When people ask me why I’m so passionate about Mongolia, my answer is simple: it’s a place that captures your heart and soul. My first trip in 2018 wasn’t just a tour; it was a revelation. I joined a Mongolia tour seeking authentic cultural experiences, and what I found was beyond anything I could have imagined. I remember thinking, “Can a place this incredible really exist?”
It turned out to be the absolute best way to experience Mongolia. That initial journey unveiled Mongolia as one of the last truly untouched havens for those who crave nature’s raw beauty and genuine adventure. For true adventure seekers and nature lovers, Mongolia Travel offers an unparalleled experience.
The nomadic families I encountered weren’t relics of the past; they were living embodiments of a sustainable way of life, herding their animals and living off the land just as their ancestors had for millennia. This wasn’t a staged performance for tourists; it was reality. It was living history.
In fact, an astonishing 25% of the Mongolian population continues to embrace this nomadic lifestyle. That’s a significant portion of a nation with just over 3.2 million people. This deep connection to tradition is a core part of what makes Mongolia travel so unique.
However, my love affair with Mongolia extends beyond its breathtaking countryside. After returning and spending a summer immersed in the vibrant energy of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city (also known as Ulan Bator), I knew I had found my place. Ulaanbaatar offers a fascinating blend of modern city life and traditional Mongolian culture, making it an essential stop on any Mongolia travel itinerary.
Living in Mongolia, however, is not without its challenges. This isn’t a Western country with seamless systems. Language barriers are a constant factor, navigating payment systems with credit cards, particularly Mastercard, can be tricky, and adapting to “Mongolian time” – a more relaxed approach to schedules – is essential, whether you’re ready for it or not. Patience becomes your best friend when you travel to Mongolia.
Over time, I’ve learned that resisting this different pace of life is futile. Embracing the flow is the key to thriving here, and it’s likely why I’ve stayed for so long. Living in Mongolia has been an extraordinary teacher, imparting invaluable lessons in patience, compassion, and self-discovery – lessons that years in bustling cities like Los Angeles, New York, or even my upbringing in Pittsburgh simply couldn’t provide. These personal growth opportunities are an unexpected bonus of Mongolia travel and living.
Because let’s be honest, Mongolia can be a tough place to navigate, especially as a foreigner. When I first moved here, resources for navigating Ulaanbaatar, let alone the vast Mongolian countryside, were practically non-existent. I had to become my own local expert, learning through experience. This journey inspired me to create resources for others.
This isn’t just for those adventurous souls crazy enough to relocate here like me, but crucially for travelers. The kind of travelers who are willing to endure long journeys to reach a place where the unexpected is the norm. People who book tours with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, hoping for the adventure of a lifetime, while aware of the potential for scams. The fearless individuals who leap into the unknown without hesitation – those are my people. Perhaps, you are one of them too. Mongolia travel is for the bold and curious.
Therefore, I sincerely hope that this Mongolia travel guide, alongside the other resources on this Mongolia travel blog, will provide you with the insights and practical information that I desperately needed when I first arrived. My aim is to help you navigate Ulaanbaatar like a seasoned resident and explore Mongolia like a true travel professional. Consider this your starting point for planning unforgettable Mongolia travel experiences.
And as always, if you require personalized assistance in crafting your itinerary or have specific Mongolia travel questions, you’re welcome to book a 30-minute travel consultation with me. There’s nothing I enjoy more than discussing Mongolia and fueling people’s enthusiasm for visiting this incredible country. Let’s make your Mongolia travel dreams a reality!
