Welcome to Mongolia, a land of boundless beauty and untamed wilderness, where ancient traditions and modernity coexist in harmony. Nestled between Russia and China, Mongolia is a country of vast expanses and rich cultural heritage, offering adventurous travelers a unique and unforgettable experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the heart of Mongolia, exploring its captivating landscapes, vibrant culture, and remarkable history.
1. Unveiling the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky
Mongolia is a land of superlatives. As the 18th largest country in the world by landmass, it boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, from expansive steppes to rugged mountains and pristine lakes. Despite its vast size, Mongolia is sparsely populated, with only 3.4 million people calling it home. This low population density means that much of the country remains untouched and unspoiled, making it a paradise for adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. It is called the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky because it boasts a sun 75% of the year, despite some of their temperatures hitting as low as -40 degrees Celsius.
2. Embracing Authenticity: Mongolia's Rich Cultural Heritage
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Mongolia is its authentic and untouched culture. For centuries, Mongolia has been home to nomadic tribes who have roamed the vast steppes with their herds of livestock, living in traditional felt tents known as gers. This nomadic way of life has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, making Mongolia one of the last bastions of true nomadism in the world.
Central to Mongolian culture is the horse, which has been an integral part of nomadic life for millennia. Mongolians are renowned for their exceptional horsemanship, and horse riding plays a central role in their cultural traditions. Visitors to Mongolia can immerse themselves in this ancient horse-riding culture by embarking on horseback treks through the Mongolian wilderness, led by knowledgeable local guides.
3. Tracing the Footsteps of History: Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire
No discussion of Mongolia's cultural heritage would be complete without mentioning its most famous son, Genghis Khan. The legendary warrior and statesman rose from humble beginnings to unite the Mongol tribes and forge one of the largest empires the world has ever known. Under Genghis Khan's leadership, the Mongol Empire stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing vast swathes of territory and diverse cultures.
Today, visitors to Mongolia can explore the remnants of this once-mighty empire, from the ancient capital of Karakorum to the imposing Erdene Zuu Monastery, built on the ruins of Genghis Khan's palace. These cultural relics offer a fascinating glimpse into the glory days of the Mongol Empire, allowing travelers to trace the footsteps of history and uncover the secrets of Mongolia's storied past.
4. Living Like a Nomad: A Cultural Immersion in Mongolia
For travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience, there's no better way to immerse yourself in the spirit of Mongolia than by staying with a nomadic family. The opportunity to live in a ger, participate in daily activities such as livestock herding, camel riding, and sheep shearing, and share meals with your hosts is an experience like no other. It's a chance to disconnect from the modern world and connect with the land and its people in a profound and meaningful way. From the endless expanse of the Gobi Desert to the towering peaks of the Altai Mountains, Mongolia's diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a nomadic adventure of a lifetime.
I visited Mongolia in mid to late April of 2024 and have to say it was one of the most fascinating countries I've visited to date. The experience was steeped in rich history and cultural traditions and it was so refreshing to not visit a country that is overtoured at all- in fact, I hardly saw a single other tourist.
Highlights:
Visiting the museum in the ancient capital of Karakorum
Staying with the nomadic ger family in an authentic yurt powered by a flammable-petrified-poop-powered stove (which I helped their young children collect)
Riding a 2-humped camel (known as a Bactrian camel) through the savannah/desert plains of central Mongolia
Observing all of the rich traditions of Mongolian families in Ger huts, including taking a whiff from their snuff box upon arriving, eating traditional Mongolian food (a lot of lamb, mutton, and noodles)
Participating in daily family chores and Mongolian life, including herding goats/sheeps, riding a horse, shearing sheep, braiding horse hair to make rope- the list goes on and on!
Visiting the Chinggis Khaan museum near Ulaanbatar
Lowlights (if we can even call them that because quite honestly, I really really enjoyed my overall experience):
Long car rides. Day to day, you will likely spend anywhere between 1-4 hours in a car. The country is vast and as such many things are spread far apart. Prepare accordingly if you aren't a fan of long car rides!
Outhouses and lack of running water. If you are staying in a nomadic family ger, you will not have access to daily showers or in-ger bathrooms. It will be an outhouse, and while these were cleaner than some actual toilets I've seen (looking at you, baggage claims at LAX!), if you are unaccustomed to back-country living, you should prepare accordingly.
Language barrier. English is not widely spoken at all and you will need to lean on your guide or prepare accordingly, but note that Google translate does not "speak" for Mongolian which is super annoying, so you have to type everything out.
5. Ulaanbaatar: Gateway to Mongolia's Treasures
While Mongolia's natural beauty may steal the spotlight, the capital city of Ulaanbaatar serves as the gateway to the country's hidden treasures. Home to nearly half of the nation's population, Ulaanbaatar is a bustling metropolis that offers a taste of modern Mongolian life. While it may not boast the scenic vistas of the countryside, Ulaanbaatar has its own unique charm, with a vibrant cultural scene, bustling markets, and a diverse culinary landscape that includes international cuisine from around the globe. And with affordable prices and plenty of creature comforts, Ulaanbaatar provides the perfect base for exploring the rest of Mongolia.
5. Summer Festivals: Celebrating Mongolia's Cultural Heritage
Summer in Mongolia is a time of celebration, as the country comes alive with a myriad of festivals and events. From the Naadam Festival, which showcases traditional Mongolian sports such as wrestling, horse racing, and archery, to the Eagle Festival, where Kazakh eagle hunters display their incredible skill and prowess, there's no shortage of excitement and spectacle to be found. These festivals offer visitors the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in Mongolia's rich cultural heritage, experiencing firsthand the traditions and customs that have shaped this enigmatic land for centuries.
6. Packing List
So- you've decided to travel to Mongolia. What should you pack? While your itinerary may vary depending on the climate and time of year, there are things I would strongly recommend a person bring to prepare. I wish I had these things on my trip!
Generally:
Toilet paper is not always a guarantee, so while this something you can buy in-country, remember to take it to the washroom with you.
Baby wipes. Running water is not always easily found, especially staying in the nomadic gers, and as such, you will need to get clean some other way. If you have an itinerary living nomadically and not in a hostel or hotel, please note you may not be able to shower!
Many battery packs. While some gers will have chargers for your phone, they are not guaranteed in your ger specifically.
Sim card: You can buy this in-country for very cheap (I bought a 5 day 5g sim for $2.88 USD), but you will need this as wifi is definitely not guaranteed and is spotty/sporadic even at hotels and restaurants.
A backcountry pee bottle or something you can urinate in at night, if you are prone to night peeing. As mentioned, the bathroom situation in the countryside is mostly outhouses, so you will need to venture out into the dark and wander a hundred feet or. so unless you have a solution. Otherwise- be prepared to either hold it and bear the discomfort there!
For the ladies:
Tampons, as these will be challenging to find and if you do find them, they are likely to cause irritation.
A pee funnel, as most toilets in the countryside are outhouses. Some outhouses will have a proper toilet you can sit on, but others will have a squatting scenario- I wish badly I had brought my pee funnel to help with the- ahem- aim.