Adventurer Program: Mastering the Great Outdoors - Mongolia
ADVENTURER
WHO
17-22 year olds seeking adventure and outdoor skills qualifications
WHAT
Traverse the great plains and rivers of Mongolia, living with nomadic tribes, while earning professional qualifications in paddling, wilderness first aid, and leave no trace envirronmental principles
WHERE
Hong Kong and Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar, Bulgan, and Tunkhel regions
WHEN
Summer
-
12 July 2025
4
weeks
COST
WHat YOU'LL BE DOING
Embark on a life-changing 28-day adventure that blends the best of Asia’s diverse landscapes. From navigating Hong Kong’s bustling streets to trekking through Mongolia’s vast national parks and paddling the Orkhon River, this program will push your boundaries while offering unforgettable cultural immersion and outdoor challenges.
You’ll develop essential survival skills, refine your canoeing abilities, and explore some of the most stunning and remote landscapes in the world. Plus, earn world-recognized certifications in Wilderness First Aid and Canoeing, backed by leading global governing bodies.
Whether you’re developing leadership, teamwork, or just craving an adventure of a lifetime, this program is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Sample Itinerary
Week 1: Welcome to Hong Kong
- Introduction to the Program: Meet your fellow adventurers, get to know your guide, and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
- Wilderness First Aid Certification: Kickstart your expedition with essential survival skills.
- Up-skill for Your Expedition: Take part in an immersive navigation course, canoeing and paddling skills workshops, and rescues training.
- Explore Hong Kong: Immerse yourself in the vibrant city culture and indulge in Hong Kong’s world-renowned street food scene.
Week 2: Arrival in Mongolia & Terelj National Park
- Arrival in Ulaanbaatar: Begin your Mongolian adventure with a city introduction and explore the capital.
- Terelj National Park: Journey into the heart of Mongolia’s wilderness, prepare for your hiking expedition, and camp in a traditional Mongolian Ger.
- Hiking Expedition: Trek through stunning national park landscapes, staying in yurts and learning navigation and route planning.
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Week 3: River Expedition & Living the Nomadic Lifestyle
- Train to Orkhon River: Head towards the Orkhon River with a thrilling overnight train ride, preparing for the next adventure.
- Canoe Expedition Launch: Learn canoeing techniques, river safety, and white-water skills while navigating the Orkhon River.
- Explore Nomadic Life: Paddle through the breathtaking Mongolian landscape, witnessing nomadic life along the riverbanks.
- Overnight Camping: Experience the wild under the stars, setting up camp along the river each night.
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Week 4: Final Days in Mongolia & Arrival Back in Hong Kong
- Return to Ulaanbaatar: After your canoeing adventure, explore more of Mongolia’s capital city.
- Last Exploration of Mongolia: Visit cultural landmarks, enjoy local markets, and shop for souvenirs before preparing for the journey home.
- Official Certification Award Ceremony: Celebrate your achievements and receive your Wilderness First Aid and Canoeing Certifications. These internationally recognized qualifications are awarded by renowned governing bodies, providing you with valuable credentials for future adventure and outdoor careers.
- Reflection and Review: Reflect on your incredible journey, exploring the impact of this experience on personal growth.
- Explore Hong Kong: Enjoy the last few days exploring Hong Kong's cultural sites and natural beauty.
Where You'll STay
Hong Kong: Dormitories equipped with separate male and female accommodations and communal areas
Mongolia: A mix of shared yurts, tents and homestays, fostering an immersive cultural and wilderness experience.
As well as the guided expeditions, you’ll have plenty of free time to relax with your new friends as you gather around the campfire, sharing stories under the stars.
You’ll also get to explore the surrounding wilderness together: discovering hidden waterfalls, swimming in pristine natural pools, and creating unforgettable memories while soaking in the beauty and serenity of the great outdoors.
Why Choose This Program?
For Students:
- Earn world class qualifications that prepare you to lead, coach, and excel in serious outdoor adventures.
- Develop proven leadership, resilience, and communication skills, setting you up for college and professional success
- Experience the thrill of multi-day expeditions, building confidence and adaptability and making lifelong friends
For Parents:
- Watch your son or daughter grow in independence, confidence, and responsibility.
- Gain peace of mind knowing they’re in a safe, professionally guided environment while undertaking the adventure of a lifetime
- Help them develop the leadership skills to inspire and lead teams effectively, with confidence and resilience.
- The globally recognised qualifications they earn will enable them to earn money while in college through coaching or working on outdoor programs, summer camps and school expeditions
For Counselors:
- Recommend a program backed by rigorous safety protocols and globally recognized qualifications with a unique blend of technical skill-building and cultural immersion.
- Perfect for students seeking an impactful learning experiences in the outdoors, challenging themselves and developing confident leadership skills.
WHat YOU'LL Learn
Paddle UK: Paddle Sports Instructor Qualification
Wilderness First Aid Qualification
Leave No Trace: the gold standard in environmental stewardship training
Leadership and Coaching Skills
Expedition planning, Navigation and Risk Management
Safety First: Your Well-Being Matters
Pre-Program Requirements: Participants must be able to float for 10 minutes and swim 100 meters unaided. No prior outdoor adventure experience is necessary.
Safety Protocols:
- Comprehensive safety measures with 24/7 support.
- Professional Certified instructors for technical outdoor skills, wilderness first aid, and paddling qualifications, directly employed by APA.
- Separate accommodations for males and females.
- Rigorous risk management and emergency procedures.
PHOTO GALLERY
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Destinations
Discover the beauty of Asia's diverse landscapes.
"This program transformed my perspective on the world and helped me discover my true potential! The experiences I gained were invaluable and will stay with me forever."
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FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our programs
We’re looking for students who are curious, open-minded, and excited to learn. A positive attitude and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone are the most important things.
Depending on the particular program, you may be staying in twin rooms, shared dormitories, homestays, tents or cabins. We vet every accommodation to make sure you are safe and comfortable.
We make sure that meals are healthy and tailored to the needs of the group. Our programs are about experiencing real Asia so we include the dishes that Asia is famous for while also making sure that there is variety and a sense of familiar as well. We accommodate dietary restrictions and will ask for your preferences before the program begins.
No problem! We accommodate dietary needs, including allergies, vegetarians, and more. Be sure to let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
We encourage a healthy balance between spending time fully engaged in your surroundings and staying connected. Many of our programs include a "storytelling" element where we teach and encourage people to capture and share their experiences digitally. Most locations have phone and internet access. In remote areas, connectivity may be limited, so we will provide updates to your family through our team if you are out of coverage.
THE APA DIFFERENCE
APPLY NOW
By joining the Mastering the Great Outdoors Program, you will gain leadership skills, global qualifications, and lifelong friendships while having the adventure of a lifetime.