Lost in the Desert with Nick Knowles

Lost in the Desert with Nick Knowles (2025- )

RunningDocumentary show

Nick Knowles returns to 5 for a truly spectacular adventure, this time in the most desolate place on earth - the Gobi Desert.

At five times the size of the UK, with the smallest population on earth, Mongolia is vast and remote and the stunning wilderness of the Gobi covers a third of the country.

As Nick discovers, the land of Genghis Kahn and dinosaurs is not only steeped in rich traditions but is also home to some of the most warm-hearted people in the world.

From a horse academy keeping alive the remarkable horseback archery skills of the Kahn's warrior hoard to a bout of Mongolian wrestling, followed by a visit to a shaman, this adventure both moved and fascinated Nick beyond expectation.

Network
Scheduleevery Friday at 21:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

Episode 3
Season 1Episode 360 min

Episode 3

In the final episode of the series, Nick leaves the desert sands of the Gobi and the dramatic peaks of the West to travel to Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar, the coldest capital in the world. Facing his fear of heights head on, Nick takes to the skies in a tandem paraglider, gaining an eagle eye's view as he soars over the landscape. To his surprise, trepidation shifts to pure exhilaration.

Nick meets one of the world's most famous Mongolian throat singers, Batzorig Vaanchig, and is blown away by the unusual haunting sounds he can produce from deep within. Batzorig is on his way to a party and invites Nick along. It's a hair cutting ceremony, an important milestone for every Mongolian toddler. This is an elaborate party for which Nick (and crew) must wear traditional long shirts or ‘deels'. There, he is introduced to fermented horse mare milk, which turns out to be an acquired taste.

He delves into Mongolia's Soviet past before travelling into the Ger district of the city where he has an eye-opening - and painful - encounter with a shaman. Then, cleared of evil spirits, but with a sore tongue, he sets off to discover a surprising Mongolian musical genre.

In the 1990s the Soviets departed, and Mongolia became a democracy, opening up all sorts of (previously banned) musical influences, and hip hop was a surprise hit. Nick meets Mongolian hip hop star, Big Gee, who declares Nick has a bright future as a rapper.

As a fitting finale to his epic Mongolian travels, Nick climbs the largest equestrian statue in the world. This huge stainless-steel stature depicts the most famous person in Mongolia's history, the mighty Genghis Kahn.

This unforgettable adventure has shown Nick how nomadic cultures have found a way to take modern amenities and use them to their advantage whilst still preserving their traditional way of life.

From the endless vistas of the Gobi Desert to the lofty mountains of the West and the revelations of the capital city Ulaanbataar, Mongolia and its extraordinary people have proven to be remarkable.

Aug 29, 2025

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E03Episode 3Aug 29, 2025
S01E02Episode 2Aug 22, 2025
S01E01Episode 1Aug 15, 2025
View all episodesView all seasons

Cast

Nick Knowles

Nick Knowles

plays himself
View all cast

Characters

Nick Knowles

Nick Knowles

View all characters

Also known as

  • Big Adventures: Into the Gobi Desert with Nick Knowles
  • Into the Gobi Desert with Nick Knowles (Australia)
  • Into the Gobi Desert with Nick Knowles (New Zealand)

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