Travel for All: Accessible Tourism in Mongolia with Eternal Landscapes
At Eternal Landscapes, we firmly believe that travel — including adventure experiences — should be accessible to everyone. This belief has inspired us to open the conversation about accessible tourism in Mongolia, where ensuring equal access to travel is not just important, but the right thing to do.
While we are not a specialised disability tour operator, our small business size allows us the flexibility to adapt and personalise. As residents of Mongolia, we have deep local knowledge that helps us provide tailored support and guidance to all our guests, including those with disabilities.
This philosophy was brought to life during Dutch traveller and wheelchair user Randy Bloks’ recent journey through Mongolia, which Eternal Landscapes was honoured to arrange.
Randy’s Mongolian Adventure: Breaking Barriers in Accessible Travel
Randy, a wheelchair user since 2016 with a progressive neurological condition, was determined to visit Mongolia, knowing it might not be feasible for him in the future.
When I received his email, I was immediately struck by his adventurous spirit. Randy, who had traveled extensively before his illness, shared his remarkable experiences since beginning what he humorously called his “wheelchair traveling career.” His journeys included floating in the Dead Sea, navigating the metro systems of New York and Moscow (via escalators), and participating in the Dutch government project Onbeperkte Denkers—or Unlimited Thinkers. This initiative showcased inspiring portraits of individuals with disabilities who challenge barriers in all aspects of life, including work, socializing, daily activities, and, of course, travel.
Inspired by Randy’s resilience and enthusiasm, I was compelled to say yes and explore ways to make his dream of visiting Mongolia a reality, fully aware of the unique challenges he would face in such a remote destination.
His reflections below on the challenges and opportunities of accessible travel in Mongolia underscore the importance of thoughtful planning, creativity, and genuine inclusivity.
Immersing in Mongolian Culture
Randy, travelling with the help, care and support of his niece, enthusiastically embraced a variety of activities that provided an authentic glimpse into Mongolian life. His journey was filled with experiences, including a cooking workshop in a local home, spending time in the ger of a herding family, participating in archery lessons, visiting Gandan Monastery – Mongolia’s principal monastery – and enjoying a family BBQ along the way to the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex and Terelj National Park. Each activity added depth to his exploration of Mongolia’s culture and traditions.
When asked if he felt included in these activities, Randy responded enthusiastically:
“Absolutely, 200%! We saw not only the tourist highlights but also everyday Mongolian life—supermarkets, cooking workshops, and even visiting a family ger in the Semi-Gobi.”
His dedicated EL team, trip assistant Odnoo and driver Unuruu, played a key role in ensuring these activities were accessible and enjoyable.
Pragmatic and Accommodating Attitudes
Randy was impressed by the pragmatic and accommodating attitudes of Mongolians. “I didn’t hear a single ‘no,’” he shared, reflecting on their resourcefulness and willingness to help.
During his stay, Randy found his accessible room at the Holiday Inn in Ulaanbaatar to be comfortable and wheelchair-friendly, serving as a reliable base for exploring the city. Although the Sports Bar on the 20th floor was inaccessible due to stairs, the overall experience was positive and accommodating.
Traveling with MIAT Mongolian Airlines further enhanced his journey. Randy praised the airline for their excellent support with his wheelchair and breathing equipment, describing the experience in one word: “Excellent!” This thoughtful assistance demonstrated the potential for accessible travel in Mongolia.
Even challenging logistics, such as lifting him in and out of vehicles, were handled with resourcefulness and care by the EL team. Although he brought a sliding board for transfers, lifting proved to be the most practical solution, a testament to the team’s adaptability.
Randy, using his manual, hand-driven wheelchair, also sparked curiosity among locals, with some even taking photos. Instead of feeling awkward, Randy embraced these moments as opportunities for connection and cultural exchange, adding a unique and enriching layer to his Mongolian adventure.
Exploring Mongolia’s Attractions
Despite limited wheelchair-friendly infrastructure at tourist sites, and the fact that Randy’s wheelchair is Randy praised the EL team’s commitment to accessibility. From spotting Przewalski horses in Khustain Nuruu National Park to seeing the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue and exploring Terelj National Park, the team ensured no planned experience was out of reach.
“Kudos to the team—amazing and thank you so much for that!” Randy said.
Lessons from Mongolia’s Disabled Community
A visit to the Universal Progress Center in Ulaanbaatar was a meaningful highlight of Randy’s trip. As Mongolia’s first independent living center for people with disabilities, the center promotes inclusion, social participation, and empowerment.
The resilience and ingenuity of the local disabled community left a lasting impression on Randy. “I’ve probably told the story 20 times back home about how fortunate we are in the Netherlands,” he shared, contrasting Mongolia’s limited resources with his home country’s robust support systems.
Advice for Future Travellers
For wheelchair users considering Mongolia, Randy’s advice is straightforward: communicate openly about your needs and preferences. “Planning is key,” he emphasised, highlighting that partnering with a supportive and adaptable team, like Eternal Landscapes, can make all the difference.
Reflecting on his journey, Randy described it as “memories for a lifetime.” The breathtaking landscapes, immersive cultural experiences, and genuine human connections made his trip truly unforgettable.
To delve deeper into our approach to accessible travel in Mongolia and learn how it all began, click here. You can also explore the inspiring story of Candie’s journey as a blind traveler on one of our small group experiences.
We acknowledge that we don’t always get everything right, and there are certainly challenges along the way. However, if nothing else, we hope this post inspires other companies to embark on their own journey toward accessible tourism, taking steps to create more inclusive travel experiences for all.
Jess @ Eternal Landscapes
