Mongolia Retreat 2026 - Gobi Desert
June 6th - 13th
Departure at 6AM on the 6th from the Shangri-La hotel in Ulaanbaatar
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes while refining your Handstand and Contortion practice, guided by one of the world’s top hand balancers and contortionists.
After horse riding on the vast Mongolian steppes in summer 2025, AcroMongolia now takes you deep into the Gobi Desert—this time with the opportunity to ride camels.
The Gobi Desert is one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth—vast, silent, and untouched, where endless horizons, sculpted dunes, and raw nature create a profound sense of space and clarity. Training in the Gobi is not just a physical experience, but a rare immersion into one of the world’s last truly wild and timeless places.
You will train 5 hours per day, split into two sessions:
9:30–12:00 and 15:30–18:00,
with one session dedicated to hand balancing and the other to contortion.
Meals will be shared together at Gobi Mirage Lodge’s main restaurant, where you will enjoy traditional Mongolian cuisine.
Getting to the Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert is located approximately 10 hours by road from Ulaanbaatar (UB).
We are currently waiting for MIAT’s domestic flight schedule to be released. If flights are available, the journey by plane takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. If flights are not available, the group will travel by road.
In the case of road travel, departure will be at 6:00 AM on June 6th from the Shangri-La Hotel in Ulaanbaatar, for a full-day drive to the Gobi Desert.
As the mode of transport is not yet confirmed, transfer costs will be communicated and finalized later.
For participants who wish to book international flights early, we strongly recommend arriving in Ulaanbaatar on June 5th and spending the night there, to ensure you do not miss the early departure on June 6th.
About the Gobi Desert
In the Gobi Desert, movement meets eternity.
Perched atop the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), Ochir’s handstand and contortion practice unfolds against a vast, ancient landscape where time feels suspended — a place where the world’s first dinosaur eggs were once uncovered. The raw power of the Gobi — its silence, scale, and deep red earth — amplifies every movement, turning the body into a quiet dialogue with one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
Prices
You will be staying in traditional Mongolian yurts during your stay. You can choose between two Yurt options.
The transfer from Ulaanbaatar to Gobi Mirage Lodge is NOT included in the price.
Please allow for an extra 250-300$
The retreat is limited to 16 students of Intermediate and Advanced levels only.
To secure your spot, we require a USD 800 deposit which is NOT refundable.
Premium yurt
7 nights - Single Occupancy
private toilet & bathroom in the yurt
USD 2,550
Premium yurt
7 nights - Double Occupancy
private toilet & bathroom in the yurt
USD 2,200
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Standard Yurt
7 nights - Single Occupancy
Shared toilets & showers
USD 2,170
Standard Yurt
7 nights - Double Occupancy
Shared toilets & showers
USD 1,970
What you get
Accommodation
7 nights of traditional Yurt accommodation
Camel Ride
Feel the vastness of the desert on a camel (at additional cost)
Classes
25h of handstand and contortion training
Healthy meals
3 meals a day (Buffet of local cuisines)
Schedule
Day 1
6 am: Departure from Ulaanbaatar
Day 5
Training day
Day 2
Training day
Day 6
Training Day
Day 3
Training day
Day 7
Training day
Day 4
Rest day
Camel Ride (at extra cost)
Day 8
Journey back to Ulaanbaatar
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for intermediate to advanced practitioners only.
Meaning you should be able to hold a 20-30s straight handstand on 2 arms easily. We will mainly work towards/on leg isolations and one arm handstand.
No minimum level required for Contortion.
What should I pack?
Once you register, we’ll send a detailed packing list. In the meantime, we recommend:
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Comfortable training clothes
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Warm layers (Mongolian evenings can be cool, even in summer)
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Lightweight jacket or windbreaker
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Sunscreen, insect repellent, and any personal care items
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Sturdy shoes for walking or light hiking
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Any supplements, snacks, or specific gear you like to train with
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a yoga mat (we can provide an acromongolia mat if you buy it up front)
What if I need to cancel?
A non-refundable deposit of $800 USD is required to reserve your spot.
Full payment is due six weeks before the retreat begins.
Please note: the retreat is non-refundable, so we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Where is the retreat held?
The retreat takes place at Gobi Mirage Lodge, a lodge nestled in the Gobi desert. Guests stay in beautiful, traditional yurts, with access to a main lodge featuring modern comforts.
How do I get to Gobi Mirage?
Group Transfer: Gobi Mirage is 10h drive from Ulaanbaatar.
Once MIAT fligth's schedule will be released, we will know if we can go by plane (1h30 flight) or if we need to drive there.
In case we need to drive, we would leave at 6am on the 6th of June from The Shangri-La hotel in Ulaanbaatar
The transfer fees are NOT INCLUDED in the price and will be communicated once we have the flight schedule. Please allow an extra USD 250-300 for the round-trip.
How many people will be there?
Maximum 16 students.
Can I come alone? Or with someone who won’t participate in the training?
Yes to both. Many guests come solo, and it’s a great opportunity for personal focus and reflection. You’re also welcome to bring a partner or family member who won’t join the training but wishes to enjoy the setting and the retreat lifestyle.