Cultural preservation is woven into the heart of Three Camel Lodge. For 15 years, we’ve been proud to support students at the Khankhongor School in the Gobi, where young dancers and musicians dedicate themselves to keeping Mongolia’s traditions alive. Guests at the lodge often see these students perform, and each performance becomes more than entertainment. It is a moving reminder of how history and heritage are carried forward by the next generation.
This year, their talent and commitment continue to inspire us. From the dedication of their teachers to the dreams of graduating students, the program shows that cultural preservation is not only about honoring the past. It is also about creating opportunities for the future.
The Legacy of Two Teachers
Behind every performance are the guiding hands of two remarkable teachers: Tuyakhuu and Ayush. For decades, this husband-and-wife team has passed down the skills and discipline of Mongolian music and dance, shaping the lives of hundreds of children.
Tuyakhuu’s journey began in his youth, when he first picked up the drums at school. By 18, he was serving in the army and expanding his musical repertoire with the clarinet and flute. He went on to perform with the cultural sanctuary in 1979 and later joined the provincial music and dance theatre. With more than 30 years as a professional orchestra maestro, he eventually turned to teaching and helped bring recognition to the Khankhongor School. His ability to guide large groups—at one point directing an orchestra of 42 children—has left a lasting impact on the region.
Ayush, equally dedicated, began dancing at the age of 14. By 18, she was performing with the provincial cultural sanctuary, and just a few years later she joined the provincial theatre as a professional dancer. In 1993, she shifted her focus to teaching, sharing her artistry with younger generations. Since joining the Khankhongor School in 2000, she has helped shape countless performers, nurturing both skill and confidence. Together, Tuyakhuu and Ayush typically teach around 30 students each year. Over two decades, that number has grown to nearly 400, a testament to their commitment and love for their craft.
Creating Opportunities for the Future
Three Camel Lodge, along with our sister company Nomadic Expeditions, has supported the Khankhongor School since 2009 by helping assemble a student band that performs annually at the lodge. These performances give students an invaluable platform to showcase their abilities and share Mongolia’s living traditions with a wider audience.
In 2018, this partnership deepened when the Arts Council and Nomadic Expeditions created a foundation to provide scholarships. The goal was simple: to give talented students the resources to pursue professional careers and higher education. For those who dream of joining universities or cultural institutions, this support opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. It is one of the ways cultural preservation becomes a living bridge between tradition and opportunity.
A Year of Young Talent
Each year brings a new ensemble of students, and 2025 is no exception. This year’s group reflects the richness of Mongolian culture, with dancers, singers, and musicians working together as one.
Take Delgermaa, for example. Now in 12th grade, she has been performing at the lodge since she was nine years old. At 18, she has earned admission to university to continue her studies in dance, embodying the success and spirit of the program.
Other students are finding their voices as well. Azzaya, a long song singer in 10th grade, fills the desert air with melodies that feel timeless. Ariunhishig and Bolorchimeg, both dulcimer players, bring depth and resonance to the ensemble. Behbold, Bilguun, Esugen, and Ochir each master the horse head fiddle, connecting directly to one of Mongolia’s most iconic instruments.
The dancers add their own layer of artistry. Young performers like Enerel and Dulguun, both only 10 years old, are taking their first steps in the ensemble, while Zolzaya, now in her third year, performs with confidence well beyond her age.
And then there is Ochirhuyag, a 10th grader who has taken up the unique and powerful art of khuumii throat singing. His inclusion shows how the ensemble continues to evolve, ensuring that every aspect of Mongolian tradition has a place on the stage.
Together, these students represent the future of cultural preservation. Their progress is a reflection not only of their own dedication but also of the guidance they receive from their teachers and the support of the wider community.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 unfolds, the Khankhongor School continues to be a beacon of cultural preservation. With teachers like Tuyakhuu and Ayush, a community of dedicated students, and the support of Three Camel Lodge and Nomadic Expeditions, the future of traditional Mongolian music and dance remains bright.
We are honored to play a role in this work. Whether by supporting scholarships, attending performances, or sharing these stories, our guests and partners help keep these traditions alive. Cultural preservation is not a project with an end date. To us, it’s an ongoing commitment to honor the past, nurture the present, and inspire the future.