Mongolia, the homeland of nomads, boasts diverse, unique, and rich cultural heritage and traditions that reflect how its people live in harmony with nature. Across the vast steppes, the Gobi Desert, and the high mountains, nomadic people continue to safeguard their traditions and pass them down to new generations
By H.E. Mr. Ganbold Dambajav, Ambassador of Mongolia to India
“NOMADIC SPIRIT THRIVES IN MONGOLIA—CRAFTING CULTURE, RESILIENCE, AND TRADITION ACROSS”
Nomadic lifestyle is a remarkable testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Mongolian people. For centuries, they have thrived in one of the harshest and most unforgiving landscapes on earth—the vast, windswept steppes, where temperatures can plummet to extreme lows in the winter and soar to scorching highs in the summer. Yet, they have learned to adapt, mastering the art of seasonal migration to ensure the survival of their livestock and preserve their culture.
In 2024, UNESCO inscribed Mongol nomad migration and its associated practices on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Indeed, the nomadic lifestyle profoundly shapes the extraordinary, century-long traditions that define the Mongolian people.
From the intricate craftsmanship of their felt yurts, designed to withstand harsh winters and mobile enough for migration, to the vibrant festivals like Naadam, which celebrate our nomadic roots through traditional sports such as wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
Tsagaan Sar (Mongolia’s Lunar New Year) brings nomads together to celebrate the arrival of a prosperous spring and symbolizes renewal and unity. Tsagaan Sar, Mongolia’s Lunar New Year, brings nomads together to celebrate the arrival of a prosperous spring, symbolizing renewal and unity.
Families reunite to honor their elders, exchange blessings for a successful year ahead, and engage in traditional nomadic games and joyful singing, embracing the spirit of fun and togetherness.
The Urtiinduu, or “long song,” is one of the two major forms of Mongolian songs, the other being the “short song” (boginoduu). As a ritual form of expression associated with important celebrations and festivities, Urtiinduu plays a distinct and honored role in Mongolian society. It is performed at weddings, the birth of a child, and other social events celebrated by Mongolia’s nomadic communities. The Urtiinduu can also be heard at the Naadam, a festivity featuring wrestling, archery, and horseracing competitions.
Naadam is a national festival celebrated every year from July 11 to 13 across Mongolia, focusing on three traditional games: horseracing, wrestling, and archery. Mongolian Naadam is deeply tied to the nomadic civilization of the Mongols, who have long practiced herding livestock on Central Asia’s vast steppe. Oral traditions, performing arts, national cuisine, craftsmanship, and cultural forms such as long song, Khöömei overtone singing, Bie biyelgee dance, and Morin khuur fiddle also feature prominently during Naadam.
Furthermore, Mongolia hosts the “Nomads” World Cultural Festival every August, showcasing the rich traditions of the nomadic lifestyle. This festival aims to promote the intangible cultural heritage of the Mongols to a global audience. As part of this initiative, the festival invites artists and bearers of intangible cultural heritage from around the world.
These major events attract more and more tourists from abroad to Mongolia. With an eagerness to experience a nomadic lifestyle and wilderness, tourists are coming to the land of adventure.
Mongolia’s untouched wilderness is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The Gobi Desert, with its vast dunes and rare wildlife, the Khuvsgul Lake, known as the “Blue Pearl” of Mongolia, and the Altai Mountains, home to the Kazakh eagle hunters, are just a few of the country’s must-visit destinations.
Eco-tourism initiatives, such as staying in traditional gers (yurts), engaging in local conservation projects, and supporting nomadic families through homestays, allow travelers to experience authentic Mongolian hospitality while minimizing their environmental footprint.
The Government of Mongolia has declared 2023-2025 as the “Years to Visit Mongolia” to attract millions of tourists. From developing infrastructure to improving hospitality services for easing the experience for incomers, the Government is taking comprehensive approaches.
Easing the visa process, having direct flights with other countries, and promoting Mongolia on international travel sites. For example, starting May 2025, one of the big airlines in the U.S., United Airlines, is launching flights to Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia and Italy signed an agreement, establishing a legal environment for direct air connections.
Establishing direct flight routes to and from Mongolia is key to positioning it as a convenient destination for international travelers. Starting in May 2025, United Airlines, one of the major airlines in the U.S., will launch direct flights to Ulaanbaatar. This is a significant milestone, as it will provide much-needed connectivity between Mongolia and the United States, one of the world’s largest outbound tourist markets. The new route is expected to make it easier for travelers from North America to visit Mongolia.
In addition to the U.S., Mongolia is also working on enhancing air connectivity with other countries. For example, the Mongolia-Italy Agreement signed recently establishes a legal framework for direct air connections between the two countries. This agreement will help facilitate easier travel between Europe and Mongolia, potentially leading to new flight routes and increased tourism from Italy and other European nations. With more direct flight options, travel to Mongolia will become quicker, more comfortable, and less expensive, thereby increasing the flow of international tourists.
Mongolia is also building stronger international ties to bolster its tourism industry. The growing interest in Mongolia is reflected in the increasing number of international tourists, drawn not only to the country’s scenic landscapes but also to its rich cultural offerings and ancient traditions.
The collaboration with Trip.com, one of the largest online travel agencies in the world, is a significant step forward in promoting Mongolia as a global tourism destination. Through this partnership, Mongolia has been able to showcase its unique offerings to Trip.com’s vast global customer base, which spans over half a billion users. This cooperation is part of the broader effort to increase international awareness and attract a new wave of tourists to the country.
By positioning Mongolia as an accessible and must-visit destination, the “Go Mongolia” campaign helps spotlight the country’s cultural, historical, and natural attractions to a massive audience. Featuring stunning imagery, cultural highlights, and unique travel itineraries, the campaign encourages users to explore Mongolia’s untouched wilderness, nomadic traditions, and diverse experiences.
As Mongolia continues to enhance its global tourism profile, it is clear that the country’s unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty offers something for every type of traveler. With its open arms, Mongolia invites the world to explore its vibrant heritage and immerse themselves in the timeless traditions of this extraordinary land.
