Mongolia travel guide
Ghengis Khan's backyard is still frontier territory, home to nomadic herders and eagle hunters
Mongolia is vast. This landlocked country (further from the sea than any other on earth), has one of the lowest population densities on earth.
Blue skies and huge expanses of near-empty land epitomise Mongolia. There are few roads, and nomadic herders still roam the steppe as they have for centuries.
Horses are the most common form of transport, while two-humped Bactrian camels are also used for transport in parts of the country.
Not that Mongolia is all grassland as people often imagine; in the south of the country is the magnificent Gobi desert, in the west are the Altai mountains – home to the Kazakhs who hunt with eagles , while the north is known for mountains, rivers and the stunning Lake Khovsgol.
Mongolia is more diverse than people realise. Come here for the
unspoilt landscapes and unchanged culture. But be prepared for long distances.
Wanderlust recommends
- Experience the Naadam festival but away from the crowds at a local event
- Trek by camel or by horse
- Explore the vast expanses of the Gobi desert
Wanderlust tips
Take plenty of layers, even on summer, a torch and sun glasses/sun protection.
If invited into a family ger, avoid stepping on the threshold as you enter, and then make your way round in a clockwise direction, trying not to turn your back on the altar or religious items.
When you sit down, avoid pointing your feet at the altar, the hearth or another person.
Other etiquette tips; never take food from a communal plate with your left hand; hold cups by the bottom, not the top; avoid touching another person’s hat; keep your sleeves rolled down to avoid exposing your wrist.
Mongolia is known for producing the best cashmere in the world, so leave some space in your bag.