Christopher Smith
After many years of travelling across central and northern Asia I decided to move to Mongolia permanently. I have always worked as a tour specialist and have spent the last 10 years bringing my love of Mongolia and my skills as a tour planner together to help visitors experience this amazing country.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We specialise in all of Mongolia and we really pride ourselves on planning trips that focus on activities such as off roading, musical experiences and nomadic lives. Mongolia is a country of spectacular beauty and ancient culture and we like to introduce our travellers to both of these aspects on trips that they will remember for a lifetime."
How did you get involved in travel?
"Before settling in Ulaanbaatar I spent many years working in various hotels across Europe and Asia but I always enjoyed the travel aspect of my job more than anything else. I settled in Mongolia in 2008 and have lived here ever since. I now use my experience as an independent traveller and my professional background with customer service and hospitality to help travellers to visit Mongolia."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"The first time I travelled to the Gobi desert was in March (Tip, do not travel in the desert during March) After a 10 hour drive through the snow and rain we arrived at the ger of a local family with which we were planning to stay. Upon entering the home and being introduced to everyone the Grandfather of the family took out a large jug and poured me a bowl of fermented camels milk or Khormog. With everybody watching me I drank the whole lot in one go after which I was told that this was ill advised but that everybody was now really impressed with my determination to be a good guest. We spent the rest of the night playing games and drinking more fermented milk."
Featured trips & expertise
Mongolia Adventure: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park & Gobi Desert - 14 Days
Head into the wilderness to discover two of Mongolia's most distinctive landscapes on this active two-week itinerary. Trekking, camping, and camel rides are all on the agenda as you travel from the snow-capped peaks of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park to the sweeping sand dunes of the Gobi Desert. You'll also have some time for cultural sightseeing in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar before the trip comes to a close.
Highlights of Mongolia - 5 Days
On this quick tour of Mongolia, you'll get an introduction to the country's culture and history. Start with sightseeing in Kharkhorin, visiting what was once the world's largest Buddhist university, then spend the night in a ger (yurt) camp. Explore the sand dunes of the Gobi Desert on a camel and go hiking in the deep ravine of Yolyn Am before heading to the city of Ulaanbaatar, where the adventure ends.
Trekking Tour of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park - 7 Days
Discover the beauty of Mongolia's wilderness on this weeklong trek through Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. You'll make the journey with an expert team that includes a mountain guide, a cook, support staff, and camels to transport your gear. Camp along the trail each night and enjoy hiking past icy glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and rushing rivers. Finish up the trip with a day of sightseeing in the city of Ulaanbaatar.
Trekking Tour of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park - 10 Days
Get away from it all on this trekking trip through remote Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Accompanied by an expert team that includes a mountain guide, a cook, support staff, and camels to transport gear, you'll explore the quiet trails of the rugged region, enjoying views of icy glaciers, milky-white rivers, and sweeping mountain scenery. After more than a week of camping at different spots along the trail, finish the trip with a day of sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar.
Highlights of Mongolia - 10 Days
On this 10-day highlights tour, you'll step back in time, traveling across the vast plains, steppes, mountains, and deserts of this remote and beautiful country. Sleep in traditional nomadic camps, ride a camel across massive sand dunes, and swim in crystal clear lakes. Explore the ruins of ancient cities and temples of the Mongol Empire, then wander through the ultra-modern capital city, all while enjoying legendary Mongolian hospitality.
Northern Mongolia Adventure - 10 Days
This 10-day tour takes you through some of Mongolia's most impressive cultural and natural wonders. You'll hike to Aglag Buteel Monastery to see Buddhist art, visit Uran Togoo National Park and its extinct volcano, and ride a horse-drawn sleigh on Lake Khuvsgul. Most nights will be spent in traditional gert camps with nomadic families. Of course, you'll also get to see Ulaanbaatar, with city tours of the bustling capital.