About Us

Small groups. Extraordinary places. Real connections.

Who We Are

Absolute Nomads is a family-run travel company based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, creating unique and meaningful journeys across Mongolia, Central Asia and beyond.

We specialise in small group and independent tours to some of the world’s most fascinating and least visited destinations, with a focus on authentic experiences, great local insight and responsible travel.

Founded by Rich and Iona, a British–Mongolian family with a deep passion for travel, culture and the outdoors, we live and work in Ulaanbaatar and spend much of the year on the road. Our children, Anand and Anu, often join us on adventures and continue to inspire our love for exploration.

OUR TOURS

Our Story

Our love for Mongolia began many years ago and quickly grew into a way of life. After living and working here, we realised there was a real need for small, well-organised tours that go beyond the usual tourist routes.

What started as a passion project has grown into Absolute Nomads – combining our first-hand knowledge, trusted local partners and years of experience to create journeys that are genuine, responsible and memorable.

We love sharing the landscapes, cultures and people of Mongolia and Central Asia with like-minded travellers, and we’re proud to work with a fantastic team of local guides, drivers and friends who make these experiences possible.

OUR APPROACH

Our Destinations

From the vast Mongolian steppe to the Five Stans and beyond, we specialise in regions with incredible landscapes, rich cultures and warm, welcoming people.

MONGOLIA
TURKMENISTAN
CAUCASUS
TAJIKISTAN
KYRGYZSTAN
UZBEKISTAN
ONE-OFF ADVENTURES

Meet the Team

Our team is a mix of family, friends and long-term partners who share a love of travel and a commitment to showing you the real Mongolia, Central Asia and beyond.

Rich Beal

Founder & Tour Leader

British ex-Army, now based in Mongolia. Rich has led tours across Asia for many years and loves sharing the people, landscapes and stories of the region.

Iona

Co-Founder

Mongolian and proud of it. Iona keeps everything running smoothly and brings a local perspective to our tours and daily life in Ulaanbaatar.

Anand

Next Generation

Our son, often found exploring the steppe, riding horses or helping out around the gers.

Anu

Next Generation

Our daughter, always up for an adventure and full of ideas.

Bod

Tour Leader (Mongolia)

Our trusted guide and dear friend, Bod has been leading tours across Mongolia for many years and knows the country like the back of his hand.

Bahu

Western Mongolia

Based in western Mongolia, Bahu helps us run our tours in the far west, where his local knowledge and connections make for incredible experiences.

Our Partners & Friends

We work closely with a network of trusted local partners, friends and communities across Mongolia, Central Asia and beyond. Many of them are family-run businesses that we’ve worked with for years, and they play a vital role in creating the unique experiences on our tours.

By travelling with us, you directly support local people and communities, helping to sustain traditional ways of life and protect the incredible places we love to visit.

OUR LOCAL PARTNERS

Ready for your next adventure?

Join us on one of our group tours or let us create a tailor-made journey just for you.

VIEW OUR TOURS