Cultural Stay with Khöomii, Urtyn Duu & Morin khuur Masterclasses in Mongolia
Promoting the ICH in the World Heritage Sites by Routes Nomades & International Institute of World Music
As part of its initiative started in 2023 to promote both intangible and world heritage by transmitting elements of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) at sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Routes Nomades (accredited NGO under the UNESCO 2003 Convention) is organizing its third cultural stay in October 2025 in Mongolia.
This time, participants will travel to Ulaanbaatar and the provinces of Töv and Khentii with the students of the khöömii class at the International Institute of World Music (IIMM), where the first-ever khöömii curriculum in the West was opened in 2020 in partnership with Routes Nomades.
Throughout the stay, participants will explore and deepen their practice of khöömii (throat singing), urtyn duu (long song), and morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) through masterclasses given by Davaajav Rentsen and Ganbold Muukhai, respected heritage bearers. Accompanied by Dr. Johanni Curtet, ethnomusicologist specialized in khöömii, the masterclasses will address several dimensions, including the connection to nature, the understanding of nomadism, and its contemporary reality.
This fully immersive sojourn will also include visits to historical and cultural sites in the provinces of Töv and Khentii, raising awareness of traditional nomadic practices such as the worship of sacred sites, as well as workshops on mongol bichig (Mongolian traditional script) led by Nomindari Shagdarsuren, ICH specialist.
All the ICH elements approached during this cultural stay are inscribed on the UNESCO ICH Lists and/or on the national inventory.
Programme
- October 20-22: Masterclass of morin khuur
- October 22-30: Masterclass of khöömii & workshop of Mongolian traditional script, visit to the historical sites related to Chinggis Khaan and the Mongol Empire.