Our Commitments to Responsible, Ethical Tourism and Sustainable Development
For many years, Wind of Mongolia has been dedicated to innovation and improvement in its travel offerings, always aligning with principles of tourism that respect nomadic communities and the environment.
Mongolia: A Land of Nomadic Herdsmen
Mongolia is a country of vast landscapes where nomadic herders live, serving as both custodians of this extraordinary environment and a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. However, this ecosystem remains fragile, and it is imperative for us to preserve the lives and traditions of Mongolia’s nomads.
We believe it is essential to uphold the nomadic way of life by providing the families of herders with more comfort and recognition. Tourism plays a crucial role in this policy by reasonably integrating nomadic families into the tourism economy.
Decades ago, more than half of the population were nomads, occupying steppes and mountains. Recently, there has been a rural exodus that must be addressed to preserve the soul of the country and its nomads.
​The tourism industry in Mongolia often promotes the exploration of the steppes and nomadic culture, yet paradoxically, the herding families often remain sidelined and do not fully benefit from this industry.
Our goal is to preserve this nomadic culture and support the establishment of young herding families by enabling them, through responsible tourism and sustainable development practices, to earn supplementary income for a better quality of daily life.
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For this reason, Wind of Mongolia has chosen to organize their tours around traditional families. Our trips are created according to their seasonal activities, with nomadic herders being central to many of our itineraries. We visit them in each season—summer, autumn, winter, or spring—Fully respecting their natural rhythms.
Accommodation with Nomadic Families to Ensure Fair Financial Distribution
Recognizing that the financial benefits generated by tourism should not be confined to a few agencies in the capital but should be spread throughout the country, we are dedicated to creating itineraries that go beyond the usual routes. This approach not only ensures a more equitable distribution of benefits but also helps mitigate the over-tourism affecting certain areas of the country.
By venturing off the beaten path, we aim to boost the involvement of nomadic families in providing accommodations, guiding services, and horse rentals. This strategy contributes to a more balanced economic impact and supports the local communities more effectively.
Responsible and Sustainable Engagement with Families: An Economic and Cultural Challenge
Our primary goal is to preserve the way of life of the families we collaborate with and their nomadic herding activities, while respecting their traditions.
Therefore, we meticulously control the frequency of visits and the number of travelers staying with these families. It is crucial to provide supplementary income to families, rather than creating a situation where tourism becomes their main source of income. Such a shift could lead to a loss of cultural identity and transform them into "tourist-oriented nomads."
In addition to itineraries where travelers spend only one night with a family, we have developed several fully immersive stays, primarily during the off-season. These stays allow for greater involvement of families in the tourism industry without disrupting their summer activities, while also showcasing their traditional lifestyle and nomadic culture.
​We offer guidance that respects their culture and suggest adaptations to suit their lifestyle. For example, we might recommend providing less fatty food and incorporating some vegetables to appeal to Western tastes.
Enhancing Mongolian Cuisine and Traditions Through Culinary Journeys
To elevate the reputation of Mongolian cuisine and its gastronomy, which often does not receive the acclaim it deserves, we have developed a "gastronomy" itinerary that honors traditional practices.
Each day on this itinerary introduces travelers to a new dish that they will learn to prepare with the family, uncovering the stories and history behind each recipe. This hands-on experience allows travelers to deeply engage with the culinary traditions of Mongolia.
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Building a special relationship with nomadic families is central to our ethics. It is crucial to educate them on welcoming our travelers and managing accommodations without altering their way of life. To support this, we organize micro-training sessions covering hygiene, waste management, and other relevant topics, ensuring we address any additional concerns they may have.
Our approach ensures that the families benefit from tourism while maintaining their traditional lifestyle, and that travelers gain an authentic, respectful, and enriching experience of Mongolian culture and cuisine.
Exploring Cultural Events
To highlight and revitalize the cultural heritage of Mongolia, we offer a range of tours focused on the traditional festivals held throughout the year. These include the Festival of the 10,000 Horses in Khentii, the Festival of the 1,000 Camels in the Gobi, the Ice Festival in Khovd and Khuvsgul, the Reindeer Festival, and various Eagle Festivals in the Altai, among others. Each festival is linked to different ethnic groups, showcasing their unique traditions.
By promoting these festivals, we not only celebrate the diverse cultures of Mongolia but also support the local economy and revitalize traditional craftsmanship.
Limiting Carbon Footprint: A Global Challenge and Wind of Mongolia's Commitment
To address the global challenge of reducing carbon emissions, we have taken steps to minimize our carbon footprint by limiting the number of kilometers traveled per day on many of our tours. We have developed itineraries using public transportation, such as buses and minibuses, to reduce reliance on private vehicles. This approach not only lessens environmental impact but also provides a genuine immersion in the steppes.
Given the limited public transportation network in Mongolia, we also engage local drivers for certain segments of our routes. This practice helps distribute tourism-related income beyond the capital, Ulaanbaatar.
Managing Plastic Waste
In our effort to combat plastic pollution, we have implemented measures to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles. Instead, we use 5-liter water dispensers and provide aluminum bottles to participants on treks, which they refill each morning with boiled water. Additionally, we offer water filters for use throughout the day.