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Mongolia

Mongolia: Terelj Park and Nomadic Service — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 8 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Journey to beautiful Mongolia, one of the most rustic locations we visit. Marvel at breathtaking scenery near Ulaanbaatar. Participate in service to support members of ger communities where 62 percent of the city population thrive in spite of challenging living conditions. Explore Mongolia’s fascinating history, including the emperor Chinggis Khan, whose influence on the world’s culture and history is largely underemphasized in Western textbooks.

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 – Mongolia

In 2025, Rustic Pathways received GoAbroad’s Top Rated Provider recognition for high school travel in Mongolia.

Quote by: Anya Buyan-Erdene Mongolia Country Manager

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 10-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Depart for Mongolia!

Meet your group at your home airport. Fly together as a group to Mongolia. Total travel time will depend on your departure location and flight schedule. Be sure to get some rest so you arrive ready for adventure! Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.
2

In-Transit

If your travel to Mongolia crosses the international dateline, you'll likely lose this day to travel. Not to worry - you'll get it back on your return!
3

Welcome to Mongolia

Arrive into Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the guesthouse and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Overnight: Guesthouse, Ulaanbaatar
4

Explore Mongolia’s History

Start your day with a 300-step climb to Zaisan Memorial for sweeping views of Ulaanbaatar. Unwrap the history of nomads and the Mongol Empire at the National Museum of Mongolia. Discover the intellectual games and puzzles of Mongols at the International Intellectual Museum. Overnight: Guesthouse, Ulaanbaatar
5

Travel to a Ger District

Work in the district outside Ulaanbaatar City to support a public school. Help build a more attractive and comfortable learning facility for children who face the hardship of low-income life in the ger district, the area not connected to water or sewage lines. Overnight: Ger Camp, Terelj
6

Finish Service Projects

Enjoy a cultural show from the students at the school where your group volunteered to conclude your service. Be prepared to potentially perform a cultural show of your own! Stop on the way back to camp at the 130-foot-tall Chinggis Khan sculpture, the largest equestrian sculpture in the world. Join your group for a post-service debrief in the evening, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community. Overnight: Ger Camp, Terelj
7

Aryabal Temple Hike and Archery

Hike to Ariyapala Temple and spend time reflecting about your experience so far in Mongolia at this center of peace. Take a lesson in archery, one of Mongolia’s traditional “manly” sports. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings before visiting a herding family to try different types of dairy products. Overnight: Ger Camp, Terelj
8

Journey Back to Ulaanbaatar

Marvel at the views over the expansive city as your trek further out into Mongolia’s wilds. Look out for snowy and icy patches, camels crossing the road, and a hospitable family’s ger to stop for tea. Arrive back in the city in time for a hot dinner of dumplings or noodles and settle in. Overnight: Guesthouse, Ulaanbaatar
9

Experience Mongolian Culture

Spend the day souvenir shopping at fair trade stores. Enjoy a rousing cultural show that features traditional dance, music of various ethnic groups, and the one-of-a-kind khoomi throat singing. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home. Overnight: Guesthouse, Ulaanbaatar
10

Bayartai, Mongolia!

Say goodbye to Mongolia and your new friends before heading home. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you and reflect on your adventure. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways can book your flights upon request as an additional service

Total: 10 calendar days / 9 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Mongolia

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Mongolia offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Mongolia Asia Service + Culture
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