The Offbeat Goat Collection

Three Camel Lodge

Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

Mongolia / Gobi Desert / Three Camel Lodge

Luxurious off-grid “gerscape” tucked away on the fringes of the Gobi Desert

Surrounded by Mongolian grasslands and rocky outcrops, this remote luxury lodge, with its collection of traditional gers, is a true sight to behold, offering the quintessential 'Out-of-Mongolia' experience with just the right dose of creature comforts. South-facing and with stunning Gobi desert views, the beautifully constructed felt-clad yurt (or ger in Mongolian) is the ultimate destination hotel committed to sustainability and positive change in the country.

Founder and CEO of Three Camel Lodge and sister company Nomadic Expeditions, Jalsa Urubshurow, sees sustainability as the founding principle behind Three Camel Lodge. Living up to the highest sustainability standards, Three Camel Lodge utilizes renewable energy (wind and solar) to operate and is fully committed to working with local communities to promote conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable development.

“Of course, in my passion to develop tourism in Mongolia, the need for sustainability was always foremost in my mind. I built Three Camel Lodge to reflect the sustainable design and cultural authenticity, using local materials and hiring local Mongolians to construct the lodge to ensure that the lodge’s operations wouldn’t disrupt the delicate ecosystem in the Gobi desert.”

—Jalsa Urubshurow (Founder of Three Camel Lodge and Nomadic Expeditions)

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the look.

Artfully designed, each felt-lined canvas ger is decorated in the Mongolian Buddhist tradition, with handmade latticed wood structures and colorfully painted furniture in shades of tangerine orange and cobalt blues. Interiors feel intimate and snug with wood-burning stoves, candle-lit nooks, and hand-painted beds cloaked in warm, wooly blankets. Rooms feel stylish with a treasure trove of colorful tapestries, hand-carved furniture, and intricately painted doors and ceilings, adding an artisan flair.

Individual gers are connected by walkways surrounding the Buddhist temple-inspired lodge, with sweeping verandahs overlooking the vast desert steppe.

the experience.

camel rides

Saddle up on a camel’s back and venture out to Khongoryn Els, or marvel at the changing colors of the Flaming Cliffs on a sunset trek.

wellness

Splurge on traditional massages or restorative spa services.

film screenings

Watch Mongolian-themed films in the lodge’s private screening room.

views

Watch the sunset over the desert steppe from the lodge’s expansive verandah.

sense of community

Enjoy mingling with guests and being treated to evening performances of traditional music, dance, and contortionism.

bankhar pups

Check out the Bankhar pups, one of the lodge's newest sustainability initiatives to preserve this unique Mastiff breed native to the Mongolian Steppe.

the impact.

Living up to the highest sustainability standards, Three Camel Lodge utilizes renewable energy (wind and solar) energy to operate and is fully committed to working with the local communities to promote conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable development.

Eco-design

Low-impact yurt camps honor Mongolian nomadic heritage using traditional design and minimal construction materials. Local artisans and workers crafted the roofs of gers without using a single nail.

Conservation-focused

The lodge is committed to protecting wildlife and promoting conservation, using its facilities as a base for research and wildlife monitoring and partnering with organizations like the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia and The Peregrine Fund.

It also actively campaigns against poaching and the illegal removal of dinosaur bones from paleontological sites. The lodge's recent partnership with the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project supports the construction of on-site kennel facilities for breeding, training, and donating to nomadic families the disappearing breed of guard dogs known as Bankhars.

Community-driven

The lodge is deeply committed to community empowerment. Much of the 100% Mongolian staff is hired locally, trained, and employed (with most employed year-round).

Emphasis is placed on sourcing local and purchasing supplies from local families and artisans in the area. On-site wells provide water (and feed during winters) to the animals belonging to local herders. English lessons and eye exams (and glasses) are also provided to the locals. Lastly, the lodge is a member of Pack for Purpose, an organization encouraging travelers to bring supplies to donate to local children and families.

Culinary sustainability

All ingredients are sourced from their organic greenhouse and vegetable gardens.

Waste, water, and energy management

Completely off-grid and fully powered with renewable sources (wind and solar). The lodge is vigilant about energy consumption and maximizing efficiency to reduce usage as much as possible. All single-use plastics are banned, and composting, reusing, and recycling are strictly enforced, with all leftover trash transported to neighboring landfills.

at a glance.

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Good to know

Open May-October. 38 luxury gers and two 2-bedroom family-style gers (Kublai Khan). All gers have private bathrooms and 24-hour solar-generated electricity. Two-night minimum.