Mongolia

Written by Mongolian expert Jane Blunden, this updated guide is your essential companion to one of the world's last great frontiers.

Open to the Western world since 1990, Mongolia—the 'Land of Blue Sky'—remains one of the few places on earth where travellers can tread on undiscovered ground and explore with a true sense of adventure. The homeland of Genghis Khan, history's greatest conqueror, vast tracts of this remarkable country can be explored on horseback, by camel, or in the comfort of a four-wheel drive. Discover Mongolia's rich culture and customs, from the colourful deel (national dress) to the haunting art of throat singing, and experience Naadam—the annual celebration of wrestling, archery, and horse-riding that captures the spirit of the nation.

For visitors seeking authentic experiences, this guide explains how and where to stay with nomadic families in traditional gers, offering tips on everything from riding and biking tours to winter dog sledding and summer yoga camps. You'll find in-depth information on national parks, conservation efforts, and wildlife tours, as well as visits to Buddhist temples. The guide also covers the dramatic contrast between the wide open spaces of the countryside and Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, which is undergoing major transformation with new hotels and restaurants reflecting Mongolia's booming development.

Witness the centuries-old nomadic lifestyle—herds of camels, sheep, and cashmere goats tended on horseback—before this ancient way of life disappears forever. Mongolia provides all the information you need to arrange an unforgettable stay and experience a vanishing world.