SteppeMind began as a ger-making business in the remote Zavkhan province of Mongolia, a region where sand dunes, trees, green lands, and rivers form a uniquely mixed landscape. This rugged environment requires durable, well-crafted homes, and we started by supplying gers to tourist ger camps and resorts in neighboring provinces.

With Flora’s extensive experience in the travel industry, journalism, and public relations, we recognized an opportunity to expand our work into sustainable, meaningful tourism. This led us to create a hybrid glamping camp that blends traditional Mongolian gers with lotus tents, offering guests an authentic yet comfortable experience amidst nature.

Today, our journey has evolved into a dual-focus enterprise. Jambalsuren (JAMBAA) Ganbaatar, co-founder and Facilities & Vehicle Maintenance Manager, leads the ger-making business and oversees the maintenance of our company vehicles—an essential task given Mongolia’s demanding off-road travel conditions. Flora now manages operations, with a primary focus on travel, glamping, and sales.

Die Hard Mongolian: Jambalsuren’s Journey of Craftsmanship, Resilience, and Heritage

Jambalsuren majored in Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology 20 years ago. A naturally curious craftsman, he has always enjoyed working with his hands—knitting, sewing Mongolian national clothing like boots and hats. After moving with his family to the countryside, 1,100 km from the capital, he began crafting traditional felt-covered gers and modern adaptations.

During the COVID pandemic, Jambalsuren left his job repairing large machinery and trucks at a coal mine near the Mongolian border to focus on ger-making. This decision aligned perfectly with Flora’s vision of designing modern gers for resorts and camps. Together, they built a glamping resort featuring Jambalsuren’s handmade gers and tents, supported by the work of local artisans.

The ger-making enterprise has grown into a sister business of SteppeMind, embodying the principles of heritage entrepreneurship. We combine traditional ger craftsmanship with innovative designs tailored for eco-tourism, resorts, and glamping experiences. Each ger we produce is a symbol of Mongolia’s nomadic heritage and a means of empowering local artisans to preserve their skills and sustain their livelihoods.

Our team collaborates closely with rural artisans to ensure that every aspect of our gers—from the wooden frames to the intricately patterned felt coverings—showcases the timeless artistry of Mongolian culture. By modernizing select elements to accommodate international travelers and eco-resorts, we create a bridge between past and future.

Social entrepreneurship and heritage entrepreneurship are deeply intertwined in SteppeMind’s work. Our dual commitment to cultural preservation and responsible tourism allows us to offer travelers a genuine immersion into nomadic life, all under the roof of a handcrafted ger. This seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and logistical precision defines our approach and continues to shape our vision for the future.