By: Hannah Hesford | August 27, 2026
We’re back with another edition of Reclaim Stories, where we hand things over to our guests to tell you about a trip in their own words.
This time, it’s Tanya. She joined us in Iceland for her first Reclaim adventure last year. This summer, she was back for round two…this time in Mongolia!
Two totally different parts of the country and, as it turned out, a few more adventures than anyone had planned for. Tanya didn’t want to give too much away (and we don’t blame her). Half the fun is not knowing exactly what’s coming! We tend to agree. Over to Tanya…
First stop: the Gobi
This was my second Reclaim Yourself retreat, after Iceland in October 2025, and what an adventure Mongolia turned out to be.
We started in the Gobi Desert, sleeping in traditional gers in 42-degree heat (!). And somehow we timed it with a full moon, which was magnificently bright over the desert at night.
One evening we had dinner among the granite rock formations, followed by a campfire under the full moon while the camp staff sang traditional songs. The landscape was so barren, yet so beautiful. Wild horses would run through camp and every now and then a double-humped camel would wander by.
Then there was the yoga. We practised with James in our own ‘shala’ ger, which felt really special. He’s a deeply spiritual and connected teacher, and his style brought me right back to myself. His daily meditation readings and workshop-style classes were exactly what I needed.
And then, everything changed
After the Gobi, we headed north and the contrast was huge. Suddenly, all that barren desert was replaced by lush green valleys, hills and wildflower meadows. Walking barefoot, you’d find a carpet of bluebells and daisies under your feet. We had afternoon thunderstorms and blissfully cool days, sauna sessions in a ger, and time to read and spend time with the local nomadic children around camp.
Horse riding was a firm favourite. The hike to the highest part of the valley was more of a test of endurance for all of us!
One last adventure
As if being in Mongolia wasn’t adventure enough, we ended up leaving the valley across farmland after the river burst its banks and the already rugged roads washed away. The skill of our 4×4 drivers was exceptional. Having travelled extensively through countries in Africa, I can honestly say these men were next-level drivers.
And then there was the food. We had our own chef with us throughout the trip, cooking delicious vegetarian food for us every day. We ate vegetarian for two weeks and, honestly, my body said a million thank-yous.
Travelling solo can sometimes get a little lonely, but I’ve never felt that way on a Reclaim retreat. There’s always someone around when you want company, but you can disappear for some time on your own when you need that too.
And once again, I’ve come home with friends for life.
I don’t want to tell you everything about Mongolia. Part of what made the trip so special was not knowing exactly what was coming next, and I think some things are better discovered when you get there.
But there were two completely different landscapes, plenty of unexpected adventures, beautiful yoga and time properly away from the day-to-day.
And apparently I’m not done yet…
Greenland is next!
A massive thank you to Tanya for sharing her Mongolia stories with us (well, some of them… we promised not to give everything away).
If this has left you a little curious about what else she’s keeping to herself, maybe that’s exactly the point? Some adventures are better discovered for yourself.