Mongolia Travel Blog & News

Dinosaur fossils. Traditional Mongolian houses. Incredible landscapes. Welcome to the Gobi Desert. If ever you find yourself in Mongolia and on the prowl for adventure and a one of a kind experience, then look no further than the Gobi Desert. It’s about 1.2 million square kilometers of dusty terrain, extending from Mongolia into northern China. This famous attraction comes equipped with history, outdoor activities, and plenty more for every type of traveler in every season, and it’s easily accessible from Mongolia’s capital city and main tourist hub, Ulaanbaatar. The top things to do in the Gobi Desert are quite numerous, so let’s get started and take a look at our absolute top 5 favourites!

Mongolia has a rich culture, and one of the most well-known aspects is its music. With interesting instruments and mesmerizing vocal techniques, Mongolians over the centuries have developed a unique sound to express their lives on the steppe. There are many elements to learn about, however, we’ll just give you a primer on what the basics are. If you decide to visit Mongolia, you should definitely take the opportunity to hear a live musical performance; it’s definitely worth the flight to get in!

If you have ever heard people conversing in Mongolian, and thought that it’s unlike any other language you’ve ever heard- don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Mongolian language is an Altaic language which means that only Turkic and Tungusic languages are in one group with it. Some studies have added Japanese and Korean language in the group too, but most of the authors disagree on this one.

The Trans-Siberian Railway is a world-famous train route. The railroad is an impressive piece of engineering that was well-known even as it was being built. It can take you from the capital of Russia, Moscow, to the Eastern end of Russia, Vladivostok. What some people don’t know is that the train line extends through Mongolia and also terminates in Beijing. If you’re interested in taking the memorable trip, here are 10 reasons why you should plan for it this year!

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.

Ulaanbaatar, the bustling capital of Mongolia, is a city of contrasts where ancient traditions meet modernity. This vibrant metropolis offers an exciting array of culinary delights and trendy spots to enjoy a drink. If you're planning a trip to Ulaanbaatar and wondering where to eat and drink, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best places that cater to all tastes and preferences.  

Do you wonder what is beyond Gobi and wide open steppe in Mongolia? The answer is to take a close look at the northern part of the country which dominates by mountainous forest of Switzerland and blue pearl Lake Khuvsgul, known as a sister of Lake Baikal in Russia.

The Naadam Festival is a national event in Mongolia showcasing excellence in the three games of the country: archery, wrestling, and horse riding. The origins of the festival date back hundreds of years to the ancient times of Genghis Khan, and, today, it’s celebrated across the nation every July to mark Mongolia’s independence from China. As Mongolia's premier holiday, the Naadam Festival attracts tourists curious about the nation’s history and culture. And since it’s so widely celebrated, it can be hard to pinpoint the top spots to take in the event. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to see the Naadam Festival in Mongolia for your reference as you plan your adventure to China’s northern neighbor.

You’ve probably heard of sheep herders and cattle herders. But how about...reindeer herders? Now presenting, an introduction to the Tsaatan reindeer herders of Mongolia! If you’re visiting Mongolia and looking for an under the radar cultural experience, the Tsaatan reindeer herders are going to be your “thing.” As in, the “thing” that you take back home through amazing pictures and incredible stories, the marker of your fantastic experience traveling in Mongolia. There’s a lot to know before you set out on your journey, so let this introduction to the Tsaatan reindeer herders be your guide. From herding history to cultural ties, we’ll take you through the A-Z of reindeer herding in Mongolia.

Anyone traveling to Mongolia will generally have a couple afternoons or a full day in the Ulaanbaatar during which time they can visit or explore some city sites. Here is a list, in no particular order, of the places I’ve visited and can recommend. I’d select the ones that meet you or your party’s interests.