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Happy Mongolian men - Mongolia: Songs of the steppe with Stuart Davis, Mongolia
Happy Mongolian men  | Cam Cope
Golden hour on the steppe at camp - Mongolia: Songs of the steppe with Stuart Davis, Mongolia
Golden hour on the steppe at camp
Tradition meets comfort in this Mongolian ger stay - Mongolia: Songs of the steppe with Stuart Davis, Mongolia
Tradition meets comfort in this Mongolian ger stay

Mongolia: Songs of the steppewith Stuart Davis

A rare fusion of music, culture and wilderness, exploring Mongolia’s Altai through song with Stuart Davis.

Mongolia

16 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: MMSD
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 16 Days
Activities
  • Singing and Music workshops
  • Cultural touring
  • Day walks
Accommodation
  • Hotels, ger and tented camps
Meals
  • 15 Dinners
  • 10 Lunches
  • 15 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 10

Introductory

Trip highlights

  • Sing each day in relaxed, participatory sessions led by Stuart Davis
  • Learn throat singing and traditional songs from Mongolia’s leading musicians
  • Explore Kazakh Mongolia’s rich musical culture and iconic dombra traditions
  • Stay in traditional gers beside lakes, dunes and sacred peaks
  • Share music and stories with nomadic families in remote steppe and mountain regions

Overview

Join Sydney-based choir master Stuart Davis on an extraordinary journey through the vast, untamed landscapes of Mongolia. Created specifically for people who love to sing, this is a participatory musical journey, with singing and shared music at the heart of the experience throughout. This exclusive musical and cultural experience leads you deep into the steppe, where music is a way of life, echoing through the sand dunes, mountain passes, and hearts of its nomadic people.

Each day begins with relaxed morning singing sessions guided by Stuart, welcoming all voices and experience levels. You don’t need to be an accomplished singer, but you should come with an enthusiasm for singing and a willingness to participate in the musical experiences that are central to the journey. We travel west to the remote Altai region and witness intimate performances by local throat singers in villages famed for their musical lineage, and sit in circle with masters who carry these ancient traditions forward. You’ll meet nomadic families, learn the stories behind the Morin Khuur (horse head fiddle), and spend nights under the stars in ger camps beside shimmering lakes and singing sands. From the sacred Jargalant mountain to the Kazakh musical traditions of Bayan Olgii, every step of this journey connects music, land and culture. This is a pilgrimage of song – an invitation to listen, to sing, and to learn from a culture where the voice is inseparable from nature, spirit, and survival. It is designed for travellers who want to be active participants in that musical journey, sharing the experience of singing together as a group as well as discovering Mongolia’s own remarkable musical traditions.

This tour has been created in conjunction with, and will be locally managed by, Tim Cope, who has worked with World Expeditions for many years. Tim journeyed over 10,000km from Mongolia to Hungary on horseback, an expedition which, along with others, saw him named Australian Adventurer of the Year. He has also been appointed a Mongolian Tourism Envoy and received a Mongolian Tourism Excellence Medal. He is the author of one of Australia’s bestselling books, On the Trail of Genghis Khan: An Epic Journey Through the Lands of the Nomads. It’s Tim’s intimate knowledge of, and strong relationships in Mongolia that have made it possible for us to visit authentic nomad communities and connect with local music masters.

This exclusive tour departure will be limited to just 18 participants, book early to avoid disappointment.

PLEASE NOTE:

Tour date is to be confirmed, pending domestic flight schedules that will be released in March 2027. As such the dates may vary by 1–2 days. Alternatively we may need to fly into a different airport which will change up some of the driving distances.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Mongolia. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to our comfortable city hotel. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, is a city of contrasts – where Buddhist monasteries, Soviet-era buildings and modern high-rises sit side by side in a mountain-fringed valley along the Tuul River. We will attend a traditional concert which provides a broad summary of the many different musical traditions across the diverse ethnic groups of Mongolia. This will be followed by a group dinner. This evening is a chance to meet your guide team, as well as your host, choir master Stuart Davis. Overnight: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel, Ulaanbaatar

Meals: D

We explore Ulaanbaatar’s rich cultural landscape with a guided city tour, including a visit to the National History Museum, an essential introduction to Mongolia’s deep nomadic roots. Of particular focus for us here will be learning about the “Altai Harp” which was discovered in a cave in 2008 near Jargalant Mountain in Western Mongolia. This is of particular relevance to our journey as we will later learn from the musicians of Jargalant mountain and visit the cave where it was discovered. The instrument, which is on display in the museum is thought to be 1500 years old. Mongolian musican, Ganpurev Dagvan, has since made it his mission to bring this forgotten tradition back to life. Following our visit to the museum we will be visit a workshop where the instrument was initially re-created and now produced. We will then turn our focus to Mongolia’s broader musical heritage including the iconic Morin Khuur - the horse head fiddle - believed to be among the world’s oldest bowed instruments, and a spiritual symbol of nomadic identity. We will meet where possible with local musicians, and there will be time in the afternoon for a singing session with Stuart. Overnight: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel, Ulaanbaatar

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a travel day in which we will be getting our first glimpse of the wide expanses and contrasts of Western Mongolia. A domestic flight takes us to the remote province of Altai. From here, we will travel by four wheel drive vehicle further west to the into the vast dune system known as Mongol Els, the largest in the country. The drive is around six hours and we will have lunch on the way. We aim to make camp at Gun Nuur, a small freshwater lake nestled among the dunes that serves as a vital watering hole for local herders and their horses. The landscape here is stark and beautiful, rolling sand dunes interrupted by grassland, mountains on the horizon, and the occasional nomadic ger dotting the steppe. Tonight we will be staying in tented accommodation. Our set up will include four season tents, with a kitchen tent and dining tent where we will convene for meals. Overnight: fully supported wilderness camping PLEASE NOTE: Domestic flight schedules will be released in March 2027. We may need to adjust tour dates by 1–2 days. Alternatively we may need to fly into a different airport which will change up some of the driving distances.

Meals: B,L,D

Waking to the silence of the steppe, we enjoy a group singing session with Stuart. Today we walk a gentle circuit through the Mongol Els dunes, known for their haunting natural acoustics. As the wind moves across the sand, the dunes emit low, resonant vibrations, a phenomenon believed to have inspired the tradition of Khoomi throat singing. During our walk, we will be accompanied by local nomadic singers from the village of Khukh Morit who will introduce us to the Mongolian art of Urtiin Duu (Long Song) – a 2000 year old tradition that remains strong in this nomadic community Atop the dunes or beside Gun Nuur lake in camp, we experience a special performance and an opportunity for collaborative singing in this unforgettable setting. Around the fire, we’ll hear stories of life in the desert steppe and songs tied to the land. Overnight: fully supported wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we continue our journey alongside the shifting dunes, driving toward the dramatic escarpment known as the ‘Flying Coast’ and on to the shores of Durgun Lake. This region is home to the endangered Mongolian saiga antelope. If we’re lucky, we may glimpse these elusive, prehistoric-looking animals moving across the open steppe. After lunch by the lake, and an opportunity to sing, we travel across a wide, golden plain to reach Chandman, a remote village with a remarkable reputation of producing some of the country’s most acclaimed Khoomi throat singers. Tonight we stay in a simple ger camp near Chandman, or in our tented camp. A ger (pronounced “gare”) is a traditional circular tent used by nomads across Mongolia, built from felt and wood, and adapted perfectly to the harsh climates of the steppe. Staying in a ger is more than accommodation, it’s a direct connection to nomadic life. Driving time today will be 5 hours, plus a stop to take lunch. Overnight: ger

Meals: B,L,D

We meet a true bearer of Mongolian musical heritage, a master of Khoomi throat singing. In an intimate setting, they will share the techniques and philosophy behind Khoomi, and introduce us to traditional instruments and forms of Mongolian folk song. We'll deepen this experience with a hands-on workshop and explore the vocal styles that connect to the land, animals and spirit of Mongolia. Overnight: ger

Meals: B,L,D

We travel into the landscapes surrounding Jargalant mountain, a sacred peak known not only for its snow leopard population, but for its presence in local legend and song. We walk and take in the sweeping views that stretch across grasslands, distant lakes and blue ridges. In this natural amphitheatre Stuart leads a group singing session. We continue on to the village of Zereg, a quiet settlement nestled in a wide valley between the Baatarin Nuruu (Warrior Mountain Range) to the south, and Bumbat and Jargalant mountains to the north. Zereg offers a pause in the journey, a chance to relax and reflect on the rich musical and cultural experiences so far. Tonight we stay in a simple, locally run hotel with the welcome comforts of a hot shower and the opportunity to catch up on laundry. Dinner will be at the hotel. Driving time today will be 2-3 hours. Overnight: hotel in Zereg village

Meals: B,L,D

We journey into the valleys surrounding Zereg to learn about the Zagchin people, one of Mongolia’s lesser-known ethnic groups who have long lived in harmony with this land. Accompanied by a local nomad and musician, we drive an hour from the village into the, then walk up to a sacred Ovoo, a ceremonial stone cairn perched on a rise that offers sweeping views of a lake below and the Baatarin Nuruu mountain range beyond. During our walk we will hear stories of the Zagchin connection to place, from seasonal migrations to ritual offerings. At the lakeside, there’s time for singing together with Stuart, letting our voices carry across the water. We will return to our hotel for the night in Zereg village. Overnight: hotel in Zereg village

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast and some free time, the journey continues west through Zereg Valley, where we pause near the village of Mankhan to view ancient petroglyphs, rock carvings etched into stone by early steppe dwellers, some dating back over 3,000 years. We then continue off the main road 35km to the south side of Jargalant mountain where the Altai harp was discovered in 2008. We have lunch here before continuing on to Khar-Us Lake, one of Mongolia’s largest freshwater lakes and a sanctuary for migratory birds, nestled within the Great Lakes Depression. The lake mirrors the endless sky, and from our ger camp on its peaceful shore, we gather for a lakeside singing session. Driving time today will be 4 - 5 hours. Overnight: ger

Meals: B,L,D

The shores of Khar-Us Lake become a stage for one of the most evocative encounters of the journey, as master musicians of the Morin Khuur - Mongolia’s two-stringed horse head fiddle - join us in camp. This instrument, carved with the likeness of a horse’s head and believed to carry the soul of the horse, central to Mongolian life and mythology. The musicians arrive from Khovd town, offering an intimate outdoor performance and sharing the stories behind their craft. Additionally we will also have the opportunity to hear from renowned ‘Epos’ singers from Munkh Khairkhan village. Epos singers are specialized in telling the ancient folklore of nomadic culture and history. Western Mongolia is unique in that this tradition is still very much alive. In the spirit of exchange, Stuart leads a collaborative session with the group, giving us space to sing alongside these remarkable artists. We will stay a second night at the ger camp by the lake. Overnight: ger

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a travelling day as we head through the provincial capital of Khovd, before driving further into Bayan-Ölgii province, Mongolia’s westernmost region and the heartland of its Kazakh population. Distinct in language, tradition and music, the Kazakhs here are known for their deep hospitality, rich oral culture, and iconic practice of hunting with golden eagles. We travel through sweeping mountain and lake country, where nomadic families still move seasonally with their herds. We will meet with a local Kazakh family and learn about their way of life as a nomadic family on the steppe. Driving time today will be around 4 - 5 hours. Overnight: fully supported wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

We have a relaxing start to the day with our local family, witnessing their morning rituals and continuing our own, with a singing session with Stuart. After lunch our journey continues to Ölgii, the provincial capital of Bayan-Ölgii and cultural heartland of Mongolia’s Kazakh community. Set in a broad valley framed by rugged peaks, Ölgii is a vibrant town where Kazakh identity remains proudly alive through language, craft, and a rich musical tradition. We explore the town’s colourful market, then visit a local museum to gain insight into the Kazakhs of Mongolia - a Turkic-speaking, Muslim minority who have lived in this region for generations. Originally migrating from the west in the 1800s, they’ve preserved a strong cultural identity shaped by nomadic life, oral storytelling, eagle hunting, and the music of the dombra. It's a rare opportunity to better understand how this proud community has flourished in Mongolia’s far west, maintaining deep ties to tradition while shaping a unique cultural space within the nation. Overnight: hotel in Olgii town

Meals: B,D

The day is dedicated to learning more about the vibrant cultural life of Mongolia’s Kazakh community. Local musicians introduce us to the sounds and stories behind the dombra, a two-stringed instrument central to Kazakh identity. We may also encounter other traditional instruments such as the kobyz or jaw harp, each with its own role in storytelling and ceremony. Through demonstrations, conversations and music-making, we explore how these art forms remain deeply woven into Kazakh family life, celebration and history. There’s time as well to explore the town of Ölgii’ further. Overnight: hotel in Olgii town

Meals: B,D

This morning we fly back to the city, where a comfortable hotel stay offers the chance to rest, enjoy a long hot shower and unwind after our time on the steppe. Overnight: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel, Ulaanbaatar

Meals: B,D

Today is yours to enjoy Ulaanbaatar at a relaxed pace, perhaps browsing local markets for cashmere and handicrafts, exploring the city’s museums, or simply taking time to rest and reflect on the journey. We’ll come together for a final group singing session with Stuart, before celebrating the experience with a farewell dinner. This day also allows some flexibility in the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and unhurried conclusion to the trip. Overnight: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel, Ulaanbaatar

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, our tour taking in the songs of the steppe concludes. Airport transfers are included for your onward travel.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 19 Aug 2027 and 19 Aug 2027.

  • Departs 19 Aug 2027 – ends 3 Sep 2027 (16 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Trip escorted by Stuart Davis
  • Highly experienced local guide plus additional translator
  • Private transport throughout in Toyota Land Cruisers convoy
  • 4 nights four star hotel in Ulaanbaatar
  • 4 nights simple hotel in Zereg village and Olgiy
  • 4 nights ger camps
  • 3 nights fully supported camping: spacious 4 season tents, heated dining tent, underlay mats, camp chairs, tables and toilet. Generator and lighting
  • Internal flights* (baggage allowance of 20kg per person, for check-in and carry-on in total)
  • Sightseeing and entry fees: Gandan monastery, Chinggis Khaan Museum,National Museum, Folklore concert, Ulgi Museum
  • 15 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 15 dinners
  • Airport transfers for all flight arrival and departures
  • National Park fees

Not included

  • Travel to/from Ulaanbaatar
  • Travel insurance - compulsory
  • Single supplement
  • Sleeping bag - hire option available
  • Visa
  • Meals & beverages not indicated in the itinerary
  • Tips
  • Excess baggage charges above 20kgs per person for each internal flight. Subject to change, the approximate excess baggage charge is US$2 per kg above the 20kgs (for both check-in and carry-on in total) luggage allowance; which is payable in cash at the check-in counter.
  • *The internal flight is included however as domestic airfares in Mongolia can fluctuate, a flight supplement may apply if there is a significant increase in the fare

About your guide

Stuart Davis is a key part of Sydney’s choir community, known for his genuine love of music and the way he brings people together to sing. For over ten years he’s led singing trips around the world, from Morocco and Cuba to Italy, Croatia and Georgia, always curious about how songs are tied to local life and history. Back home, Stuart runs three choirs, fronts the roots band Big Merino, sings with the Heavenly Light Quartet, and works on projects like Big Heart Sing at the Sydney Opera House and the Boys Vocal Programme for the NSW Education Department. Travelling with Stuart means enjoying music in wonderful places, learning about local traditions, and sharing the simple joy of singing with like-minded people.

Video

Mongolia Songs of the Steppe with Stuart Davis | World Expeditions Webinar

Extra trip info

FAQs
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Not at all. You don’t need to be an accomplished singer or have any formal musical training. Stuart’s relaxed singing sessions are designed to welcome all voices and experience levels. What matters is that you enjoy singing and are happy to participate – sharing music is an important part of the tour, from our sessions with Stuart to singing alongside local musicians in Mongolia.

Solo travellers are very welcome, and the shared singing sessions, meals and experiences should make this a naturally sociable trip. We’ll endeavour to match solo travellers wishing to share with another participant of the same gender; if we’re unable to do so, a single supplement will apply.

Late summer generally brings warm days, with temperatures typically around 15 - 25C / 59 - 77F. Evenings and nights can be much cooler, dropping to around 0 - 10C / 32 - 50F, particularly in rural and higher-altitude areas. Mongolia’s open landscapes can also be windy, so warm and windproof layers are important.

Health and vaccination requirements vary depending on your individual circumstances, so we recommend speaking with your doctor or a specialist travel health professional well before departure. They can provide current advice based on your health, vaccination history and itinerary.

Accommodation ranges from comfortable hotels in the towns and cities to traditional ger camps and fully supported wilderness camping. The trip includes eight hotel nights, four nights in ger camps and three nights camping. Ger camps are more communal, generally with shared bathroom facilities, while the wilderness camps provide four-season tents, underlay mats and a heated dining tent.

The trip is graded Introductory, but you should have reasonable fitness, good health and a moderately active lifestyle. There are day walks and time exploring on foot, as well as longer drives and more basic facilities in remote areas.

It’s very much both. Singing and music are central to the experience, with regular sessions led by Stuart and opportunities to learn from and sing alongside Mongolian musicians. At the same time, you’ll explore Ulaanbaatar and travel deep into western Mongolia, experiencing its dunes, lakes, mountains, nomadic communities and Kazakh culture.

Very. Much of the trip explores western Mongolia, travelling through sparsely populated steppe, mountain and lake country and staying in ger camps and fully supported wilderness camps. Facilities are consequently simpler at times, but this remoteness is also what makes possible the encounters with nomadic families and musicians that are central to the experience

Travelling through remote western Mongolia involves some longer days on the road, including occasional rough roads. You’ll travel together in a convoy of Toyota Land Cruisers or similar 4WD vehicles, with a few passengers in each. Some days involve around four to six hours of driving, with stops along the way.

Responsible Travel

Regenerative Travel Projects
Mongolian kids | Cam Cope
Empowering Students Through Green Learning
 
This project, led by the Center for Citizenship Education in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, establishes school-based greenhouses to provide students with hands-on learning in natural sciences. By training teachers and engaging over 1,200 middle and high school students, the initiative transforms theoretical education into practical experience, enabling students to grow plants, propagate trees, and actively participate in greening their school environment.
 
Set in a ger district facing severe air pollution and limited educational resources, the project addresses both environmental and social challenges. It improves student engagement, builds practical skills, and contributes to healthier school surroundings by planting over 1,000 trees and shrubs annually, fostering a stronger connection between young people, their community, and the natural environment.
 
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