Mongolian Altai Harp Retreat Switzerland
Be among the first outside Mongolia to play the Altai Harp: a rare instrument discovered in 2008, now taught in Europe for the first time, with an easy method anyone can learn, at any age.
Learn to play the Altai Harp: A once-in-a-lifetime musical journey in Switzerland
Tip: Also read our blog post to learn more about this retreat.
The Altai Harp: hidden for centuries in a burial site deep inside a cave in the Altai Mountains, only coming to light in 2008. Since January 2025, Rowan Hartsuiker has been the first person in Europe officially allowed to teach and sell it outside Mongolia — an honour granted by his Mongolian teacher, researcher, and composer Ganpurev Dagvan, who revived the instrument and will also be teaching at this retreat.
This instrument is for everyone: of any age, with or without musical experience. Its gentle, meditative sound and brilliantly simple learning method make it a perfect gateway into music, even for complete beginners.
At this retreat, you’ll learn melodies, and traditional Mongolian folk songs and ancient lullabies. For those interested, there are also additional workshops in the basics of Mongolian throat singing and overtone singing — and how to combine them with the songs you learn on the harp.
Learn to play the Altai Harp in a stunning part of Switzerland that echoes its origins — with mountains, caves, and rivers reminiscent of Western Mongolia.
Tip: Here’s our blog post about this very retreat — and why this week is unlike anything else in the world. We share personal insights, stories, and what makes it such a rare opportunity to be part of.
Read the blog post
What makes this retreat unique?
- Be among the first: One of the earliest opportunities in history to learn the Altai Harp outside Mongolia! Since january 2025, Rowan was officially granted this status in Ulaanbaatar.
- Learn Songs & Stories: From traditional folk melodies to ancient Mongolian lullabies: bringing the music to life with melody and your voice.
- Extra throat singing workshops: Optional sessions on Mongolian throat singing and overtone singing, including combining them with harp playing.
- Full Immersion: A retreat dedicated solely to the Altai Harp, blending music-making with cultural stories, history, surrounded by beautiful nature.
- Professional guidance: Daily workshops with Rowan and Ganpurev, supported by Saran.
- Accessible to all: Perfect for both complete beginners and experienced musicians.
- Nature as your stage: Practice by rivers, in forest glades, or even in the medieval church of Romainmôtier with its breathtaking acoustics.
- Small & pesonal: A limited group size ensures a warm, personal atmosphere.
- Yoga & Massage: Yoga and massage sessions led by a specialist to support relaxation.
Week program — a global overview of the first Altai Harp music retreat.
Day-to-Day Program.
- Day 1 — Arrival & the Story of the Altai Harp
After arriving and settling into your room and the location, we gather for a warm welcome dinner. In the evening, we begin with the story of the Altai Harp — its discovery in 2008 in the Altai Mountains, its history, how it was once used, how it’s played today, and the songs connected to it. You’ll hear live demonstrations, see the harp up close, and get your first taste of the music and culture at the heart of this retreat. - Day 2 — First Steps with the Harp
After a shared breakfast, we get to know the instrument: how to hold it, basic finger positions, how to tune it and the brilliantly simple number-and-table notation system created by Ganpurev Dagvan. No prior musical experience is needed — you’ll quickly be playing your first melody before lunch. In the afternoon, we continue with guided practice, small group work, and time for personal exploration before gathering for dinner and an evening music session. - Days 3–6 — Music, Nature & Song
Our days begin with breakfast together, followed by a morning workshop to learn melodies and songs — from traditional Mongolian folk pieces to ancient lullabies, both instrumental and with words. After lunch, afternoons may include nature excursions, playing in inspiring outdoor locations, or additional workshops. - For those interested, optional sessions will introduce the basics of Mongolian throat singing and overtone singing, and how to combine these vocal techniques with harp playing. Each day also includes moments of rest and free time, so you can relax, walk, practice on your own, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Evenings bring dinner, conversation, and informal music-making.
- Day 7 — Closing & Sharing
After breakfast, we take time to share music, reflect on the week, and say our farewells. You leave with new skills, a deeper cultural connection, and memories of a week spent in music, nature, and community.
During the week, there is of course room for improvisation, spontaneous performances, jam sessions, campfires and quiet moments where necessary.
Meet the team.
Rowan Hartsuiker
Musician, teacher, and co-founder of Altai. Specialized in throat singing and player of instruments such as the Morin Khuur, Tovshuur, Altai Harp, and jaw harp.
Ganpurev Dagvan
Musician, composer, and researcher. Revived the Altai Harp after its discovery in 2008 and developed its modern playing and teaching method.
Saran Hartsuiker
Co-founder of Altai alongside Rowan. Prepares all meals with love and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the retreat.
And we wouldn't be able to realize this retreat without the extra help of:
Lucas Vértesi
Lucas is co-founder of Henosis and passionate about Central Asian music and throat singing. He traveled to Mongolia, made a documentary about this art of singing and accompanies our walks and nature moments during the retreat.
Tuul Bayasgalan
Tuul is Saran's niece and lives in Geneva. She supports the meals with a lot of warmth and dedication and creates a nice atmosphere during the retreat.
The location of the retreat.
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The House
Domaine en Praël (the name of the house) exudes history. From a monastery site in the Middle Ages to a bustling industrial center in the 19th century. After decades of silence, the domain was given a new life at the beginning of this century as a place for culture, encounters and stillness. The house has three floors. Downstairs, you'll find a spacious concert hall with stage and bar, a professional kitchen, a large modular space and toilets. A hydroelectric turbine runs under the floor that supplies the house with electricity. On the first floor, there is a second kitchen, a large living room, three bedrooms and a bathroom. At the top, there are private rooms, but also a guest bedroom and an apartment with a mezzanine.
Bedrooms
The bedrooms in the house have recently been renovated and each has its own character. Some have a private bathroom and toilet, while others share sanitary facilities that are located nearby in the hallway. From the rooms, you have a view of the garden and the forest. All rooms offer plenty of space to relax. Most rooms have multiple beds, which means you share the room with other participants. Thanks to the spacious layout, everyone still retains their own space and a sense of privacy in a quiet atmosphere.
Bedrooms
The bedrooms in the house have recently been renovated and each has its own character. Some have a private bathroom and toilet, while others share sanitary facilities that are located nearby in the hallway. From the rooms, you have a view of the garden and the forest. All rooms offer plenty of space to relax. Most rooms have multiple beds, which means you share the room with other participants. Thanks to the spacious layout, everyone still retains their own space and a sense of privacy in a quiet atmosphere.
Prices
- Participation: €2250 (All-inclusive)
- Participation + buy instrument: €3000 (save €250 on the instrument)
- Instrument price: €1000 (including high quality hardcase) (Learn more)
Stay in a spacious room with multiple beds and private bathroom/toilet in each room. Keep in mind you will share a bedroom. We only have so many bedrooms, this means we can not give you any 1-persoon room. If you want to have privacy during the night, the only option is to camp in the green garden. We will offer you a discount on the price if you prefer this. Please contact us.
About our prices:
We realize this retreat is a big investment, and we want to be open with you. Organising the first Altai Harp Retreat is our passion, but also a significant commitment of time, energy, and resources. We are the only people outside Mongolia offering this experience, and the only ones in Europe officially allowed to teach and sell the Altai Harp. Your participation helps bring our teacher, Ganpurev Dagvan, from Mongolia, provide quality instruments, and create a beautiful, fully-catered week in Switzerland. When you join us, you become part of our extended Altai family, making this rare cultural exchange possible. Read more about it in our blog.
Package include:
- 7 days (6 nights) accommodation
- 3 meals per day
- Fruit / snacks / coffee / tea / drinks
- Daily workshops in Altai Harp, singing songs (+ optional throat singing)
- Use of instruments (and option to buy it!)
- Your own folder with lesson materials
- Yoga sessions
- Massage sessions
- Nature outings & cultural activities
- Shared WhatsApp/Facebook group
- Official Chure Club Membership Card
FAQs
Are travel costs included in the price?
How do I get to the location with the car?
How do I get to the location with the plane?
How do I get to the location with the train?
I would like a private room, is that possible?
Is there a duo price if I come with my partner or friend?
My partner/friend wants to join, but not participate in the workshops. Is that possible?
Sounds interesting?
Coming soon: Our detailed PDF presentation.
Fill out the form below to let us know you are interested in possibly joining this retreat. We'll keep you updated and send the PDF as soon as it's ready!
Want to learn more? Download our detailed PDF presentation below.
Are you ready for a musical journey filled with sound, nature, and connection? Download our detailed PDF-presentation below.
