Why visit Mongolia? Mongolia captivates with endless steppes, the vastness of the Gobi Desert, and a deeply rooted nomadic culture. Discover Ulaanbaatar, the bustling capital, and experience the warm hospitality in traditional yurts.
The Essentials at a Glance
- Mongolia offers breathtaking landscapes with deserts, steppes, mountains, and lakes, perfect for adventure travel and cultural experiences.
- Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is a cultural center with significant landmarks and museums offering insights into the country’s history and spirituality.
- Sustainable travel is important in Mongolia, with eco-friendly accommodations and tourism practices that support the local community and environment.
Introduction
Imagine going on an exploration journey through a country more than four times the size of Germany, yet so sparsely populated that you can wander for hours without encountering a soul. Mongolia is such a land, characterized by hospitable people, a vast, open steppe, and indescribable nature. A vacation in Mongolia offers you the chance to explore this unique landscape.
From the Gobi Desert to wide green plains, mountains, and vast lakes, the landscape stretches out as diverse as few others on our planet. The Land of the Blue Sky, as it is also called thanks to its average of 250 sunny days a year, offers more than just impressive nature. It is a journey to oneself, a place of reflection, surrounded by a silence only interrupted by the gentle whistling of the wind.
And while encounters with the locals, who live in traditional yurts and lead an incredible nomadic life, reveal warm hospitality, it is often these moments of tranquility on vacation that remain most memorable.
The Vastness of the Gobi Desert
We now enter the vastness of the Gobi Desert, a landscape characterized by its golden dunes and green hills. This inhospitable beauty stretches over large parts of Mongolia and is defined by a climate of extreme temperature fluctuations and dryness. Yet these harsh conditions have produced a unique flora and fauna that is worth exploring.
Traveling through the Gobi means embracing adventure and experiencing the wide landscapes on foot, on the back of a camel, or during a round trip. It is a region that satisfies both the longing for seclusion and the desire for discovery. And while wandering through these endless expanses, one might encounter nomads who have been making a living in this harsh environment for centuries.
Our Gobi Sands offroad tour is one of the best ways to reach and travel through the Gobi Desert, or one of our other tours that reach this amazing wilderness.
Explore Mongolia with one of our amazing self-drive tours
Ulaanbaatar: Capital and Cultural Center
From the silence of the desert, we are led back to civilization, to the bustling capital Ulaanbaatar, also known as Ulan Bator. This cultural center of Mongolia is home to significant landmarks such as the Gandan Monastery and the Palace of the Bogd Khan. An impressive 26-meter-high statue of Buddha in the Gandan Monastery recalls the spiritual side of the country, while the Winter Palace, with its treasures from past times, speaks of the history of Mongolian rulers.
The National Museum of Mongolia offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the rich history and culture of the country. For a panoramic view of the city, the Zaisan Memorial is the perfect viewpoint. Not to forget is the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, a former Buddhist sanctuary that now serves as a museum, providing an insight into the religious past.
On the Trails of Genghis Khan
Our journey through Mongolia would not be complete without walking in the footsteps of Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire. The ancient capital Karakorum, once the pulsating heart of this mighty empire, invites you to delve deep into history. The impressive Erdene Zuu Monastery, which shines again today after severe destructions in past centuries, testifies to the former splendor and the influence of Buddhism in Mongolia.
The surrounding landscape of the Orkhon Valley, a place that captures the essence of nomadic heritage, is interspersed with rock carvings and ancient monasteries that bear witness to a deeply rooted cultural identity. A journey through these historical sites allows us not only to feel the past but also to understand the significance these places still hold for the Mongolian people today.
Nomadic Life and Yurt Stays
After the historical impressions of the past, our journey takes us back to the roots of Mongolian life – nomadism. An overnight stay in a traditional yurt, also called Ger, is an invitation to experience simple life up close. These mobile round tents, oriented towards the east, offer a cozy retreat in the midst of nature with up to six beds. On our round trips, you will experience such unique moments.
The experience of a yurt stay is characterized by the sounds of nature, the impressive starry skies, and the unforgettable sunsets in the desert and steppes. But life in the Ger is also practical – the stove in the middle of the tent is used both for cooking and heating. Although the amenities may be simpler than usual and charging smartphones or laptops is not always possible, the experience is all the more memorable.
Adventure and Nature Experiences in the National Parks
From the cultural diversity and traditional life of the nomads, our path leads us further to the adventures and nature experiences that await us in Mongolia’s national parks. In Khustai Nuruu National Park, for example, visitors can:
- admire a diverse wildlife
- observe the rare Przewalski horses, which are protected and preserved here
- camp and watch the wildlife at dusk
The Gorkhi-Terelj National Park impresses with its fascinating rock formations and invites for extended hikes. This park, like many others in Mongolia, offers the opportunity to observe rare and fascinating animals such as the Gobi bear or the snow leopard in their natural environment.
The Yolyn Am Gorge in the Gobi-Gurvansaikhan National Park is another highlight, featuring dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife.
The Diversity of Mongolian Cuisine
A journey through Mongolia not only pleases the eyes and heart but also the palate. The Mongolian cuisine, rich in meat and dairy products, reflects the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols and the harsh conditions of the land. National dishes such as Khorkhog and Boodog, prepared in a milk can with hot stones, are a culinary adventure in themselves.
While Buuz, the traditional steamed dumplings, are especially popular during the Mongolian New Year, Tsuivan, a dish of fried noodles with mutton and vegetables, is another typical specialty. And those who really want to experience the diversity of flavors should try Airag, the fermented mare’s milk drink, and Suutei Tsai, the traditional salty milk tea.
Practical Travel Tips for Mongolia
To make the trip to Mongolia not only unforgettable but also hassle-free, practical travel tips are essential. It is important to inform yourself in advance about entry requirements and safety measures, as a valid passport and possibly a visa are needed. Currency exchange and payment methods should also be planned, as credit cards are rarely accepted outside the capital.
Vaccinations are another important topic. Various medical facilities offer information and advice on this. The travel time should also be well chosen to experience the regions of Mongolia at their best. Finally, it is advisable to check the voltage, which in Mongolia is 220 volts, thus compatible with most European standards.
Read our guide on the best time to travel to Mongolia here.
Special Events and Festivals
Besides the impressive nature and hospitable people, it is the cultural events and festivals that make a visit to Mongolia so special. The annual Naadam Festival is a cultural highlight, focusing on traditional sports such as archery, wrestling, and horse racing. The opening ceremony in Ulaanbaatar, with its traditional dance formations, is a feast for the senses.
Another unique experience is the Eagle Festival, where the traditional skills of Mongolian eagle hunters are showcased. These events not only offer the opportunity to experience Mongolia’s cultural diversity but also to connect with the people and their history.
Sustainable Travel in Mongolia
Sustainable travel is trending and is also an important topic in Mongolia. Eco-friendly Gers, powered by solar energy, are just one example of how travelers can reduce their ecological footprint. In addition, sustainable tourism supports local communities, contributes to the protection of wildlife and ecosystems, and helps preserve valuable cultural landscapes for future generations.
It is possible to make a positive contribution to environmental protection through conscious travel, be it by calculating and compensating for one’s emissions or by visiting protected regions that are partly closed to tourism. Thus, the journey to Mongolia becomes not only a personal adventure but also a positive contribution to our planet.
Summary
Mongolia is a land full of contrasts and unforgettable experiences. From the vast steppes of the Gobi Desert to the bustling capital Ulaanbaatar to the historical sites around Genghis Khan, this remote land offers a wealth of adventures. Traditional nomadic life and impressive national parks are as much a part of the experience as the tasty, meat-rich cuisine and participation in cultural festivals like the Naadam Festival.
Anyone traveling to Mongolia should not only prepare for the physical journey but also for a journey of the mind. It is a place where you can leave your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a world that is unique in its originality and beauty. Traveling through Mongolia means experiencing a piece of heaven on earth and returning home with memories that will last a lifetime.