Home to sprawling grasslands, daring horse races, and an age-old nomadic culture, Mongolia is a land where tradition and modernity intersect in fascinating ways. As more travelers discover its charms, Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, has become a vibrant hub, merging the past and future while the country grapples with rapid urbanization and changing climate.
Nestled between the towering Altai Mountains and the Gobi Desert, Mongolia is the world’s second-largest landlocked country. Its dramatic landscape and resilient people tell a story shaped by centuries of history. Once under the control of China, Mongolia declared independence in 1924, and Ulaanbaatar—meaning “Red Hero”—became the capital. Since the fall of communism in the early 1990s, the city has seen explosive growth, tripling its population in just over two decades.
Despite the urban transformation, Mongolia’s heart beats in the nomadic lifestyle, with around 40% of Mongolians still herding livestock and living off the land. Even today, many live in portable, circular dwellings called gers (or yurts), which can be taken down and moved two to four times a year. But urbanization and extreme weather—like the harsh winters—are making the nomadic way of life more challenging.
In a recent episode of BBC’s The Travel Show, host Lucy Hedges experienced Mongolia’s contrasts firsthand: from the energetic streets of Ulaanbaatar to the serene grasslands of the steppe. She met Manlai, a traditional herder who described how snowfall affected his livestock, with dwindling food supplies forcing him to seek alternative livelihoods.
Yet, there’s a growing interest in keeping these traditions alive. Every year, travelers flock to Mongolia to immerse themselves in the country’s cultural treasures, including the UNESCO-listed Naadam Festival each July, showcasing traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing. In August 2025, thrill-seekers can attend the 10-day Mongol Derby, the longest horse race in the world. Other attractions include the Altai Eagle Festival, where eagle hunters demonstrate their skills, and performances by the Tumen-Ekh Folk Song and Dance Ensemble, reviving the once-forbidden art of throat singing.
For nature lovers, Mongolia’s national parks are an easy escape from Ulaanbaatar. Khustain National Park is home to endangered Przewalski’s horses, while Gurvan Saikhan National Park boasts surreal rock formations. Visitors can trek through the Altai Mountains or traverse the desert on camelback for a truly unforgettable experience.
Ulaanbaatar itself offers a mix of old and new, with landmarks like the Choijin Lama Temple Museum and the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan showcasing Mongolia’s spiritual and imperial past. However, for a unique perspective on modern Mongolia, visitors can explore the sprawling “Ger District,” a community on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar where roughly 900,000 former nomads are adjusting to urban life for the first time. Here, nonprofits like GerHub help residents adapt by offering tours and crafts, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn about the challenges of this cultural shift.
Throughout her journey, Hedges was struck by Mongolia’s warm hospitality. “Coming from bustling London, I wasn’t sure how I’d manage in this isolated landscape,” she said. “But out here, in one of the world’s most sparsely populated places, it’s somehow less lonely than the big city.”
Whether it’s exploring the ancient traditions of the steppe, engaging with urban culture, or enjoying the raw beauty of the landscape, Mongolia remains an incredible place where past and present coexist under an endless sky.
