Culture & Travel
1 November 2024With its endless steppes, nomadic culture, and mesmerizing landscapes, Mongolia offers what can only be described as “a world apart.”
This vast country has managed to remain largely untouched by the effects of modernization and urbanization, making it a favorite destination for nature-loving adventure seekers. Here, you’ll not only encounter awe-inspiring landscapes but also experience a way of life that dates back thousands of years.
The Steppes of Mongolia for Beginners: A Symbol of Freedom
Expansive, seemingly boundless grasslands, and the infinite blue sky… Few places on earth can evoke the same sense of freedom as Mongolia’s steppes. This land of vibrant hues, one of the world’s largest prairies and pastures, shapes the spirit of Mongolian communities still upholding the traditional nomadic lifestyle. These elements are the defining characteristics of Mongolia’s steppes.
Following the Path of Nomadic Culture
Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle symbolizes the Mongolian people’s independence and their ability to live in harmony with nature. Many families still migrate across regions throughout the year, supporting themselves through animal husbandry—a testament to this lifestyle.
One of the most beautiful aspects of exploring Mongolia’s steppes is the chance to get closer to this nomadic culture. On your journey, you may meet nomads staying in traditional tents called gers, sample kumis (fermented mare’s milk), and even experience being part of this ancient culture.
The Gobi Desert: A Barren Beauty to the South of the Steppes
Though our topic is the steppes, no mention of Mongolia would be complete without the Gobi Desert, which has profoundly shaped the country’s soul. Located in the south, the Gobi is one of the world’s largest deserts. Known as the “burning sands,” it’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts with its vast sand dunes, sharp mountain ridges, and striking rock formations. Camel caravans through the desert and nights sleeping under millions of stars are as captivating as witnessing Mongolia’s steppes.
A Close Encounter with Wildlife
Did you know that Mongolia’s steppes are home to a diverse array of wildlife? Wild horses, wolves, and rare species like the snow leopard inhabit these grasslands, which play a critical role as a sanctuary for wildlife. If you’re a photographer with a love for nature, you’ll be dazzled by the potential of Mongolia’s steppes.
Naadam Festival: A Celebration of Tradition
The festivals in the steppes, the cultural treasures of this land, deserve a special mention. Especially unforgettable is the Naadam Festival, held every July. This festival showcases ancient Mongolian sports that are thousands of years old, displaying the most colorful aspects of nomadic culture. With lively competitions in horse racing, archery, and wrestling, Naadam brings the vibrant, competitive spirit of the steppes to life.
Land of Free Horses
Mongolia has one of the largest populations of wild horses in the world. These spirited animals, perfectly adapted to the country’s geography and harsh climate, hold a significant place in Mongolian culture. Whether you watch wild horses roaming freely or join a horseback tour of the steppes, you’ll feel the essence of Mongolia deep within you.
Nights Full of Stars: Camping on the Steppe
Nightlife on the Mongolian steppes is a breathtaking stargazing experience. Here, far from city lights, you’ll be awestruck by the clarity of the Milky Way and stars as you’ve never seen them before. Camping under the cool, open skies of the steppes is an unforgettable memory waiting to be made.
Traditional Flavors and Mongolian Cuisine
If you enjoy meat-based dishes, you’ll love the Mongolian cuisine, where goat, horse, and mutton dominate. Taking a break on the steppe to taste local delicacies like steamed dumplings known as buuz, the cherished drink kumis, and fried pastries called khuushuur is one of the most delightful ways to experience Mongolian culture up close.
Turkish-Mongolian Ties: Traces of History
Imagine the thrill of discovering traces of a shared history as you roam Mongolia’s steppes. Particularly significant is the Orkhon Valley, home to historic relics like the Orkhon Inscriptions, which reveal insights into the Turks’ roots and presence in these lands. For Turkish visitors, it’s a profoundly meaningful experience.
A Journey Beyond Time in the Mongolian Steppes
Mongolia’s steppes offer a geography where time flows more slowly, away from the chaos of the modern world. The silence of the steppes, starry nights, free-roaming wild horses, and an ancient lifestyle make this place feel like another world.
Here, each step reveals a new story, a new beauty. Surrounded by boundless nature, you may find that reconnecting with your spirit and feeling utterly free is truly possible in these endless lands.
