GET INSPIRED

The 16th century Monastery is the jewel in the Central Mongolian steppe with 108 white stupas and a dozen temples that survived the 1930s Stalinist purge in Mongolia. Today Erdene Zuu is an active monastery with about 100 monks, daily chants, and religious activities, and is a famous place for pilgrims and visitors alike. Karakorum is about 6hr drive from Ulaanbaatar.
GET INSPIRED

Immerse yourself in the nomadic way of life, explore the vast and diverse landscapes of the Gobi Desert and the Altai Mountains witness the ancient traditions of eagle hunting and horseback riding, and connect with the warm-hearted Mongolian people.
GET INSPIRED

Get ready to be inspired by the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and extraordinary experiences awaiting you in Mongolia.
GET INSPIRED

Let the spirit of adventure and the allure of the unknown ignite your curiosity and fuel your wanderlust as you embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Let Mongolia inspire you to embrace the beauty and diversity of the world and discover the extraordinary within yourself.

About nomadic culture & nomads

2023-08-05

The simple secret of Die – Hard Nomads

Mongolian’s seemingly simple nomadic lifestyle is enriched by the philosophy of loving in harmony with the natural environment. Each and every symbolic act of nomads – be it a greeting, paying respect, telling a legend, or singing an epic, – inevitably has deep symbolism and meaning. Add to that the melodic double tone coming from human vocal cords and the steppes filled with distinct long songs that will send shivers down your spine. Mongolia in the 21st century is a rare and unique land existing in a modern world while managing to preserve a harmonious relationship between man and nature.

Origins of Mongolians

If you asked a Mongolian, “Are you a descendant of Burte Chono and Gua Maral?” They would probably agree with a nod and a vague smile. Of course, they know they are agreeing with a mythological belief, but these ideas have been inherited from their ancestors. To most Mongolians, a wolf is not just another animal, but a spirit of nature and men. The deer is an aesthetic expression of beauty and has strong ties to early shamanism beliefs. The historical roots of Mongolians are best explained in the 1204 AD text The Secret History of Mongols:

“The ancestors of Chinggis Khaan – Burte Chono”(meaning grey wolf) and his wife Gua Maral (meaning a beautiful deer), came sailing across the ocean and settled in Mount Burkhan Haldun, at the spring of the Onon river and gave birth to a boy named Battsagaan.”

Origins of Mongolians

Thousands of years later, the existence of Mongolian nomads is as complicated to understand as the myths surroundings their origin.

These longstanding beliefs can be seen on deer stones that date back to the Bronze Age and still standing today in Mongolia. On many Mongolian and Southern Baikal (an area that includes east Russia) style deer stones, the deer are portrayed as a heavenly messenger flying up to the sky. This style of carving stands out with its intricate detail and vivid fantasy. There are about 700 deer stones in the world. About 600 of those are in Mongolia and are easily accessible to tourists.

Origins of Mongolians Mongolians & the Nomadic Lifestylev

There are many stories of tourists being overwhelmed by the unreserved and openhearted hospitality of the people who are maybe best known for once dominating half of the world. However, if you look deeper into their spirit, you will witness how strong, stern nomadic men can be moved to tears by their racehorses rushing to the finish line. How they sing and play music for a mother camel that has rejected her calf until she accepts it once more. How women sing to their domestic animals to calm them while milking them.

It is astounding how the tough, rustic Mongolian nomads – who survive such harsh climates – show tender care towards animals, plants, and each other. Have you heard of any other people who have designed their boots with soft, wide, curved soles to avoid hunting seedlings? These are secrets hidden deep inside the simplicity of their lives.

Stay with Nomadic family

Imagine waking up in a traditional Mongolian ger, also known as a yurt. The day begins early in the morning, with the crisp air and the warm glow of the rising sun. The nomadic family, who graciously invited you to experience their way of life, starts the day by tending to their animals. They keep herds of livestock, such as horses, yaks, goats, and sheep, which are crucial for their sustenance and livelihood. You can join the family as they milk the animals and perform various tasks related to animal husbandry. It's an opportunity to learn about the close bond between the nomadic people and their animals and the intricate knowledge they possess about their herds. Cooking class in the evening, learn Mongolian cuisine and have it for dinner. After that you may engage in cultural activities like storytelling, playing traditional Mongolian games, or listening to the family play their musical instruments. It's a time of sharing, laughter, and forging lasting connections with the nomadic family.