Experiencing Nomadic Culture in Mongolia's Wilderness

Mongolia captivates travelers seeking adventure and culture in far-flung places. This landlocked nation between Russia and China is sparsely populated, rarely traveled, and overflowing with wonder. Landscapes vary from the forested highlands of the northwest to the arid plains of the Gobi Desert. Experience the spirit of Mongolia through these adventurous activities.

Witness traditional falconry in Mongolia

Falconry has roots deep in history although its most recent revival in Mongolia stems from the movement of Kazakhs to the Altai Mountains during Kazakhstan’s communist movement. As a workaround for the challenging hunting conditions, Kazakhs turned to golden eagles – known for their sharp eyes, acute hearing, and speed – to assist them with finding food sources during winter.

These birds of prey are capable of forming a strong bond with humans, much like horses and dogs. Mongol and Kazakh nomads start the process in early adolescence whereby they are assigned a young eagle to train. As it takes patience and a great deal of mutual respect to establish a partnership with a golden eagle, youngsters may meet their eagle companion as young as 10.

Although the art of falconry is a typical component of a Mongolia travel itinerary, the Golden Eagle Festival presents an opportunity to learn about this customary hunting practice inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This annual event unfolds throughout September and October in the Bayan-Ölgii province through parades where “eagle hunters” don traditional clothing while their eagle companions showcase their agility. These activities are demonstrations and no live hunting occurs. Archery, horseback activities, and concerts are also part of the festival program.

Experience Mongolia’s nomadic culture

Yurts known as gers are the traditional homes of nomadic Mongolians. These domes are easily pitched and transported to suit the needs of their inhabitants. However, gers are also used as permanent lodging by many families in modern-day Mongolia – even around Ulaanbaatar. Gers are designed to suit the climate and terrain. They usually have a hearth at the center and will generally always face south to offer wind protection.

Families invite travelers to share these dwellings and earn first-hand insight into nomadic life. These homestay experiences show you how Mongolians maintain traditional values. Subject to the focus, you might partake in such activities as cooking, archery, crafts, agriculture, and learning about falconry.

See Mongolia on horseback

Equestrianism is the cornerstone of a Mongolian life and the rugged wilderness is best explored by horseback. Trekking tours can be spread over several nights or supplement a ger stay. These introduce you to harder-to-reach parts of the country and communicate the relationships between Mongolian people and horses.

Adventures in the Gobi Desert

Asia’s largest desert sweeps through southern Mongolia and northern China leaving stretches of red rock cliffs, “singing” sand dunes, and grasslands in its wake. Highlights include witnessing Mongolian wildlife in the Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Nature Reserve, camel trekking, and climbing the Khongoryn Els dunes. Outings usually require a couple of nights’ accommodation at a desert ger camp where you’ll take in the starry night skies.

Connect with culture in Ulaanbaatar

The capital bookends all adventurous excursions in Mongolia. Brush up on the basics at the National Museum of Mongolia and Mongolian National Art Gallery. Connect with the country’s Buddhist beliefs at the Gandantegchinlen Monastery and Choijin Lama Temple Museum and dig into royal history at the Bogd Khaan Winter Palace.