Table of Contents
Introduction
Mongolia is an enormous country with a wealth of natural beauty and cultural treasures just waiting to be explored. From the vast Gobi Desert to endless grassy steppes, this is a destination defined by wide open spaces, bright blue skies, and seemingly endless horizons. While the bustling capital city of Ulaanbaatar offers a lively urban experience, the real magic of Mongolia lies outside the cities in its untouched natural landscapes and time-honored nomadic culture. For travelers seeking destinations beyond the typical tourist routes, Mongolia offers adventure, beautiful vistas, warm hospitality, and insights into a traditional way of life far removed from modern society. This article explores some of Mongolia’s hidden gems and how to craft an unforgettable journey through this mesmerizing country.
Mongolia’s Diverse Landscapes
The Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert spans southern Mongolia and northwest China in a vast expanse of sand dunes, rugged mountains, and semi-arid steppes. It’s the largest desert in Asia and the fifth largest in the world. Travelers can explore areas like the Khongoryn Els, where towering sand dunes as tall as 200 meters seem to sing as the wind blows over them. In nearby Yolyn Am, a narrow gorge winds through the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, sometimes filling with ice even in the warmer months. The Flaming Cliffs harbor fossils and dinosaur remains in striking orange and red cliffs. The desert landscape also supports a diversity of wildlife, including Bactrian camels, gazelles, and endangered species like the Gobi bear and wild Bactrian camel. With its unique geology, rare plants and animals, and sense of limitless space, the Gobi is the perfect place to feel the pulse of the natural world.
The Steppes
Much of Mongolia consists of vast grasslands known as steppes. These flat or gently rolling terrains stretch to the horizon covered in hardy grasses and wildflowers. Nomadic herders move across the steppes following traditional seasonal migration routes. The Central and Eastern steppes offer peaceful, wide-open vistas and insights into ancient nomadic lifestyles. Activities like horseback riding and hiking give a sense of connection with the natural rhythms of the land. The steppes burst into color in summer with golden grasses and wildflowers like gentians and edelweiss. Keep an eye out for Mongolian wildlife like long-eared jerboas, Mongolian gazelles, and steppe eagles soaring overhead. Spending time on the open steppes lets you immerse yourself in Mongolia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The Forested Mountains
In northern Mongolia, the landscapes give way to forests, lakes, and soaring mountains. The snow-capped Altai Mountains rise over 4,000 meters along the border with Russia and Kazakhstan. Lush pine and larch forests cover mountain valleys and ridges. The region around Lake Khövsgöl includes meadows blanketed in wildflowers and conifer forests home to wildlife like elk, brown bears, and sable. Even the steppes here have a different feel, with rolling hills cloaked in thick grasses and wildflowers. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike through pristine nature, camp beneath the stars, fish for trout and grayling in crystal clear lakes and rivers, and gaze over alpine scenery unlike anywhere else in Mongolia. With fewer travelers, it’s easy to find solitude and adventure amid stunning peaks, forests, and waterways.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Destinations
While most visitors flock to Ulaanbaatar and the well-known Gobi Desert, some of Mongolia’s most intriguing areas lie off the typical tourist trails. Traveling to these remote regions lets you experience the true spirit of Mongolia by connecting with its people, landscapes, and cultural traditions.
Kharkhorin
Kharkhorin, on the Orkhon River in central Mongolia, was once the capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th and 14th centuries. Today, it’s an unassuming village, but the ruins of Karakorum, the ancient capital, offer a window into the past. Visitors can see the impressive Turtle Rock monument, stone turtles dating back to the era of Genghis Khan, and Erdene Zuu monastery, which encompasses Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist temple. Staying in a ger at the nearby Tsenkher hot springs lets you soak up history while relaxing surrounded by nature.
Khovd City
The western city of Khovd provides a gateway to the Altai Mountains and the protected areas of the Great Lakes Depression. The local market overflows with traditional clothing, leather goods, jewelry with Mongolian stones, and handmade crafts. From Khovd, you can visit Khar Us Lake, a saltwater lake deep in the Depression, or take a multi-day trek to reach the base of majestic Mount Khüiten Peak in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. The region around Khovd offers natural beauty, cultural experiences, and the chance to hike without seeing another traveler.
Lake Khövsgöl
In northern Mongolia, Lake Khövsgöl is among the world’s oldest lakes, locked in ice for much of the year. Reaching the lake requires a lengthy trip by four-wheel-drive, but offers a tranquil setting surrounded by forests and the artistic herding community Darkhad Valley. Adventures include horseback riding, hiking through meadows blanketed in wildflowers, fishing for grayling and lenok trout, and camping and stargazing alongside the crystal clear waters. For an even more remote experience, continue north to the town of Renchinlhumbe near the Russian border to soak in the peaceful setting.
Outdoor Activities
With all its diverse landscapes, Mongolia presents endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Load up your camping gear, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to make the most of the fresh air and wide-open spaces.
Hiking
Trekking through Mongolia’s majestic mountains, rolling steppes, and vast deserts makes it easy to feel a world away from everything. Short day hikes like exploring the Yol Valley in the Gobi Desert or climbing a grassy hill to survey the steppes allow you to appreciate the landscapes up close. Multi-day backpacking trips provide next-level adventure and let you reach stunning destinations like alpine meadows in the Altai Mountains, the sand dunes of Khongoryn Els, or the shores of Lake Khövsgöl. Whether it’s a vigorous mountain hike or leisurely stroll across the steppes, hiking lets you immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of Mongolia.
Horseback Riding
Mongolia’s nomadic heritage makes horseback riding an authentic way to explore. Riding across the steppes and along mountain trails evokes Mongolia’s enduring nomadic culture. Experienced riders can join multi-day horse treks to remote areas most travelers never reach. Shorter rides tailored to all skill levels let you saddle up for a few hours. Mongolian horses are stocky, sturdy, and adept at navigating rough terrain. Visiting a family ger camp lets you see their prized horses up close. Feel the wind on your face as you ride off into Mongolia’s unspoiled natural realms astride your trusty Mongolian steed.
Fishing
With rivers filled with trout and carp and lakes teeming with pike, perch, and grayling, Mongolia is a fisherman’s paradise. The Selenge River hosts some of the best fly fishing in Central Asia for lenok, taimen, and grayling. In northern Mongolia, Lake Khövsgöl and its tributaries offer excellent fishing amid stunning scenery. The Egiin River near the Gobi Desert is known for taimen, one of the world’s largest salmonoid fish. Whether wading into a rushing stream or casting your line in an alpine lake, fishing connects you with Mongolia’s pristine waters.
Experiencing Nomadic Culture
Around one-third of Mongolians still embrace the traditional nomadic lifestyle that has characterized Mongolia for centuries. Venturing out of cities lets you immerse yourself in authentic nomadic experiences and Mongolian hospitality.
Staying in a Ger
Visiting a nomadic family at their ger camp offers cultural immersion. Sleeping in a ger, the traditional felt tent used by nomads, places you close to nature with only canvas and a stove separating you from the elements. Families will often invite you in for tea, meals, and a glimpse of their daily life. Hands-on activities like milking goats, making felt, or rounding up horses provide lasting memories of this vanishing way of life. Witnessing the everyday routines of Mongolian nomads is a highlight for many travelers.
Learning Traditional Crafts
Mongolians carry on artistic crafts passed down through generations. Trying your hand at making felt, weaving, embroidery, or wood carving provides insight into traditional methods still used to create clothing, tapestries, saddles, jewelry and more. In Ulaanbaatar, visit studios to learn from artisans and purchase quality crafts to bring home. Outside cities, families will often demonstrate their specialized craft and let you try making a simple piece. Bring home a handmade souvenir while helping preserve Mongolian folk arts.
Tasting Local Cuisine
Mongolian cuisine stems from the nomadic lifestyle and showcases the country’s superb meat, dairy products, and seasonal vegetables. Staples include buuz dumplings, grilled mutton, dairy products like yogurt and cheese curds, and airag, fermented horse milk. A nomadic family ger is the ideal place to taste authentic home-cooked dishes made from scratch with hand-churned dairy products. Meaty stews simmer for hours over the stove, filling the ger with mouthwatering aromas. Food is at the heart of Mongolian hospitality – accepting their offerings lets you experience the rich food culture.
Planning Your Mongolia Adventure
With some preparation, Mongolia’s remote regions and endless outdoor activities can provide the adventure of a lifetime. Consider the following tips when mapping out your journey through this captivating country.
When to Go
Mongolia’s extreme continental climate brings very cold, snowy winters and warm summers ideal for being outdoors. The best times to visit are during the short spring (May-June) when the steppes are green and dotted with wildflowers or fall (late August-early September) for pleasant weather with fewer insects. Summer is peak season and brings hot days but lets you experience the lush green landscapes. Winter offers dramatically cold but sunny weather ideal for snow sports.
How to Get Around
Outside major cities like Ulaanbaatar, paved roads are scarce and much travel is over dirt tracks. Self-driving is only feasible with an extremely sturdy vehicle. For typical travel routes, share minivans run daily offering basic transport between towns and cities. Reaching remote areas often requires hiring a local driver with a four-wheel-drive vehicle to handle rough terrain and river crossings. Travel times are long due to condition of roads/tracks. Consider arranging domestic flights when possible.
Where to Stay
Accommodation choices are basic, with hotels only in major towns. Rural areas offer family-run ger camps, providing traditional felt gers for sleeping along with basic shared facilities. Gers allow immersion in nature with just canvas between you and the elements. For multi-day outdoor adventures, camping gear is a necessity to sleep out under Mongolia’s massive skies. Whether staying in a simple ger with a nomadic family or pitching your own tent beneath the stars, be prepared for a back-to-basics experience.
Conclusion
With sprawling grasslands, majestic mountains, and vast deserts, Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes just beg to be explored. Traveling beyond the typical tourist routes leads to hidden gems few visitors experience, like the pristine Lake Khövsgöl or wandering the ancient ruins of Kharkhorin. Mongolia offers limitless opportunities for outdoor adventures like horseback trekking, hiking amid stunning vistas, and fishing in secluded rivers and lakes. Staying with nomadic families provides glimpses into traditional lifestyles and the warm hospitality Mongolians are renowned for. From camping on the steppes to trying your hand at crafts to tasting flavorful nomadic cuisine, traveling throughout Mongolia provides once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences in addition to outdoor exhilaration. With an adventurous spirit and a sense of flexibility, an unforgettable journey awaits those ready to discover Mongolia’s untouched beauty and hidden gems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Mongolia?
The best times are spring (May-June) when the steppes are green and covered in wildflowers, and fall (late August-early September) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer insects.
How do people get around in the more remote parts of Mongolia?
Outside major cities, travel relies on share minivans between towns, local four-wheel drive vehicles, domestic flights when possible, and a lot of horseback riding or hiking in the most rugged regions.
What is a ger and what is it like to stay in one?
A ger is a round felt tent that is the traditional portable home used by Mongolian nomads. Staying in one offers authentic cultural immersion, closeness to nature, and a glimpse into traditional nomadic life.
What outdoor activities can you do in Mongolia?
Popular outdoor activities include horseback riding across the steppes, hiking and trekking in the mountains and national parks, fishing for trout and lenok in secluded lakes and rivers, and camping beneath Mongolia’s big starry skies.
What is the local cuisine like in Mongolia?
Mongolian cuisine centers around meat, dairy products, and seasonal vegetables. Typical foods include grilled mutton, buuz dumplings, curds and cheeses, meat stews, and airag, fermented mare’s milk. Nomadic families offer the most authentic cooking.