Why Mongolia?
Mongolia is a land of surreal contrasts: one moment you’re sipping milk tea with a nomadic herder in a yurt, and the next, you’re gazing at fossilized dinosaur eggs in the middle of the Gobi Desert. It’s remote, raw, and rewarding.
If you’re looking to disconnect, embrace nature, and experience life as the locals do, Mongolia is calling. 📞
🛬 First Stop: Ulaanbaatar – Where Modern Meets Myth
Most journeys begin in Ulaanbaatar, the capital. It’s a dynamic mix of Soviet-style buildings, Buddhist monasteries, and modern shopping centers.
Insider Tips:
- Download UB Cab or use Yandex Go to get around cheaply.
- Visit in late summer (August–September) for the best mix of warm days and festival season without the tourist rush.
Must-See:
- Gandan Monastery – Spot the enormous golden Buddha and hear the chanting monks.
- Zaisan Memorial Hill – Offers panoramic views of the entire city.
- Choijin Lama Temple Museum – A preserved 20th-century monastery rich in detail.
Where to Stay in UB:
- 🛏️ The Blue Sky Hotel & Tower – Central, luxurious, and iconic skyline views.
- 🛖 Zaya Hostel – Clean, cozy, with helpful local staff for backpackers.
🚙 The Road to the Gobi: Desert Dreams Begin
The journey to the Gobi Desert is an adventure in itself. Hire a 4×4 with a guide or join a small-group tour.
Expect bumpy roads, endless skies, and the bluest horizon you’ve ever seen. 🎒
Top Stops in the Gobi:
- Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) 🔥: Where dinosaur fossils were first found.
- Khongoryn Els (Singing Dunes) 🏜️: Sand dunes that make sounds as they shift.
- Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Mouth Canyon) ❄️: A deep gorge that may still hold ice in summer.
Stay:
- Gobi Nomad Lodge – A luxurious eco-camp with private gers.
- Family-run gers – Basic, but truly authentic (ask your guide for the best ones).
Local Tip: Don’t refuse airag (fermented mare’s milk) if offered. Sip slowly, smile a lot, and have wet wipes ready. 😅
🌄 Off-the-Beaten Path: Khovsgol Lake – Mongolia’s Blue Pearl
Located in the north, Khovsgol Lake is often dubbed the “younger sister of Lake Baikal.” It’s a crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by mountains and pine forests.
Perfect for kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding with the Tsaatan (reindeer herders). 🦌
Getting There: From UB, take a domestic flight to Murun, then drive 3 hours.
Where to Stay:
- Toilogt Camp – Lakeside gers, hot meals, and friendly staff.
⛩️ Spiritual Detour: Erdene Zuu Monastery & Karakorum
Step back into the history of the Mongol Empire in Karakorum, the ancient capital founded by Genghis Khan. Visit Erdene Zuu, Mongolia’s oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, still active and soul-stirring.
Insider Tip: Time your visit during a local festival – wrestling, archery, and horse racing galore. 🏹
🍲 Mongolian Cuisine: From Yak to Dumplings
While Mongolia is known more for its scenery than cuisine, there are dishes you shouldn’t miss.
Must-Try Dishes:
- 🥟 Buuz – Steamed meat dumplings.
- 🍖 Khorkhog – Meat cooked with hot stones inside a container.
- 🍲 Tsuivan – Stir-fried noodles with mutton.
- 🥛 Suutei Tsai – Salted milk tea.
Where to Eat in Ulaanbaatar:
- Modern Nomads – Upscale local food.
- BD’s Mongolian Barbeque – Interactive and tourist-friendly.
- Veranda – Great for wine and views.
🐎 Fun Adventures to Try
Here’s a quick list of unforgettable activities:
✅ Stay with a nomadic family
✅ Ride a horse across the steppes
✅ Camel trek in the Gobi
✅ Watch eagle hunting in the west
✅ Bathe in Tsenkher hot springs
✅ Attend Naadam Festival (July)
🧳 Travel Tips & Essentials
- Bring cash, especially outside cities. ATMs can be rare.
- Layered clothing is key: temperatures vary dramatically.
- Learn a few phrases like “Сайн байна уу” (Sain bainaa uu – Hello).
- No SIM? No problem. Most camps have satellite Wi-Fi or none—enjoy the detox.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Mongolia is not for the faint of heart—but for the brave and curious, it’s a wonderland of raw beauty, ancient culture, and soulful silence. Whether you’re sleeping under the stars in the Gobi or galloping across the plains, Mongolia changes you.
So saddle up. Adventure is calling, and it’s written on the wind of the steppe. 🌬️
