Visitors have a unique chance to discover Mongolia’s Gobi Desert at this secluded eco-lodge.

In the early hours of the morning, as the sun casts an orange hue over the vast desert of the Gobi, the day begins. Herders emerge periodically, guiding their flocks of sheep and goats towards a nearby well, a scene punctuated only by the sounds of the wind, the calls of local fauna, and the intermittent hum of 4×4 vehicles.

This is the setting of the Three Camel Lodge, an eco-resort nestled in Khan Khonghor, amidst the expansive solitude of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, one of Earth’s most secluded regions. The lodge offers a unique glimpse into the traditional nomadic way of life that is central to Mongolian culture. This lifestyle, reliant on domesticated animals for survival, is still a significant aspect of life for about a quarter of Mongolia’s three-million-plus population.

At the lodge, guests stay in one of 24 gers – traditional Mongolian yurts crafted from wood, felt, and rope, designed to be portable yet sturdy enough to withstand the harsh desert winds. These gers provide a rustic yet comfortable experience, furnished with wooden decor and equipped with modern conveniences uncommon in typical nomadic dwellings, such as private bathrooms with running water and solar-powered electricity.

Adding to the luxury in this remote locale, the Three Camel Lodge features an on-site restaurant, a bar boasting an extensive selection of whiskey, and even a spa, offering a touch of extravagance in this rugged part of the world.

The origins of the Three Camel Lodge

The inspiration for the Three Camel Lodge came from Jalsa Urubshurow, a Mongolian-American entrepreneur now in his late sixties. His childhood in the United States during the 1960s was filled with aspirations and vivid imaginations of Mongolia’s majestic landscapes, a country deeply rooted in his heart through the vibrant stories told by his father. Jalsa’s connection to his heritage was profound, influenced by his father, who originated from Kalmykia, a region now part of southern Russia. He recalls his father instilling in him a sense of cultural identity amidst their life in New Jersey.

With Mongolia opening its doors to global visitors in the early 1990s, Jalsa seized the opportunity to explore his ancestral land. Although he had been part of Mongolian weddings in New Jersey, it was his first visit to Mongolia that truly deepened his connection to the culture. This journey led him to the vast countryside, where he experienced the nomadic way of life, staying in ger camps and meeting with local herders, an encounter that left a profound impact on him.

The inspiration for the Three Camel Lodge came from Jalsa Urubshurow, a Mongolian-American entrepreneur now in his late sixties. His childhood in the United States during the 1960s was filled with aspirations and vivid imaginations of Mongolia’s majestic landscapes, a country deeply rooted in his heart through the vibrant stories told by his father. Jalsa’s connection to his heritage was profound, influenced by his father, who originated from Kalmykia, a region now part of southern Russia. He recalls his father instilling in him a sense of cultural identity amidst their life in New Jersey.

With Mongolia opening its doors to global visitors in the early 1990s, Jalsa seized the opportunity to explore his ancestral land. Although he had been part of Mongolian weddings in New Jersey, it was his first visit to Mongolia that truly deepened his connection to the culture. This journey led him to the vast countryside, where he experienced the nomadic way of life, staying in ger camps and meeting with local herders, an encounter that left a profound impact on him.