Mongolia Travel Blog & News

Southern Mongolia is widely known for its Gobi Desert, one of the world’s unique ecosystems and best-kept secrets. This unique ecosystem is renowned for its stunning natural formations, as well as real dinosaur fossils and endemic flora and fauna. No trip to Mongolia is complete without a visit to this incredible region. But what makes the Gobi Desert so special? Check out our list of 20 interesting facts about the Gobi Desert to learn more. From its harsh climate to its surprising biodiversity, there's so much to discover in this remarkable landscape.

“Nomads on horses” is what comes to mind of many upon hearing the word “Mongolia”. Indeed, nomadic culture is engrained into every part of Mongolian lifestyle and culture. Mongolians have been nomads for thousands of years, sustaining their life on Central Asian plateau by relying on their domesticated livestock. Today, about 30% of the country`s population is still leading nomadic lifestyle all over the country, and as there are not many truly nomadic cultures left on earth, Mongolia has become an unique destination to visit for many tourists.

Tsagaan sar, the Mongolia’s Lunar new year is the biggest long-awaited holiday in Mongolia. It is widely celebrated throughout the country around January or February according to the combination of Solar-Lunar calendar that Mongolians use. It is a celebration of passing long harsh winter and welcoming a spring as well as welcoming new year. Furthermore, Tsagaan Sar is a family celebration as all relatives gather at the elders’ home to greet and wish all the best to each other for the following year. The festival lasts for 3-14 days depending on the region. It is non-working national holidays in Mongolia for 3 days.

While Chinggis Khan, or Genghis Khan, is world famous as one of the most successful conquerors in history, there is more to him than that. Despite the fact that he lived so long ago, there is a surprising amount we know about his life. Many of these are from The Secret History of the Mongols, and others are facts from modern Mongolia.

Thousand camel festival or “Mongolian Camel 999” was successfully organized in Gobi Desert on March 6-7 in 2016. This famous festival was first initiated in 1997 by the locals of Umnugovi province to increase the population of two humped Bactrian camel and to protect the camels furthermore to inherit the nomadic camel breeding to the next generation. The most significant event was the race of 1108 Bactrian camel and organizers successfully registered camel races in Guinness book of Record.

Chinggis Khan did a lot for Mongolian nomads and the world. He administered an empire, enforced security so merchants could safely trade, and created military tactics that would inspire leaders for centuries afterwards. However, there’s one accomplishment that may surprise you – he brought writing to Mongolia.

If you are planning a trip to Mongolia, you must be looking forward to having adventures in the Gobi Desert, exploring ancient history at the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex, and observing traditional Mongolian customs, like eagle hunting. But, while you are traveling in this delightful country bordered by China and Russia, do not skimp out on your meals! Food can be just as much of a cultural experience as going to a museum or taking an adventure tour in the countryside. It gives you a taste of ethnic cuisine and allows you the opportunity to interact with the local community. Knowing what food you need to try in Mongolia is tough if you’ve never visited the country, so, we have done all the taste testing for you. Below is a list of the food you need to try in Mongolia!

Dos “Ovoo” When you go to the countryside, you would see a little heap of rocks sometimes decorated with a blue or yellow “khadag” or a piece of cloth. Usually located on top of the mountain, these are called “ovoo”. Most of the time, you don’t have to stop at every one of them, but when you do, or when you climb a mountain and get to the “ovoo” you should carry three rocks with you and round the ovoo for three times, throwing a rock for each of your round. The “ovoo”s have several purposes- to pay respect for the local deities, to mark geographical locations etc. The coolest story of them all is that during the war time, each one of the soldiers would put a rock on their departure from their home town and get it back when they come back from the war. The remaining rocks would be memorial for the soldiers who have lost their lives during the war. It may not be true, but it’s something that Mongolians believe and respect, so it would be rude to get a rock from the ovoo, or disrespect it in any way.

When people think of Mongolia, they probably think immediately of Chinggis, or Ghengis, Khan, the famous conqueror. They may also think of the Gobi Desert, or the vastness of the countryside. For travelers interested in visiting exciting and remote spots, Mongolia is a great destination. Unfortunately, you may not know anyone who has ever been. It can be hard to figure out where to go in Mongolia. Lucky for you, I have compiled a list of where to visit in Mongolia, and things to see in Mongolia that will not disappoint you. 

For many people in the Western world, Mongolia is a faraway destination. They may know about Genghis Khan, but not much else. After centuries of Chinese rule, one common misconception is that Mongolian speak Chinese. While some surely do, in Mongolia, they speak Mongolian. It is an ancient and interesting language, full of cool ways to express ideas. It has undergone a few changes since it was spoken by Genghis Khan.