Today, I find myself in a traditional Mongolian Ger in the Orkhan Valley, Mongolia, known as the Valley of the Khans. After a six-day horseback journey in the steppe, I sit down with D’Artagnan, of the Genghis Khan Retreat Center, formerly the Genghis Khan Polo Club.'
Over the past 25 years, the Genghis Khan Retreat Center has created a unique world in the wilderness, they've brought the traditional Mongol nomad lifestyle into a unique cultural experience where they welcome friends of friends from around the world to immerse themselves in authentic Mongolian culture. The community employs locals year round, building, hosting, riding and is home to Mongolian National Polo Team, which D’Artagnan’s father established.
D’Art (as his friends call him), along with his business partner Ang, who runs a similar retreat called the Happy House in Nepal, chose to leave behind the modern comforts of New York, London, and the modern world to preserve and share their respective cultural heritages. Their dedication to living a life connected to the wilderness and their heritage is super inspiring.
Previously exclusive, the Genghis Khan Retreat Center has recently begun to welcome friends of friends. I was fortunate to spend 10 unforgettable days there, delving into Mongolian mysticism, nomadic culture, and the lives of the traditional people.
We’ll talk about the rich cultural traditions, the challenges and rewards of maintaining such a unique lifestyle, and the incredible stories from this elusive part of the world.
Enjoy the conversation!
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