Welcome to Mongolia!
You are invited to experience a uniquely authentic way of life.
One of the highest countries in the world, Mongolia is a land of harsh extremes—snowy mountains, wide expanses of grassy steppe, and windswept desert with a people that are inviting and virtually still untouched by major tourism.
About Mongolia
Capital city: Ulaanbaatar (population 1.2 million)
Population: 3 million
Language: Mongolian
Currency: MNT
Time zone: (GMT+08:00) Irkutsk, Ulaan Bataar
Electricity: Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth
About Mongolia
Capital city: Ulaanbaatar (population 1.2 million)
Population: 3 million
Language: Mongolian
Currency: MNT
Time zone: (GMT+08:00) Irkutsk, Ulaan Bataar
Electricity: Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth
The wet season is from mid July to mid August and although it rains frequently during this time, the rain turns the countryside into a pleasant shade of green. It can get extremely cold from June to October, with snowstorms sometimes grounding flights and bringing transport systems to a halt.
Culture and customs
Mongolia is known for its strong nomadic traditions, but life has recently become more urbanised for many citizens in this sparsely populated country. Almost 50% of the population live in or near an urban centre, while the other 50% live a semi-nomadic lifestyle in the countryside; although, settled agricultural communities can be found in rural areas and are growing each year. Despite this change in lifestyle, the rich nomadic heritage remains strong and traditional Mongol songs, dance, stories and clothing are still celebrated, especially during festivals and national holidays.
Many Mongolian people are Buddhist - this is evident in the monasteries and temples that populate the urban areas as well as the remote regions. Shamanism is also still in existence in some of the more isolated regions of Mongolia where the proud cultures have been somewhat protected from modern influences.
Culture and customs
Mongolia is known for its strong nomadic traditions, but life has recently become more urbanised for many citizens in this sparsely populated country. Almost 50% of the population live in or near an urban centre, while the other 50% live a semi-nomadic lifestyle in the countryside; although, settled agricultural communities can be found in rural areas and are growing each year. Despite this change in lifestyle, the rich nomadic heritage remains strong and traditional Mongol songs, dance, stories and clothing are still celebrated, especially during festivals and national holidays.
Many Mongolian people are Buddhist - this is evident in the monasteries and temples that populate the urban areas as well as the remote regions. Shamanism is also still in existence in some of the more isolated regions of Mongolia where the proud cultures have been somewhat protected from modern influences.
A common thread that links most Mongolians is respect for family and the importance of hospitality.
Probably borne from the nomadic way of life, sharing with others and receiving guests with grace is a common theme that recurs in Mongolian society. Harsh conditions, a changeable climate and the uncertainty of nomadic life mean that most Mongolians go out of their way to provide a safe haven for family, friends and guests. It is for this reason that turning down food or not accepting a warm welcome is not advisable.
Eating and drinking
One of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating. Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.
Mongolian food will probably be very different to what you’re used to. Due to many Mongolians living a nomadic lifestyle, access to ingredients and different modes of cooking are limited. Fermented milk products and meats such as goat, mutton and horse are commonly eaten. Vegetarians might find eating difficult here, especially since refusing food is considered rude when visiting people’s homes. The cafes and eateries of Ulaanbaatar offer more variety and should be frequented.
Probably borne from the nomadic way of life, sharing with others and receiving guests with grace is a common theme that recurs in Mongolian society. Harsh conditions, a changeable climate and the uncertainty of nomadic life mean that most Mongolians go out of their way to provide a safe haven for family, friends and guests. It is for this reason that turning down food or not accepting a warm welcome is not advisable.
Eating and drinking
One of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating. Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.
Mongolian food will probably be very different to what you’re used to. Due to many Mongolians living a nomadic lifestyle, access to ingredients and different modes of cooking are limited. Fermented milk products and meats such as goat, mutton and horse are commonly eaten. Vegetarians might find eating difficult here, especially since refusing food is considered rude when visiting people’s homes. The cafes and eateries of Ulaanbaatar offer more variety and should be frequented.
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Mongolia is most visited in summer. The weather is fine and the Naadam Festival occurs in early July. You can ride out from the ranch and be gone for days, sleeping under the stars, seeking out or herding the livestock, or simply exploring the wide, dramatic land.
Mongolian GlossaryThis is a short glossary of the Mongolian terms and names used on our website.
aimag – The largest administrative unit in Mongolia. Analogous to a province, state, or prefecture.
airag – The national drink of Mongolia. A smooth alcoholic beverage made from fermented milk.
Chinggis Khaan – Better known in English as “Genghis Khan.” Conqueror of the world and founder of the Mongolian state.
deel – The traditional dress of Mongolia. A distinctive double-breasted robe with a long hem and long sleeves, worn with a long silk sash or a leather belt. A warm garment that can also be lined with sheepskin. Functional and beautiful, suitable for working in the countryside as well as meeting foreign diplomats. The most popular attire to get married in.
ger – The round, domed, felt-walled, nomadic home of Mongolian herders. Called a “yurta” in Russian, from which the English word originates.
Khokh Tenger – The “Blue Sky.” Also Ikh Khokh Tenger, or “Great Blue Sky.” Revered in Mongolia since before the time of Chinggis Khaan.
khoomi – Ancient style of throat singing. The subject of the film Genghis Blues.
khorkhog – A delicious dish of meat and vegetables prepared by slow-cooking in a large pot buried in the earth under a fire.
morin khuur – The venerable “horsehead fiddle,” though it is played more like a cello than a violin. Prominently featured in the filmThe Story of the Weeping Camel.
Naadam Festival – The national festival of wrestling, archery, and horse racing that takes place every year in July. The sports are known as the “three manly sports,” though women also compete in archery and the horse jockeys are usually children. The Naadam games have been held for centuries, and are popular with Mongolians and foreigners alike. The big games in the capital are well-known, but local Naadam Festivals are held all over Mongolia, including in Orkhon.
Tsagaan Sar – Literally, the “White Month.” Known as the Lunar New Year or Asian New Year outside Mongolia. An important family holiday that usually falls in January or February.
Ulaanbaatar – The capital city of contemporary Mongolia and the largest city in the country. Abbreviated as “UB.” “Ulan Bator” is the Russian spelling, which is not used in Mongolia.
Mongolian GlossaryThis is a short glossary of the Mongolian terms and names used on our website.
aimag – The largest administrative unit in Mongolia. Analogous to a province, state, or prefecture.
airag – The national drink of Mongolia. A smooth alcoholic beverage made from fermented milk.
Chinggis Khaan – Better known in English as “Genghis Khan.” Conqueror of the world and founder of the Mongolian state.
deel – The traditional dress of Mongolia. A distinctive double-breasted robe with a long hem and long sleeves, worn with a long silk sash or a leather belt. A warm garment that can also be lined with sheepskin. Functional and beautiful, suitable for working in the countryside as well as meeting foreign diplomats. The most popular attire to get married in.
ger – The round, domed, felt-walled, nomadic home of Mongolian herders. Called a “yurta” in Russian, from which the English word originates.
Khokh Tenger – The “Blue Sky.” Also Ikh Khokh Tenger, or “Great Blue Sky.” Revered in Mongolia since before the time of Chinggis Khaan.
khoomi – Ancient style of throat singing. The subject of the film Genghis Blues.
khorkhog – A delicious dish of meat and vegetables prepared by slow-cooking in a large pot buried in the earth under a fire.
morin khuur – The venerable “horsehead fiddle,” though it is played more like a cello than a violin. Prominently featured in the filmThe Story of the Weeping Camel.
Naadam Festival – The national festival of wrestling, archery, and horse racing that takes place every year in July. The sports are known as the “three manly sports,” though women also compete in archery and the horse jockeys are usually children. The Naadam games have been held for centuries, and are popular with Mongolians and foreigners alike. The big games in the capital are well-known, but local Naadam Festivals are held all over Mongolia, including in Orkhon.
Tsagaan Sar – Literally, the “White Month.” Known as the Lunar New Year or Asian New Year outside Mongolia. An important family holiday that usually falls in January or February.
Ulaanbaatar – The capital city of contemporary Mongolia and the largest city in the country. Abbreviated as “UB.” “Ulan Bator” is the Russian spelling, which is not used in Mongolia.
