Travel with Mandal Tours

Next to one of the stone turtle monuments at Karakorum. From left to right: L. Naigal, Director of the Erdene Zuu Monastery Museum; Dr. N. Urtnasan, Secretary-General of the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO; Xishigt Lama, Head of the Erdene Zuu Dambaravzhaalin Foundation; Dr. Zh. Batsuur', Director of Xaraxorum University
Next to one of the stone turtle monuments at Karakorum. From left to right: L. Naigal, Director of the Erdene Zuu Monastery Museum; Dr. N. Urtnasan, Secretary-General of the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO; Xishigt Lama, Head of the Erdene Zuu Dambaravzhaalin Foundation; Dr. Zh. Batsuur', Director of Xaraxorum University
All too often, escorted tour itineraries attempt to cram as many "must-see" attractions into as short a time as possible. Following such a tour becomes almost like travelling for the sake of ticking off places on a list: the Eiffel tower, the Great Wall of China, the Gobi Desert ...

For the inquisitive traveller seeking a more in-depth cultural experience, this can be a significant frustration. But for many of us, taking the time to research a destination thoroughly and make all our own reservations and travel arrangements is not a realistic option–and in the case of many countries, where English is not widely spoken and where tourism infrastructure is poorly developed, travelling without a guide can be both risky and unrewarding.

Educational Tourism

Hence the appeal of the "study tour" model, which is gaining interest around the world. Often organized by non-profit organizations, universities or special-interest tour operators, a study tour typically focuses on a specific theme and is guided by a knowledgeable expert in the area being visited.

Instead of merely sightseeing, the tour participant gains an in-depth appreciation of the history, architecture, art and culture or other specific aspect of the destination country or region. Often the tour includes visits to places that are off-limits to the average tourist: the storage rooms of a museum, the interior of a private villa, an archaeological dig, or a nomadic household.

Cultural Tourism with Mandal Tours

Unlike most escorted tours, which offer very little interaction with local people, Mandal study tours provide mediated encounters with real Mongolians who present their lives and work to tour participants in exchange for reasonable compensation.

Mandal gives you the opportunity to participate in visits to little-known Mongolian historic sites, meet with monks at Buddhist monasteries, visit an artist's studio, take"behind-the-scenes" tours of important cultural and industrial complexes, and spend a day with a family of nomads. Our tours always aim to provide expert interpretation of Mongolia's society and culture, making your holiday a uniquely stimulating and enriching experience.

More about Mandal Tours

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www.mandaltours.com | tours@mandal.ca | +976 99.73.51.47 (Mongolia)

In commemoration of the legacy and teachings of
His Holiness Dulduit Danzanravzhaa
Fifth Wrathful Noble Xutagt of the Great Gobi (1803-1856)

I did not overbearingly sophize
Nor preach with pride and arrogance
But having found a sense in this world
Spoke the truth of my dear heart.
portrait of Danzanravzhaa, Fifth Wrathful Noble Xutagt of the Great Gobi  scorpion, symbol of wisdom as used by Danzanravzhaa
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