Stuff YOUR rucksack for Asral NGO Mongolia
Asral is the Mongolian word for “care,” and it perfectly captures the mission of Asral NGO (asralmongolia.org). Founded by the High Tibetan Lama, Ven. Panchen Ötrul Rinpoche, Asral was established in 1994 at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in response to the severe social and economic hardships Mongolia faced following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Since its founding, Asral has worked tirelessly to address poverty and social challenges in Mongolia, with a particular focus on the Bayangol ger district—one of the largest and most underserved districts in Ulaanbaatar.
High Tibetan Lama, Ven. Panchen Ötrul Rinpoche together with recipients of Asral’s community outreach programme.
Keeping Families Together, Supporting Children
Asral’s core mission is to keep families under stress together, preventing children from becoming homeless—whether due to neglect, unsafe home environments, or economic instability. Their multi-purpose centre, the Kunchab Jampaling Buddhist Centre, is located in the heart of the Bayangol ger district. It serves as the hub for Asral’s wide-ranging initiatives, from social welfare programmes to vocational training, including the Made in Mongolia felt-making project, with which we proudly partner.
The Hot Meal Project – Nourishment, Education, Hope
One of Asral’s key initiatives is the Hot Meal Project, part of its broader Improving Access to Education programme. This project supports 30–35 of the district’s most vulnerable children (aged 6 to 16), who are selected with the help of local community leaders. Many of these children cannot be cared for by parents or guardians, and the project provides vital protection against hunger, neglect, and exposure to violence.
Each weekday, the children receive a nutritious hot lunch at the Asral Centre. In addition, they benefit from extra academic tuition, homework help, and school supplies. The programme also supports children with clothing, school uniforms, and access to medical care. A dedicated team of mainly retired teachers and young social workers, including specialists in Mongolian language and mathematics, provide both educational and psychological support.
Stuff Your Rucksack for Asral NGO
As a company, we are consistently moved by the generosity of our EL guests. Many of you want to bring thoughtful gifts for the Mongolian people you meet. So, in conversation with Bumaa, the Director of Asral, we came up with the idea of “Stuff Your Rucksack for Asral NGO”—a small way for those travelling with us to provide meaningful, practical support.
If you’re joining us in Mongolia and would like to contribute, here is a list of suggested items that can make a real difference.
Please note: there is no obligation to bring anything. Mongolia is rarely a pack-light destination, so we completely understand if you don’t have the extra space.
Suggested Donations
Small School Supplies
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Colour pencils, pens (including coloured pens), erasers, rulers (including geometry sets)
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Drawing notebooks, notebooks for maths
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Correction pens, black drawing pencils
Personal Care & Clothing
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Small hand towels, combs, hand soap/Sanitol
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White pantyhose (for young girls)
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Winter hats, scarves
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Socks (summer and winter, all sizes for boys and girls)
Larger Items
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Winter jumpers (open collar, all ages)
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White T-shirts (all ages)
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School bags
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Winter and spring coats
How It Works
Once in Ulaanbaatar, we’ll arrange for you to visit Asral and deliver your donated items. To respect the children’s privacy and maintain safeguarding standards, donations are given directly to the Asral team rather than to individual children.
If you’d like to contribute but don’t have space in your luggage, you’re welcome to purchase items locally in Ulaanbaatar—we can assist you with that too.
And if you’re visiting Mongolia independently (not on an EL trip) but still want to support Asral, we’d be delighted to help you make the connection.
For more information about our other local partnerships and responsible travel projects, visit: Responsible Tourism in Mongolia.
Alternatively, if you’re curious about the ancient Mongolian craft of feltmaking, why not join our half-day felting experience? You’ll work alongside the women of Asral’s Made in Mongolia social outreach project—an inspiring initiative that empowers local women through traditional skills and sustainable income.
Get packing! (Or should we say… stuffing?)
Warmly, Jess @ Eternal Landscapes
