Pilgrimage to Mongolia

with Tricycle: The Buddhist Review & Dr. Sangseraima Ujeed

June 29–July 13, 2025 (includes National Naadam!)

Pilgrimage to Mongolia

with Tricycle & Dr. Sangseraima Ujeed

June 29–July 13, 2025 (includes National Naadam!)

Join us on this 2025 Buddhist Pilgrimage to Mongolia and witness a Buddhist renaissance firsthand in the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky.

Roam the steppe and dunes where Genghis Khan forged an empire that forever shaped the modern world. Engage deeply with Mongolian monks & see how Buddhism expresses itself in the fabric of society.

We’ll have the good fortune to attend the national Naadam, Mongolia’s most important cultural event.

Join Tricycle magazine, Dr. Sangseraima Ujeed & RetreaTours on this unique, deeply moving journey.  Mongolia will open your heart as wide as its endless skies.

Trip Highlights at a Glance

  • June 29–July 13, 2025
  • Escorted by BJ & Lauren, owners of RetreaTours
  • Facilitated by Dr. Sangseraima Ujeed
  • Joined by Tricycle: The Buddhist Review representative
  • Led by expert local guide
  • Enjoy Mongolia’s most iconic event, Naadam
  • Witness the renaissance of Tibetan Buddhism in post-Communist Mongolia
  • Engage with local monks and experience a puja ceremony
  • Explore the vast grasslands of the Mongolian Steppe
  • Discover the beauty of Khogno Khan National Park
  • Relax in remote Jalman Meadows in the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area
  • This journey is double carbon offset, door-to-door
  • Limited to 14 guests
  • NEW REDUCED PRICE!  $8300 per person, based on double occupancy, reduced from $8999 (Please see Price section below for private room supplement and more information)

How to Register

  • Review this entire webpage for details
  • Complete Registration Questions and Contract
  • After submitting your registration form, Lauren will email you a link to pay the deposit

Itinerary at a Glance

Dr. Sangersaima Ujeed will lead us in daily meditation & dharma discussion on this journey. On this pilgrimage, she will combine mind-training practices from Mongolia, guided meditation, lujong (Buddhist mind and body training), and chanting sessions in which she will share teachings from Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhist masters throughout the ages.

Throughout the pilgrimage, she will also bring the Mongolian landscape to life by weaving together the legends, history, and the doctrinal traditions associated with the sacred Buddhist sites we visit in which she will implement the knowledge from her own work, research, and practices.

June 29   Welcome to Mongolia! You’ll arrive in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar (UB) and rest after your journey. Our pilgrimage officially begins at dinner tonight. (Overnight in UB)

June 30   We’ll explore the rich sites of Mongolia’s capital, including Gandan Monastery, Choijin Lama museum, and the Bogd Khan Winter Palace. (Overnight in UB)

July 1-2  We’ll head west to Khögno Khan National Park and our hidden eco-camp. We’ll take a hike to the ruins of the 17th-century Ovgon monastery, founded by Zanabazar, in addition to the restored Erdene Khamba Monastery. We’ll have the opportunity to visit Elsen Tasarkhai, also called “the Mini Gobi,” and its iconic Bactrian camels. (Two nights in Khögno Khan eco ger camp) 

July 3   Today we’ll visit Kharkhorin (2-hour drive), what was once the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire and home to Erdene Zuu Tibetan Buddhist monastery. (Overnight in Kharkhorin hotel)

July 4   Explore Shankh Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Mongolia, founded by Zanabazar. We’ll continue on Tovkhon Monastery, set high in the forested mountains, before retiring to our beautiful ger eco-camp on the steppe in the Orkhon Valley  (Overnight in Orkhon Valley eco camp)

July 5   We’ll continue to explore the beauty of the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plenty of time for personal practice, shared sitting, or engaging with others in discussion against one of the most stunning backdrops on the entire planet. (Overnight in same Orkhon Valley eco camp)

July 6  We’ll head back to Ulaanbaatar (~6-hour drive), stopping along the way to visit a nomad family in their summer camp and learn about this traditional way of life that endures on the steppe. (Overnight in UB hotel)

July 7–9  Visit the impressive Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue on the way to Jalman Meadows in the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area. Our peaceful ger camp at Jalman Meadows offers opportunities for rafting, hiking, horseback riding, sauna-building, birdwatching, or just relaxing in the beautiful scenery. We’ll have plenty of time for meditation and discussion with Dr. Ujeed. (3 nights in Jalman Meadows)

July 10  After breakfast we’ll head back to the capital and enjoy a folk music concert later this afternoon. (Overnight in UB hotel)

July 11  What an unbelievable privilege to attend the National Naadam Festival! These three games of strength and skill—wrestling, horseracing, and archery—have been part of Mongolia’s cultural fabric for centuries. They are on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity. (Overnight in UB hotel)

July 12  Today we’ll enjoy our last full day in Ulaanbaatar, with the option to visit a rural Naadam festival, along with a few dharma surprises up our sleeves. (Overnight in UB hotel)

July 13  Today we’ll bid farewell to Mongolia & head home–or on to other adventures!

Click here to open up past Mongolia pilgrim testimonials

Our pilgrimage to Mongolia was amazing. The pacing of the trip and the variety of activities was incredible. Lauren and BJ provided so many ways to learn about Mongolia and Buddhism, not just in a superficial way, but with meaningful depth. I loved the opportunities for personal growth, variety of physical surroundings, and the wide range of activities. Above all, Lauren and BJ were flexible and have a great understanding of how to balance activities with downtime or personal time. It takes a little while to get to Mongolia, but it is an experience I would not pass up, if you can do it. The countryside is breathtaking, the history is rich and the people we encountered were so thoughtful. ~Jonathan K.

Each of my 3 trips with RetreaTours have been life changing. My trip to Mongolia was very meaningful and inspiring. I love how Lauren and BJ curate their trips to include a unique blend of culture, history, fun, adventure and unexpected moments. They are my top-rated travel partners.~Betsey C.

Traveling to Mongolia with BJ & Lauren as our guides really decreased any stress that could have been expected with travel to such a remote destination. The footwork that they had done to prepare the journey, with such knowledgeable and wonderful local guides and resources to make this pilgrimage seamless. I cannot imagine that there is any other tour organization in the world that could even approach the level of connection that pilgrims would have on such a journey…the local cultural and Buddhist contacts, the local resources. the joyful and loving temporary and mobile community fostered on this trip with such wonderful people, led by BJ & Lauren, truly a “pop-up” sangha that I cannot imagine ever being reproduced. ~Oregon H.

Lauren and BJ are consummate hosts and guides. They are knowledgeable and connected. I felt I already knew them before the tour started with their timely and heartfelt communications. Every detail was handled with so much care. Because of their connections we got to meet so many incredible people that made the tour even more intense. I was transported to another time and place while watching the transformation of this country finding its place. I absolutely would go on another tour with them anywhere in the world! ~Carol E.

RetreaTours never disappoints. The first trip of with these folks was the best trip we ever had- and we’ve travelled a lot. probably 50 countries each. Then we took a second trip with them and THAT became the best trip we ever took. See a pattern here? They are constantly vigilant for our comfort and security and it could not have gone any better. We are definitely coming back! The personal attention given by Lauren and BJ is unmatched and superior to all the others. ~Dorothy S.

I would highly recommend the Mongolia RetreaTours trip to future pilgrims. Lauren and BJ have been so thoughtful in planning this trip. The chance to be in Mongolia; such a unique and worthwhile destination, was wonderful. Going to a giant horse fair, living in gers (yurts), and watching them be assembled, seeing Mongolian dairy products be made before our eyes, the emerald green rolling hills where we stayed. Visiting sacred monasteries all along the way. And seeing modern Mongolia as it is growing in Ulaanbaatar. The people of Mongolia were generous to us throughout the trip. All while being transported by comfortable vehicles. ~Keelin C

BJ and Lauren are the absolute best tour planners and guides I have ever encountered. The level of attention, detail and love that went into their itinerary was like nothing else I’ve seen. At one point in the trip we literally started calling them Mommy and Daddy because we felt so cared for. Their trips are truly unique, rich and unforgettable. You can just relax and follow along. ~Alona V.

The trip to Mongolia with RetreaTours was EXCELLENT! BJ and Lauren took such good care of us ensuring our safety and comfort. I am sure this would not have been one’s experience with other tour companies. It was an absolute delight to be on this tour! ~Phil B.

Ulaanbaatar

Khogno Khan National Park

Jalman Meadows

Kharkhorin

Orkhon Valley

A Buddhist stupa at Tuvkhun monastery in Mongolia.

From Dr. Sangseraima Ujeed

“The magic of Mongolia is something that can only be accessed by witnessing it in person. To this day, I have not come across any photo, video, or description that can truly capture the vastness of the land of my people: etugen (the green motherland) underneath möngke tengri (the eternal blue sky).

“We Mongols have always endowed our motherland and our environment with a sense of primordial sacredness. This sacredness is informed by both indigenous and Buddhist spiritual worldviews which manifests in the form of legends, myths, and songs that flavour every mountain peak, lake, and stream that surround holy sites.

“As a Mongolian and a practicing Buddhist, I am excited to travel through the land of my ancestors with you whilst bringing Buddhist teachings of mind training to life through the history of and the teachings from the sacred landscape of Mongolia.”

A Bit About Mongolian History

The Mongolian Empire was arguably one of the most influential, unifying forces that the world has ever seen.

Born a child from hardscrabble nomadic beginnings, the great leader Genghis Khan set historic wheels in motion in 1206 CE when he unified all of the warring tribes of the Mongolian Steppe. The fruits of his future conquests resulted in the largest contiguous land empire in history (second only to the British Empire for total land mass), an empire about the size of the African continent and spread widely across Eurasia. By 1279, this 13,000,000 square-mile empire stretched from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the Mediterranean Sea and into Europe.

Within this Empire, Genghis Khan spread his astonishingly anachronistic progressive views, including laws establishing religious freedom and diplomatic immunity. He created the first international postal system and history’s largest free trade zone, he lowered taxes (even abolished them for certain professions), and he created a system for dividing the spoils of war fairly among the citizenry.

Although the Empire grew for a short time after Genghis Khan’s death in 1227, by the end of the century the amassed landholdings were split between disputing family members and became their own factions. What is now geographically considered ‘Mongolia’ was ruled by China’s Qing Dynasty from 1691 until 1911, when Mongolia declared its independence. China, however, did not accept this declaration of independence and invaded Mongolia in 1921. 

With the help of the Russian Red Army, Mongolia won its independence from China. However, Mongolia was dominated by the Soviet Communist regime from 1921 until 1990.  The late 1930’s saw a horrific purge of Mongolian society by the Communists, a purge that saw Tibetan Buddhism all but obliterated and over 18,000 monks summarily executed. Government and military leaders, academics, and anyone thought a threat to Communism in Mongolia was murdered. 

The Mongolian Revolution of 1990, inspired by similar revolutions happening in Eastern Europe, led to the peaceful renunciation of Communism, and Mongolia’s first free, multi-party elections were held in July 1990. Today, Tibetan Buddhism is again flourishing and monasteries are being rebuilt. There is also a resurgence of interest in the father of Mongolia, Genghis Khan–an interest that was actively quashed and persecuted for most of the 20th century. 

Mongolia’s modern population of 3.1 million is spread over 604,000 square miles; in other words, Mongolia is twice as big as Texas but with 1/8 the population. About a third of the population is still nomadic, tending to the the country’s some 66.5 million heads of livestock (sheep, goat, cattle, horses, and camels).

Traditional sports, played during the time of Genghis Khan, still factor heavily into the culture; the annual Naadam games which you’ll witness include horse racing, archery, and wrestling.

Come with us and explore the country’s wide open spaces and find out why Mongolia is truly the “Land of the Eternal Blue Sky.”

 

Recommended Reading

Recommended reading for Mongolia: Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

This is a phenomenal book about the Mongolian Empire and its lasting impact on the modern world! Click the image to go to Amazon.

 

A Brief History of Buddhism in Mongolia

Buddhism was originally introduced to Mongolia in the third century BCE during the time of the Indian Emperor Ashoka.

The second wave of Mongolian Buddhism developed under the reign of Genghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan in the late 13th century. Kublai Khan developed a close relationship with the head of the Sakya school of Buddhism, Drogön Chogyal Phagpa. The fall of the Mongolian Empire saw the decline of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia, until the third wave of Buddhism reached the steppe in the 16th century.

Altan Khan was a distant descendant of Genghis Khan and leader of the Western tribes of the Mongols. Sonam Gyatso, the leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, was invited to Mongolia in the 1570s by Altan Khan. While in Mongolia, Sonam Gyatso was publicly pronounced the reincarnation of Drogön Chogyal Phagpa and given the title “Dalai Lama” (“Ocean Lama” in Mongolian) by Altan Khan.

Altan Khan, then, was revealed as a reincarnation of Kublai Khan, thus refreshing the 13th-century relationship between Kublai Khan and Drogön Chogyal. With this relationship, they formed an alliance that gave Altan Khan the legitimacy of “royalty” for his leadership role and the Gelug school was afforded protection and patronage from Mongolia. This alliance with the Mongols would later prove instrumental in establishing the Gelug order as the rulers of Tibet during the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama.

Altan Khan awarded the title of Dalai Lama posthumously to Sonam Gyatso’s two previous reincarnations, making Sonam Gyatso the Third Dalai Lama. The Fourth Dalai Lama was born in Mongolia, none other than Altan Khan’s grandson who was enthroned in Tibet in 1601.

Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar, or simply “Zanabazar,” is recognized as the first Bogd Gegeen, or supreme spiritual authority of the Gelug school in Mongolia (also known as the Jetsundamba). Zanabazar (1635–1723) was a prolific sculptor, painter, architect, poet, costume designer, scholar, and linguist, who is credited with launching Mongolia’s seventeenth-century cultural renaissance. To aid in the translation of sacred Tibetan texts, he created the Soyombo script from which arose the Soyombo symbol (Mongolia’s national symbol, seen here). 

With the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911, the Mongols declared their independence from China, choosing the 8th Bogd Gegeen as their “Bogd Khan,” or “holy ruler.” This period lasted until China invaded Mongolia in 1919; with Russian assistance, the Mongols defeated the Chinese forces in 1920. The Bogd Khan became the state leader until his death in 1924, then the Soviet occupation of Mongolia began.

During the nearly 70 years as a Soviet satellite state, Mongolian Buddhism was virtually wiped out. In 1937, the Soviet-allied Mongolian Communist Party banned Buddhism and the government executed nearly 20,000 monks; thousands more were sent to Siberian labor camps and most of the country’s 2,000 monasteries were destroyed.

Mongolia’s peaceful Democratic revolution in 1990 opened the doorway for a Buddhist revival. The 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche served as India’s ambassador to Mongolia from 1990 to 2000, and he helped reestablish monasteries and Buddhist learning centers all over the country. This Ladakh-born lama, a reincarnation of one of the 16 Arhats, played a large role in the comeback of Tibetan Buddhism. In fact, it is said to have been prophesied that Bakula Arhat would one day come from India to revive Buddhism in Mongolia.

Modern Mongolia is currently experiencing a true Buddhist renaissance. The monastic population has grown from 110 monks in 1990 to over 3000 today, and reconstruction is underway at many historic monasteries that were decimated in the Communist purges. Freedom of religion has returned to Mongolia, a freedom that Genghis Khan first afforded all Mongols in the 13th century.

Daily Itinerary

Sain baina uu and welcome to Mongolia, the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky! The following narrative will outline our plans in Mongolia. On this pilgrimage, Professor Ujeed will combine mind training practices from Mongolia, guided meditation, lujong (Buddhist mind and body training), and chanting sessions in which she will share teachings from Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhist masters throughout the ages.

Throughout the pilgrimage, she will also bring the Mongolian landscape to life by weaving together the legends, history, and the doctrinal traditions associated with the sacred Buddhist sites we visit in which she will implement the knowledge from her own work, research, and practices.

Arriving in Ulaanbaatar

You’ll be picked up at the airport and driven to our centrally located hotel in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar (lovingly called “UB”). Our pilgrimage officially starts at dinner on June 29; if you arrive early, we can help arrange your arrival and there is lots to explore within walking distance of the hotel.

On June 30th, we’ll explore some of the deep heritage of the capital city. We’ll visit Gandan Tegchenling Monastery, the Mahayana Buddhist Center of all of Mongolia. Gandan Monastery was one of the few monasteries to escape destruction by the Communists, and it was kept open as a ‘showpiece’ for visiting foreign dignitaries.

With the fall of Communism in 1990, Gandan became a fully functional monastery once again. One of the highlights here is the 87′ (26.5m) statue of Avalokitesvara; this statue of the Buddha of Compassion is said to be the tallest indoor statue in the whole world. Contingent on his schedule, we may also have an opportunity for an audience with His Eminence Khamba Lama Gabju Choijamts Demberel, the Supreme Head of all Mongolian Buddhists.

We’ll also visit the Choijin Lama museum. We think this may be the very finest collection of Buddhist artifacts under one roof on the planet. This temple complex was originally occupied by the Mongolian State Oracle, the younger brother of the 8th Bogd Khan. The complex was cleverly converted to a museum in 1938, which saved it from destruction by the Communists. These magnificent artifacts will help lay the groundwork and build an understanding for the sites you will encounter during this journey!

We can also visit the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan. The Bogd Khan Winter Palace in Ulaanbaatar was the home of Mongolia’s last spiritual and political leader. The palace, now a museum, houses sacred artifacts and statues reflecting Mongolia’s deep Buddhist traditions. As a symbol of theocratic rule, it offers a unique glimpse into the intersection of Mongolian royalty and Buddhism.

A red coral Jamsran tsam (cham) mask at Choijin Lama museum in Mongolia
The Bogd Khan's winter palace in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Khogno Khan

On July 1, we’ll drive west from Ulaanbaatar toward Khogno Tarna National Park (better known as Khogno Khan, a total of ~4.5 hour drive). Our ger ecocamp for the next 2 nights is at the base of picturesque Khogno Khan mountain. This will be your first experience in a traditional Mongolian ger on this journey!

Ger is the Mongolian equivalent of the Russian word “yurt.” Gers are portable felt tents, round in shape, and perfectly suited to nomadic life on the steppe and Mongolian climatic conditions. Mongolians have been living in gers for thousands of years, long before the Mongolian Empire was even formed. In fact, early on in Genghis Khan’s military career, he named his first large group of followers “People of the Felt Walls.”

The Khogno Khan area is on the border of three provinces and contains the beauty of the steppe, the forest, and also the desert. The landscape provides wonderful hiking opportunities, including a hike to nearby monastic ruins. The Ovgon monastery was originally built in the 10th century, with another temple built by Zanabazar’s father there in 1622. In its heyday it was home to over 1,000 monks. However, it wasn’t the Communists that razed this monastery–it was Mongolian rivals in the late 17th century.

We’ll also visit nearby Erdene Khamba Monastery; this monastery was also destroyed by Mongolian forces in the 17th century, and it was destroyed again during the Communist purges of 1937. However, there are a few small working temples that have been reconstructed on this sacred land.

During our time in Khogno Khan, we can ride the majestic Bactrian camels that are native to Mongolia. The Mongol Els Sand Dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai (also called the “Mini-Gobi” or Bayan Gobi, “Rich Desert”) is a perfect place to get a taste of the Gobi desert without spending an extra 25 hours (!) in a vehicle to get to the South Gobi. These two-humped camels are the largest camels on the planet, and in our opinion, they’re also the most beautiful!

Kharkorin & Erdene Zuu Monastery

On July 3, we’ll drive 2 hours to the city of Kharkhorin. In the 13th century, this site was the home of Karakorum, the first capital of the Mongol Empire that was built strategically at an intersection of the Silk Road routes in the area.

We’ll visit a fascinating museum to learn more about this progressive city built by Genghis Khan’s son Ogodei. Home to Christian churches, Muslim mosques, pagan temples, and Buddhist temples, Karakorum was most likely the most religiously open and tolerant city in the world at the time.

Across the nation, daily puja is held in the late morning in the monasteries, and we will be able to attend pujas whenever we are near a monastery, including here in Kharkhorin.

We’ll also visit the nearby monastery complex of Erdene Zuu. The Tibetan Buddhist monastery Erdene Zuu was originally established in 1585, but has been rebuilt multiple times through the following centuries. The few temples here that survived the Communist purges of the 1930s were converted to a museum; today, it is both a functional monastery and a truly beautiful museum. The grounds, surrounded by 108 stupas along a protective wall, are home to a Chinese-style temple and a Tibetan-style temple.

We’ll depart from our hotel on the 4th and drive a short way to the very important Shankh monastery. Originally founded by Zanabazar in 1647, it is one of Mongolia’s oldest and most historically significant monasteries. It is said that the black sulde, or Spirit Banner, of Genghis Khan was housed at the monastery until it disappeared during the cultural purges of the 1930’s.

Orkhon Valley

From Shankh monastery, we’ll head to the breathtaking Orkhon Valley for two nights. UNESCO recognizes this valley as being inhabited continuously for the past 62,000 years; to borrow from UNESCO, “The Orkhon Valley clearly demonstrates how a strong and persistent nomadic culture led to the development of extensive trade networks and the creation of large administrative, commercial, military and religious centers. The empires that these urban centers supported undoubtedly influenced societies across Asia and into Europe and in turn absorbed influence from both east and west in a true interchange of human values.”

Perched on a picturesque hill, our eco-camp is the perfect place to relax and watch the sun set over the steppe, over the nomads’ gers and the grazing livestock.

On the morning of July 5yh, we’ll head to Zanabazar’s mountaintop retreat at Tovkhon Monastery. Zanabazar used Tovkhon as a retreat center for 30 years, and it is where he created many of his most famous works, including the Soyombo script he used for translating Buddhist texts from Sanskrit or Tibetan. Once you see the view from the top of this mountain (accessible by walking ~4 km/2 miles each way), you can see why he was so inspired!

Gers (yurts) on the steppe in Mongolia under a blue sky

Return to UB

On July 6, we’ll start back to Ulaanbaatar, visiting a nomadic family along the way. We’ll learn more about this traditional Mongolian lifestyle, still followed by more than a third of the population. We’ll learn about the rhythms of nomadic life, following grass around the steppe year round, and the endless preparations that must be made in the summer to survive the long, cold Mongolian winters. You’ll enjoy the overwhelming kindness of true nomad hospitality, and this may be a perfect opportunity to try some authentic Mongolian dairy products. Perhaps you’ll try the infamous Mongolian drink, airag–fermented horse milk.

You’ll have the late afternoon in Ulaanbaatar free to rest or explore the city.

Jalman Meadows

On July 7, we’ll head out to the wilds of the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area. We’ll stop at the breathtaking statue of Genghis Khan on horseback, surveying the countryside. This 131’ (40m) statue, a silver giant rising out of the steppe, was erected in 2008 to honor the founding father of Mongolia. There is a small but interesting museum in the statue’s base. After a short visit there, we’ll make our way to our hidden gem of an eco-camp in Jalman Meadows.

Jalman Meadows is nestled within the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, one of Mongolia’s true wilderness area that extends all the way up to the Russian-Siberian frontier. This area constitutes the transition zone of steppe and the southernmost reaches of the forests of Siberia. There are steppe valleys & lush meadows along the Tuul River and extensive forests.

This will be our home for the next 3 nights and a perfect place to unplug and settle into the rhythms of nomadic life. In fact, there is a nomadic family nearby who can show you how they milk their cows (and horses!) and show you the delicious art of crafting Mongolian dairy products.

You’ll have plenty of opportunity for rest, exploration, and adventure in Jalman Meadows. Optional activities include hiking, horseback riding, and rafting along the river (half-day or full-day trips, wherein a yak pulls the raft upstream on a cart!) You can even build your own sauna ger at the river’s edge. We’ll come together for meals, and we’ll have plenty of time for practice and discussions.

Back to UB

On July 10th we’ll return to Ulaanbaatar and check into our hotel after lunch. Early this evening we’ll have the opportunity for a cultural concert in downtown UB, a showcase of music and dance from different regions of Mongolia. The whole city will be abuzz about tomorrow’s festivities–Naadam!

Dancers, musicians, and artists put on a traditional cultural show in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

National Naadam Festival

Naadam celebrates the traditional Mongolian games of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. The games of Naadam are listed by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” and they were described in 13th-century book The Secret History of the Mongols. The National Naadam is held on July 11. We’ll witness the festive opening ceremonies, a spectacle unlike any other that we’ve seen in person! 

We’d suggest sticking around for the first round of Mongolian wrestling, a site you’ll not soon forget. Mongolian wrestling is mesmerizing to witness; the first wrestler to touch the ground with any body part other than his hands or feet loses. While the skills are remarkable, the pageantry around the wrestling matches is even more captivating. Mongolia takes its wrestling very seriously, and the current Mongolian president was a wrestler.

Naadam must be seen–and the energy must be felt–to be believed!

On July 12th, we’ll spend one last day in Ulaanbaatar, to continue our explorations as a group (or independently, if that suits your spirit!) This is a fascinating city and we know you’ll love poking around the capital city from our central home base. Don’t forget about shopping, too: Mongolia is absolutely famous for its cashmere.

On the evening of the 12th, we’ll enjoy our final dinner together in Mongolia, reflecting on all we’ve experienced together in this fascinating country. The tour ends after breakfast tomorrow, but we know for certain Mongolia will have a place in your heart forever! 

Click here to open up past Mongolia pilgrim testimonials

Our pilgrimage to Mongolia was amazing. The pacing of the trip and the variety of activities was incredible. Lauren and BJ provided so many ways to learn about Mongolia and Buddhism, not just in a superficial way, but with meaningful depth. I loved the opportunities for personal growth, variety of physical surroundings, and the wide range of activities. Above all, Lauren and BJ were flexible and have a great understanding of how to balance activities with downtime or personal time. It takes a little while to get to Mongolia, but it is an experience I would not pass up, if you can do it. The countryside is breathtaking, the history is rich and the people we encountered were so thoughtful. ~Jonathan K.

Each of my 3 trips with RetreaTours have been life changing. My trip to Mongolia was very meaningful and inspiring. I love how Lauren and BJ curate their trips to include a unique blend of culture, history, fun, adventure and unexpected moments. They are my top-rated travel partners.~Betsey C.

Traveling to Mongolia with BJ & Lauren as our guides really decreased any stress that could have been expected with travel to such a remote destination. The footwork that they had done to prepare the journey, with such knowledgeable and wonderful local guides and resources to make this pilgrimage seamless. I cannot imagine that there is any other tour organization in the world that could even approach the level of connection that pilgrims would have on such a journey…the local cultural and Buddhist contacts, the local resources. the joyful and loving temporary and mobile community fostered on this trip with such wonderful people, led by BJ & Lauren, truly a “pop-up” sangha that I cannot imagine ever being reproduced. ~Oregon H.

Lauren and BJ are consummate hosts and guides. They are knowledgeable and connected. I felt I already knew them before the tour started with their timely and heartfelt communications. Every detail was handled with so much care. Because of their connections we got to meet so many incredible people that made the tour even more intense. I was transported to another time and place while watching the transformation of this country finding its place. I absolutely would go on another tour with them anywhere in the world! ~Carol E.

RetreaTours never disappoints. The first trip of with these folks was the best trip we ever had- and we’ve travelled a lot. probably 50 countries each. Then we took a second trip with them and THAT became the best trip we ever took. See a pattern here? They are constantly vigilant for our comfort and security and it could not have gone any better. We are definitely coming back! The personal attention given by Lauren and BJ is unmatched and superior to all the others. ~Dorothy S.

I would highly recommend the Mongolia RetreaTours trip to future pilgrims. Lauren and BJ have been so thoughtful in planning this trip. The chance to be in Mongolia; such a unique and worthwhile destination, was wonderful. Going to a giant horse fair, living in gers (yurts), and watching them be assembled, seeing Mongolian dairy products be made before our eyes, the emerald green rolling hills where we stayed. Visiting sacred monasteries all along the way. And seeing modern Mongolia as it is growing in Ulaanbaatar. The people of Mongolia were generous to us throughout the trip. All while being transported by comfortable vehicles. ~Keelin C

BJ and Lauren are the absolute best tour planners and guides I have ever encountered. The level of attention, detail and love that went into their itinerary was like nothing else I’ve seen. At one point in the trip we literally started calling them Mommy and Daddy because we felt so cared for. Their trips are truly unique, rich and unforgettable. You can just relax and follow along. ~Alona V.

The trip to Mongolia with RetreaTours was EXCELLENT! BJ and Lauren took such good care of us ensuring our safety and comfort. I am sure this would not have been one’s experience with other tour companies. It was an absolute delight to be on this tour! ~Phil B.

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Price & What is Included

Note: Despite the humble tourist lodging and simple way of life in Mongolia, it is not an inexpensive destination to visit in comfort. Budget trips exist that use decommissioned Russian army vans for transport and sleep 6+ people to a ger. In contrast, we’ll be taking 4X4s and sleeping 2 guests per ger maximum. 

This journey is $8300 based on double occupancy.  (This price reflects the recent reduction, down from the original price of $8999!)

If you prefer to have your own private room (that is, no roommate), the private room supplement is $999 USD and will be added to your last payment. (Click here to understand why this supplement is necessary).

IMPORTANT NOTE:  There are only 8 private (single) rooms available on this journey which will be released on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that we cannot guarantee you a roommate for this trip, and if you room alone, you will be responsible for the private room supplement.

Price Includes

  • All transportation within Mongolia in an air-conditioned vehicle, including airport pickup and drop-off
  • All accommodations (a mix of hotels and ger eco-camps)
  • All meals, beginning with dinner on June 29th through breakfast on July 13th
  • All site entrance fees
  • All tips at hotels and restaurants
  • All tips to guides and drivers
  • Drinking water
  • Mongolian cultural performance
  • Funding to The Tricycle Foundation

Price does not include

  • International airfare (although will be more than happy to help you decide on arrangements)
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Alcohol
  • Laundry
  • Additional activities at Jalman Meadows, such as rafting and horseback riding
  • Horseback riding at Tovkhon Monastery (as an alternative to walking)
  • Photography fees at sites

Trip Minimum

A minimum of 10 pilgrims need to register for this journey before we can move ahead and advise on international flights. Please do not buy any airfare until you hear from us. If the minimum number of guests does not register 3 months before the journey, your payments, including your deposit, will be refunded in full.

Deposit & Payment Plan

Please refer to the Price tab for specific information about price & what is included on your journey.

  • The non-refundable deposit for this journey is $1000 USD and reserves your space.
  • $4500 is due by January 1, 2025
  • The balance is due by March 1, 2025. 

For our American guests, we accept payments via check, credit, or debit card (via PayPal), Zelle, or Venmo. Lauren will send you these details after receiving your application has been accepted.

For our guests outside the U.S., Lauren will connect with you about the best ways to transfer money.

Cancellation Policy

We examine each trip and done our best to reduce the deposit amounts as much as possible. Upon your registration, your deposit immediately goes toward reserving your space for flights, hotels, and excursions that must be booked months in advance and are often non-refundable.

Cancellation by our guests

The cancellation charges are as follows unless otherwise indicated on the detailed itinerary for each trip. All cancellations must be received via e-mail or US mail.

  • Cancellations prior to 120 days to departure, money will be refunded minus the non-refundable deposit.
  • Cancellations received 61 to 119 days prior to departure are subject to a penalty of 50% of the total cost of the trip.
  • Cancellations received 60 days or fewer prior to trip departure will forfeit the entire cost of the trip.

If a trip is cancelled by RetreaTours

When a tour is cancelled in the case of force majeure, the Tour Participant will receive a refund minus any funds that we are unable to recover from any supplier.

You can see the full cancellation policy in our contract here. 

Passport & Visa

Your passport MUST be valid at least 6 months beyond the end date of the trip, and you’ll need two empty pages in the Visas section of your passport (make sure they are in the Visa section, not the Amendment or Endorsement section). 

American, Canadians, and citizens of the U.K. will receive a visa upon arrival; there’s nothing you need to do before you arrive to Mongolia.  For other countries, please check to see what your Mongolian visa requirements are.

Vaccines & Staying Healthy on Tour

    Vaccines

    No vaccines are required to enter Mongolia, but we suggest you work with your physician or your area’s travel health expert to decide what options are best for you. It’s always best to stay up-to-date on routine vaccines before you travel, such as flu shots & tetanus.

    You can read the CDC’s recommendations here and the UK NHS recommendations here.

    Altitude

    We will not be at an altitude in Mongolia that necessitates any altitude sickness prevention. Our average altitude will be ~4,500 feet.

     

    Staying Healthy on Tour

    Please visit our comprehensive article, “How to Stay Healthy While Traveling…Naturally,” which addresses all of the most common travel ailments.

      Suggested Fitness Requirements & Drive Times

      This isn’t a very rigorous journey, although there are physical activities you can add on: horseback riding, rafting, and hiking, as well as camel riding. All physical activities are optional, and we’ll let you know what to expect before each activity!

      To take full advantage of this journey, we suggest being able to walk 1-2 miles at a time without stopping, at your own pace.

       

      Walk to Tovhon Temple

      We will have the opportunity to walk up to beautiful, Tovhon temple, a 4 km (2 mile) walk, uphill to the temple and then downhill. It is not a difficult walk and can be done at one’s own pace. While there may be options for taking a horse or a motorcycle to the top, our guides will advise on the safety of either of those options at the time (given the current path conditions); please keep in mind that neither of those options might be suitable.

       

      Drive Times

      We will be driving for several multi-hour stretches times on this trip, so guests should be able to sit in a vehicle for up to 2 hours at a time (although we will stop for bathroom breaks and leg-stretching along the way).

      Most of the roads we will use between destinations are paved, but we will also be offroading as we get close to our eco-camps. These rides will be across flat, grassy steppe and you should not find them to be jarring or uncomfortable.

      This itinerary was specifically created to reduce the amount of time spent in vehicles. Here are our estimated drive times:

       

      • Ulaanbaatar to Khogno Khan: 4.5 hours
      • Khogno Khan to Kharkhorin; 90 minutes
      • Kharkorin to Orkhon Valley: 2.5 hours
      • Orkhon Valley to Ulaanbaatar: 6 hours, with a stop on the way to visit a nomadic family
      • Ulaanbaatar to Jalman Meadows: 3 hours
      • Jalman Meadows, return to Ulaanbaatar: 3 hours
      About the Food in Mongolia

        Mongolia is a culture that loves its meat. However, it is possible to request vegetarian food for at our ger camps and hotels. Many vegetarian meals consist of pasta so a celiac vegetarian might have some challenges.

        A typical non-vegetarian meal at the camps typically consists of a meat-based protein (mostly chicken and beef, with occasional pork or turkey), a starch (rice or pasta) and vegetables, in addition to a salad and soup starter and usually a dessert. Breakfasts are typically buffet-style and include eggs, fruit, grains, and local dairy products.

        Within Mongolia’s traditional nomadic animal husbandry culture, meat and dairy are dietary staples. The growing season is about 100 days, and because of the harsh climate much of the year, it is unsuited to most cultivation. In fact, only 1% of the arable land in Mongolia is actually cultivated with crops!

        Wine and beer and, of course, vodka, is available at all of our camps and hotels (but not included in the trip price).

        Please include any special dietary allergies or needs on your registration, or reach out to us with any questions you may have before registration–we’d be happy to help!

         

        About Drinking Water

        In a word, No. Although many cities around the world are getting more advanced public water systems, we don’t recommend it.  Not only from a pathogen standpoint, but it’s a different set of bacteria than your body is used to. Why risk an upset stomach if you don’t have to? We recommend drinking only bottled water, and you will want to rinse your toothbrush off in bottled water. If you’d like to bring a reusable bottle and a means of sterilization to save on plastic water bottle consumption, you are more than welcome. Otherwise, we will have access to bottled water at all times.

        About our Accommodations (Hotels & Gers)

        During our time together in Mongolia, we’ll be staying at mix of a modern hotel and ger camps.

         

        Please understand that lodging is extremely simple and spartan in Mongolia.

        We’ll be staying in a hotel in Ulaanbaatar (6 total nights, non-consecutive), complete with an ensuite bathroom (with western toilet and hot water), air conditioning, and wifi.

        In our other destinations, we are staying at camps composed of gers, which are traditional round, felt Mongolian tents.  These camps have been carefully chosen based on their location, their amenities, and their environmentally-sound practices.

        Toilets and Showers

        None of the gers have an attached bathroom, and the toilet can sometimes be 100 to 200 feet from your tent. Three of the ger camps have shower options (2 modern, 1 more traditional); our first camp has as shared bathroom with a bank of toilets and a bank of showers and sinks. Our eco camp in Orkhon Valley offers hot towels every morning and evening & hair washing services, but no shower facilities.

        It is rare that a ger has one big bed, so couples will mostly sleep in two separate beds within the gers.

        The gers are simple but comfortable. However, as they are tents in an eco-camp, it is reasonable to expect a few insects in your ger; don’t worry, nothing dangerous, just a small beetle here or daddy long legs there.

        Electricity

        At times, there may only be charging stations in the main ger, and electricity may not be provided 24/7. For those of you with CPAP machines, we can devise a way to charge your machine from our 4×4 vehicles but we cannot guarantee a steady electricity supply at night.

        Internet Connectivity

        We will have wifi access at our hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Kharhorin, but please do not count on having an internet connection at our ger camps.

        If you get a local Mongolian SIM card or activate a travel plan on your own phone plan, you may have internet access on the road, but there is still zero cell service at Jalman Meadows (three nights) and Khogno Khan (two nights).

        We will give you the numbers of our partners in Ulaanbaatar for an emergency contact to pass to your loved ones. They will be able to get in touch with us while we are in spots without connectivity.

         

        Please see the photos below to see the typical ger interiors that we’ll be staying in. You can read more about the history of gers here.

        Temperature & Suggested Packing List

        Temperatures will range between 50°F and 75°F (10° to 24°C). 

        We will supply you with a recommended packing list before the journey that will rely on layers. 

        About your International Flights

        We are more than happy to recommend international flights, but ultimately you will make the purchase yourself.

        How do I fly to Mongolia?

        There are flights to Ulaanbaatar from the following hubs:

        • Seoul, S. Korea
        • Istanbul, Turkey
        • Beijing, China
        • Tokyo, Japan
        • Hong Kong
        • Bangkok, Thailand
        • occasionally Frankfurt, Germany

        When must I arrive in Ulaanbaatar / where will I stay?

        Flights typically arrive in the morning to Ulaanbaatar. We recommend flying in on June 29th at the latest.

        If you wish to arrive early, we can help you with hotel reservations.

        What time should I book my departing flight from Ulaanbaatar?

        The trip is technically finished after breakfast on July 13th, although most flights will leave early in the morning before breakfast is served. Anytime after 7 PM on July 12th would also be ok to leave, if that fits your schedule the best. 

        Travel Insurance

        Required Coverage

        RetreaTours requires that each guest carries travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and emergency evacuation and repatriation. The minimum coverage should be $100,000 emergency medical treatment and $250,000 emergency evacuation and repatriation.

        Please send Lauren your policy information as soon as you have it.

        Suggested Coverage

        We suggest trip cancellation insurance, as well, as you never know what obstacles life can toss at you leading up to a trip. However, we do not require this coverage, we only suggest it highly.

        Please familiarize yourself with RetreaTours’ guest cancellation policy in your journey’s contract. Please read this article to understand a bit more about trip cancellation insurance and what it may or may not cover. “Cancel For Any Reason” policies do exist, as well, although do check to see what percentage of the trip cost they actually reimburse.

        When to purchase your policy

        Please purchase this insurance as soon as we tell you the trip has reached its minimum. Please do not wait until the last minute, should you need to use your (optional) cancellation coverage before then.

        Where to search for policies

        Below you will find some options to start your search for trip insurance. However, we ask that you carefully consider your choice in travel insurance. What works for some people may not work for others, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions. Please do take the time to consider the best policy for your individual needs.

        Squaremouth.com and InsureMyTrip.com are two sites where you can see and compare many policies at once, and you can refine the options by what coverage you would like. Squaremouth’s interface is very easy and intuitive to use, and you can easily opt out of trip cancellation coverage.

        World Nomads provides policies for guests under 70 that includes trip cancellation options. Use the link above and pop in your info to get an immediate quote.

        It may also be a good idea to check with your credit card companies, especially American Express, to see if they offer any medical coverage for travel.

        Our Carbon Negative commitment

        RetreaTours is Climate Positive!

        We purchase double carbon offsets for your travels with us—that’s from your home, through the entire tour, and back to your home again, times two! 

        You may have heard the term “carbon neutral,” which means that a company offsets as much carbon as it produces. With this 200% offset, RetreaTours is actually offsetting more carbon than we produce each year, making us “carbon negative” (or “climate positive,” which has a nicer ring to it!)

        Since 2012 we’ve focused on making travel safe and easy for our guests; with our double carbon offset tours, we’re pleased to make our trips as sustainable as they are memorable.

        RetreaTours is officially a partner with Cool Effect.

        Please see more at RetreaTours.com/CarbonNegative

        About Professor Sangseraima Ujeed

         

        Professor Sangseraima Ujeed completed her MA and PhD degrees in Tibetan/Himalayan Buddhism at the University of Oxford and now teaches at the University of Michigan where she holds a position endowed by Khyentse Foundation. Being ethnically Mongolian, she was brought up in a traditional Buddhist family in Inner Mongolia and grew up as a practising Buddhist. She is a long time student of several Nyingma and Gelug lamas from Tibet and Mongolia.

        Today, she represents one of the growing number of scholar-practitioners who specialize in both the study of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as well as the practice and implementation of its precious teachings in everyday life. Sangseraima’s passion in her work and life is to bridge the academic and traditional Buddhist worlds through creating platforms for collaboration, exchange and practice.

        On this pilgrimage, she will combine mind training practices from Mongolia, guided meditation, lujong (Buddhist mind and body training), and chanting sessions in which she will share teachings from Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhist masters throughout the ages. Throughout the pilgrimage, she will also bring the Mongolian landscape to life by weaving together the legends, history, and the doctrinal traditions associated with the sacred Buddhist sites we visit in which she will implement the knowledge from her own work, research, and practices.

        About Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

        Established in 1990 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization, The Tricycle Foundation is dedicated to making Buddhist teachings and practices broadly available. In 1991 the Foundation launched Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, the first magazine intended to present Buddhist perspectives to a Western readership. Tricycle soon became the leading independent journal of Buddhism in the West, where it continues to be the most inclusive and widely read vehicle for the dissemination of Buddhist views and values. Our readership includes longtime practitioners, those who are curious about Buddhism or meditation, and those who do not identify as Buddhist but value the teachings of wisdom and compassion that Buddhism has to offer.

        By remaining unaffiliated with any particular teacher, sect or lineage, Tricycle provides a unique and independent public forum for exploring Buddhism, establishing a dialogue between Buddhism and the broader culture, and introducing Buddhist thinking to Western disciplines. This approach has enabled Tricycle to successfully attract readers from all walks of life, many of whom desire to enrich their lives through a deeper knowledge of Buddhist traditions.

        Tricycle has been recognized with the prestigious Folio Award for Best Spiritual Magazine three times, and has twice garnered the Utne Media Award, most recently in 2013. As part of our commitment to our readers who are seeking to implement or sustain Buddhist values and practices, Tricycle accepts advertising only from teachers, programs, centers, and businesses whose offerings we believe will support those aims. Because of this selective policy, we depend on donations to support ever-rising printing and production costs, content updates to our website, and life-enriching programs. The Foundation also hosts occasional pilgrimages that provide opportunities for new and experienced practitioners to explore sites of importance to Buddhist history and practice.

        Donations in support of Tricycle’s work may be made by mailing a check made payable to Tricycle at 89 5th Avenue, Suite 301, New York, NY 10003, or by visiting us at tricycle.org/donate.

        Mission Statement

        The mission of The Tricycle Foundation is to create forums for exploring contemporary and historic Buddhist activity, examine the impact of its new context in the democratic traditions of the West, and introduce fresh views and attainable methods for enlightened living to the culture at large. At the core of the Foundation’s mission is the alleviation of suffering that Buddhist teachings are meant to bring about.

        Tricycle is an independent foundation unaffiliated with any one lineage or sect.

        Why “Tricycle”?

        A three-wheeled vehicle aptly evokes the fundamental components of Buddhist philosophy. Buddhism itself is often referred to as the “vehicle to enlightenment,” and the tricycle’s three wheels allude to the three treasures: The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, or the enlightened teacher, the teachings, and the community. The wheels also relate to the turning of the wheel of dharma, or skillfully using the teachings of the Buddha to face the challenges that the circle of life presents.

        About BJ and Lauren of RetreaTours

        You’ll be joined on this journey by BJ & Lauren, owners of RetreaTours–and we are so excited to show you the wonders of Mongolia and this amazing return to Buddhism!

        We are blessed to partner with Tricycle: The Buddhist Review to create impactful, meaningful pilgrimages around the globe.

        Husband-and-wife team BJ Graf and Lauren Rathvon have traveled the globe year-round since January 2013, researching, designing, and leading impactful journeys. We are deeply grateful for the trust that our guests place in us to save them time and resources while they enjoy a memorable journey.

        We are committed not only to our guests, but to our host destinations and the planet. We engage with local businesses and guides to keep money within the community, and we double carbon-offset each of our tours.

        You can read more about our story here. We invite you to visit our Testimonials page to see what other people have to say about us!

        Contact RetreaTours
        Please write Lauren@RetreaTours.com for any questions you may have about this journey.  If you have not received a reply within 48 hours, please do check your spam folder.

        How to Register

        • Review this entire webpage for details
        • Complete Registration Questions and Contract
        • After submitting your registration form, Lauren will email you a link to pay the deposit

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