Offering experiences - not tours. Join us and become part of a bigger travel philosophy. We invite you to be part of this bigger travel philosophy.
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We’re proud of our commitment to making a positive difference through tourism in Mongolia and to breaking typical tourism stereotypes of Mongolia. At Eternal Landscapes Mongolia we have a collective purpose and we’re not motivated by profit or by trying to be number one on TripAdvisor. We’re a small and personal Mongolian registered company and social travel enterprise driven by a set of ethics an
d values including tourism that doesn’t harm the liveability of Mongolia. We work in long-term local community partnership with a network of Mongolians and local Mongolian projects – representing all spectrums of society. We’re proud of our commitment to making a positive difference in Mongolia through our Mongolia trips and experiences and to breaking down typical tourism stereotypes and clichés of Mongolia. As part of our philosophy of making a difference, we don’t employ the best. Instead, we want to show that everyone has great potential, a fact reflected in the free training and support programme we provide and the employment opportunities we create to those that want the opportunity to work in tourism and who want to aim to be the best they can be.
25/04/2024
Back in 2010/11, Turuu and I faced significant challenges as we launched Eternal Landscapes, from securing accommodations to finding reliable guides. We innovated by partnering with local communities and empowering Mongolian women in a field dominated by men or Western guides. This approach not only shaped the experiences we offer but also strengthened our commitment to local development. We chose to be a catalyst for change, encouraging our team members to realize their potential. This is just one example of what we mean when we invite our guests to be part of a bigger travel philosophy. As you can see in these recent photos, our team's connection goes beyond professional ties, blossoming into genuine friendships and shared adventures.
As captured in these stunning photos by Bayar Balgantseren, spring in Mongolia, while often arid and windy, possesses its own unique beauty. We know that it might be the least advertised season by tour operators in Mongolia. However, as we frequently highlight, it is undeniably one of the most industrious times of the year in the countryside as communities engage in vital tasks to nurture their land and livestock. This is precisely why we offer spring experiences, aiming to showcase the authentic rhythms of rural life.
Today, March 18th, we celebrate Soldier's Day in Mongolia, a day of national pride that has expanded in its significance to also honour all Mongolian men as part of Men's Day. This occasion allows us to recognise and applaud the diverse contributions, accomplishments, and roles played by men across various sectors of society. In line with this celebration, we take the opportunity to highlight and express our gratitude to the men within our team who all play an essential role in our company's success. Join us in celebrating their contributions and achievements.
15/03/2024
Beyond the celebrations of International Women's Day and Nauryz in Mongolia, there's a lesser-known but significant event happening in mid-March: the beginning of the livestock birthing season. Despite spring's notorious reputation for its unpredictable weather, this season holds immense significance for Mongolia's herders and offers a truly captivating experience for visitors.
Additionally, by choosing to visit this year in spring, outside of the main tourism season, you help to provide financial support to herders after what has been a particularly brutal winter. Your visit can make a meaningful difference in their livelihoods.
This is a thank you to each and everyone of you who has travelled with us, been part of our community or who has supported us. What better way to celebrate than by sharing the news that we - EL - have won the Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award - an internationally recognised honour within the tourism and hospitality industries. It’s bestowed upon organisations that demonstrate excellence in their commitment to gender equality. We may be small, but we can still make a difference.
I've been an avid listener of the Soul of Travel Podcast for several seasons, and I'm thrilled to share my recent experience as a guest. The podcast's commitment to spotlighting women leaders in the travel industry is truly great—it's empowering to hear stories of women making a positive impact worldwide.
I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Christine Winebrenner Irick and feel honoured to be featured alongside some incredible women in the industry. Our discussion ranged from to broader topics like community, stewardship, and equitable tourism. So why not grab a mug of tea or coffee and join us for an engaging conversation?
Thank you .sojourns for the wonderful opportunity!
Today, on , our focus is on celebrating the remarkable efforts of Association Goviin Khulan, an NGO dedicated to safeguarding the biodiversity of Mongolia's Gobi region. They work to preserve the Asiatic wild ass and other endangered species, alongside their fragile habitats. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing research, community-driven conservation initiatives, educational outreach, and a long-term conservation tourism programme, Association Goviin Khulan stands as a beacon of hope for the conservation of Gobi wildlife and their ecosystems.
Team time! At EL, we're committed to fostering a vibrant sense of community. It's a top priority to make sure every individual, no matter their role, how long they've been with us, or their work schedule, experiences a sense of belonging and appreciation. We're not just a team; we're a family. ❤️🇲🇳
This winter in Mongolia has brought about harrowing conditions for herders and their livestock, with extreme snowfall and bitter temperatures in certain provinces posing life-threatening challenges. The conditions in the linked video vividly illustrate the stark reality faced by herding families.
Across our website, we feature stories and articles that illuminate the lives of our partnership-herding families, exploring how the climate emergency has affected their fragile way of life. This includes the exacerbation of weather patterns in Mongolia, which has resulted in increasingly extreme conditions such as those witnessed this season.
In Dundgobi Province, the Dembee family, one of our long-term partnerships, has rallied their local community in Baga Gazariin Chuluu to form a support network. Together, they aim to provide crucial assistance to families most in need during this difficult time.
Turuu and I will be contributing to Dembee's fund and also providing direct support to other of our partnership families that we know to be under extreme duress.
While there is absolutely no obligation if you, our wider community, wish to lend a hand, please feel free to reach out to me directly to explore ways to contribute. Every bit of support makes a meaningful difference in these challenging circumstances.
We have news! Eternal Landscapes Mongolia has been shortlisted for the Gender Equality Champion of the Year 2024 award (Travel and Destination). This recognition comes from Equality in Tourism: Creating Change for Women - an independent, non-profit women’s network committed to promoting gender equality within the tourism industry worldwide.
Since we established EL in 2010, we have always championed gender equality and worked on Mongolian women having a share in the benefits of tourism.
Thank you to Equality in Tourism for this meaningful recognition, and to our incredible team for all they do. And of course, a massive thank you to our extended community—YOU!—for your continuous support and encouragement along the way. We are honoured to be among the nominees, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to create positive change and fostering inclusivity within the travel sector.
✨ Introducing the Gender Equality Champion of the Year 2024 shortlist ✨
Plus an extra exciting announcement: this year we'll be crowning two Champions at ITB Berlin!
We've shortlisted candidates across two categories – Accommodation and Travel & Destinations – pushing forward gender equality in the industry.
🏨 Accommodation:
NH Hotel Group, part of Minor Hotels
Accor Group Brazil Embrace Program
CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality & Gastronomy
London Heathrow Marriott Hotel
Learn more about the excellent initiatives and practices that made these businesses stand out: https://lnkd.in/eNcf7XyA
Join us on the 6th March on the Hybrid Stage, Hall 5.3 at ITB Berlin to celebrate the winners. 🏆
13/02/2024
Our Mongolian Lunar New Year (Tsagaan Sar) guests together with Enkhtur Arildiipurew in the first rays of the Year Of The Dragon. During Tsagaan Sar, it is customary to set aside negative emotions such as anger, greed, and sadness. As Mongolians celebrate the traditions of Tsagaan Sar, with the emergence of the new crescent moon, they embrace the dawn of a fresh start—a time filled with positivity and purity.
to a winter's day in Western Mongolia. In landscapes like these, we're reminded to pause and see the world around us. But, it's not just about the destination, but the simple, quiet wonders we encounter along the way. The beauty of travel isn't always in the 'doing' but often in the 'being'.
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📷 EL guest Felix Ellrott
02/02/2024
Have you visited one of Mongolia's remarkable lakes? What did you find most compelling about it? Mongolia’s glorious lakes are not just geographical features but essential components of the country’s cultural identity, ecosystems, and way of life. Some lakes also have historical significance and many are considered sacred, with traditions and customs associated with them. We thought we'd focus on them for World Wetlands Day - celebrating these critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, economies, and more.
Venturing alongside Mongol Kazakh eagle hunter where the spirit runs wild & free. 🦅 For those who embark on this extraordinary journey with us, be ready to shed your preconceptions. In the vast landscapes of Western Mongolia, schedules are left behind, & we embrace 'nomad time.' It's not just about hunting with eagles; it's about the continuation of tradition, being in the deep silence of the winter landscapes, & experiencing the art of Kazakh horsemanship & culture. Learn more in the link below.
What does adventure mean to you? For the intrepid team of On va marcher sur le lac, adventure meant embarking on an extraordinary 24-day winter odyssey, traversing the frozen expanse of Lake Khovsgol on foot. We were honoured to participate in their incredible journey, providing some aspects of their logistical support to help turn their audacious dream into a reality. Their stunning film, a tribute to their determination and the raw beauty of Mongolia is now available on YouTube (linked below).
Wherever you are, we wish you a Christmas filled with moments of peace, joy, and hope. Thank you from Enkhtur, our brilliant team, and I for being part of our community and for being part of a bigger travel philosophy. 🇲🇳❤️
📷 EL guest Ang
22/12/2023
As the sun rises after the solstice, Mongolia begins its Nine Nines of winter. The Nine Nines is a measure, used by herders for centuries and measured in 9 sets of 9 days for a total duration of 81 days. Why not embark on one of our winter trips to learn more about this tradition, and experience the profound stillness of Mongolia's unparalleled winter beauty. Yes, winter in Mongolia can be harsh, but it's more than just a season—it's a way of life.
Winter at Uuliin Nuur Park/Уулын Нуур in . We take immense pride in our enduring local partnership with its founder Ulzii, contributing to this incredible space. Our experiences offer insights into local projects like Uuliin Nuur, showcasing dedication and fostering positive change. Come, witness passion and innovation, and be part of something meaningful.
Experiencing winter in Mongolia doesn't have to be about adrenaline-pumping adventures; it's also an invitation to slow down and savour the essence of a place such as Khovsgol Nuur captured here by Mongolian Lake tour (). The sheer beauty of Mongolia's landscapes in winter offers an opportunity for introspection and connection with nature. Who will join us?
Meet father and son, Bekbolat and Esentai - hosts on our Riding With Eagle Hunters winter experience. Embracing low-season travel in Mongolia is a major part of our ethos as a company. While tourism sustains livelihoods, the extended low season poses significant challenges for many in Mongolia's tourism community. But, although winter in Mongolia has a fearsome reputation, we offer our low season 15% discount to encourage you to join us as our guest. Your visit during the low season isn't just an adventure—it's a lifeline, offering crucial financial support to our team and partnering families, helping to alleviate hardships brought by seasonality. Step into an experience that goes beyond the ordinary—a journey that embodies a bigger travel philosophy. Join us and be part of an experience that not only fosters meaningful connections but also sparks positive change within local communities.
**Your Voice, Our Commitment: It’s Our 2023 Feedback Response!** Thank you to everyone who travelled with us in 2023! We've always fostered transparency and openness and that's why we're sharing the highlights of our 2023 feedback and the responses they've inspired with our broader community, offering our prospective guests a clear understanding of the EL experience they can expect.
Black Friday symbolises consumerism, a concept in stark contrast to our company's core values. As a socially conscious business, engaging in heavy discounting to rival our larger competitors doesn’t align with our ethos. Instead, we advocate for Do Good Friday—a shift towards supporting local initiatives that strive to transform their communities for the better like the brilliant upcycling efforts of the Mongolian Quilting Center/Зүймэл даавуун урлалын төв
This week Mongolia celebrated Chinggis Khan's birthday. His enduring significance lies not just in history books but in the fabric of Mongolian culture, identity, and national pride. Even centuries after his rule, the principles he embodied—strength, resilience, and adaptability—are ingrained in Mongolia's societal values. Moreover, his establishment of the Mongol Empire fostered a legacy of cultural exchange, tolerance, and inclusivity that resonates in today's Mongolia.
Your home on the steppe 🇲🇳 This week's final post on flight-free travel spotlights our immersive homestay experiences. In collaboration with local families, we foster long-term community partnerships. By choosing our carefully curated homestays, you not only embrace a slower pace but also forge meaningful connections with a different culture. Travel like a local, sharing daily life experiences, and gaining fresh perspectives. Reach our homestay locations via public bus or a short transfer, guided by our helpful female trip assistants. Our homestays prioritize supporting host families without disrupting their routines—no expectations for entertainment or altered schedules. Experience travel in its most authentic form.
This week we're focusing on slowing down and experiencing flight-free adventures in our beloved Mongolia. Did you know that although the international Trans-Mongolian train is not currently operational, you can still explore Mongolia by train? Our favourite route follows Mongolia's ancient Tea Road but, from north to south or south to north, there's something for everyone and you can visit nature reserves, monasteries that hold stories of centuries, and sacred mountains.
It's a form of slow travel that brings you closer to nature, culture, and the heart of this incredible land.
We get it, long hours on Mongolian roads may not be everyone's ideal travel experience. But here's the thing: Mongolia is vast, one of the world's largest countries. While there are domestic flights available, we're passionate about a different kind of journey. We believe in savoring the road, exploring the in-between landscapes. These journeys offer a unique chance to experience the subtle shifts in the scenery along the way and see how people make their lives within these landscapes. Although an overused phrase, it really is not just about the destination; it's about embracing the entire journey. Do you agree?
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📷 EL guest Massimo Rumi
02/11/2023
While the allure of uncharted territory is undeniably exciting, let's not forget that well-known areas in Mongolia have an authenticity all their own. Often, the hinterland of these iconic destinations, like Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur captured here on a recent horse trek, have an authenticity all their own. Venturing off the beaten track within these well-explored regions unveils a stunning backdrop for extended treks. Here, solitude and a profound connection with nature await, promising a transformative experience. So, as you traverse the known, dare to embrace the unseen. It's often in the overlooked corners of iconic locations that the true essence of Mongolia's landscapes is waiting to be discovered.
This is an appreciation post for each of our guests. We'd like to take a moment to say thank you to those who choose to travel with us, over our competitors. It's not just a preference – it's a vote of confidence in our travel philosophy. We're thrilled to have you as part of our journey toward a more equitable form of tourism in Mongolia. Thank you for being a part of our bigger travel philosophy. We're always grateful. ❤️🇲🇳
25/10/2023
Helping Mongolia's Wilderness: members of our brilliant team have just completed our annual national park community clean-up. It's more than just picking up trash. We've been arranging & funding this event since 2014 & it's about coming together, building a long-term connection with the local community, & helping to protect the natural beauty that makes this country so unique. This is just one small example of why we invite our guests to be part of a bigger travel philosophy. Together, we can make a difference. Find out more here - https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/mongolia-national-park-community-clean-up/
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Videos
Visitors to Mongolia want to experience the way of life lived by Mongolia's herding families whether they are eagle hunters, reindeer herders or horse wranglers. But, the care of the livestock must come first as without their livestock Mongolia's herders have no way of life. So, as a visitor, ditch your watch & your expectations & come prepared to slow down & spend a lot more time than you had planned doing nothing more than watching sheep, goats, horses, camels, or yaks ...
With our host, Enkh Orshikh T
Enjoy the swift skill of Mongol Kazakh Halmira. Even better, spend a few hours in her home, drinking tea and learning side-by-side with her about the traditional art of Kazakh embroidery. We support Halmira as part of our network of long-term local community partnerships and you can find out more below.
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ℹ️ https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/meeting-halmira-olgii-western-mongolia/
We understand that our guests visit Mongolia for the human connection but Mongolia's immense and diverse 'eternal' landscapes together with its beautiful nature are a central element of any experience. Here's a snapshot of images taken by EL guests and our team on our 23-day Untamed Mongolia 'Wild Tracks' road trip to show you what we mean.
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ℹ️ https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/mongolia-tours/
Explore Mongolia
People often ask why the name 'Eternal Landscapes.' Well. A 20-day Eternal Landscapes experience has been put into this spectacular footage by the brilliant AWE Vision that joined on the trip. I think this explains our company name perfectly.
Why not join us in 2019?
It started in a windswept campsite in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park in the southern Gobi of Mongolia. Turuu and I had been working together for four years as tour leader and driver for a UK based adventure company. And then came the morning when I had to tell Turuu that the job had finished due to the company we were working for being sold and restructured. And that’s when he asked:
‘Boss. Why don’t you start our own company?’
In our special hybrid language we tentatively discussed ideas. We both felt that too many companies were selling stereotype Mongolia and not the reality of the country in the 21st Century. We knew that nomads and wilderness sell and yes, we wanted to earn a living, but we both felt that Mongolia is a diverse and dynamic country that deserved to be explored beyond its cliches. So it began. We launched with a small website, an even smaller fanfare and an even smaller handful of early customers.
With little business history or experience, we have slowly bootstrapped our way up. Making mistakes, being honest about making them and then learning from them. We kept our day jobs. We ate ramen noodles. My base in Ulaanbaatar was a US$ 6 per night dorm bed in a room with five other people. I have learnt how to blog. Turuu has learnt the fine art of small talk and together, we have slowly built Eternal Landscapes Mongolia.
Since these early days, our EL brand is slowly growing. Yet from our Ulaanbaatar hub, we stay true to our original ethos of responsible and realistic tourism, remaining committed to supporting the local people, communities and environment. We’re a micro business that call ourselves ‘manaikhan – family.’ As well as our immediate team, we also know the faces and names of every Mongolian we work with – whether that be a Kazakh family in far western Mongolia or a philanthropist in Ulaanbaatar.
The ‘eternal landscapes’ of Mongolia and the broader context within which Mongolians live their lives runs deep through everything we do. Eternal Landscapes is about the vastness of the land of Mongolia and the way the local people make their lives within that immensity. It’s about travelling through Mongolia’s landscapes as a visitor and starting to understand how the landscapes have helped to form the Mongolian personality – the sturdy individualism, hardiness, endurance, self-sufficiency, tolerance and the spirit of freedom.
Since day one we have taken a pioneering approach. For some tour operators it is a business decision but we are so much more than just a profit-driven business scared of a negative TripAdvisor review. It’s a long-term love affair. With all the resultant peaks and troughs and challenges. And it’s the ability and willingness to learn from our mistakes that allows us to develop and strengthen.
We’re proud that our genuine love of Mongolia remains through everything that we do.
We’re also proud that we’re not driven by profit or by trying to be number one on TripAdvisor. We’re a small and personal Mongolian registered company working in long-term local community partnership with rural families. We’re proud of our commitment to making a positive difference through tourism in Mongolia and to breaking typical tourism stereotypes of Mongolia. As part of our philosophy of making a difference, we don’t employ the best. Instead, we provide training and support to those that want the opportunity to aim to be the best they can be. We invite you to be part of this bigger philosophy.
Search our website for ideas on our sustainable adventure experiences - from small group travel to private tailor made trips, winter journeys and even one-day experiences. We look forward to welcoming you to our home.
