Retreat was certainly not the most favorite word of Genghis Khan the Conqueror [1162-1227]. But around 1220, he had to retreat from one of his expansionist campaigns. To create a new administration center for his new vast empire, he founded the city of Karakorum on the edge of a huge plateau in the center of Mongolia, where the
Orkhon River exits the Khangai Mountains.

He preferred the wilderness and often left the city riding west into the Orkhon Valley. Nature is splendid here, the Orkhon River crystal clear and the mountains covered with high altitude forests. Twenty-five kilometers up river, there is a little hill with a remarkable history: ancient tombs dating back to the Neolithic period [3000-2000 BC] and a Menhir placed at a cosmic spot by an ancient culture long gone.

It is on this hill where we have now the Genghis Khan Retreat and we continue paying homage to the past. The landscape, stretched some 100 km East-West along the river is regarded as the gateway to heaven and is today a
UNESCO
World Heritage Site.

Saddle up and ride in some of the most unspoilt, rugged and breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Open trail for an unforgettable polo and riding camp in the untamed frontiers of the Mongolian steppes.

The camp was originally created as a private family summer retreat in the wilderness combined with adventure and equestrian sports. Christopher Giercke, his wife Enkhe (who grew up in the Orkhon Valley), their friend Jim Edwards (founder of Tiger Tops, Nepal), his son Kristjan Edwards, Dr. Celia Temple, Deirdre Livingston and Col. Raj Kalaan
began the
camp together.

In Mongolia, horses roam free at night to be recaptured at dawn. The Genghis Khan Retreat owns around 100 riding and polo horses. We also maintain herds of sheep, goats and yaks - the traditional livestock of Mongolian nomads.

In the last two decades, the camp has hosted over a thousand guests, mainly family friends, friends of friends from all over the world. It has become a meeting place where nature lovers and enthusiasts from the international equestrian community meet and mingle,
ride and play polo.

The Genghis Khan Retreat is a self-sustaining summer camp and finances its operation and the youth training programs from the revenue generated during the summer months.

Start Your Journey!

Get ready to explore an extraordinary and unforgettable stay in the untamed frontiers of the Mongolian steppes. For more information, contact us now to plan your dream visit or vacation.