Mongolia Homestays

Connecting Cultures and Supporting Communities

Our Mongolia Homestays are a direct result of our Climate Action Plan, created in partnership with families we’ve developed long-term relationships with in local communities. These immersive experiences offer you the chance to slow down, connect with people from a different culture, share in their daily routines, and gain a fresh perspective as you eat, sleep, and travel the local way.

Mongolia’s herders—including those we partner with—are facing unprecedented challenges brought on by climate change. Since 1940, the country’s average temperature has risen by 1.8–2.2°C, significantly impacting both the environment and the traditional herding way of life. Combined with the pressures of modern life, these changes have forced some herders to migrate to urban areas in search of stability.

Our homestays are designed to support and benefit the families who host our guests. The additional income they receive provides crucial financial security, helping them to sustain their traditional livelihoods and avoid the pressures of urban migration. By staying with these families, you’re directly contributing to their resilience and supporting a way of life that has been central to Mongolia’s culture for centuries.

Scroll down to learn more about how our homestays make a difference and what you can expect from this truly meaningful experience.

Authentic Mongolia Homestays: A Unique and Meaningful Experience

As a guest on one of our Mongolia homestay experiences, you’ll be welcomed by families with whom we’ve built long-term, community-based partnerships. True to our values, these homestays are designed to benefit and support each host family, ensuring their daily lives remain uninterrupted. We never ask our hosts to entertain, alter their routines, or put on a show.

We’ve carefully selected families located in accessible areas by public bus although a private transfer is also available for an additional fee.  We take care of the logistics, and you’ll be accompanied by one of our exceptional female trip assistants (guides – see more below). They’re there to assist with practicalities like meals and translation, but this isn’t a formal guided experience. Instead, you and your trip assistant integrate into family life, sharing authentic, everyday moments.

Our homestays provide a profound cultural exchange for you and a tangible financial impact for the host families. We ensure each family receives what we call a sustainable payment for their time, accommodation, and services. This supplemental income enhances their financial stability, helping them navigate challenges such as purchasing animal feed or covering unexpected costs like medical emergencies or trips to Ulaanbaatar. Crucially, it also brings them one step closer to avoiding the need for urban migration.

Our Female Trip Assistants: Supporting Women in Tourism

Since founding Eternal Landscapes in 2010, we’ve exclusively employed female guides, whom we refer to as trip assistants. This decision is rooted in our belief in creating meaningful opportunities rather than ticking boxes. Our homestay experiences provide valuable hands-on training for our trip assistants, helping them build tourism experience while deepening their local knowledge.

Understanding Your Ger Accommodation: A Genuine Rural Experience

The type of ger accommodation provided will vary from family to family, reflecting their individual circumstances and way of life. These accommodations are small rural businesses, not rustic luxury homestays. It’s important to approach your stay with an open mind and be prepared for a variety of standards. Remember, this is someone’s home and way of life—they offer what they can, based on their resources and circumstances.

  • Private Ger Accommodation

You will typically have your own private ger located near the family ger. However, we don’t guarantee exclusivity, as limiting the number of guests reduces the family’s potential income. We aim to strike the right balance, but during peak season, it’s possible you may encounter other travelers. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in these situations.

  • Beds

Expect a range of bed comfort levels. Many rural families still sleep on the floor as part of their traditional lifestyle and may not be familiar with the concept of modern bedding like double memory foam mattresses. While the beds provided will be clean and functional, they may differ from what you’re used to.

  • Showers

The families do not have showers at home. Instead, they use the local town shower house, and you will do the same. This experience offers an authentic glimpse into daily life for many Mongolians, both in rural and urban areas. At the shower house, you’ll have a private cubicle with plenty of hot water. Queue with the locals and enjoy the chance to connect with their everyday routines.

  • Toilets

Toilets will vary widely—some may exceed your expectations, while others may challenge them. Most will be outdoor Asian-style long (or short) drop toilets shared with the family. These facilities are a reflection of life in rural Mongolia. They are not designed to discomfort you but to provide insight into the realities of life on the ground.

Meals: A Blend of Local Flavor and Careful Planning

In all our Mongolia homestays, your female EL trip assistant works in partnership with your host family to prepare meals. There are plenty of opportunities to participate in preparing traditional Mongolian dishes alongside the family, giving you a hands-on cultural experience. However, to avoid placing additional demands on your hosts, we provide the necessary food items ourselves, allowing the families to focus on their daily responsibilities.

Mongolian cuisine is heavily centered around meat, which is an essential part of a herder’s diet. While we strive to ensure meals are tasty, hearty, and satisfying, it’s important to note that the remote locations and limited facilities may occasionally result in some restrictions. If you’re someone who relies on a diet high in fresh fruit or specific items, it’s best to adjust expectations accordingly.

We do our utmost to accommodate dietary requirements. To help us plan appropriately, it’s vital that you provide clear information about your needs at the time of booking. This will allow us to advise you in advance on what is realistically possible. There is ample space on the booking form to detail your preferences and requirements.

Drinking Water: Sustainable Practices in Rural Mongolia

In Mongolia’s rural areas, there is no running water. To minimize waste and support sustainability, we do not purchase bottled water due to the country’s limited recycling infrastructure. Instead, we collect drinking water from local families and filter it for your use. We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle, and for added convenience, we offer a 15% discount on Water-to-Go filtered reusable water bottles to ensure safe hydration during your journey.

Orkhon & Kharkhorin | Ovorkhangai Aimag | 6 Days | Adaptable

In partnership with Tumee & Jargaa herding family

Gorkhi Terelj National Park | Tuv Aimag | 5 Days | Adaptable

In partnership with Naraa and Bujee herding family

Tolbo Nuur | Bayan Ulgii Aimag | 6 Days | Adaptable

In partnership with the Bashakhan Kazakh herding family

Erdenedalai | Middle Gobi | Dundgobi Aimag | 5 Days | Adaptable

In partnership with Nergui herding family


We Would Love To Hear From You!

Call: +44 (0) 7810280403     Mail: jess@eternal-landscapes.co.uk


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If you’re in Ulaanbaatar why not pop in to our office. We love receiving guests.
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Just call Tuya to arrange +976 88011476.