Mongolian Music Spring Retreat with Batzorig Vaanchig
Immerse yourself in the power of Mongolian throat singing and the Morin Khuur, guided by Batzorig Vaanchig, in a retreat where sound, tradition, and nature come together.
With Batzorig Vaanchig: explore throat singing, overtone singing, and the Morin Khuur surrounded by the nature of Groningen”
Batzorig Vaanchig is not only a master of traditional throat singing, he is the voice who brought Mongolian music to the online generation. With hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and social media, he has inspired countless people to discover throat singing and the Morin Khuur for the very first time. This spring, you have the rare chance to learn directly from him in this retreat setting at a romantic 19th-century farmhouse in Westerwolde. Location "Ter Wupping": embraced by ancient forests, flowering stream valleys, wildflower meadows, and rare tranquility... forms the backdrop for this deep immersion into Mongolian throat singing, overtone singing, and the Morin Khuur.
And between workshops you can fully unwind: swim in the private pool, relax in the sauna, or enjoy the wide views from the terrace. All meals are freshly prepared: vegetarian and mostly vegan... in harmony with the Altai spirit.
A rare chance to study throat singing and the Morin Khuur with one of Mongolia’s most celebrated musicians.
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?
- Full Immersion: A retreat dedicated to throat singing, overtone singing, and traditional Mongolian music, with a special focus on learning to play the Morin Khuur ("horsehead fiddle").
- Professional Guidance: Daily workshops led by Batzorig Vaanchig and Rowan Hartsuiker, supported by Saran Myagmarsuren.
- All-Inclusive: Accommodation, three meals a day, workshops, wellness facilities, coffee, tea, fruit, and snacks – everything is included. Complete care, so you can fully focus on music and relaxation.
- Beautiful Surroundings: Plenty of stunning places to explore; singing by the water, in the beautiful forests, or out on open fields.
- Creative Space: Every day offers time to breathe, reflect, practice, make music together, or simply retreat for yourself.
- Wellness & Comfort: After a day of workshops, relax in the heated private pool, the whirlpool, or the sauna. The farmhouse not only offers peace and space but also luxury and comfort – a wonderful combination.
- Yoga: A nice yoga session led by a specialist to support relaxation.
- Small-Scale & Personal: A maximum of 10 to 15 participants – ensuring a warm, friendly, and personal atmosphere, which is very important to us.
Program – an overview of your musical retreat.
Day-to-Day Program.
- Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome - From the afternoon onward, you are warmly welcomed at the farmhouse in Ter Wupping. After settling into your room and the peaceful surroundings, we gather for a shared welcome dinner. In the evening, Batzorig and Rowan open the retreat with an inspiring introduction to Mongolian music — through stories, images, and live musical demonstrations. Under Batzorig’s gentle guidance, we take our first playful steps with the morin khuur, getting to know the instrument in a relaxed and accessible way.
- Day 2 – Discovering Your Voice - Our first full day is dedicated to discovering and awakening your voice. In two in-depth workshops, we focus on the foundations of throat singing and overtone singing — breath, posture, resonance, and the subtle control needed to unlock the harmonic layers within your voice. In the evening, we return to the morin khuur. With Batzorig’s personal guidance, you learn how to hold, tune, and play this iconic instrument. Step by step, your first tones begin to emerge, supported by a master who has inspired millions worldwide.
- Day 3 – The Art of Throat Singing - In the morning, we deepen our exploration of throat singing, refining technique and developing control over overtones and resonance. Batzorig introduces the distinctive styles that echo wind, water, and the vast Mongolian landscape. In the afternoon, voice and instrument come together — exploring how they support and enrich each other. In the evening, a gentle yoga session helps unite breath, body, and sound, allowing integration on a physical and energetic level. After yoga, we return once more to throat singing practice. With the body relaxed and the breath more open, we continue working on technique, clarity, and confidence.
- Day 4 – Integration & Closing - On our final day, we bring everything together: voice, instrument, improvisation, and ensemble play. Batzorig guides us in deepening our technique while encouraging personal expression and connection within the group. We share one final song under the open sky before returning to the farmhouse for a festive closing dinner — a moment of reflection, gratitude, and shared experience before the retreat comes to an end.
Throughout the retreat, there will naturally be room for improvisation, spontaneous performances, jam sessions, campfires, and quiet moments whenever needed.
Meet the team.
Batzorig Vaanchig
Renowned throat singer, musician and teacher. Inspires a new generation worldwide with Mongolian throat singing and the Morin Khuur.
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.
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:
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The location of the retreat.
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The Farmhouse
Our retreat takes place in a charming 19th-century farmhouse in the heart of Westerwolde (Groningen, Netherlands). Surrounded by forests and fields, it offers the perfect blend of silence, warmth, and comfort.
The farmhouse has nine bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. In the old grain storage area, you’ll find a heated indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a whirlpool, and a terrace. The shared spaces are cozy and inviting, featuring a wood-burning stove and a spacious dining room: a perfect setting for inspiring evenings of warmth, music, and conversation.
A unique combination of winter coziness, nature immersion, and cultural discovery.
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Bedrooms
Private Rooms (limited)
We offer 4 beautiful private rooms, each with its own bathroom, toilet, and private entrance. Ideal if you value comfort, privacy, and quiet space during the retreat.
Regular Shared Rooms
There are 2 shared rooms, each with 2 or 3 beds. You will share the room with one or two other participants. Each room has its own private bathroom and toilet. A social and comfortable option.
Large Private Room
One spacious private room with a double bed and a private bathroom and toilet, offering extra space and comfort.
Budget Room (limited availability)
To make the retreat more accessible, we offer a reduced-price option in a large room that is used as a workshop and yoga space during the day and as a bedroom at night. This option is best for participants who are comfortable with less daytime privacy in exchange for a lower price. Full participation in the retreat is included.
The Garden
The large garden surrounding the farmhouse offers plenty of space for relaxation: seating areas, a large outdoor table, flowers, shaded spots, and wide-open views.For those who want to play or move, there is a volleyball field, a bouncy castle, and swings.In the evenings, we often gather around the fire — beneath the stars of Westerwolde.
Prices
- Participation: €1,400 (All-inclusive)
- Private Room (Only 4 available): €1,700 (All-inclusive)
Package include:
- 4 days (3 nights) accommodation
- 3 meals per day
- Fruit / snacks / coffee / tea / drinks
- Daily workshops in throat singing & Morin Khuur
- Use of instruments
- Your own folder with lesson materials
- Yoga session
- Massage session
- Nature excursions
- Access to the private swimming pool, sauna, and whirlpool
FAQs
Is the location easily accessible by public transport?
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.
