The soul of Mongolia
Comfort and the Gobi Desert may not be synonymous in most travellers' minds, but Three Camel Lodge is one notable exception. Sheltered by a 47-million-year old volcanic outcrop, the Three Camel Lodge is situated amidst the stunning landscape of the Gobi’s Gurvansaikhan National Park within view of the breathtaking Gobi-Altai Mountain Range. This beautiful camp serves as a convenient base to explore the mysteries of the desert, whether hiking, camel trekking, or photographing indigenous wildlife.
The Three Camel Lodge was built by Nomadic Expeditions, a pioneering cultural, educational, and adventure travel company in Mongolia. The founder and CEO, Jalsa Urubshurow, a Kalmyk Mongolian who was born and raised in the United States. He believes that Mongolia is one of the world’s last unspoiled natural treasures, and is dedicated to the preservation of its natural and cultural wonders.
The lodge was also built with the participation of the local community and from the beginning was supported by local county government. It is an integral part of their on-going commitment to eco-tourism and sustainable development. This year, it was named one of the 50 Best Eco-Lodges by National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
The Three Camel Lodge was built by Nomadic Expeditions, a pioneering cultural, educational, and adventure travel company in Mongolia.
Emphasis on Conservation Programs
Since its opening in 2003, it has run almost solely on wind and solar power. The 50-acre camp features 30 private gers (nomadic tents made of felt and wood) with wood-burning stoves and hand-painted wooden furniture. Unprocessed natural stone was used for the buildings and traditional Mongolian felt ger tents are used as guest rooms. Local artisans crafted the roofs of the buildings in accordance with the canons of Mongolian Buddhist architecture, without a single nail.
Hunting has been prohibited within a 12-mile radius and the Lodge serves as a base for scientific research and wildlife monitoring. The Lodge actively fights against unauthorized removal of dinosaur fossils from paleontological sites and animal poaching. As a result of planting a total 12,000 trees throughout the camp each year since its opening, the Lodge has increased the population of indigenous Gobi plants and the number of migratory birds that visit Mt. Bulagtai.
The lodge recycles its organic waste to local farms for use as fertiliser, builds and supports greenhouse projects, and helps local farmers with the raising of pigs, chickens and other livestock. These efforts result in less waste being transported to Ulaanbaatar and a reduction in the amount of food being imported to the area, as local ger camps can now buy eggs, vegetables and meat from nearby farms. A “No plastic bags in the Gobi” program encourages both local individuals and small businesses to use cloth shopping bags. All suppliers of transportation and food are local as well.
Local artisans crafted the roofs of the buildings in accordance with the canons of Mongolian Buddhist architecture, without a single nail.
Culture Preservation & Education
By promoting sustainable tourism practices, the Lodge helps to provide economic stability for many local communities and individuals thereby reducing the necessity to relocate to cities - clearly a desirable alternative to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. It has the highest percentage of local employees compared to any other camp in Mongolia.
The Three Camel Lodge has also established “the Kids Who Love Nature Association”, an organisation that gives local children the opportunity to learn about environmental issues and participate in conservation. 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.
The Lodge initiated and sponsors the Golden Eagle and Camel Festivals which have been held for the last 8 years and 4 years, respectively. The primary goal of these events is to protect endangered golden eagles and camels, but the festivals have also inspired a reawakening of traditional crafts by local artisans and ancient customs among the local people.
By promoting sustainable tourism practices, the Lodge helps to provide economic stability for many local communities and individuals. It has the highest percentage of local employees compared to any other camp in Mongolia.
Meanwhile, with the help of scientific organisations, the Lodge has studied the surrounding rocky mountains of Havtsgait and helped identify and record some petroglyphs that were not previously registered.
Guests are encouraged to visit local families, attend lectures at the Lodge on environmental and local issues, and learn through Mongolian proverbs how to reduce their impact on the Earth.
Although this isn’t a 5-star hotel, you can stare at 5,000 stars shining above your head every night - an experience which is almost impossible to buy in the over-developed city. You’ll have to come and experience the serenity and peacefulness of the Mongolian outback yourself!
© EcoAsia 2009
