School Trip to Mongolia: The Story of A Legendary Park Ranger and The Land of Dinosaurs

As educational travel continues to gain momentum, the allure of unfamiliar overseas destinations has captured the attention of schools and parents alike. In our pursuit of providing students with global perspectives, we strive to highlight more extraordinary destinations on the world map.

We believe in Global Thinking, Local Learning, a philosophy that guides the development of our programs. Our Mongolian team, WildMongolia, embodies this principle. They are a group of passionate locals dedicated to preserving Mongolia’s rich traditions and wild landscapes. Collaborating with a diverse group of experts, WildMongolia offers students a truly authentic experience—one that tells the many captivating stories of this Central Asian nation. From the challenges of ecological sustainability to the return of once-endangered wildlife, the balance between traditional nomadic life and modern society, and the dinosaur fossils that lie buried in the Gobi Desert—Mongolia is a land of wonder.

Here are some highlights from our Mongolia programs, presented by Uyanga, co-founder and managing director of WildMongolia:

A Legendary Ranger: The Story of Tumursukh Jal

Tumursukh Jal is not only a guide at the Khuvsgul Lake National Park, but he is also a ranger with a truly legendary life story. 

His journey began at just seven years old when his father took him into the taiga forest, igniting a lifelong love for his homeland and its wild environment. For over 27 years, he has devoted himself to protecting the environment and conserving wildlife.

Spending 250 days a year on horseback, Tumursukh has covered over 168,000 kilometers throughout the years. His dedication to observing wildlife in extreme conditions even led him to endure freezing nights outdoors. 

Confronting poachers to protect endangered species, Tumursukh has faced intense conflicts with local hunters, but these challenges have never shaken his resolve. His courage in defending wildlife and his compassion toward orphaned bear cubs are featured in the award-winning documentary Mongolia, Valley of the Bears.

The documentary follows Tumursukh and his team as they care for three orphaned bear cubs through the harsh Mongolian winter, eventually releasing them back into the wild. Watching the bears vanish into the forest, one cannot help but understand that the wilderness is where these creatures truly belong.

The Mysteries of Prehistoric Life in the Gobi Desert

.

Did you know that the Gobi Desert in southern Mongolia holds some of the world’s greatest paleontological secrets? It’s home to one of the largest dinosaur fossil deposits on Earth, revealing mysteries that have shaped our understanding of prehistoric life.

Though today’s Gobi is an arid expanse of sand and rock, during the Cretaceous Period (120 to 70 million years ago), it was a lush world of rivers, lakes, and abundant life. This vibrant ecosystem supported a wide range of plants, animals, and, of course, dinosaurs. Fossils embedded in the Gobi’s sedimentary rocks offer invaluable insights into the origins, evolution, and extinction of these ancient species, giving us a glimpse into Earth’s distant past.

Over nearly a century of exploration, paleontologists have unearthed more than 80 species of dinosaurs and over 60 fossil sites in the Gobi. These discoveries shed light on the final chapter of the dinosaur era, the Late Cretaceous. One of the most groundbreaking finds occurred in 1922, when an American expedition led by Roy Chapman Andrews uncovered dinosaur eggs at the Flaming Cliffs, a discovery that confirmed dinosaurs reproduced by laying eggs.

Today, scientists continue to unearth dinosaur fossils and footprints, providing evidence of the Gobi’s once-thriving ecosystem. Among the most iconic discoveries are fossilized nests and eggs, which give us a window into how these mighty creatures once lived.

Students joining this program will explore this fascinating paleontological treasure trove, guided by experts who will share the thrilling story of the Gobi’s ancient inhabitants.

The Return of Mongolia’s Wild Horse: The Takhi

For Mongolians, horses are more than just companions—they are a symbol of deep cultural reverence. In fact, Mongolia is home to the world’s last remaining species of truly wild horse, the Przewalski’s horse, or Takhi. These sturdy, untamed creatures roam the harsh desert, known for their strength and fierce nature, capable of defending themselves even against wolves.

However, despite their status as the “king of horses,” the Takhi nearly vanished from the wild due to human hunting and habitat destruction. Thanks to a 29-year conservation effort spearheaded by the Dutch Przewalski Horse Foundation, the Mongolian Association for the Conservation of Nature, and the Hustai National Park, these wild horses have been successfully reintroduced to their natural habitat.

On our trip, students will visit Hustai National Park, where they’ll learn about the Takhi’s extraordinary journey back to the Mongolian steppes. This renowned conservation effort offers a unique opportunity for students to understand the complexities and challenges of protecting biodiversity in an ever-changing world.

In addition to its incredible natural landscapes and wildlife, Mongolia is one of the few places on Earth where a significant portion of the population still embraces the nomadic way of life. Nearly 30% of Mongolians are engaged in nomadic or semi-nomadic livelihoods, and their stories offer a window into how tradition and modernity intersect in this unique country.

By following in our footsteps, students will gain a deeper understanding of Mongolia’s untamed beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the powerful connection its people have to the land they call home.