Welcome to Mongolia

Step into a land of dramatic landscapes, ancient traditions, and endless adventure. Mongolia is one of the last places on Earth where nature and culture exist in such raw harmony—and we invite you to experience it with us.

A Vast, Untamed Frontier

Mongolia is the world’s most sparsely populated country, with just over 3 million people spread across a land area of 1.6 million square kilometers—roughly the size of Western Europe. With an average elevation of 1,580 meters above sea level, it’s also one of the highest countries in the world.

Known as the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky," Mongolia enjoys over 275 days of sunshine every year. Its dramatic natural beauty ranges from forest-covered mountains and steppe grasslands, to desert dunes and the icy peaks of the Altai Mountains.

Nomadic Heritage & Ancient History

Mongolia is steeped in history and tradition. It was here, in 1206, that Genghis Khan united the nomadic tribes to form the Mongol Empire—the largest contiguous empire in world history, covering over 22% of the Earth’s land area.

Today, Mongolia remains one of the last countries where nomadic life is still a way of life. Families continue to move with the seasons, herding animals across the steppe and living in Gers—traditional felt-covered tents also known as Yurts, often called the "White Pearls of the Steppe." A Ger’s door always faces south to shield from the cold northern winds.

Culture, Festivals & Traditions

Mongolian culture is vibrant and distinct. The country’s Naadam Festival, celebrated each year from July 11–13, showcases its three "manly" sports—horse racing, archery, and wrestling—and is the highlight of the national calendar.

Mongolians are also known for their incredible “Throat Singing” (Khoomei)—a unique musical art where singers produce two tones simultaneously using their throat and nasal cavity. You’ll often hear it while traveling through the countryside.

Iconic Wildlife & Natural Wonders

Mongolia’s harsh but diverse climate supports a stunning variety of wildlife and ecosystems—from the northern taigaand forests to the semi-deserts and the famed Gobi Desert, the fourth-largest desert in the world.

Notable wildlife includes:

  • The rare Takhi horse, the last truly wild horse species on Earth

  • The hardy Bactrian (two-humped) camel, which can withstand temperatures from -40°C to +50°C

  • Wolves, ibex, argali sheep, snow leopards, and dozens of bird species

Khuvsgul Lake – Mongolia’s Blue Pearl

Lake Khuvsgul, in the north, is Mongolia’s deepest and purest freshwater lake—often called the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia."

  • Length: 133 km

  • Width: up to 39.5 km

  • Volume: 380 km³

  • Contains 93.6% of Mongolia’s surface freshwater and 1% of the world’s

Its pristine waters and breathtaking surroundings make it a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.

The World's Largest Horseback Statue

Just outside Ulaanbaatar stands the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, a towering 40-meter-tall stainless steel monument built in 2008. It’s the largest horse-riding statue in the world, containing an elevator that takes visitors to a viewing deck atop the horse’s head—offering sweeping views of the Mongolian steppe.

A Horse Culture Like No Other

Mongolia is often referred to as the "Land of the Horsemen." Horses have played a crucial role in its history and daily life. Today, they are still deeply revered, used for transport, sport, and ceremonies. Interestingly, Mongolians don’t name their horses—instead, they refer to them by their color.

Mongolian Cuisine & Traditional Drinks

Due to its geography and climate, Mongolia’s cuisine is rich in meat and dairy, with very little use of spices. The nomadic diet is simple but nutritious—built on what the land provides.

One iconic beverage is Airag, or fermented mare’s milk. This mildly alcoholic drink is believed to aid digestion and boost health, and holds social and cultural value similar to wine in France.

Here’s a refined and visitor-friendly section you can add to your packing list or itinerary page, titled “The Meals!” — styled to match the rest of your website content and appeal to travelers’ curiosity about food.

🍽️ The Meals!

Food is an important part of the experience—and in Mongolia, it's both hearty and memorable!

🥩 Traditional Mongolian Cuisine

Mongolian meals are centered around meat and dairy, with vegetables like potatoes, onions, garlic, turnips, and cabbage playing a supporting role. Common ingredients include:

  • Lamb, beef, and goat

  • Homemade yogurt, dried curds (aaruul), and cheese

  • Milk tea (Suutei Tsai) – a savory, salty tea with milk

  • Airag – fermented mare’s milk, rich in probiotics

  • Arkhi – a traditional distilled drink made from fermented cow’s milk

While the countryside keeps things traditional, Ulaanbaatar offers a wide range of international cuisine and imported products—from sushi and steaks to pasta, fresh greens, and craft coffee.

👨🍳 What You’ll Eat on Tour

On our trips, we travel with experienced outdoor cooks who prepare nutritious, well-balanced meals using fresh, local ingredients. Expect a mix of:

  • Traditional Mongolian dishes (mild and filling)

  • International-style camp meals (soups, pasta, rice, salads, and more)

  • Freshly brewed tea and coffee at camp

  • Snacks and treats to keep your energy up on fishing days

We can accommodate special dietary requests with advance notice (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies, etc.). Please let us know your preferences when booking.

Why Travel to Mongolia with Us?

At GB-Tours, we offer expertly guided fly-fishing adventures in Mongolia’s most pristine rivers. You’ll have the chance to pursue:

  • Taimen – the world’s largest salmonid, historically reaching up to 6.5 feet and 200 lbs

  • Amur Trout

  • Lenok Trout

  • Grayling

  • Amur Pike, and more…

Taimen are apex predators and incredibly rare—making them the ultimate trophy in freshwater fly fishing. They share the river with thousands of Lenok and Grayling, offering an unforgettable angling experience in one of the world's most remote and stunning environments.

Safe, Welcoming, and Unforgettable

Mongolia is widely considered one of the safest countries in the world for visitors. Its people are warm, hospitable, and proud to share their unique heritage with travelers.

Whether you're chasing Taimen in wild rivers, riding across endless plains on horseback, or simply sitting under the endless blue sky—Mongolia will leave a mark on your soul.