Five extraordinary regions. One remarkable country.
Land of Living History
The Great Gobi Desert is one of Mongolia's most extraordinary natural regions. In 1975, the Mongolian government established the Great Gobi National Park, and in 1991 UNESCO designated it the fourth largest Biosphere Reserve in the world.
Although many imagine the Gobi as a vast, empty sandy desert, this is far from reality. Mongolians recognize 33 different types of Gobi, and pure sand covers only about 3% of the total area. The region is rich in wildlife, vegetation, dramatic landscapes, and deep history — home to dinosaur fossils, camel herders, and the extremely rare Gobi bear (Mazaalai), found nowhere else on Earth.
Stretching over 1,000 km² and rising up to 200 meters, these are Mongolia's most spectacular sand dunes. On windy days, the sand produces a deep humming sound like a plane engine — giving them the name "Singing Dunes." At sunrise and sunset they glow gold and silver.
One of the world's most famous paleontological sites. Named by American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews in the 1920s, who discovered dinosaur fossils and eggs here. Andrews identified 10 dinosaur species, 8 of which were first discovered in Mongolia. The red sandstone cliffs glow at sunset.
A narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains protected since 1965 — one of the Nine Natural Wonders of South Gobi. A stream freezes into thick ice that often remains until mid-July. Home to ibex, wild sheep, rare birds, and — very rarely — snow leopards.
A spectacular sandstone formation stretching 400 meters and rising 60 meters high, resembling a giant ruined castle. Layered minerals create beautiful bands of white, yellow, pink, and red. Sunset here is especially breathtaking.
Dating back 4,000–5,000 years to the Bronze and early Iron Ages. The carvings depict galloping horses, hunters and riders, camels and wheeled carts, argali sheep, wedding scenes, and early gers — a window into prehistoric nomadic life.
Once one of Mongolia's largest Buddhist centers with 17 temples and over 1,000 monks. Destroyed during the 1930s purges, the ruins remain a powerful spiritual site. Today visitors can explore restored temples, a ger museum, meditation caves, and sacred mountains.
Cradle of Nomadic Civilization
Central Mongolia is the core region of Mongolian history, nomadic civilization, and natural diversity. This was the heartland of the Great Mongol Empire, where political power, religion, culture, and nomadic traditions developed over thousands of years.
Wide grasslands, river valleys, forests, volcanoes, lakes, and sacred mountains form a landscape that has supported human life from prehistoric times to the present. Powerful empires — the Huns, Turkic Khaganates, Uighurs, and the Mongols — all chose Central Mongolia as their center.
Karakorum was founded in the 13th century as the capital of the Mongol Empire. Stones from the ruined city were used to build Erdene Zuu Monastery in 1586 — Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery surrounded by 108 white stupas symbolizing Buddhist perfection.
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, representing over 2,000 years of continuous nomadic pastoral culture. The Orkhon River — Mongolia's longest — flows 1,124 km through this valley. The Huns, Turkic Khaganates, Uighur Empire, and Mongol Empire all ruled from here.
Founded in 1653 by Zanabazar, built high on Shireet Ulaan Mountain (2,268 m). This is where Zanabazar created the Soyombo script — now Mongolia's national symbol on the flag. A 5 km hike through forests, meditation caves, and sacred ovoos leads to this spiritual retreat.
Known as Ulaan Tsutgalan, dropping 25 meters into a volcanic canyon formed by ancient lava flows. Visitors can hike to the base, sit beside the roaring water, and explore the surrounding volcanic landscape — a summer grazing ground for nomadic families.
An extinct volcano (200 m high, last erupted 11,700 years ago) that blocked a river and formed Terkh White Lake — 61 km², 16 km long, at 2,060 m elevation. Over 30 small extinct volcanoes are scattered around the area. A bird paradise with rare swan geese, saker falcon, and great bustard.
Often called the "Mini Gobi," offering a rare combination of sand dunes (Elsen Tasarkhai), rocky mountains, forests, and grassland. Ancient temple ruins, camel riding, horse trekking, and nomadic family stays make this area exceptionally diverse.
Untouched Nature, Ancient Traditions & Sacred Landscapes
Northern Mongolia is one of the most pristine and spiritually powerful regions of the country. With its high mountains, deep taiga forests, crystal-clear lakes, wide river valleys, and ancient monuments, the north offers travelers a completely different atmosphere from the steppe and desert.
This region is home to the legendary Khuvsgul Lake, the vast Darkhad Depression, ancient deer stones, and the last reindeer-herding communities on Earth — the Tsaatan people, living as they have for thousands of years.
Mongolia's largest and deepest freshwater lake — 136 km long, up to 262 m deep, at 1,645 m elevation. Contains around 60% of Mongolia's total freshwater. Formed 4–5 million years ago, part of the Baikal Rift System. Four sacred islands are worshipped by locals.
One of the last reindeer cultures on Earth — approximately 300 people living deep in the taiga forests at elevations of 1,800–2,300 m. They herd reindeer year-round, enduring temperatures from +27°C in summer to −55°C in winter, practicing Shamanism and living in cone-shaped urts.
Located 18 km west of Murun, inscribed by UNESCO in 2014. Dating to the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age (13th–6th century BC). Mongolia is home to over 80% of all deer stones found worldwide. Deer were sacred animals believed to carry the soul of the deceased to the spiritual world.
Built 1726–1737 in Selenge Province. At its peak housed over 50 temples and around 6,000 monks. Despite destruction in the 1930s, 28 temples remain today with priceless scriptures and artworks. The name means "Peaceful Joy." Located on the banks of the Iven River.
One of Mongolia's most untouched alpine regions, with the highest peak Munkh Saridag (3,491 m) rising along the Russian border. Rivers flowing from these mountains create the vast Darkhad Depression — one of the most remote and least populated regions in Mongolia.
Protected under the Ramsar Convention, this lake in the Orkhon River basin supports hundreds of bird species — mostly migratory — making it one of Mongolia's best birdwatching destinations. Fish species include taimen, lenok, Arctic grayling, and pike.
Eagle Hunters, Ancient Footprints & Raw Wilderness
Western Mongolia is the most dramatic and ethnically diverse region of the country. Sharp mountain peaks, vast valleys, high-altitude lakes, tundra, desert-steppe, and deep taiga forests come together in one powerful landscape where nature remains raw and untamed.
Home to Kazakhs, Uriankhai, Tuvans, and Oirads — their cultures expressed through eagle hunting, throat singing, biyelgee dance, and tsuur music. There are now only 50–60 true eagle hunters remaining, making this tradition increasingly rare and precious.
The highest mountain massif in Mongolia — "Five Sacred Peaks" — with Khüiten Peak reaching 4,374 m. Three massive glaciers including the Potanin Glacier (14+ km, Mongolia's largest). The borders of Mongolia, Russia, China, and Kazakhstan nearly meet here. A nationally sacred mountain.
Only female golden eagles are trained — larger, stronger, with wingspans up to 2.5 meters. Caught young and trained through years of trust. A well-trained eagle can hunt foxes and — in rare cases — wolves. UNESCO recognizes this as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Falconry).
Kharkhiraa (4,037 m) and Turgen (3,965 m) together contain over 20% of Mongolia's glaciers. Between them lies the Olon Nuuriin Valley dotted with alpine lakes. Here grows the legendary Vansemberuu flower — "the Flower of the Sky" — one of Mongolia's rarest plants.
Uvs Lake is Mongolia's largest lake (3,350 km²). The basin was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 — considered one of the best-preserved natural watersheds in Central Asia. Rich in archaeological remains linked to the Huns, Scythians, and early Turkic peoples — over 40,000 recorded sites.
Cave walls and ceilings covered with red and beige paintings depicting camels, mammoths, buffalo, large birds, and early human figures — created by Central Asian tribes thousands of years ago. One of Mongolia's most important Paleolithic rock art sites in Khovd Province.
A sacred formation in Gobi-Altai Province and one of the habitats of the critically endangered Gobi bear (Mazaalai), wild Bactrian camels, and snow leopards. Mongolia holds the second-largest snow leopard population in the world, and this area is part of active conservation efforts.
Birthplace of Chinggis Khan
Eastern Mongolia is a land of vast open horizons, pure grasslands, and deep historical roots. This region is widely believed to be the birthplace and childhood homeland of Chinggis Khan — where he grew up hunting, riding, and learning to survive on the open steppe.
True to nomadic tradition, Chinggis Khan left no monument, palace, temple, or marked grave. His legacy lives instead in the land itself — endless plains, rivers, and skies that shaped one of the greatest leaders in world history. East Mongolia remains one of the least developed and most untouched regions on Earth.
Over 90 km long, around 60 km wide, sitting at 600 m elevation with an astonishingly flat landscape — slopes only 10 meters per kilometer. In spring and summer it becomes a vast green ocean of grass. Wolves, foxes, birds of prey, and rare steppe animals roam freely. One of the last truly untouched grasslands on Earth.
Eastern Mongolia is world-famous for its Mongolian gazelles — one of the most spectacular wildlife phenomena in Asia. Around one-third of the world's population lives here, forming enormous migrating herds unlike any other land mammals today. In 2007, a single aggregation of over 250,000 gazelles was documented. They now represent the largest population of wild land mammals in Central Asia.
History, Culture & Spiritual Life
Home to around 1.3 million people — nearly half of Mongolia's population. Located along the Tuul River, surrounded by four sacred mountains. A city of striking contrasts where modern urban life and traditional nomadic culture exist side by side.
Mongolia's largest active Buddhist monastery. Home to a 26.5-meter gilded statue of Avalokiteshvara. Monks still perform daily prayers and chanting rituals here.
Displays dinosaur skeletons, fossilized eggs, and ancient animal remains found in the Gobi Desert. Mongolia is world-famous for its dinosaur discoveries.
The most comprehensive overview of Mongolian history and culture — from prehistoric times, through the Mongol Empire, to modern democracy.
A modern museum with archaeological discoveries, historical artifacts, weapons, royal symbols, and interactive displays about Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Empire.
A popular viewpoint with 360-degree views of the city, Tuul River valley, and surrounding mountains. Especially beautiful at sunset — a favorite spot for photography.
One of the most authentic cultural performances in Ulaanbaatar — throat singing, contortion, long song, Tsam mask dance, and colorful traditional performances.
One of the few royal buildings that survived the socialist purges. Inside: royal furniture, ceremonial clothing, religious objects, and personal belongings of Bogd Khaan.
Mongolia's largest and most famous local market. Traditional boots, horse equipment, ger furniture, traditional deels, Buddhist ritual items, and cashmere products.
Mongolia is one of the world's leading producers of high-quality cashmere. Sweaters, scarves, coats, and accessories at excellent value compared to international prices.
Mongolia hosts a wide range of traditional festivals throughout the year, reflecting its nomadic heritage, ethnic diversity, and deep connection to nature.
Celebrates Mongolia's unique Bactrian camel — camel racing, polo, herding demonstrations, traditional music, and opportunities to meet camel herders and learn about their Gobi lifestyle.
Mongolia's most important traditional celebration — the Lunar New Year. Families honor elders, wear traditional deel, prepare buuz (steamed dumplings), and welcome the year with blessings. Over 2,000 years of tradition.
A winter celebration of reindeer culture — reindeer races, shamanic ceremonies, traditional music, and a rare chance to meet Tsaatan families near Lake Khovsgol.
Held on the frozen surface of Lake Khovsgul — ice skating, ice sculptures, horse sledding, local music, shamanic rituals with bonfires. Temperatures can drop well below freezing — dramatic and unforgettable.
A unique cultural event showcasing ancient Kazakh eagle hunting near Ulaanbaatar — eagle calling, hunting skill contests, traditional Kazakh clothing, photography opportunities. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Kazakh New Year marking the spring equinox — traditional music, dance, colorful costumes, Nauryz kozhe (festive soup), folk games. Celebrated across Central Asia and recognized internationally as important cultural heritage.
Tsaatan families travel from the taiga with their reindeer — reindeer races, shamanic rituals, horse and ox-cart riding, mini Naadam events, reindeer polo, and bonfire gatherings. A rare cultural encounter.
Mongolia's most important national celebration — The Three Manly Sports: wrestling (Bökh), long-distance horse racing ridden by child jockeys, and archery. Spectacular opening ceremonies, traditional costumes, folk music. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2010.
Celebrates yak herding traditions in Mongolia's central highlands — yak herding demonstrations, milking and dairy processing, traditional games, music, and interaction with yak herders. An intimate look into rural nomadic life rarely seen by visitors.
Two separate eagle festivals in September in western Mongolia — eagle calling competitions, fox-skin hunting trials, traditional Kazakh games, horse racing, and awards for best-dressed participants.
The main and most famous Golden Eagle Festival — eagle hunters from across Bayan-Ulgii demonstrate their bond with their birds. Speed and accuracy contests, fox-skin hunting simulation, Kazakh cultural performances, and a grand parade in full traditional dress.
Mongolia Experience can arrange private tours specifically timed around festivals of your choice — with behind-the-scenes access, private meetings with eagle hunters, and exclusive cultural encounters unavailable on standard tours.