuable secondary source of income while ensuring that tourism does not become their primary livelihood. All staff are paid at least the minimum wage, and recruitment is based purely on merit and ability, fostering an inclusive working environment without discrimination.
This trip is LGBTQ+ friendly, and while some individuals in Ulaanbaatar may hold outdated views, these attitudes are becoming increasingly rare and have not posed any issues for our travelers. The itinerary is generally accessible, though there is one walk to a monastery that may be challenging for those with mobility issues. However, the tour is well-suited for individuals with vision, hearing, or cognitive impairments, ensuring that a wide range of travelers can enjoy the experience.
We believe that diversity is to be celebrated and as a Certified B Corp we're committed to championing equity and inclusion throughout our entire supply chain. We believe that an inclusive approach is essential, and that the best results occur when contributors have different opinions, experiences and backgrounds to bring to the table.