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Mongolia Travel Programs - Rustic Pathways

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4.9 / 5Overall Rating
12Reviews
1983Year established

Program Overview

Embark on an adventurous journey across Mongolia, from the central lowlands to the rugged west, immersing yourself in an ancient nomadic way of life—traveling from ger to ger, experiencing Kazakh eagle hunting, and Tuva throat singing. Embrace the challenges of untamed regions, where nomadic herders maintain age-old traditions.

In the remote west, assist a local NGO in supporting herding families with nutritional guidance, education, and improved infrastructure. The Mongolia Off the Map program is open to students ages 15-18 and requires an adventurous spirit, a positive attitude, and a keen sense of exploration!

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Program Highlights

Journey from the central Mongolian lowlands to the rugged mountains of the country’s wild west.
Help a local NGO that offers herding families nutritional guidance, educational opportunities, and improved infrastructure.
Hike in Terelj National Park and visit the huge Chinggis Khaan monument.
Embark on a river rafting adventure, then ride camels and hold a Golden Eagle from the world's last remaining Eagle Hunters.
Camp at the "end of the world" – the actual point on earth farthest from any ocean.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
Guide / Chaperone
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Assistance Booking Travel
Alumni / Networking Membership
Certificate of Completion

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Mongolia

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • High School 5th Year or More

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

14-17

Duration

  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Rustic Pathways

4.9
12 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
11
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0
Program Administration
4.8
Cultural Immersion
4.8

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-12 of 12 reviews

FrancisNovember 2024

Being able to do different things every day was so cool

Enthusiasm of the staff. Hike through the snow to the monastery & hiking in the national park. Sleeping in the Gers/Waking up in the ger. Being able to do different things everyday was so cool and got to experience a lot

Response from provider

Hey Francis! Thanks so much for traveling with us! Mongolia is amazing, and we're so glad you were able to see the monastery and the national park! We hope you travel with us again.

NgaNovember 2024

Living in the gers was my most memorable experience

Learning about the history of Mongolia and culture, visiting the local family and understanding how they live Living in the gers was my most memorable experience during my stay with Rustic Pathways in Mongolia.

Response from provider

Hi Nga! Thank you so much for travelling with us! We're so glad you had a meaningful experience in Mongolia and that you grew in your understanding of that culture. We hope you travel with us again soon!

NatalieNovember 2024

I loved experiencing the traditional nomads life in the yurts

I loved experiencing in the traditional nomads life in the yurts and hiking on ice and snow. Also getting to spend time with local kids and having time to get closer to people we went together was amazing

GraceNovember 2024

It was so much fun

It was so much fun, I enjoyed visiting the ger camps and seeing snow!!! I liked meeting new people and building bonds with teachers and the rustic pathways leaders too. It was peaceful enjoying the views

NgaNovember 2024

Everything, especially the activities

If I have to answer, what my most memorable thing during my stay in Mongolia was, it would be Everything, especially the activities (archery and cultural games, etc) the leaders were amazing (shoutout to Josh and Chimgee)

Response from provider

Hi Nga! We're so glad you enjoyed the archery and the cultural games. We'll pass on your shoutout to Josh and Chimgee!

Olivia LeeGuam (USA) · November 2024

best school trip ever

This was the best school trip ever. I thought the conservation work was real and I liked trying local food and yak milk. It's a nice combo of doing good and having fun. I hope we can get to go back next year. I want to see different cultures, learn video/tape editing to record experience.

Response from provider

Hey Olivia! We're so glad you had the best trip ever! It's cool that you were open to new experiences and even liked the yak milk! We hope you do join us for another trip soon.

Jin BingsooSouth Korea · November 2024

Overall Good

This was a weird trip. It was so short but it was a world away from my home. I liked the horses, but wish we could have ridden them ourselves instead of just looking at them on display. Also, it was cold in the housing but it was fun to go and do

Response from provider

Hey Jin! Thanks so much for your review. It sounds like you had a great time despite a few things you wish were different. We are taking your feedback into consideration because we really want this to be the best experience possible for our student travelers. So thanks again!

Logan MillerNorthern Mariana Islands (USA) · November 2024

Life-Changing Experience!

This was a mind-blowing time volunteering in Mongolia! It felt like this was my home from day one. Anna and the team felt like they were really taking care of us from the moment we got there. Plus, Vin was really cool. The whole trip was amazing and I can't wait to go back! If you want real cultural immersion, this is it! I feel more aware of my surroundings and my needs vs my wants

Response from provider

Hey Logan! Thanks so much for being part of our travel group. We're so glad to hear you had a great time in Mongolia and that you felt supported and cared for! It sounds like you had a truly authentic and immersive experience. We hope you travel with us again soon!

Kim MinsooSouth Korea · November 2024

Unique plans, cultural diversity, great experience!

I loved getting up close and experiencing the Mongolian culture. I made memories I'll never forget. If you want a meaningful trip do this. I'd do it again in a heartbeat! I feel like I better appreciate other people and cutlures around the world even people who don't have as much as I do.

Response from provider

Hi Kim! We're so happy that you got to join us in Mongolia! It's such an amazing country and a great place to truly immerse yourself in the culture. We hope you travel with us again soon, and have another meaningful trip with us!

Elijah DavisSouth Korea · November 2024

Great trip!

I had an awesome week on my trip! There were lots of class options and fun local activities. Blin and Deng were so friendly as leaders. The whole trip was amazing and I can't wait to go back! Thank you for this

Response from provider

Hey Elijah! Thanks so much for traveling with us! We're glad to hear you had a great time and had fun doing all the activities. Mongolia is such an amazing place. We hope you travel with us again soon!

HyeonaSeptember 2024

Very memorable memories in mongolia

I was my first time traveling alone and going on a trip with my friend. I want to say that they along with Rustic pathways, I made very memorable memories in Mongolia. It was a very special trip for me.

Piper RidgewayUnited States · July 2024

Incredible adventure!

Wow, this program is truly an incredible experience! I am sure it would be very difficult to arrange a unique trip like this one. We saw so much of Mongolia. Going in to the program. I didn't know much about Mongolia. Now I know so much about Mongolian culture, traditions and history. We saw so much natural beauty in the country and got to see how locals live out there. Did amazing service in addition to the cool activities too.

Response from provider

We are grateful you embarked on this adventure with us, Piper. We hope to see you again soon!

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Mongolia 2025
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Adventure Travel
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Adventure Travel
Communitas Award | Leadership in Community Service and CSR
Travel Weekly Magellan Awards | Best Health & Safety Innovations
International Travel Awards | Best Tour Operator
Skift IDEA Award: Industry Innovators | Tour Operator
Global Youth Travel Awards 2018

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