Eternal Landscapes is an independent woman owned and operated micro business that offers extraordinary experiences in Mongolia alongside the local families that they have long-term partnerships with. We love that they are driven by the philosophy to support locals and create trips that are beneficial to all. Also, that they aren’t shiny, polished travel professionals, but rather passionate adventurers, who genuinely know and love Mongolia and are excited to share and learn with every group!

On our Mongolia Adventure we’ll be joined by several local female guides who will show us an authentic perspective of their homeland. They are dynamic women who are breaking barriers and don’t fit the guide stereotype. They sincerely love their home country, jobs and genuinely care about making this experience as extraordinary as possible for you!

One of the many reasons we chose our partners, Eternal Landscapes, is that they have always made it a priority to give women in Mongolia a starting block and to employ them with long-term opportunities. This is one way we can sustainably invest in the future of Mongolia, and influence to improve the prospects for other women!

Some nights along the way, we’ll use family operated ger camps. Rural families frequently offer accommodation as a way of supplementing their income and providing extra financial security for themselves. The circumstances and type of ger accommodation provided will change from family to family. Consider them as small rural businesses NOT rustic luxury home stays.

Some nights we will be staying in tents near family gers at campsites with amazing views! At our camps we’ll always have a kitchen tent and toilet tent.

Along our journey we’ll have the privilege of encountering a network of local families throughout the country. These are based on long-term, personal friendships and relationships that our local partners have built up over 13+ years. Experiencing this type of travel is unique and the opportunity of a lifetime, and there are some things to keep in mind:

• We never ask a family to change their daily living for us for our own benefit or comfort. We don’t ask them to change their daily schedule or to put on an ‘act’ as this would lead to a contrived, inauthentic experience.

• Mongolians can be warm and welcoming and they can also be taciturn, reserved and very indifferent.

• There will be tasks in which you can participate. But, you need to be proactive. Offer your time and help.

• Nothing is over planned on our adventure because we never want to disturb the rhythm of life of the families we’re visiting. We are just trying to share/ experience a portion of their life. As in our everyday lives, sometimes plans change and a family might travel to Ulaanbaatar unexpectedly. Remember, their livestock and family life must come first! Reverse the situation and think about the impact on your life if visitors wanted to document everything about you.

Road journeys are a huge part of Mongolian life. Embrace them as part of the experience and enjoy what is called the ‘middle landscapes.’ We’ll be riding in Furgons which have a high wheel-base, ample luggage space, a sociable layout with forward and backward facing seats, surround side windows and most importantly, impressive off-road capability necessary for Mongolian road tripping! Each of our Furgons will hold three to four adventurers, and has its own simple mobile kitchen, sunshade, a small library as well as a 220v charger.

Along the road, we’ll provide honest, hearty meals. Each of our vehicles has a simple portable kitchen, so we have the freedom and flexibility to have picnic lunches en-route, and our trip assistants can prepare them as we’re exploring the local landscapes and taking in the views.

It’s a simple and basic set up, so don’t expect kale smoothies, Thai curries or paella, but it will definitely do the trick! Everyday we will get as much fresh produce as possible, but fresh fruit is not available daily, so please remember where you are and that there will certainly be limitations as to what can be provided. We can accommodate those with dietary requirements like vegetarians, dairy or gluten-free and even vegans - just be sure to let us know!

Some will be better than expected. Some will be worse than expected. That’s part of the adventure! Local Mongolian families don’t have access to running water, and to bathe they visit the local town shower house…so this is what we will do too! You’ll queue with the locals and get your own private cubicle with hot water. Why? It gives you an introduction to real daily life for a majority of Mongolians in both urban and rural areas. Be ready to roll with it!

Honestly, we don’t know, and that’s the beauty of it! Each Mongolia Adventure is different from the next, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. What we do know is you’ll have plenty of opportunities to bike, hike, and meet locals who will welcome you into their homes with open arms. Whatever possibilities come your way you’ll have a WHOA GAL there to take care of things and give you all the WHOA TLC! (Waterfalls not included.)