TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MONGOLIA

Without doubt Mongolia is one of the most adventurous destinations and has a rich culture and a great history. If you seek an ADVENTURE that is truly uncommon and need an inspiration of CULTURE that is absolutely unique or if you are a true NATURE lover and generally looking for a lifetime adventure and less explored mysterious place, then you are in the right place.

The least populated country and home to hospitable nomads known as “Steppe Mongolia” can offer the long list of THINGS TO DO. Here are the only first “10 activities” listed.

1. HORSE RIDING 

Mongolians have long and deep tradition or culture which relates to the horses. Mongolian horses are small but strong and they are well known as the good companion of the Mongol soldiers during the war also worshipped and respected by steppe nomads as its spiritual power.

Nowadays, Mongolian nomads use horses as daily riding, transportation, racing for the Naadam festival and food and milk supplies.  So, why not to try horseback riding tour when you visit Mongolia? Horseback Riding is the best way to see and feel true Mongolia.

Suggested tours: Horse Riding in Legendary Orkhon Valley tour - 13 days

2. EXPLORING NOMADIC LIFESTYLE

For centuries, the people of the steppes have been developing a pastoral way of life- living in the ger and moving in the search of best pastures for their livestock. Mongolian nomads has been keeping and bringing their ancestors’ cultural heritage to the 21st  century with no changes.

Nomads raise 5 types of animals-goat, sheep, cattle/including yak/, camel and horse-that provide meat, dairy products, cashmere, wool, felt, leather and transportation.

                                                                    Traditionally, stranger could enter the ger without knocking…

Visiting and staying with nomadic family is one part of the way to understand their culture deeply. They are very warm and friendly after entering their ger they offer milk tea with whatever they have-this is the first experience to know their hospitality.

Suggested tour:  MONGOLIA – LAND OF NOMADIC HERITAGE tour - 11 days

3. ENJOYING NAADAM FESTIVAL 

            You should not miss this magnificent opening ceremony-held annually in Ulaanbaatar on 11th of July

Mongolians celebrate few holidays and one of the two major national celebrations is Naadam Festival- activities are horse riding, wrestling and archery- held officially in July throughout the country. It is also known as most colorful, historical and competitive festival- said to be originated from military parade and soldier training.

Wrestlers are well respected among the Mongols and when a new baby boy is born parents and relatives say that “Oh, we have a boy and he could be a good wrestler”. As you know, Mongolian wrestlers win in international and world championships such as, Sumo and freestyle wrestling. Mostly all of the Mongolian men can wrestle, from small children to old folks. So Mongolia is the country of wrestlers. You may try to wrestle with your male guide and driver while travelling through Mongolia.  The most important moment is when small children ride near the finish line-all Mongolians yell “Guu-uug guu-uug or Giin-goo giin-goo” for supporting riders and riders sing “Giin-goo” for supporting horses to gallop faster. All Mongolians feel something magical emotion like crying or appreciating and pitying for both horses and children.

Archery in Mongolia has had a long famous history. According to our folk legend, the great archer, Erkhy Mergen who saved the people from drought by shooting down six suns. 

In ancient days bows and arrows were primarily used for hunting animals for food, and protecting the tribe from outside threats. Over the centuries, the uses of archery changed and the tradition of archery was passed down to become one of the most important parts of the National Naadam.

Suggested tour:  Mongolia Highlights tour with Naadam Festival-2019 - 20 days

4. PHOTOGRAPHING FROM NATURAL BEAUTY TO ETHNIC PORTRAITS

Mongolia is one of the most PHOTOGENIC countries in the world. The landscapes are diverse; the photographer can choose to visit the Gobi desert in the south, taiga and forested mountains in the north, rolling green steppes in the east and ragged high mountains in the west of Mongolia.

Also, Mongolia is home to diverse ethnic groups and this can make Mongolia a portrait photography destination. We are the only tour operator to organize Photography Tours in all corners of Mongolia. So, if you seek photo adventure please, feel free to contact us and all levels of photographers are accepted.  

Suggested Tours: Mongolia Photography Tours