Mongolia is one of those countries that goes largely unnoticed by the average traveler, but once you come and experience it, you will be in awe. A well-crafted Mongolia travel guide can help you discover its hidden gems and cultural treasures, such as the ones I mention below.
When I first moved to Mongolia in 2018 I was quite intrigued by this Asian country. I knew little to nothing about Mongolian history, only the infamous Genghis Khan, and I had no idea what the average Mongolian looked like, what they ate, what their hobbies were, and what they valued. After 4 years of immersion, I can say that life in the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky has never ceased to amaze me. I have somewhat grown used to certain aspects of the culture and lifestyle that were shocking to me when I first came so I thought I would put together a list of unique experiences in Mongolia that everybody must try when visiting the country.
No time to read? Pin now, read later!
Affiliate Links Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links, both from Amazon and other affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means that I will earn a small commission if you click on the link or links provided in this blog post and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
The opinions on this and other posts about recommended products are based on my experiences with such products and/or my personal beliefs about sustainability. Some linked tours are options I have selected to suit the experiences described, but I may not have personally used the specific guide or company offering them. For more information, check my disclaimer page.
Living with Nomads
Before anything else, living “with nomads” in Mongolia does not mean you suddenly become one. You are not herding goats at sunrise or packing up a ger to move across the steppe. What you are doing is stepping briefly into a way of life that is still very real here.
And in Mongolia, that is not staged. It is just normal life.
1. Sleep in a ger
Gers are commonly known overseas as yurts, but in Mongolia, that term is not used. Ger literally means house or home, and this is the type of dwelling people in the countryside live in.
A ger is a round, portable structure built on a wooden frame and layered with felt sheets. It can be assembled and dismantled relatively quickly, which makes it ideal for a semi-nomadic lifestyle.
As a visitor, you can sleep in a ger in two main ways. The first is in a ger camp set up specifically for travellers. The second is through what is often called a homestay, where a nomadic family rents out an extra ger during the summer months to earn additional income. This does not necessarily mean you will interact closely with the family. Sometimes you are simply staying on their land in a separate ger.
The gers you sleep in as a traveller are usually simple. They are not fully furnished family homes, and you will not see the layout of husbandry tools and personal objects unless you are invited inside the family’s private ger.
The first time I slept in a ger was in October in Bayan-Ölgii. Outside, it was properly cold. Inside, with the fire on, it was unbelievably cosy and at times even hot. A good ger camp with enough staff will make sure your fire does not die. They usually come a couple of times during the evening and once early in the morning to keep it going.
2. Visit a nomadic family
Around a third of Mongolia’s population still lives a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle. Their numbers are decreasing, and it is not hard to understand why. Life in the countryside is beautiful, but it is also demanding.
If you visit a nomadic family as part of a tour, the guide will hopefully have allocated part of the budget to compensate the family. If you arrange a visit more independently, be courteous. Leave some monetary compensation or an appropriate gift, and do not overextend your stay.
It is important to remember that you are a guest, not a temporary nomad.
If you bring a gift, make it useful and appropriate. Small items for children, practical household goods, or something from your home country can be appreciated. If you are unsure what makes sense, I explain this in more detail in my Mongolia guide.
One of my most meaningful visits happened when we stayed three days with the family of someone we knew. We spoke a few Mongolian words. Their son spoke a few English words. Most of our interaction was in our own languages, with a handful of shared vocabulary and many, many gestures. And yet, we understood each other.
If you are invited inside their private ger, you will notice how everything has its place. The stove sits in the centre. Tools to one side. Kitchen utensils to the other. Important family items are opposite the door. It may look compact, but it is carefully organised.
Accept what you are offered as a sign of respect. If something is not to your taste, simply wet your lips. Hospitality here is generous and sincere.
3. Eat dairy products
Mongolians make dairy products from almost any milk available: cow, yak, sheep, goat, horse and even camel.
The lack of vegetables in the countryside does not mean a lack of variety. Dairy alone comes in countless forms. There is creamy urum, sour fermented mare’s milk called airag, and aaruul, the famous dried curds that double as both snack and jaw workout.
Most visitors are not used to fermented milk like airag. Even if you do not dislike the taste and can happily drink a few bowls, go easy. Your stomach is not used to it, and you may find yourself visiting the loo more than expected.
We learned that the hard way when we went to Bulgan to visit a friend’s brother (the one I mentioned earlier) and came back home with four gallons of airag to drink. It seemed like a great idea at the time.
Dairy here is survival, tradition and daily nutrition shaped by climate, livestock and centuries of adaptation.
4. Eat the real Mongolian bbq
You may have heard of Mongolian BBQ before, but the version most people know was invented outside Mongolia and has little to do with local cuisine.
The real dishes are khorkhog and boodog, which is similar to khorkhog but cooked inside the animal’s skin.
Khorkhog is made by cutting sheep meat bone-in and placing it in a sealed metal container with vegetables, usually potatoes and carrots. Smooth stones are heated in a fire until extremely hot and layered inside the container with the meat. The pot is sealed and cooks using only the heat of the stones.
After about an hour and a half, everything is poured onto a large tray, including the still-hot stones.
Before eating, one of the stones is quickly passed from hand to hand. It is very hot, and everyone laughs. Then you eat with your hands. If someone offers you bone marrow from the larger bones, that is a sign of generosity. They are giving you one of the best parts.
You will not normally witness the slaughter itself unless you specifically ask to. It is not performed for visitors. But knowing where the food comes from is part of understanding rural life here.
Every time I have eaten khorkhog in the countryside, I have felt incredibly special. It is not a casual weekend meal for nomadic families. It is usually prepared for special occasions or when guests arrive. At ger camps, it is more common because they cater to visitors. But in a family setting, when khorkhog is prepared, someone chose to honour your presence in a very tangible way. That matters.
While these traditional dishes are more typical in the countryside, there is a great variety of restaurants in Ulaanbaatar where you can explore other cuisines and local flavours!
5. Ride a horse… or a camel… or a yak… OR A REINDEER!
Riding a horse is not unique to Mongolia, but riding one here feels different. Mongolian horses are small, strong and semi-wild. They are used regularly in rural life.
Experienced riders can book multi-day horseback tours. Others can arrange shorter rides as part of a broader trip. In the Gobi, you may ride camels. In mountainous regions, yaks. In the north, reindeer.
Animals are central to Mongolian life. They are not decorative. Hence, these animal encounters are not a tourist attraction. They are transport, livelihood and heritage.
When you ride under local guidance, you are participating in a practice that already exists. If something does not feel right to you, you can always decline. But it helps to understand the cultural context before applying outside assumptions.
Cultural Traditions in Mongolia
6. Witness some of the most amazing festivals
Mongolia proudly hosts some of the most unique festivals rooted in nomadic culture, and if your trip overlaps with one, you should not miss it. These events revolve around herding traditions, horsemanship, music, religion and community life.
You will find yourself learning about herd animals, sampling local delicacies and standing in the middle of a field surrounded by people in traditional clothing; all while beauty contests and skill demonstrations take place around you.
It is difficult to choose my personal favourite festival, but I’d say the Thousand Camel Festival is in my top three. I love camels. They are such magnificent (and stubborn!) creatures. At the festival, in Dalangzagdad, my jaw dropped at the sight of the big congregation of camels, some of them ridden by little kids. It reminded me that they are such an essential element in the lives of the people in the Gobi.
Just FYI, festivals in Mongolia are not polished productions. They can feel chaotic and informal. That is part of the charm. You are there to observe, learn and enjoy, not to consume a perfectly curated show.
7. Buy a deel and go to a Naadam festival
Planning to visit Mongolia in July? One of the top things to do in Ulaanbaatar is definitely to experience Naadam, whether in the city or the countryside.
I love how the city transforms during Naadam. The streets are bustling, people wear colourful deels, and there is a festive atmosphere all around.
Buying a deel is not mandatory, but it is a fun way to participate rather than just spectate. Just bear in mind that it should not be about dressing up in costume. It is about blending in and celebrating alongside everyone else. Wear it respectfully and not as a novelty.
You can find beautiful deels and deel-inspired clothing in various shops around Ulaanbaatar, including fair trade stores like Mary and Martha or the State Department Store on Peace Avenue. If you would like a piece of clothing different from a deel, but also celebrates Mongolian culture, visit the Quilting Centre, a social enterprise where you can find unique patchwork pieces. All these options mentioned above are great places to buy sustainable gifts, too.
8. Meet an eagle hunter
Eagle hunting is an ancient practice still present in some parts of the world, including the province of Bayan Olgii in western Mongolia, where most Mongolian Kazakh families live.
To meet an eagle hunter, you can attend the Golden Eagle Festival or visit a family through a tour, often in villages like Sagsai. Having done both, I can say they feel very different.
At the festival, you will see large gatherings of eagle hunters competing and showcasing their skills. It is visually impressive and powerful. But meaningful conversation can be difficult in such a crowded setting.
When we visited an eagle hunter’s family near Altai Tavan Bogd, the experience was quieter and more personal. We learned how eagles are trained, how long they stay with the hunter, and what happens when they are released back into the wild. The relationship between hunter and bird is based on skill and respect, not spectacle.
It is important not to assume that because something looks dramatic, it is staged. Eagle hunting is not a performance invented for tourists. It is part of a living tradition. At the same time, visiting through a responsible guide ensures that your presence is expected and compensated appropriately.
10. Visit the Reindeer People
Reindeer herders, also known as the Tsaatan People, are a minority group living in the Mongolian taiga, north of Lake Khuvsgul, bordering Siberia.
As you can imagine, the area where they live is remote, even by Mongolian standards, and accessing it makes this trip an extremely challenging one. The trip can take 3 to 4 days, then you spend a couple of days with them before embarking on another tiring journey back to the city.
The landscape alone feels surreal. In winter, the snow-covered forest looks almost unreal, like stepping into another world. I myself have not been there (yet!), but the photos are enough to fall in love.
The Tsaatan way of life revolves around reindeer, which are central to their mobility, livelihood and identity. Visiting requires preparation and humility. You will face long travel days, basic living conditions and, depending on the season, extreme cold.
This is not a quick excursion. It is a commitment. And because access is difficult, the area remains relatively unspoiled.
If you are visiting around February, you may also want to look into the Ice Festival on Lake Khuvsgul, which offers another perspective on winter culture in the north.
11. Visit the largest equestrian statue in the world
If your time in Ulaanbaatar is limited and you cannot travel far into the countryside, visiting the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex is an easy excursion.
Located about an hour east of the capital, the massive statue depicts Chinggis Khaan on horseback. You can walk up inside the structure and stand at head level with the horse for panoramic views.
It is undeniably grand, and it speaks volumes about national pride and the role of Genghis Khan in the creation of the Mongolian State. Seeing the Mongolian leader on horseback also demonstrates Mongolia’s deep connection to horses and equestrian heritage.
Seeing it helps contextualise everything else you experience in the country.
Interacting with the Mongolian Landscape
Mongolia looks empty, and that is probably one of the first things you will notice when you start travelling around. You can drive for hours without seeing a town, a shop or even another car, and it gives you this strange feeling that the land belongs to no one. But it does. That open space is grazing land, seasonal movement routes, and sometimes someone’s home, even if you cannot immediately see it.
You do have a lot of freedom here, more than in most countries, but it only works if you use a bit of common sense and awareness.
12. Drive through the vastness of the Mongolian steppe… in a Russian van
There aren’t many places in the world where you can experience the vastness of a country in such an accessible manner. The distances in Mongolia from town to town are quite long; everything is far away.
The first time you experience it, it is fascinating. After a few days, I will be honest, you might start thinking, “Okay, yes, more grass.” That is normal.
Most tour operators use Russian UAZ vans because they are simply great for the job. Despite the box-like and “stubby” look, they can handle rough terrain, river crossings, mud tracks and rocky paths without much complaint. They are very spacious, so there is plenty of room for several travellers and their luggage. I have travelled in them through some rough stretches, including in Altai Tavan Bogd, and I am always impressed by how they keep going.
One thing you should know if you suffer from motion sickness, like me, is that Mongolian roads are not exactly smooth highways. In many places, there is no real road, just parallel dirt tracks carved into the steppe, and the van will bounce constantly. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring pills. It makes a difference.
This will not sound like a comfortable trip, but this is part of the true experience because the lived experience overall will outstand the ride.
14. Camp wherever you want
One of the things that surprises many visitors is that in Mongolia you can pitch a tent almost anywhere. There are no fences, no marked camping areas and very little infrastructure telling you where you are supposed to stop. That kind of freedom is rare.
If you have it in you, read my Mongolian road trip guide, hire a car and maybe a driver, and instead of staying in ger camps every night, spend a few nights camping out in the open. It changes the experience completely.
That said, “wherever you want” does not literally mean without thinking. What looks like empty land may be someone’s grazing area, and families often move seasonally. Avoid camping too close to gers unless you are invited, and try to stay away from water sources used by livestock. It is mostly about being observant rather than restrictive.
Camping in Mongolia can feel incredibly peaceful, especially if you are looking for solitude. Just remember that the openness you are enjoying is part of someone else’s everyday life.
13. Search for dinosaur fossils
The Gobi Desert is one of the most important fossil regions in the world, particularly around Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. It is the kind of place where you walk around scanning the ground, half expecting to stumble upon something ancient.
You can join tours that offer fossil-hunting walks through the desert, which usually involve learning about the area and keeping an eye out for small fragments. Most people do not find anything spectacular, but the possibility alone keeps it exciting. If you have the budget, there are also official palaeontology expeditions where you can participate in proper excavations under supervision.
It is important to know that fossils in Mongolia are state-owned, and you are not allowed to take anything with you. Even small pieces belong to the country. The experience is about understanding the history of the land rather than collecting a souvenir.
Supporting Mongolian Projects
Travelling in Mongolia already means that your money is entering a relatively small economy, especially outside Ulaanbaatar. In many cases, simply showing up and paying for services makes a difference. That said, there are also a few initiatives where tourism and local development intersect in more structured ways, and if you are interested, you can align your trip with them.
None of these are mandatory, and Mongolia does not need to be “saved.” But if you like the idea of your experience having an additional layer of impact, these are worth knowing about.
14. join the gobi gallop horse trek
The Gobi Gallop is an annual multi-day horse trek across Mongolia organised by the Julie Veloo Foundation. Participants raise sponsorship funds, and the money goes toward projects that support children in Mongolia.
You need to be a competent rider to join, and it is not a casual holiday ride. It is demanding, both physically and mentally, but it combines the experience of riding across the steppe with a structured fundraising component.
If you are not riding yourself, you can also sponsor participants. It is one of those examples where an adventure activity is directly linked to something long-term and tangible.
15. Buy cheese from the mongolian association of cheese makers
This one is less extreme and much easier to integrate into a normal trip.
The Mongolian Association of Cheese Makers (often referred to as MACU) works to develop local cheese production using Mongolian milk. The initiative was started by a foreigner who invested his own capital into developing the sector and training local producers.
The result is high-quality, Western-style cheeses made with Mongolian milk, which you can buy locally. It might seem like a small act, but supporting local production chains rather than imported goods is one of the simplest ways to keep money circulating within the country.
And honestly, the cheese is very good.
Mongolia Doesn’t Need to Be “Made Authentic”
There is a funny thing that happens when people plan a trip to Mongolia. They start looking for the “most authentic” experience, as if authenticity were something that needs to be hunted down or unlocked.
But Mongolia is not performing for you.
If you sleep in a ger, it is authentic. If you ride a horse, it is authentic. If you sit in the back of a bouncing Russian van questioning your life choices, that is also authentic. Even staying in a simple homestay that was clearly set up to earn extra income is still real life here. Nobody is dressing up for tourists.
What matters more than chasing authenticity is how you show up. Whether you accept the bowl of airag politely. Whether you keep your distance from someone’s grazing land. Whether you understand that a family cooking khorkhog for you is doing something meaningful.
Mongolia does not need you to “go local.” It just needs you not to be oblivious. It is part of being a responsible traveller.
And if you leave having understood that the land is vast, the people are generous, and the culture does not exist for your consumption, then I would say you experienced something truly unique.
Plan Your Trip Thoughtfully
Find accommodation on Booking.com – Compare hotels, guesthouses, and locally run stays. Don’t forget to check the sustainability certification, if available, on the left sidebar. If hostels are your thing, check Hostelworld, too.
Compare car rental options in Discover Cars – In some countries, international agencies operate, while in others, cars are arranged locally. Always check recent reviews before booking. I have only rented cars in the U.S. and Australia, so experiences may differ elsewhere.
Bus tickets – Search routes between cities. In some regions, tickets are available online, while in others, they are purchased locally.
Book your airport transfer with Welcome Pick Ups – Pre-book a pickup for a smoother arrival, especially after long-haul or late-night flights.
Saily eSIM – Set up mobile data before you land so you are connected right away. Coverage may be limited in remote areas, but when I used it in Spain, it worked perfectly.
VPN – Useful for secure browsing on public WiFi and accessing banking or travel accounts abroad.
Visitors Coverage Travel insurance – Particularly important for remote destinations, outdoor activities, or places with limited medical facilities. I haven’t personally used this insurance yet because I have relied on my own personal insurance coverage for years, but it has very good reviews.
Travel-friendly credit card – Cards with no foreign transaction fees and strong travel perks can make international trips smoother. I personally use Capital One Venture X and have used Chase Sapphire Preferred in the past. Compare what makes more sense for you.
Walking shoes – Comfortable, versatile shoes matter on long city days or uneven terrain.
Packing cubes – Stay organised and pack more efficiently, especially on multi-stop trips.
Scrubba Wash Bag – Wash clothes anywhere and pack lighter for longer trips.
Travel adapter – Essential for charging devices across different plug types.
Reusable water bottle – Reduces plastic waste and keeps you hydrated on the go.
Travel towel – Compact and quick-drying for beaches, hostels, or remote stays.
Portable charger – Useful on long travel days or when outlets are scarce.
Sunscreen – Make it reef-safe if going to the ocean.
Basic first aid kit – Especially helpful in destinations where pharmacies may be limited.
Memrise language app – Learning a few key phrases before you go makes everyday interactions more respectful and meaningful. I love this app and it helped me a lot before moving to Mongolia.
Are all these different types of dairy products easy to digest, especially for travelers? Which one did you try?
Mongolia has been high on my bucket list for the longest time. However, the ticket prices from India are always so steep that I keep postponing the plan to travel.
Well, they are easy to digest but if you eat too much, or drink too much airag (fermented horse milk) your stomach might get upset and have a little bit of diarrhea. I imagine it’s difficult to fly from India since there are no direct flights, but hopefully one day you can make it here 🙂
I have never come across a blog on Mongolia. I think travellers are reluctant to travel to this country due to the perception of it being hostile. But with a blog like yours, the impression will change.
I did a photography tour in Mongolia and was able to experience much of what you cover in this post. Mongolia is a magical country with, perhaps, the world’s most friendly, hospitable peoples.
How exciting! Can i ask what tour you used?
I went to Mongolia for a backpacking trip and it was the time of my life!! This post on experiences in Mongolia makes me want to go back so badly. Such an amazing country that should be on everyone’s list!!
Really!? How long ago did you visit? Mongolia changes so rapidly that I am wondering if you would find it very different now.
I would love to try some authentic Mongolian BBQ and maybe ride a camel! I have never read much about traveling to Mongolia so this was really interesting to read. Thanks for sharing your experience!
You ar welcome, my purpose is to show people what a fantastic place this is to visit and what an adventure they can experience here.
This looks so amazing, riding a yak definitely needs to go on my to-do list! Such an amazing people and culture, thank you for sharing this!
I hope you get to ride your yak 😉
You had a fascinating experience. I wasn’t aware that there were reindeer in Mongolia. Definitely a destination off the beaten path.
Living there was an incredible experience and I still miss it at times. As you have said, Mongolia is a great destination off the beaten path.
That equestrian statue has been on my list for so long! Mongolia looks like an incredible place with a lot of unique things to do.
The statue is cool but definitely not the coolest thing in Mongolia which, as you say is s very unique travel destination. 🙂
Your blog entry on your unusual adventures in Mongolia captured my attention. You seem to have had an amazing adventure discovering the nation’s scenery, wildlife and culture. The beauty and diversity of Mongolia are well captured in your photographs. You’ve provided me with some excellent recommendations for things to do and see, like staying in a ger, riding a camel, and exploring the Gobi Desert. I really value the advice you provided on how to behave properly and with respect when travelling in Mongolia. I’m going to put Mongolia on my bucket list because of you.
I am glad you liked it, I wrote this post with love and passion for a land I called home for 4 years. May you one day experience he uniqueness of Mongolia and fall in love too.
I think going to Mongolia would be such a cool experience. It’s off the beaten path.
It is indeed, you should take the plunge and visit some time 🙂
OMG I now MUST ride a reindeer and sleep in a Ger. You are so right that Mongolia is a forgotten place. It never even occurred to me and now it has a place on my bucket list!