Conscious travel in Mongolia

A beautiful rolling landscape of untouched wilderness, complete with forests, mountains and desert – Mongolia is a stunning country that offers adventures galore for nature lovers and cultural experience seekers alike. There is no better destination for conscious travel, where tourists can reconnect with nature and explore far-stretching natural landscapes bursting with wildlife and steeped in history.

Mongolia’s captivating and unique culture is worlds apart from the urban lifestyles many of us are used to. Mongolian history is deeply rooted in nature, and any journey through the country is bound to leave you feeling more connected with the natural world. In this post, we will explore some of the magical cultural and environmental experiences that are not to be missed during a trip to Mongolia, and offer tips for travelling sustainably and in a conscious manner.

Unforgettable cultural experiences

Mongolia is one of the few places in the Northern Hemisphere where people still live nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles; in fact, some 30 percent of Mongolians live this way, moving with their livestock across the vast steppe landscapes. Nomadic people live in many community groups, all peacefully co-existing in the environment. They are mostly Buddhist, and their spiritual history is deeply embedded in their culture.

There are many ways to connect with the local culture and traditions as a tourist, mainly through group tours run by local people. Take the time to engage with artisans undertaking local crafts, like felt making, embroidery and boot marking and learn about the history of their crafts. To immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle, stay in a ger (a Mongolian yurt) and experience the local people’s day-to-day lives and customs.

Mongolia is also famous for its festivals, which are scheduled throughout the year. The most popular event (by far!) is the Nadaam Festival – an annual event that is celebrated on 11 to 13 July across the country. Visitors can witness the main three sporting events: wrestling, horse racing and archery, while drinking airag and tea with local people during the fun and culturally rich festival experience.

Unique wildlife encounters

From the Gobi Desert to the Altai Mountains, Mongolia’s diverse array of ecosystems are home to a great variety of wildlife species. For some of the most memorable wildlife encounters, head to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in western Mongolia. Here, visitors can share the landscape with snow leopards, Argali sheep and golden eagles.

The country’s official national animal – the Przewalski’s horse – is a wonderful example of a conservation success story. The horse was declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s due to habitat loss, competition with livestock and hunting. Thanks to a few individuals bred successfully in zoos, the species survived and, in the 1990s, was reintroduced to the wild. The species, which is the last truly wild species of horse, can be spotted in Hustai National Park and several other reserves across Mongolia.

Don’t miss Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, near Ulaanbaatar, where forested mountains meet alpine meadows and rocky outcrops. You’ll be sure to spot Mongolian red deer, and might even encounter a gray wolf or Eurasian lynx in the forested areas. The Gobi Desert offers another unique wildlife experience. Wildlife sightings in the vast expanses of the desert include Bactrian camels, Gobi bears and the Siberian ibex.

Unmissable nature spots

There are lots of incredible natural sights waiting to be explored in Mongolia. A highlight for many is Terelj National Park – a combination of magnificent wildflower meadows and towering granite mountains covered in forests. The park is a short drive from Ulaanbaatar and is easily accessible by car. Visitors can enjoy beautiful hikes in the region and explore the Aryabal Meditation Temple – a Buddhist temple on top of a hill, offering a tranquil experience with amazing views over the park.

For other mindful experiences in nature (with low carbon footprints), consider visiting Khovsgol Lake – one of the biggest freshwater lakes in the world – where you can explore on the water with boats and kayak hire. There is also the opportunity to meet the Tsaatan reindeer herders in the region and learn about their unusual way of life.

Don’t miss UNESCO World Heritage site Orkhon Valley, where rolling steppes are peppered with fascinating archeaological sites. Orkhon Waterfall will be a highlight of your visit; it is located in the heart of the valley, following a beautiful hike. If you’re interested in witnessing the traditional practice of eagle hunting, Khovd Province is the place to go. Here, tourists can watch Mongolian hunters who have trained golden eagles to catch game – an unbelievable skill that has been passed down through generations.

Mindful travel tips for Mongolia

• Learn a few basic phrases in Mongolian, which is spoken by the majority of local people
• Respect local customs and traditions, and always ask permission before taking photographs of people.
• Dress modestly when visiting nomadic families and religious sites.
• Leave no trace wherever possible, use reusable water bottles and containers to reduce plastic waste, and take your rubbish with you when you leave more remote areas.
• Spend your money with local businesses and services – choose locally-owned and run accommodations, tour operators, and food providers.
• Minimise your water usage, particularly in ger camps where supply might be limited
• Choose tours that emphasise sustainable practices, including smaller group sizes and low-impact transport.
• Stick to designated trails in natural environments and try not to disturb wildlife.

Experience the nomadic life in Mongolia

Mongolia is a stunning country offering the fantastic opportunity to experience both breathtaking moments among diverse ecosystems and fun, rich cultural experiences. The country’s stunning natural environments are home to a great range of rare wildlife (including the infamous Przewalski’s horse) and ancient treasures, like monasteries and archeological sites.

One of the most memorable parts of a trip to Mongolia will be interacting with the local people, whether that’s through staying with nomadic families in gers, joining a festival or taking small group tours through the desert or into the forests. Mongolia is the perfect destination for getting back to nature in a mindful and conscious way.