Set within the vast landscapes of the Gobi Desert, Three Camel Lodge is known for its cultural authenticity and deep respect for Mongolia’s living heritage. Yet what defines the experience most vividly are the people who welcome guests into this remarkable place. Among them is Munkhzaya, the Lodge’s restaurant manager, who has shaped the dining experience for nearly a decade.
Born in 1990 in Erdenetsagaan in Sukhbaatar Province, Munkhzaya grew up surrounded by the rhythms of pastoral life. As the eldest daughter in her family, she spent her childhood helping raise livestock across the open steppe. Those early years fostered a strong sense of responsibility and a lasting connection to Mongolia’s nomadic traditions.
In 2016, she joined the team at Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi Desert. Today she oversees the Lodge’s dining operations, helping create an atmosphere where Mongolian culinary traditions are presented with care and authenticity. Guests encounter regional ingredients, traditional dishes, and stories that reveal the deeper cultural context of the Gobi.
We spoke with Munkhzaya about her childhood, life in the Gobi Desert, and what it means to welcome travelers from around the world.
A Conversation with Munkhzaya
You grew up in Sukhbaatar Province in eastern Mongolia, a region known for its horses and endless steppe. How did that landscape shape you growing up?
Growing up, I spent much of my time helping my family with livestock and household tasks. Life was always busy, and hard work was a natural part of our days. The routines we followed and the responsibilities I carried shaped me into a diligent and attentive person.
From those early experiences, I developed a strong commitment to doing things well. I always try to be careful and mindful of every detail, knowing that dedication makes all the difference.
At Three Camel Lodge, guests come from around the world, and our team represents many parts of Mongolia. How do these different backgrounds enrich the experience we create?
People at the lodge come from a variety of backgrounds. Some grew up in nomadic families, others in cities. Mongolia itself is home to many dialects and cultural traditions, each with its own customs and ways of life.
When we work together, we share these experiences with one another. The lodge becomes more than a workplace. It becomes a place where people learn from each other and deepen their understanding of Mongolia’s diverse cultural heritage.
Your family is also closely connected to the lodge community. What does it mean to raise your children while being part of the lodge team?
Being with my family at the lodge is one of the greatest joys of working here. My children are growing up surrounded by nature and a strong sense of community.
They also have the chance to meet people from many different countries. Through these encounters they hear new stories, learn about different cultures, and broaden their perspectives at a young age. It is a special environment for them to grow and learn.
What moment during dinner service makes you happiest as a restaurant manager?
The most rewarding moments are when I see guests truly enjoying their meals and the service we provide. When I see smiles and satisfaction on their faces, it reminds me why I love this work.
Kind words and compliments mean a great deal to our entire team. Knowing that we have created a memorable experience for our guests motivates us to continue doing our best every day.
What dish or dining experience do you always recommend to first-time guests?
Traditional dishes best represent our culture. Meals such as buuz, khuushuur, tsuivan, and khorkhog allow guests to experience flavors that are closely connected to Mongolia’s land and history.
Mongolian cuisine is hearty and nourishing. Many guests say that after trying these dishes they feel a sense of satisfaction unlike anything they have experienced before. For them it becomes a deeper discovery of Mongolia’s culture and way of life.
What do you enjoy most about living and working in the Gobi Desert?
The landscapes of the Gobi are breathtaking. From the rolling sand dunes to the Three Beauty Mountains, the scenery feels extraordinary in every direction.
Where I grew up in eastern Mongolia the land is mostly steppe and plains. The Gobi is different. It combines desert landscapes, mountains, and wide open spaces that create a unique and beautiful environment.
What surprises first-time visitors the most about life at Three Camel Lodge?
Many guests are amazed by the natural beauty of the Gobi at sunrise and sunset. Watching the sun rise over the steppe or disappear behind the mountains creates unforgettable moments.
At night the Milky Way fills the sky with incredible brightness. With no light pollution, many guests see it clearly for the first time in their lives. It is an experience that leaves people with a lasting sense of wonder.
Hospitality Rooted in Place
the values she learned growing up on Mongolia’s steppe. Care for others, respect for tradition, and attention to detail guide her work each day.
When guests gather for dinner at the Lodge, they encounter more than regional cuisine. They experience a form of hospitality that reflects Mongolia’s culture and landscapes. Through Munkhzaya’s leadership, each meal becomes part of a larger story about the Gobi Desert and the people who call it home.
To begin planning your own experience at Three Camel Lodge, contact us to explore our journeys and seasonal availability.
