About Retreat
A spring tradition
Each May the birch trees awaken and give their fresh sap - a short window when it is at its clearest and purest.
For centuries, people across Siberia, Mongolia, North Asia, Northern Europe and North America have tapped this slightly sweet, crystal-clear 'living water' once a year, at the break of spring. Drinking it straight from the tree is one of spring's oldest renewal rituals - and this retreat is built around it.
The gifts of fresh birch sap
Fresh sap holds six electrolytes - calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and sodium - along with vitamin C, B-vitamins, amino acids, natural sugars, enzymes and antioxidants.
In northern traditions it is valued as a gentle, cleansing spring drink that supports renewal after winter, aids metabolism and digestion, and refreshes skin and hair.
Life with a nomadic family
You stay close to a Mongolian nomadic family and become part of its daily rhythm: sharing stories, learning traditional skills, and helping with everyday tasks when welcomed.
A typical day
Mornings begin with birch sap harvesting and a ceremony among the trees. Then five to six hours of hiking through forests, valleys and open steppe.
Evenings bring shamanic teaching with Wisdomkeeper Bulgan Windhorse in the ger, on living mindfully and spiritually in everyday life. No previous experience is needed, but you should be comfortable hiking daily.
Highlights
- Traditional birch sap harvesting experience in the spring forest
- Daily interaction with a Mongolian nomadic family
- Opportunities to learn and help with nomadic activities
- Five to six hours of guided hiking on countryside programme days
- Mindful nourishment, relaxation, and reflection
- Shamanic training with Bulgan for mindful, spiritual everyday living
Itinerary
Departure
Departure from home and international flight to Mongolia. A day of transition - leaving the familiar world behind and opening to the journey ahead.
Arrival & grounding
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Time to rest, settle, and gently adjust. Visit Gandan Monastery and set personal intentions for the retreat. Evening welcome dinner to open the circle.
Into the countryside
A scenic drive out of the capital into the green spring countryside. Arrival at the camp, meeting the host family, and settling into the rhythm of life on the land.
Nomadic life & the birch grove
Begin with fresh birch sap harvesting and a morning ceremony among the trees with Bulgan. Help your host family care for the animals, then hike for five to six hours through the surrounding forest and steppe. Evening shamanic teaching in the ger introduces mindful, spiritual living in everyday life.
Spring renewal in the forest
Harvest fresh sap responsibly from living birch trees and open the day with a ceremony among the trees. A five-to-six-hour forest hike invites close attention to the awakening landscape. Help with family chores and gather in the ger for Bulgan’s evening teaching on awareness in daily life.
Valleys & connection to the land
Morning birch sap harvesting and ceremony with Bulgan, followed by five to six hours of hiking through valleys and open countryside. Share the nomadic family’s daily tasks when welcomed. In the evening, explore how a mindful relationship with the land can guide everyday choices.
Walking with awareness
Collect fresh birch sap and join a morning ceremony among the trees. Hike for five to six hours through forest and steppe, allowing time for attentive walking and quiet observation. Help with the animals and join Bulgan’s evening shamanic teaching in the ger.
Animals & nomadic rhythms
Begin with birch sap harvesting and a morning ceremony. Join the family in caring for the animals and learning about daily life around the ger. A five-to-six-hour hike explores the surrounding landscape; evening teaching with Bulgan reflects on bringing mindfulness into ordinary tasks.
Forests, valleys & open steppe
Harvest sap and gather for a morning ceremony among the birches. Spend five to six hours hiking through forests, valleys and open steppe. Return to share family life and an evening of shamanic teaching with Bulgan, connecting the day’s experiences to spiritual practice.
Reflection in motion
Fresh sap harvesting and a morning ceremony open the day. Hike for five to six hours with space for reflection and quiet attention to nature. Help with the family’s daily activities, then gather in the ger for Bulgan’s teaching on carrying awareness into everyday life.
Birch traditions & spring renewal
Harvest fresh sap while learning how the family values this short spring season. After a morning ceremony among the trees, hike for five to six hours through the surrounding countryside. Evening shamanic teaching with Bulgan explores renewal as an everyday practice.
Community & shared learning
Begin with birch sap harvesting and a morning ceremony. Help with the animals and share the host family’s daily rhythm before a five-to-six-hour hike through forest and steppe. Gather in the ger for an evening of shared reflection and shamanic teaching with Bulgan.
Farewell to the land
A final morning of birch sap harvesting and a five-to-six-hour hike bring together the experiences of the retreat. Share a closing ceremony with Bulgan at the end of your time on the land, thank the host family, and spend your final countryside evening reflecting on what you will carry home.
Ulaanbaatar & farewell dinner
Scenic drive back to Ulaanbaatar after saying goodbye to the host family. Time to settle into the hotel, followed by a farewell dinner and reflection on bringing the retreat’s teachings into everyday life.
Departure
Closing circle and airport transfer.
Included
- All domestic transport in Mongolia (4WD vehicles and drivers)
- Accommodation in traditional gers, tented camps, and hotels in Ulaanbaatar
- All meals during the tour as described in the itinerary
- English-speaking guide and translator throughout
- National park, heritage site, and festival entrance fees
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Drinking water, tea, and snacks on travel days
Excluded
- International flights to and from Ulaanbaatar
- Mongolian visa fees, where applicable
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities and extra nights in Ulaanbaatar
- Tips for guides, drivers, and local hosts
- Single supplement, if a private ger or room is requested
Additional information
- Dates are to be confirmed for the 2027 season.
- Group size maximum 8 travellers.
- Countryside programme days include five to six hours of hiking; a good level of walking fitness is required. Arrival, transfer and departure days follow a different rhythm.
- Fresh birch sap harvesting depends on the short seasonal sap flow and local conditions. The daily sequence may be adjusted for weather and the host family’s activities.
- Spring nights can still be cold - layered clothing is essential.
Retreat pictures
Got a question?
Talk to us directly about dates, flights, or anything else on your mind - or read our frequently asked questions.