Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2009

Luxurious accommodation is probably the last thing you’d expect to find in the middle of the Gobi Desert. The Three Camel Lodge, however, promises just that. Run by tour operator Nomadic Expeditions, which has been providing trips to Mongolia for over 17 years, this deluxe development lets you experience desert life without sacrificing too many creature comforts. Guests stay in ger felt tents like the ones used by Mongolian nomads—only these come with king-size beds and private bathrooms. The onsite restaurant serves up locally grown organic produce, and in the evenings guests can enjoy live music and dance performances. Far from being some hermetic bubble for city slickers, the lodge is designed to be environmentally and culturally sustainable, and is one of the biggest employers in the Gobi. Other activities include hiking, camel trekking, horseback riding and even fossil hunting at the renowned Flaming Cliffs.

For details, see www.threecamellodge.com.