good for you

A scattering of traditional nomad tents in the heart of the Gobi desert, with the Altai mountains in the distance, Three Camels Lodge is the perfect place to experience the fascinating culture and raw natural beauty of Mongolia, while enjoying the comforts to which contemporary travellers are accustomed.

The cosy 'gers' - traditional circular tents of nomadic herders - are hand-made using a latticed wood structure covered with layers of felt and canvas, all have stunning views of the Gobi desert and mountain range beyond. Far from being a challenging camping experience, each ger is heated by a wood stove and furnished with beautifully painted wood-framed beds and furniture.

The main lodge building is designed and decorated in traditional Mongolian style, and affords an informal and relaxing atmosphere where guests can lounge by the fire, while the porch provides the ideal spot for stargazing. But you won't be sequestered away from local life here, with herds of nomads passing through the campsite, giving you the chance to interact with desert-dwellers, while the staff are mostly people from the neighbouring village. Meanwhile, there's plenty of nature to enjoy, with a range of hikes, horseback riding excursions and animal-spotting to enjoy, as well as fascinating archaeological sites to explore.

If you came out of a cinema seduced by the tranquillity of life in "The Story of the Weeping Camel", or just want to immerse yourself in an ancient and fascinating culture, make like Ghengis and head to the Gobi.

good for mongolia

The gers, of their nature, tread lightly on the earth, while all energy at the lodge is supplied by wind and sun and heating is courtesy of animal dung-fueled stoves. The delightful staff hails mostly from the local village, and food and other products are purchased from local farms and suppliers, providing this remote region with opportunities for economic growth through responsible tourism.

Rooms

Food

Meals are served in an over-sized ger, similar to ones used by the great Khans centuries ago, and consist of fresh salads and vegetables along with traditional Mongolian staples like mutton and beef dumplings.

Food and supplies are purchased from local farms and suppliers, providing this remote region with opportunities for economic growth through responsible tourism. Availability of produce varies depending on the season, but whatever you eat is fresh, delicious and seasonal.

There's a buffet breakfast and the two bars are well-stocked. Ingredients are seasonal, and locally grown and raised.

Special dietary needs can be accommodated - give advance notice.

Features & Facilities

• Attendants for each ger with daily housekeeping.
• Conference/lecture hall with television and VCR equipment
• Fully-attended reception area
• Fully-stocked bar featuring select wines, beers, and spirits
• Laundry service
• Entertainment by traditional Mongolian hoomi (throat) singers, musicians, contortionists, and dancers
• Gift shop featuring local crafts and artwork
• Selection of board games
• Optional daily hikes and excursions accompanied by a local field guide
• Business facilities including fax service

See Local Info for more info on activities in the local area.

Local Info & Activities

wildlife

There is plenty to do and see within the lodge surrounds. A short walk from your ger will take you to ancient petroglyphs found on the rock outcrop behind the camp, depicting argali (wild sheep), ibex (wild goat), wolves, and antelope. The area around the camp attracts various desert wildlife and you may spot hares, desert wheatears, long-eared hedgehogs, or even the rare Henderson's Ground Jay. Many passing nomads bring their livestock to the well near the camp for watering, and you may get a chance to visit families in their homes and experience the daily life of desert nomads.

excursions

The lodge can also arrange various excursions, including guided hikes in the foothills of the Gobi-Altai Mountains (affording excellent opportunities to photograph indigenous wildlife including Argali, ibex, foxes, wolves, griffons, and vultures_; camel trekking through vast sand dunes, watching for black- and white-tailed gazelles_; horse riding through verdant mountain valleys to local springs_; or searching for and excavating dinosaur fossils at the legendary Flaming Cliffs under the guidance of a paleontologist from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.

local culture

The culture of the Gobi nomads is incredibly rich. Fueled by the Buddhist renaissance, it expresses itself in sculpture, calligraphy and painting as well as music, song and dance, all of which reflect a profound connection with the land and an appreciation of the country's natural beauty. A highlight of any visit to the Three Camel Lodge is a performance featuring Mongolian instruments, traditional dancing, and the hauntingly beautiful artistry of hoomi (throat) singing. Hoomi singing opens a small window on an incredibly complex and rich heritage and has often been described as "double singing" because it sounds like several notes being produced simultaneously. Perfecting this eerily beautiful acoustic singing requires years of training and is produced by the precise control of the larynx, mouth, and abdominal muscles.

insider tips

For those who want to avoid the freezing cold!

Mongolia has a cool climate with short, mild summers and long, severe winters lasting from October to April. Weather is highly unpredictable and travellers should be prepared for extremes. Dressing in layers is advisable, as it is quite possible that temperatures could be either colder or warmer (or a combination of both) than averages. Days tend to be sunny, though there is always the possibility of rain. Because Mongolia is far from any oceans, the humidity is extremely low.

Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit):

• May: 30¡-55¡
• June: 40¡-70¡
• July: 50¡-90¡
• August: 40¡-80¡
• September: 35¡-70¡
• October: 20¡-45¡

Sustainability

The gers, of their nature, tread lightly on the earth, while all energy at the lodge is supplied by wind and sun including 24-hour electricity in each ger supported by solar-charged batteries.

Heating is courtesy of animal dung-fueled stoves. The delightful staff hails mostly from the local village, and food and other products are purchased from local farms and suppliers, providing this remote region with opportunities for economic growth through responsible tourism.

The Three Camel Lodge was built to complement its natural surroundings. Local artisans and workers crafted the roofs of the buildings in accordance with the canons of Mongolian Buddhist architecture, without using a single nail. Simple, natural materials keep the sense of nature flowing throughout the lodge to create a truly enchanting environment._

The design and development of the Three Camel Lodge was guided by an emphasis on local community values and ecological sustainability. While planning and building the lodge, a cooperative agreement was initiated, the first of its kind, with local government and National Park authorities-a reflection of the commitment to sustainable development and conservation of nature. Hunting has been prohibited within a 12-mile radius and the Three Camel Lodge will serve as a base for scientific research and wildlife monitoring. The Lodge actively fights against unauthorized removal of dinosaur fossils from pale ontological sites and animal poaching._

Working with the local community, the Three Camel Lodge funds and organizes nature conservation clubs for children in local secondary schools. Activities for the children include collecting litter, cleaning and protecting mountain springs, planting native trees and bushes, and attending presentations by leading naturalists and scientists._

Getting There

Three Camel Lodge is located in the Gobi next to the Gobi Gurransaikhan National Park - about 1.5 hours drive from the Provincial Capital. You can get there by flying from Ulaanbaatar to Bulugatai or Dalanzadgad, or you can drive from Ulaanbaatar (610km) to Bulgan village.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

Deluxe ger - (attached private bathroom):

US$100 per person based on double occupancy with all meals included.

US$130 per person based on single occupancy per day with all meals included.

Standard ger - (shared bathroom)

US$70 per person based on double occupancy per day with all meals included.

US$85 per person based on single occupancy with all meals included.

booking & cancellation

• A booking is confirmed on payment of a 10% non-refundable deposit. The remaining 90% is payable not later than 14 days before arrival date.
• Cancellations made up until 14 days prior to arrival date will incur the loss of the 10% deposit only.
• Cancellations made between 14 and 6 days will incur a cancellation fee of 60% of total cost of stay.
• Cancellations made between 5 and 0 days will result in the loss of the entire cost of stay.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.