PIONTEK
MAGICAL MONGOLIA
This unforgettable experience is a private 11-day tour, created exclusively for Fabienne & Manfred with family and friends.
August 2025 (tbc)
Do you like exploring breathtaking places and diving deep into century old cultures?
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Would you like to go on a money-can't-buy experience together with your dear family and a group of closed friends?
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Do you want to visit the traditional eagle hunters of Mongolia and hold the mighty bird on your arm?
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Would you want to visit the Nomads, learn all about their lifestyle and build a gher tent that we will then gift to our new friends? These gher tents are their traditional homes and will be used for up to 30 years, so this present is not just a gift, it is life-changing and something quite remarkable!
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Do you want to ride a yak, a camel and learn how to make mare milk vodka?
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YES? THEN THIS TOUR IS EXACTLY THE RIGHT THING FOR YOU!
LET'S GET STARTED...
HOW IT ALL STARTED...
Mongolia has fascinated me (Sonja Piontek) for as long as I can think. In 2018 I finally had the chance to visit this amazing country for the first time. I instantly fell in love with the vastness and beauty of the countryside as well as the spirit of the Nomadic population. I have since made Mongolia one of the core destinations for my unforgettable experience tours and have organised some rather unique tours for HNWI as well as international brands.
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Over the years I have made some close Nomadic friends like grandma Emme (on the photo) and her family. People that I truly care about. People that forever hold a place in my heart. People that from our perspective seem relatively poor. Yet, that are incredibly rich in freedom, values, heart and hospitality. ​​​
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Joining this unforgettable journey will give you the opportunity to explore a country and a dive deep into a culture so totally different from ours.
SONJA PIONTEK
German BUNTE Magazin calls her a 'powerhouse of inspiration'.
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Your personal host Sonja Piontek is a SPIEGEL bestselling author, esteemed executive coach, top 100 keynote speaker and founder of the award winning boutique travel agency Sonnenkind Pte Ltd. The dynamic German looks back on an international executive career with BMW and has lived in six countries. She left the corporate world in 2017 as the Director of Marketing for BMW Asia to properly spread her wings and pursue what she is most passionate about: creating unforgettable experiences and helping others redefine what's possible.
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„I have fallen in love with the vastness and beauty of Mongolia and the depth of the Nomadic people many years ago. This country is one of the last true bucket-list destinations.“
Mongolia is one of the most stunning countries in the world.
Mongolia is the #1 bucket list destination for many people from all over the world.
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With over 250 days of sunshine a year, Mongolia is often referred to as the 'land of endless blue skies'. ​
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Mongolia is the least densely populated country in the world - it's vastness impressive beyond imagination.
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Two thirds of the population still live a Nomadic or semi-Nomadic lifestyle with very limited access to medical care.
WHY MONGOLIA?
CAROLYN STROVER
This journey truly is an "unforgettable experience"!
TESTIMONIALS
MANDY BARLOW
The Nomadic grandma Emme is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met.
AUDREY BRANDT
One of the best trips of my life - THANK YOU!
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Magical Mongolia tour is exclusively developed for Fabienne & Manfred with family and friends.
This 11-day journey takes you to some of the most spectacular places of Mongolia, to the vast plains of the stunning countryside and deep into the Nomadic culture.
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You will meet the traditional Eagle Hunters and be able to hold the mighty bird on your own arm, you will dive deep into the Nomadic culture, learn how to shoot with bow and arrow, wrestle with your new Mongolian friends (if you dare), learn how to make mare milk vodka, ride a yak and try the many unusual local specialties. As a special experience you will learn how to build a traditional gher tent and build the tent we have specifically purchased to then gift to our new friends - for us it might just be a tent, for them it is a house they will use for up to 30 years!
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On top of all this, you will also ride camels in the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, visit the world's largest (!) horse statue, the historic town of Karakorum, join the morning prayers of the Buddhist monks and enjoy a private meditation ceremony in the Aryapala Mountain Monastery in the middle of the stunningly beautiful Terelj National Park where we will spend two nights.
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Before heading back home you will have the opportunity to visit the top sights of the capital Ulaanbaatar like Zaisan Hill, Bogd Khan Winter Palace, the Gandan Buddhist Monastery with it's 26.5m tall wooden statue and the impressive Sukbhaatar Square. As a last highlight of the tour, we will visit Mongolia's leading cashmere factory, see the production process and then go shopping for some real treasures in the brand's factory store.
DAY 1 - WELCOME TO MONGOLIA
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Arrive at Ulaanbaatar International Airport in the early hours
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Get picked up by the team
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Scenic shuttle drive to our first Nomadic camp, beautifully located in the rolling hills outside the noise of the capital
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Settle into your own spacious gher tents and refresh after the flight
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Experience the century old Nomadic traditions, learn all about the Nomadic lifestyle, ride camels, horses & yaks, play games with your hosts, listen to the unusual Mongolian music and taste some of the local specialties like home made mare milk vodka or goat milk curd
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If you feel like it we can visit nearby Hustai National Park and try to get a glimpse of the famous Przewalski horses - the last truly wild horses in the world
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Enjoy a first joint dinner with the group in Mongolia
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Overnight in private gher tents in the first traditional Nomadic Camp
DAY 2 - SAND DUNES AND CAMELS
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Relaxed breakfast at the Nomadic Camp before we head West
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Scenic drive towards the famous sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai at the far end of the Gobi Desert
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Together with your family and friends you will enjoy an exciting camel ride across the beautiful sand dunes and take some stunning photographs with the camels
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A good hours' drive will get us to the former capital of the Mongol Empire
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To get a better understanding of Mongolia's impressive history, we will visit the Karakorum Museum and the Monument of Emperors with stunning views over the Orkhon Valley and Karakorum
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Dinner and overnight at one of the most modern camps in Mongolia
DAY 3 - KARAKORUM & ORKHON VALLEY
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After a hearty breakfast in the camp we will visit one of Mongolia's most important landmarks - the famous monastery of Erdene Zuu
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As a special treat we will witness the prayer ceremony of the resident yellow hat buddhist monks and learn all about this impressive historic place and its significant in the past
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After the monastery we will head deep into the vastness of the Orkhon Valley - considered one of the most beautiful areas in Mongolia.
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We spend the afternoon out in nature, enjoying the solitude and beauty of the Orkhon river
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Overnight in another beautifully situated Nomadic camp
DAY 4 - NOMADIC ENCOUNTER
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Today is a unique day as we dive deep into the Nomadic culture
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We meet our Nomadic family that will open their home as well as their heart for us
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We will learn all about their traditional lifestyle, how they live closely with their animals, make curd out of goat milk, vodka out of mare milk and how they get through the rough winters in the field​
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As a special treat, we will build a traditional gher tent that we will then gift to our new Nomadic friends! This is an incredibly touching moment, as this tent will serve them as a home for up to 30 years
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In the late afternoon those of us who are keen get the opportunity to go experience the feisty Mongolian horses on a spectacular sunset rid
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For dinner, we will enjoy a traditional Mongolian BBQ and learn to sing some Mongolian songs - true ghoosebumps material
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Overnight will be shared with our group in the gher tent we built and one additional tent
DAY 5 - NOMADIC ENCOUNTER
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For breakfast we will learn how to cook the traditional fried Nomadic yeast sweatbread Boortsog - and enjoy it together with freshly made clotted cream
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If you feel like it, the morning will be spent supporting our Nomadic friends with the daily chores - be it heading the animals, milking the yaks, making all sorts of fresh local dairy product...
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The afternoon holds a thrilling surprise as our new Mongolian friends invite us to join them for a private ​Nadaam Festival
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Under the guidance of our friends we will learn the art of Mongolian Wrestling and the power of shooting the traditional bow and arrow
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Another joint dinner reinforces the newfound friendship and appreciation for this unique style of life
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Overnight will be shared with our group in the gher tent we built and one additional tent
DAY 6 - FAREWELL FROM OUR NEW FRIENDS
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One last time we will wake up together with the sound of the awakening steppe and enjoy a few more hours of relaxed solitude
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For those who want we can help once more to heard the life stock on horseback whilst enjoying a thrilling gallop together with the Nomadic horsemen
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After lunch it is time to say good bye and head back towards the East
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One more time we will stay overnight in a beautiful tourist camp in the vastness of the Mongolian land
DAY 7 - GHENGGIS KHAN & TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
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The morning is spent enjoying a scenic drive to the impressive statue of Ghenggis Khan - the founder of the great Mongol Empire - one of the largest empires in history
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His 40m high statue is the largest horse statue in the world and we even get to climb into the horse's head
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After this impressive site we will drive to nearby Terelj National Park, one of the most popular areas for visitors due to the natural beauty, the mountains and rock formations
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Dinner and overnight will be in the most beautiful camp in the park, nestled into the rock formations this area is so famous for
DAY 8 - PRIVATE AUDIENCE & EAGLE HUNTERS
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Today is another unique day as we will start the day with a hike up to the beautiful mountain monastery Arjapala where we will experience an exclusively arranged buddhist meditation ceremony
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After this deep encounter we enjoy a picnic lunchin the mountains before heading off to yet another highlight of this tour
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The afternoon is reserved to visit the traditional Eagle Hunters and learn all about this century old tradition and the incredible bond they have with their eagles
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As a special treat we get to hold the mighty bird on our arm - what an unforgettable experience deep encounter
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After this impactful day we head back to our camp and spend a second night in this beautiful spot in the heart of Terelj National Park​
DAY 9 - CAPITAL ULAANBAATAR
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Today it is time to properly explore the capital city of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar
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We start with a brief visit the (in)famous black market - a buzzing place locals get anything from
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We then proceed to Zaisan Hill Viewpoint
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After enjoying the vistas we visit Mongolia's leading cashmere factory, go on a private factory tour and shop in the wonderful factory outlet store
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As further highlights of today we will visit the historic Bogd Khan Winter Palace - built in the traditional Chinese style
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Dinner will be taken in one of the capital's many restaurants
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Overnight in an international hotel in Ulaanbaatar
DAY 10 - CAPITAL ULAANBAATAR
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We have the whole day to explore Ulaanbaatar further and visit key sites like the Gandan Buddhist Monastery with it's 26.5m tall wooden statue and the adjourning active monastery
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Another must on the calendar is Sukbhataar square - a masterpiece in ugly soviet architecture - that is beautifully busy and a real showcase of Mongolian family life
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As this is our last full day in Mongolia we will enjoy a sumptous farewell dinner where we can share all our memories before heading into our hotel rooms for one last night in Mongolia
DAY 11 - FAREWELL
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Today is our last day in Mongolia
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It is time to say good bye to this beautiful country and it's wonderful people
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The team will transfer you to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your return flights home
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Here are some of the things you will take home from this once-in-a-lifetime experience: deep insights into a new culture, unforgettable experiences, amazing memories, new friends and million dollar shots
ACCOMMODATION
During this trip, we will stay in some of the region's most beautiful gher camps. A gher tent is the traditional 'house' of the Nomads. Ghers are rather large, round tents in which several generations usually live together.
The camps we chose were built specifically for tourist purposes. We sleep in spacious double 'rooms' with comfortable beds and of course electricity. For this exclusive tour, we will book the luxury gher tents with private ensuite bathrooms for you.
Accommodation in these gher camps offers us the opportunity to experience the traditional way of life of the Mongolian nomads while staying overnight comfortably.
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For the two nights with our Nomadic family we will be roughing it a bit more, sharing the ghers with your family / friends with no ensuite bathroom or shower facilities as this is the traditional way the Nomads live. Whilst simple, it cannot get deeper and more authentic in terms of cultural and unforgettable experience.
A GIFT THAT CAUSED LOTS OF TEARS...
During my last trip to Mongolia, we built a gher tent that we later gave to our Nomadic friends as a gift. We could not have gifted this gher tent to a more suitable family. The head of the family had died shortly before our visit and the mother struggled enormously with the fact that the traditional handover of a 'home' from the father to the eldest son could no longer take place. Due to the loss, she no longer had the financial means. Our gher tent was therefore much more than just a gift... it was the entry into adulthood that we handed over on behalf of the late father.
THIS TOUR IS FOR YOU IF...
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You want to go on an unforgettable money-can't-buy experience
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You would like to explore the bucket list destination Mongolia
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You are excited about getting to know the local culture and the Nomads
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You are excited about experiencing this unforgettable journey with likeminded people, family and friends
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You got the link to this website from Goh Bock Seng, Chloe or their friends... this already means they would love to have you along!
THIS TOUR IS NOT FOR YOU IF...
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You are boring and negative
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You only feel happy in big cities
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You don't like to meet new people and get to know different cultures
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If you have a problem sharing a tent during the two nights you will spent with the Nomadic family far out in the Mongolian steppe
Included in the tour price
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11-day exclusive program, developed for Fabienne, Manfred, family and friends
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This tour will personally be hosted and run by Sonja Piontek
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Accommodation in shared double luxury tents with en suite bathrooms in some of the nicest gher camps in the region
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Two days/nights authentic Nomadic experience with a lovely herder family deep in the Orkhon Valley
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Accommodation in shared double rooms in an international hotel in Ulaanbaatar for the last two night (minimum 4 stars)
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Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
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Water, soft drinks, coffee, tea
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All land transportation during the tour including airport shuttles
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Exclusive program including a deep dive into the Nomadic cultural, camel rides, horse rides, bow and arrow shooting, wrestling sessions, visit of the Erdene Zuu monastery, witness of the prayer ceremony, visit of the Gandan monastery, the Zaisan Hill and many more exciting experiences
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Included is also the gher tent we are going to set up and gift the family
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Local support team
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Not included in the tour price
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Flight to and from Ulaanbaatar
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Travel and health insurance
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Visa (most countries don't need a visa, see F&Qs)
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Alcoholic drinks, tips, souvenirs, etc
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Tour price​
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Tour price per person (ten to fourteen participants)
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Tour price per person (fifteen and more participants)
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Single room
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Single room supplement ​
THIS IS WHAT YOU GET
FAQs
How will we communicate with the Nomads?
Sonja will be supported by a local tour guide that will help translate, so communication is not a problem.
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Will I need a visa?
Most nationalities do not need a visa to enter Mongolia. To be on the safe side, please check the following website https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Mongolia
What is the weather like in August?
August is one of the best times to visit Mongolia. The days are sunny and we will have comfortable t-shirt weather during the day.
Will be have cellphone coverage and wifi?
Mongolia's network is surprisingly good. We will have good coverage throughout most of the tour. If wanted, local SIM cards can be arranged.
Who took all the photos on this page?
All photos were taken during one of Sonja's many tours to Mongolia. Most by National Geographic photographer Carolyn Strover who regularly comes on Sonja's tours as photographer if wanted.
By when shall I make my booking?
The sooner the better as we will fill slots on a first come, first serve basis.
Can I bring my spouse, my partner and friends?
Yes! You are more than welcome to bring along additional people.
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Can I bring my children?
Mongolia is an incredibly child friendly country. Kids are generally welcome on this tour as long as they are able to join the program and not hold anyone up.
How can I secure my slot(s)?
Simply click on the bottom below and register via the online registration form.
I have more questions...
No problem, just send a message to sonja@sonjapiontek.com or WhatsApp on +49-174-9162260 and I will get in touch.
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What are the next steps?
Secure your slot(s) and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
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