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Host rating
80 %
Last replied
18 Oct 2024
Reply rate
75.0 %
Usually responds within 8 days
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Details
Description
We are a Polish-Mongolian couple, Agata and Tamir, living in Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia. Agata, originally from Poland, came to Mongolia as a researcher and found her home here. Tamir, a well-known Mongolian artist and calligrapher, brings his artistic talents to our lives. Together, we're restoring an old house and turning it into a welcoming guest house.
Our place offers a unique blend of history, culture, and creativity. We have three guest rooms, a restaurant space, a cozy library, Tamir's calligraphy studio, and some yurts in the backyard! With plenty of outdoor space, we're transforming the area into a beautiful garden and recreational haven.
Location
Karakorum boasts a central location, placing you right next to the local bus station and marketplace. Explore the town's hidden gems, including the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the archaeological museum, and L'Ecrin - Erdenesiin Khuree, a Mongolian calligraphy and art center founded by Tamir himself! The breathtaking Orkhon River Valley is just a 3km journey away, offering stunning natural beauty.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living and working alongside us in Karakorum offers a unique opportunity for cultural immersion. Here are some ways you'll deepen your understanding of Mongolia:
1. Uncover Mongolian Traditions: Gain firsthand experience with daily life in the Mongolian countryside. Learn about local customs, traditions, and ways of living.
2. Become a Calligraphy Master: Tamir, a renowned Mongolian artist, will be your guide in the art of traditional Mongolian calligraphy. Agata can also teach you the unique techniques of Tibetan calligraphy.
3. A Culinary Adventure: Discover the delicious world of Mongolian cuisine. Savor traditional dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients, and even try the famous horse milk drink!
4. Explore the Historical Capital: Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia, is steeped in history. We'll help you explore the town's historical sites, including the Erdene Zuu Monastery, a significant Buddhist center.
5. Horseback Riding Adventure (Optional): Experience the vast Mongolian landscape on horseback! We can help you arrange an unforgettable riding trip (at additional cost).
6. Travel Tips and Beyond: We're happy to share our knowledge and insider tips to help you plan your Mongolian adventure.
We believe in genuine cultural exchange and are eager to share our way of life with you.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Become a Part of Our Karakorum Family!
We're looking for responsible and enthusiastic individuals to join our family-run guest house in Karakorum. While we have some creative projects on the go, the primary focus of our Workaway program is to assist with daily operations. Here's how you can contribute to our warm and welcoming environment:
1. Hospitality Helpers: We need help with tasks like:
Preparing guest rooms for arrival (making beds, cleaning)
Assisting with meal preparation and cooking (breakfast and lunch or dinner)
Maintaining cleanliness throughout the guest house (common areas, bathrooms)
2. Light Housekeeping: Keeping things tidy is essential. You can help with tasks like:
Cleaning floors and surfaces
Doing laundry
Washing dishes
3. Garden Care: Our backyard is a work in progress! Lend a hand with weeding, planting, and general garden maintenance.
4. Creative Collaborators: If you have artistic talents or enjoy DIY projects, let us know! We're always open to collaborating on creative ideas for the guest house.
Remember, you're joining a family! We value open communication and a collaborative spirit. We'll provide all the necessary training for guest house tasks, and of course, there will be time for cultural exchange and exploration too!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Mongolian: Fluent
Polish: Fluent
Russian: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Depending on availability and your preference, you can stay in one of the rooms or in the yurt. We can accommodate a family or a single person, however, mind that sometimes you might need to share a room with other volunteers.
We provide meals or ingredients for 2 daily meals: breakfast and lunch/dinner depending on your work schedule. It is possible to arrange vegetarian or vegan food options.
What else ...
If you want to stay at our home please read all the information carefully. When you write to us wanting to apply for a Workaway experience please :
1. let us know that you accept the rules of the house (mentioned below in the following text)
2. leave your WhatsApp number so that we can have a quick video call before you arrive
I WILL NOT RESPOND TO MESSAGES THAT DO NOT CONTAIN THE ABOVE TWO POINTS.
Also, be prepared to show us your passport when you arrive. When you stay with us it is important to understand that we become one team and we are responsible for each other. You should also know that there is a child at home so you have to be ok with children around.
Another thing that you should know: we are not your parents and we won't teach you personal culture, work culture or basic housework skills so you should know how to clean the dishes or wash the floor before you arrive. Thanks!
We reserve the right to finish our workaway agreement immediately if you break any of the house rules or turn out unskilled. Mind that it's a WORKaway, not CHILLaway or something like this :P
Rules of the house:
1. Be kind and respect each other. Communication is the key.
2. Clean after yourself NOW (not after... Or tomorrow...)
3. Keep common spaces tidy.
4. Give equally as you take.
5. If the door was closed, when you enter/leave, close it back.
6. Every day we talk about our plans for the next day so that we can organize our work and sum up the day.
7. Don't put dangerous or breakable things on the level of the toddler (there is a child in the house)
8. Don't leave things outside unattended (the wind or dog or someone will take them)
9. If you want to help and don't know how, check if: there are dishes to wash, trash to collect, floor to clean, kitchen to clean, food to prepare, etc
10. If you don't know something, ask!
Make sure that you accept and follow the rules.
FAQ:
1. How to get to Kharkhorin from UB?
The best way is to take a bus from the Dragon bus station in UB. It leaves every day at 11 am but be prepared to get there earlier to get the ticket. It costs around 40 000 tugrigs (=10 euro). It takes about 6 hours to get to Kharkhorin. (We will send you precise instructions before you come.)
2. What is the weather like in Kharkhorin?
Mongolia has a continental climate: very cold and long winters, with temperatures that often reach-30°C, and short, but warm summers. The summer lasts from June to August and it is the warmest time. In spring and autumn, you can have "four seasons on one day", the weather is unpredictable and changeable. The first snow can happen in September in Kharkhorin and it can still snow in April. Please research carefully the months in which you will be traveling.
The sun shines on average 257 days a year and Mongolia is called the "Country of the Blue Sky". The difference between temperatures in the day and in the night can be high, so be prepared with a few layers of clothes.
Kharkkhorin is known for its strong wind which brings up a lot of dust in the air from time to time.
Kharkhorin is located at an altitude of 1540 meters above sea level.
3. What should I bring to Mongolia?
First of all, take some warm clothes. A sleeping bag can be useful too. Most days are sunny so a hat to protect your head and UV cream will be a good idea. A pocket knife, a torch, and some camping accessories might be useful depending on your plans for travel. When you visit Mongolian families it is good to bring some gifts with you so something small from your home country might be nice to gift to people. The climate is very dry so you might need some hand cream etc. depending on your skin condition. If you plan to go to the countryside or do horse riding some high shoes are recommended.
4. Is it possible to use a MasterCard for everyday transactions?
In Kharkhorin (and in the Mongolian countryside in general) most places refuse foreign bank card payments. However, you can use your card to withdraw money from some of the ATMs (for example from Khan Bank's ATM) and then use cash for transactions. It is recommended to come to Mongolia with some cash in EUR or USD and exchange it in Ulan Bator. In Kharkhorin it is also possible to exchange currency but only in one bank and sometimes they refuse the "ugly" banknotes.
5. How much cash should I bring?
This will really depend on your plans for travel so I can't answer this question shortly. Do some research on your plans and destinations :)
6. Can I hitchhike in Mongolia?
Yes, you can hitchhike in Mongolia but it is not for free. It is more like a "blablacar" and you should pay for the travel, the payment will depend on the length of your ride.
7. Is it safe in Mongolia?
It is safe in general if you follow some of the rules. Beware of the dogs, don't pet them, they can be very dangerous because their job is to protect the home from strangers.
Keep your valuable things and money in a safe place, don't leave them visible because they will get stolen. Don't show your wallet full of money in public places. Keep your things organized. What is on the table belongs to everyone.
Be careful with drunk guys. If you don't know what the Mongolians are capable of, reread the Mongolian Empire and Chinggis Khaan history :D they are the fighters :P
Also, if you plan to horse ride it will be safer to book with a professional tour company. Most of the horses in the countryside are half-wild, not really tamed, and can hurt you. Make sure you have insurance!
8. What other things should a foreigner know when coming to Kharkhorin?
The time in the Mongolian countryside goes from day to day. It is good to be flexible and adapt to the situation rather than plan everything precisely in advance.
Research what you want to see and experience in Mongolia and enjoy your time!
If you have more questions feel free to ask but remember that Google has a lot of good answers too! Do some research on your own 😀 Thanks!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (18)
The hosts are very welcoming and gave us a very good insight into life in Mongolia (we even slept in a ger for the entire stay!). Tamir, in addition to his excellent French, is always ready to talk about his country and his art. He kindly offered to take… read more
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
The hosts are very welcoming and gave us a very good insight into life in Mongolia (we even slept in a ger for the entire stay!). Tamir, in addition to his excellent French, is always ready to talk about his country and his art. He kindly offered to take… read more
Her presence alone brightens our home. She's open-minded, sociable, and has a natural talent for working with people, especially children. Our son absolutely… read more
It was like coming to an oasis of peace.
Agata is incredibly open, kind, considerate and honest person she makes you feel like you’re at home.
I stayed for 2 weeks initially once I arrived to Mongolia and then came back once more at the end of my stay for a couple more… read more
They… read more
As we arrived, they warmly welcomed us the mongolian way, with tea and traditional snacks. We immediately started feeling part of the family :)
Communication was easy and we always felt comfortable! More than working, it felt like we were… read more
Both are incredibly talented, open-minded, and respectful. When they were at home, all the chores were magically done, and I had nothing to worry about. They also volunteered at the Mongolian Calligraphy Center,… read more
At the calligraphy center, they were responsible for greeting visitors, selling items, giving tours, and updating the art catalog. They learned new things quickly and were always… read more
At the Mongolian Calligraphy Center, Genya proved to be a valuable asset. Her responsibilities included welcoming guests,… read more
During my stay I was mainly invited… read more
They are both really interesting and helpful people : we learned so much about Mongolia with them, which allowed us to understand more the way of living of traditional families ; also they helped us plan the rest of our trip (good price, best… read more
Both Diane and Max are friendly and easygoing, making them… read more
During my time with them I did a bit of cooking and cleaning, helped to replace part of the roof that was leaking, helped take down and pack away some Gers for the winter and general tidying of the outbuildings and… read more
Our stay of 6 weeks here was very interesting and full of discoveries : from Mongolian history to Bouddhism, art and culture.
We enjoyed talking with others guests and their friends : we even had the opportunity to experience a job in a gallery.
Tamir speaks very well French and… read more
Tamir and Agata have so much knowledge about Mongolia that everyday is a school day and you'll enjoy spending valuable time with them and their happy… read more
Agata, Tamir and their lovely child arrived one day before than me after spending the winter in Europe. Hence there was a lot of work to do. At that time there were also two friends… read more
thank you for the time in Kharkhorin. It is good to be reminded again and again of what really counts in life. And in art. Courage and mindfulness, strength and letting go. Stay and go.
Our small international group was a stroke of luck! And I wish I could visit the cool butcher again and of course walk around with 2 kg… read more
