Gobi’s Spirit
Cultural Stargazing
by Steppe Mind &
Gobi Caravan Serai
Celestial Eunoia 2025
3-Day Stargazing Retreat
June 23–25
Day 1 – Arrival & Cultural Opening
- Arrive at Gobi Caravanserai Lodge (6–8 hr drive from Ulaanbaatar)
- Settle in & enjoy a welcome buffet dinner
- Evening: Welcome briefing under the Gobi sky
Day 2 – Nomadic Heritage & Night Rituals
Morning
- Continental breakfast
Daytime
- Excursion to ancient Deer Stone & rock art sites
- Picnic lunch in nature
- Altai artisan workshop: connect with ancient roots through music and craftsmanship
Evening
- Cultural stargazing show “Sound of Serai”
- Fire ceremony, ritual circle dance & live ethnic music
- Guided astronomy session and night sky viewing
Day 3 – Sacred Sunrise & Departure
- Early sunrise hike to Tsagaan Suvarga, the sacred white mountain of the Gobi
- Breakfast & check-out
- Continue to your next destination or return to Ulaanbaatar

Journey Back to the Roots of Humanity
This event is crafted to offer a unique and intimate experience for a limited number of guests. Set in one of the emptiest regions of Mongolia—surrounded by the vast semi-arid steppe of the Great Gobi Desert, known by nomads as the “Steppe to Get Lost”—this location is one of the darkest places on Earth, where galaxies burst into view under the endless night sky.
With the dry Gobi air and an elevation of 1,576 meters above sea level, this serene environment disrupts nearby clouds and creates the perfect conditions for stargazing. The lodge offers an exceptional view of the cosmos, almost entirely free from pollution, with a darkness rating of 21.9 on the Sky Quality Meter (22 being the maximum).
Ultra-Escapist Music Retreat
On these special days, musicians and artists will perform epic lullabies with the Altai yatga, honoring the celestial star and Mother Earth. For the past three years, this land—where rain is rare—has been blessed with rain during this event. The Gobi, known for its many talented singers and believed to embody a feminine spirit, responds generously to the art of cultural heritage carriers.
Lift your spirits with the Sound of Serai.
The elders see this gathering as an offering—an expression of gratitude where praise songs and music speak to the Gobi’s spirit, evoking its blessings.
Experience the magic of sunrise at Tsagaan Suvarga, with its stunning white cliffs and ancient beauty, as a long song singer welcomes the sun, their voice echoing across the vast landscape.

Accommodation
At Steppe Mind, we curate stays that offer both cultural authenticity and refined comfort, ensuring a deep connection to Mongolia’s landscapes.
Ger Camps – Most of our accommodations are in traditional ger camps, providing an authentic nomadic experience. Depending on regional infrastructure, some camps offer private en-suite bathrooms, while others have shared facilities.
Gobi Caravanserai – An Escapist Desert Retreat – A minimalist-designed eco-lodge in the heart of the Gobi, Gobi Caravanserai offers hotel-style rooms built from local adobe, each with a private terrace and panoramic desert views. Guests enjoy a blend of Asian, Western, and indigenous Mongolian cuisine, along with an unforgettable sunset-to-stargazing experience in this tranquil oasis.
Shambala Hotel – A peaceful hotel stay, providing modern comforts in a spiritually rich setting.
A Star of Steppe Glamping Resort – Owned by Steppe Mind, this exclusive glamping retreat is designed to meet our high standards, set in one of Mongolia’s most stunning oasis-like landscapes, where sand dunes, rivers, green pastures, and forests converge. Featuring lotus-style tents, it offers a mindful, luxurious escape immersed in nature.
Three Camel Lodge (Available for Upgrade in South Gobi) – Mongolia’s most renowned eco-lodge, setting the benchmark for sustainable luxury. This exclusive accommodation is available as an optional upgrade for those seeking the highest level of comfort in the South Gobi.
Each stay is carefully selected to enhance your journey—whether it’s embracing the nomadic way of life, indulging in eco-luxury, or unwinding in our private glamping sanctuary.
When you come down for Mongolia and the Gobi, it’s the perfect opportunity to enhance your CULTURAL STARGAZING 2025 experience with thoughtfully crafted pre- and post-retreat extensions, offering deeper cultural immersion and breathtaking scenic contrasts.
June 18 – 30
Optional Itinerary at a glance
Pre-Retreat Options
Begin your journey through Mongolia’s rich spiritual and natural heritage before heading to the Gobi.
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Ulaanbaatar | 1 Night
Rest and recharge after arrival. Enjoy a curated introduction to the capital’s history, arts, and modern nomadic spirit. -
Terelj National Park | 1–2 Nights
Just outside Ulaanbaatar, retreat to granite cliffs and pine forests. Visit the Aryaval Meditation Temple, enjoy a riverside stay, and meet local herder families. -
Kharkhorin & Orkhon Valley | 2–3 Nights
Travel westward to the cradle of Mongol history. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Orkhon Valley, explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, and reflect by sacred riverbanks where nomadic empires once rose.
Main Event
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CULTURAL STARGAZING 2025 | Gobi Caravanserai Lodge (Middle Gobi)
Private 2-Night Event
A profound immersion into Mongolia’s intangible heritage, astronomy, and music beneath one of Asia’s clearest night skies.
Post-Retreat Options
Continue south into Mongolia’s iconic desertscape or return to the capital for a soft landing.
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South Gobi | 3–4 Nights
Discover dramatic desert contrasts: flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, the green Yol Valley canyon, and the towering Khongor Sand Dunes. Experience camel riding and life with Gobi herder families. -
Ulaanbaatar | 2 Nights
Wind down your journey with city comforts, art galleries, craft markets, and a final cultural performance before your departure.
Exclusive Dark Sky Cultural Retreat
Join us for an extraordinary evening under the legendary Gobi night sky, where nature, culture, and the cosmos converge in perfect harmony.
Accompanied by a professional astronomic tour guide, esteemed keepers of Mongolia’s intangible cultural heritage, and a team of renowned photographers and videographers, you’ll be immersed in a truly authentic chill-out experience—both indoors and outdoors
Last half of June 2025
Duration:3- 12 days
Meals: All meals Included
Price: $220 per person/day + $150 event ticket per person
Early Bird: Book by May to get $20 off per day per person
Transport: Paved road and off-road travel
Accomodation:
- Serviced Apartment or hotel in capital city 1-2 nights
- Mongolian style Ger camps
- Modern Style Resorts
International flight: Not included
Insurance: Not included, but required
Photo and video fees: not included, apply at select locations