The journal
Mongolia
Long-form pieces by our destination specialists — context, history, practical know-how, and the moments that make a trip stick.
Asia & PacificNaadam Festival 2027: Dates, Games and Where to See It
The Naadam Festival 2027 runs from 11 to 13 July. Here is how Mongolia's three manly sports work, where to see the national and local festivals, and which other Mongolian festivals are worth planning a trip around.
Jim Louth·14 Oct 2026
Asia & PacificThings to Do in Ulaanbaatar: A First-Timer's Guide to Mongolia's Capital
The best things to do in Ulaanbaatar include visiting Gandan Khiid Monastery and the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, exploring Sükhbaatar Square and the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, and taking day trips to Hustai National Park or Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Round out a visit with Mongolian food, a night of traditional throat singing, and a walk through Narantuul Market. Give Mongolia's capital two to three days rather than a rushed afternoon, and it earns its place as the first chapter of any Mongolian adventure.
Jim Louth·29 Jul 2026
Asia & PacificMongolia Travel Tips: How to Prepare for the Adventure of a Lifetime
Mongolia is safe to visit for the vast majority of travellers, though its remoteness means more preparation than most trips. Key things to know: no reciprocal UK healthcare agreement, so travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential; only around 10% of rural roads are tarmacked; and temperatures swing from 35°C summers to -40°C winters. This guide covers visas, safety, health, money, packing and etiquette, so you go in properly prepared.
Jim Louth·27 Jul 2026
Asia & PacificWhat Is a Mongolian Ger? Inside the Ancient Nomadic Tent That Still Shelters a Nation
A Mongolian ger is a round, portable felt tent built on a collapsible wooden frame — not a "yurt," which is a Russian and Turkic term applied to similar tents across Central Asia. Mongolians have always called their home a ger, and roughly half the population still lives in one today, from the open steppe to the ger districts of Ulaanbaatar. Built to be raised or dismantled in under an hour, the ger remains one of the world's oldest examples of a truly nomadic, circular dwelling — read on for how it's built, lived in, and experienced by travellers.
Jim Louth·20 Jul 2026
Asia & PacificWhat Is Mongolian Culture Really Like? A Traveller's Guide
Mongolian culture blends deep-rooted nomadic tradition with fast-changing modern life. Herding families still live in gers on the open steppe, while Naadam's wrestling, archery and horse racing draw crowds every July. Tibetan Buddhism and older shamanist customs shape daily life, and throat singing, the horse-head fiddle and eagle hunting in the west keep centuries-old Mongolian heritage alive. In Ulaanbaatar, all of this sits alongside glass towers and busy streets — this guide unpacks how the two fit together today.
Jim Louth·16 Jul 2026
Asia & PacificMongolia Facts: The Land of Genghis Khan — Geography, History and Culture Explained
Mongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia covering 1.56 million square kilometres — larger than Western Europe — yet home to fewer than four million people. It was the birthplace of the Mongol Empire, the largest contiguous land empire in history, and remains one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries. Today it is known for its nomadic culture, the Gobi Desert, extraordinary wildlife, and landscapes that have changed little in centuries. This article covers the geography, history, culture, and wildlife facts that explain why Mongolia rewards anyone who takes the time to understand it.
Jim Louth·12 Jun 2026
Asia & PacificThe Most Interesting Places to Visit in Mongolia Right Now
The best places to visit in Mongolia include the Gobi Desert’s Flaming Cliffs and Khongor Sand Dunes, the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, Hustai National Park, Erdene Zuu Monastery, and Terelj National Park. The country spans 1.56 million square kilometres of steppe, desert, and mountain, with around 30% of its population still living nomadically. This guide covers all major regions from the capital outwards.
Jim Louth·28 May 2026
Asia & PacificBest Time to Visit Mongolia: Climate, Festivals, and Travel Tips
The best time to visit Mongolia is July, when the Naadam Festival brings the country to life across green summer steppes, with warm days and the full landscape accessible. September and October are outstanding alternatives - fewer crowds, golden autumn colours, and the Eagle Festival in the west. Spring offers solitude and lower prices; winter is severe and suited only to specialist travellers willing to brave the cold.
Jim Louth·20 May 2026
Asia & Pacific10 Things to Do in Mongolia You Will Never Forget
Mongolia is one of Earth's last truly wild frontiers — a vast, fenceless land where nomadic herders, singing sand dunes, wild Przewalski's horses, and ancient festivals like Naadam and the Golden Eagle Festival offer travellers an unmatched sense of freedom and adventure.
Jim Louth·22 Apr 2026
Asia & PacificExperience Naadam: The Most Extreme Sports Festival in the World
Mongolia's two great festivals — Naadam and the Golden Eagle Festival — bring ancient nomadic traditions roaring to life. From wrestlers, horse racers, and archers on the summer steppe to Kazakh eagle hunters in the western mountains, these celebrations offer an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of Mongolia.
Jim Louth·15 Apr 2025
