Fascinating insights in Mongolia

Uncover Mongolia’s Wild Beauty: Vast Landscapes, Few Souls.

Explore Mongolia, the world’s most sparsely populated country, covering 1.55 million sq. km. and home to 3.5 million people. From deserts to grassy steppes, mountains to semi-deserts, only 0.8 percent is arable land. Landlocked between Russia and China, Mongolia’s recent growth beckons travelers to discover its untamed allure. Venture into the heart of nature, where simplicity meets boundless beauty.

Dive into the vibrant history and captivating facts of Mongolia, where every step reveals tales of a legendary past and a country teeming with extraordinary secrets.

Ulaanbaatar’s Rich Tapestry:

The bustling capital, Ulaanbaatar, or Ulan Bator, derives its name from “Ulayanbayatur,” meaning “Red Hero,” a nod to its historical significance.

Founded in 1639, the city embarked on a fascinating journey, relocating 28 times before settling along the Tuul and Selbe rivers in 1778.

Mongolia’s Unique Charms:

Embrace the vastness of Mongolia, the world’s most sparsely populated nation, where only 4.3 people inhabit each square mile.

With a total area slightly smaller than Alaska, Mongolia stands as the second-largest landlocked country globally.

Cultural Curiosities:

Unearth the intriguing origin of the term “Mongoloid” and its evolution from a description to a discriminatory racial designation.

Before Ulaanbaatar, the capital was known as Urgoo, a name derived from the Mongolian word “örgöö,” signifying the flap of a ger or yurt.

Culinary Legends:

Delight in the tantalizing theory that Mongolian horsemen might have pioneered ice cream during Gobi desert journeys, spreading its delicious legacy across China.

Land of Legends:

Experience the grandeur of the Mongolian National Wrestling Match, a record-breaking event in 2011 with 6,002 participants, securing its place in the Guinness World Records.

Nature’s Treasures:

Witness the majesty of Mongolia’s wildlife, from native snow leopards to the iconic two-humped Bactrian camel, celebrated at the annual Thousand Camel Festival.

Mongolian Marvels:

Explore the historical significance of Inner Mongolia, where the Great Wall of China was erected in the 6th century A.D., revealing the profound impact of Mongolian history.

Chinggis Khan’s Legacy:

Step into the legacy of Chinggis Khan, born in A.D. 1162, whose empire stretched from Beijing to the Caspian Sea and earned him a spot among Time magazine’s “25 Most Important Political Icons of All Time” in 2011.

Dinosaurs of the Gobi:

In 1922, American Roy Chapman Andrews unearthed dinosaur bones from the Cretaceous period in Mongolia’s Gobi desert, a feat that some say inspired the iconic character Indiana Jones.

The Rise of the Mongols:

The name “Mongol” surfaced during China’s T’ang Dynasty, with the Uyghurs influencing Mongolian history in the 8th century. Their reign continued until 840, shaping the region’s destiny.

Yurts and Cultural Bridges:

In 1962, William Coperthwaite introduced the modern yurt to the U.S., inspired by Mongolian gers showcased in National Geographic. A bridge of cultures, echoing the nomadic spirit.

Genghis Khan’s Enduring Legacy:

Harold Lamb’s 1927 book, “Genghis Khan: Emperor of All Men,” remains a bestseller, shedding light on the life of the legendary Mongolian warlord.

Genetic Echoes of Conquest:

Geneticists trace a variant of the Y chromosome, linking 17 million Central Asian males to a common ancestor from the 13th century—a testament to the enduring impact of Genghis Khan’s lineage.

Mongolian Wrestling Tradition:

Bökh, the enduring sport of wrestling, takes center stage in Mongolia’s Independence Day tournaments, crowning champions with titles like “arslan” and “avrag.”

Nomadic Traditions and Yaks:

Experience Mongolian nomadic life, where gers still dot the landscape. Yaks, large bovids, contribute to the unique Mongolian cheese known as Byaslag.

Mongolia’s New Beginnings:

On November 26, 1924, the Mongolian People’s Republic emerged as the world’s second Communist country, setting the stage for a new chapter in history.

Culinary Delights and Unique Wildlife:

Savor Buuz, Mongolia’s steamed dumpling, and marvel at takhi, the last truly wild horses on the planet.

Cultural Treasures:

Explore the Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, and witness the grandeur of Mongolia’s Lunar New Year celebration, Tsagaan Sar.

Symbols and Traditions:

Uncover the significance of the hadag, a silk scarf, and the traditional Mongolian stamp, tamga, linking past and present.