Retreat & Journey in the South Gobi Desert
Single €3,890 · Duo €3,490 per person
About Tour
A twelve-day retreat and journey through the South Gobi. The first part is a held retreat built around sand wellness, silence, and four days of shamanic training with Shaman Bulgan Windhorse; the second part travels out to the singing dunes, the Vulture Valley, and the flaming cliffs.
Sand wellness uses the warm mineral sand of the desert to draw out tension and restore balance. The four days of shamanic training introduce drum journeys, ceremony, and Mongolian cosmology. The journey then opens out into the iconic landscapes of the South Gobi.
Suitable for anyone seeking rest, reflection, and a genuine encounter with the desert - no previous practice required.
Highlights
- Experience the vast, quiet landscape of the South Gobi Desert
- Daily sand wellness sessions in warm mineral sand
- Four days of shamanic training with Shaman Bulgan Windhorse
- Walk the Khongoryn Els singing dunes and the Vulture Valley
- Use the remote desert as a setting for reflection and transformation
Itinerary
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Airport welcome, transfer to your hotel, and an evening orientation.
Ulaanbaatar & opening ceremony
Gandan Monastery and the National Museum, followed by an opening fire ceremony.
Flight to the South Gobi
Domestic flight to Dalanzadgad and drive to the desert camp. Opening circle at sunset.
First sand wellness session
Introduction to sand wellness, breathwork, and the rhythm of the retreat.
Four days of shamanic training
A structured four-day training with Shaman Bulgan: drum journeys, ceremony, and Mongolian cosmology, with morning sand wellness throughout.
Khongoryn Els dunes
Travel to the singing dunes. Walking meditation on the sand and an evening fire ceremony.
Yolyn Am & the flaming cliffs
Through the Vulture Valley gorge and the red cliffs of Bayanzag, with an offering at a desert ovoo.
Return to Ulaanbaatar
Flight back to the capital, free afternoon, and a farewell dinner.
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
- Guidance and ceremonies led by Shaman Bulgan Windhorse
- 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
- Suitable for all fitness levels; walking is optional on most days.
- Group size maximum 8 travellers.
- Desert temperatures swing widely between day and night - layered clothing is essential.
- Includes four days of shamanic training; no previous experience required.
- Periods of silence are held gently, not enforced.
Tour pictures
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