The Landscapes
Mongolia is one place that has some seriously beautiful, untouched sights. If you go out into the West, you probably won’t even see another traveller on the most popular trail! People typically don’t go to Mongolia for the cities- they go for the landscape, and I can confirm: they’re entirely worth it.
The Culture
Mongolian culture is seriously amazing. Everything from herding and grazing animals, to being nomadic, to eating loads of mutton and drinking airag, is prominent and strong. I’ve never been to a place that still has such a strong sense of culture.
Naadam
Of course Naadam makes the list! Naadam (what I call Mongolian Olympics) was such a cool way to experience Mongolia. I loved eating mutton pancakes, watching the events, and being the only tourists (we went to a countryside Naadam- the Ulaanbaatar Naadam will have tourists).
It’s Authentic
Because people are only just starting to go to Mongolia, you’ll want to get here quickly! There were no chain restaurants outside of Ulaanbaatar. You’ll have to point to random Cyrillic and hope you’re ordering a good dish. The country is still pretty untouched by tourist influence, but more and more English is being spoken, and it’s slowly becoming more accessible (and touristy!).
People Are Friendly
Because it isn’t everyday a Mongolian or Kazahk is seeing Westerners, they’ll be really friendly. We had a man and his son (and dog) speak to us the last day of our Altai Mountain trek. He was so willing to speak to us and offer us advice. Another time, in a local bus, everyone had the one Mongolian English speaker come ask me if my boyfriend and I were together. They were curious! We got to talking to this woman (and through translation, some of her friends, and we got all the insider tips for Naadam and where to eat in the small town.
Ever wanted to go to Mongolia? Why? Let me know down in the comments!
Like this post? Pin it!
No Comments
anthonygrootelaar
thank-you….for This
Anya Carion
Thanks for reading!
marieadelyn
The pictures are heartmelting! makes me want to go
Anya Carion
Mongolia is amazing! Thanks so much!
lavie22
I loved Mongolia! All so true. I can’t wait to go back. It will be interesting to see the change for sure!
Anya Carion
I agree! I’m excited to see where it goes, I just hope it doesn’t lose some of its culture!
Cultural Wednesday
I went to Mongolia many years ago and agree that it is very beautiful and that the people are incredibly welcoming
madhu-on-the-go
Mangolia is really beautiful and unexplored. Thanks for sharing
tanya
Yes yes yes, I want to go horse riding there. We lived in China and spend some time hiking on the Tibetan Plateau and went to Inner Mongolia and I kind of imagine it being similar, but with a different culture. How did you travel around and arrange things? Do you organise things or a guide before or just wing it?
Lizziesrestlessfeet
I have wanted to go to Mongolia for a few years now, but you have definitely inspired me to go even more now! Great to hear it is still relatively untouched by tourists (for now)… I hope I make it out there some time soon! Thanks for sharing!
our21stcenturyodyssey
I want to go to Mongolia so badly and this post just reaffirms that! Thanks so much for sharing ❤️
frejatravels
Bautiful photos. but personally I DO NOT like Mongolia. It was the hardest country I ever travel to. We spent 4 weeks there and it was awful and way out of my comfort zone. but my man loves it and been there twice.