Visit This Mongolian Lodge with an Artist-in-Residence Program

A trip to Mongolia is already going to be special, but what if you could stay in an eco-lodge with an artist-in-residence program? That’s what you’ll now find at Three Camel Lodge, a sustainable luxury hotel.

© Nomadic Expeditions

Branded as the most inspiring and sustainable eco-lodge in the country, Three Camel Lodge recently launched its Avdar Artist Residency Program, which connects travelers with Mongolian artists. Artists now literally live and work at the lodge. The program’s name is taken from the Mongolian word “avdar,” which refers to a wooden chest that traditionally protects the most precious belongings of a nomadic family.

Throughout this summer, the lodge has welcomed a variety of artists who work with a variety of mediums, including paintings and ceramics, graphic design and sculpting.

© Nomadic Expeditions

The Lodge asserts that this program, though not directly related to eco- or environmentally friendly concerns, still aligns well with its sustainability focus.

As founder Jalsa Urubshurow said, “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Three Camel Lodge… Our approach has always been inspired by Mongolia’s nomadic culture — people who move with the seasons and leave little to no trace on the land. That philosophy guides how we build and operate, from using environmentally responsible materials to minimizing our footprint whenever possible. But sustainability is about more than the environment. It’s also about supporting local communities and preserving culture. That’s what this program is designed to do: empower Mongolian artists and bring contemporary Mongolian art to the Gobi Desert in a way that may never have been done before.”