About Mongolia
Mongoliathe heart of Asiais a land of vast steppesrich historyand nomadic culture. With a population of 3.3 million and a territory spanning 1.56 million km²it is one of the world’s least densely populated countriesoffering a stunning blend of natural landscapesfrom mountains and deserts to lakes and plains. For travelers seeking the legacy of great khansthe heritage of Chinggis Khaanand an authentic nomadic experienceMongolia is an unforgettable destination. Mongoliahistorically Outer Mongolialandlocked country located in north-central Asia. It is roughly oval in shapemeasuring 1,486 miles (2,392 km) from west to east andat its maximum782 miles (1,259 km) from north to south. Mongolia’s land area is roughly equivalent to that of the countries of western and central Europeand it lies in a similar latitude range. The national capitalUlaanbaatar (Mongolian: Ulan Bator)is in the north-central part of the country. Mongolia is truly one of the world’s last undiscovered travel destinations and the safest country to visit. It is a land where you can experience wide-open spacescobalt blue skiesforestsdesertscrystal clear rivers and lakesand the traditional hospitality of the nomads. Permanent dwellings are few and far betweenfences even fewer and the land is owned by the peoplelike one large National Park. As a tremendous destination to experience the outdoorsMongolia also boasts of unique history dating back to the Mongol Empire of Genghis Khan. Simply putit is a land of adventurehorsesnomadsand blue sky.
Historical Background
Mongolia is the heir to the Mongol Empirefounded by Chinggis Khaan in the 13th century—the largest contiguous land empire in history. Its history stretches back to the ancient Xiongnu Empire and includes the Yuan and Ilkhanate dynasties. In modern timesMongolia regained independence in 1921 through a revolution and is now a democratic nation with rapid development.
Natural Wonders
Mongolia’s nature is a magnet for travelers: Gobi Desert: World-famous for its sand dunesdinosaur fossilsand the breathtaking “Khongoryn Els.”
Mountains and Highlands
The KhangaiKhentiiand Altai ranges are perfect for hiking and horse trekking. Lake Khuvsgulone of Asia’s purest lakesis a must-visit.
Endless Steppes
Mongolia’s vast plains offer a glimpse into nomadic life and star-filled skies.
Culture and Traditions
Mongolia’s nomadic life remains vibrant. Visitors can stay in traditional gerstaste airag (fermented mare’s milk) and dairy productsand learn to ride horses.
Naadam Festival
A UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage event featuring wrestlingarcheryand horse racing.
Throat Singing and Morin Khuur
Mongolia’s traditional music and instruments captivate the soul.
Religion and Monasteries
A unique blend of Buddhism and shamanismwith historic sites like Erdene Zuu and Gandantegchinlen Monastery.
Tourism Opportunities
Mongolia is ideal for adventureculturaland nature-based travel.
Adventure
Hikinghorse trekkingfishingcampingand camel rides.
Cultural Experiences
Staying with nomadsenjoying traditional mealsand participating in Naadam.
Eco-Tourism
Discover rare wildlife and florasuch as the Altai snow leopard or Khuvsgul’s reindeer herders.
Why Choose Mongolia?
Mongolia offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. The bustling capitalUlaanbaatarcontrasts with the serene countrysidecreating a unique experience. Unparalleled natural beautywarm hospitalityand a rich cultural heritage make every journey memorable.
Where to Start?
UlaanbaatarMongolia’s capitalis the gateway to your adventureaccessible via Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
When to Visit?
Summer (June–August) for Naadam and warm weather; spring and autumn for vibrant landscapes; winter for dog sledding in -30°C.
Visa Information
Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry or can obtain an e-visa (check specific requirements).
Language
Mongolian is the official languagebut English is common in Ulaanbaatar.
NAADAM FESTIVAL
Naadam is a national festival celebrated every year from 11 to 15 July across Mongolia that focuses on three traditional games: horseracingwrestling and archery. Mongolian Naadam is inseparably connected to the nomadic civilization of the Mongolswho have long practiced pastoralism on Central Asia’s vast steppe.
Wrestling
At the start of competition all the wrestlers with the higher title – holder in front enter the hall in a line wearing gutuls (decorated Mongolian boots. ) and hats and their wrestling costumes called “zodog”(an open fronted long sleeves vest of silk) and “shuudag”(tight short trunks ). There are many different titles for the wrestlers such as Titan (avarga)Lion (arslan), Elephant(zaan) and Falcon(khartsaga). All the names signify strength. Titles are mostly confirmed during the national festival Naadam. A wrestler who wins five fights in succession uring one competition has the right to have the title of Falconand if he wins seven fights in succession Elephant. When a wrestler wins all the fights in a competition during one of these festivals he will be a Lion. If he wins a subsequent year he merits the title of titanthe highest rank. There is a variety of throws used to defeat opponents. Some say there are hundreds of them. When the wrestling arena or step onto the carpet in the case of an indoor competition and the second take off the wrestler’s hats. When a wrestler touches the ground with any part of his body other than his feet and armshe is considered to be defeat. The main difference between Mongolian national wrestling and international free wrestling is that the weight category of wrestlers is not taken into consideration.
Horse racing
Mongolian people have loved horse racing since time immemorial. A whole system for conducting the contests has developed over the centuries. In the races held during national festivalsincluding Naadamparticipants are six age groups and the distances range from 15-30kms. No special tracks are preparedthe horses covering the distance in the steppe and jumping over natural barriers. Before they start the riders sing an ancient war-like song Giingoo. The competitors start at the finishing line and at the signal to start and back to the finish line. Thus the distance is actually doubled. The horse racing can be held on saddled or unsaddled horses. Horses of two years older take part. The winner is honored with a cup of airag which he drinks and sprinkles on the head and croup of his horse. After the racespraise-singer extols the best riders and their horses.
Archery
The third element of the national games is archery. Five lines engraved on an ancient Mongolian target immortalize the phenomenal record of Yesuhei-baatarsaying that his arrow hit the target at a distance of 536 meters. The bow is an ancient invention going back to the Mesolithic Period. Ancient Mongolians made their contribution to the design of the bow as a combat weapon.Today Mongolian’s use less complicated form archery than in ancient time; the target is ‘wall’ made of cork cylinders braided together with leader straps. It is four meters long and 50cm high. The target is placed on the ground at a distance of 75 meters for men and 60 meters for women. In the past Mongolians used three types of bows; “big hand” (165-170cm),”average hand” (160cm)“small hand’ (150cm). Today Mongolian’s mostly use the average hand bow which requires a force of 22 to 38kg to draw it. Arrows are usually made from pine wood and had feather fins which help the arrow to reach distance of 900 meters. Naadam archery also attracts individual archers as well as Teams of 8-12 people. Every male archer has forty arrows to shot at each target. The judges dressed in national attirestand by the targets with hands held up after the arrows have been shot. They praise the best shot in a drawing recitative voice. The contests are accompanied by colorful national rites. Before the competition starts you hear the recitative song “uukhai’calling on the archers to be good marksmen and hit the target.