The world s most untouched country The most beautiful places in Mongolia

Welcome to Mongolia, the land of nomads, the wilderness and endless landscapes. Between Russia and China stretches a country that constantly changes its face. Along the dry vastness of the Gobi Desert and the open steppes, we travel today through the emptiest country on our planet. Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country on Earth. In an area almost six times the size of the United Kingdom, only about 3.4 million people live. Its capital, Ulaanbaatar, is considered the coldest capital on Earth, where winter temperatures can drop below minus 30 degrees. Mongolia is also known for its portable homes, the ger or yurt, which can be assembled and taken down within just one to two hours. Around one third of the population still lives a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving across the vast steppe with horses, yaks or camels. These open grasslands are among the largest on our planet. Horses in particular have played a central role in Mongolia's daily life and culture for centuries. Even today, there are more horses than people, and for many nomads they remain indispensable companions, used for transport, work and as part of a deeply rooted tradition. Horses also take centre stage during the country's most important national celebration, the Naadam Festival, where young riders race across distances of up to 30 kilometres on small but incredibly tough steppe horses. Mongolia is also home to the world's last true wild horse, the Przewalski's horse, which has been successfully reintroduced into the steppe after once becoming extinct in the wild. We begin today in central Mongolia, considered by many as the geographic and historical heart of the country. Here, some of the most important centres of the Mongol Empire emerged, and at the same time, vast grasslands continue to shape the landscape today. The Orkan Valley is one of Mongolia's most historic landscapes. For thousands of years, this area was a political centre of various steppe empires, and today it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Its location in a fertile river valley made it an ideal place for settlements and trade routes. At its centre stands Karakorum, also called Karkorin. In the 13th century, Genghis Khan's son Ergedai established the capital of the Mongol Empire here. Although only a few traces of the original city remain, the Erdena Zu Monastery still stands here today, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. Its walls, with numerous white stupas, shape the steppe's landscape. Not far away, the Orkan Waterfall, also called Ulan Sutgalan, plunges over dark basalt cliffs into a wide valley. The waterfall was formed by volcanic activity, and is one of the most impressive natural sights in the region. West of the Orkan Valley begins Arkhangai Province. Here the steppe gradually transforms into highlands with mountains, river valleys, and volcanic formations. Particularly impressive is Khorgo-Turkin-Sagan-Nur National Park, which formed around an extinct volcano. Khorgo volcano rises distinctly above the surrounding landscape. From its crater rim, a wide view opens over lava fields, and the nearby Turkin-Sagan-Nur, also called White Lake. The lake is among the most beautiful bodies of water in central Mongolia, and is an important habitat for numerous bird species. Tsetseleg is the capital of Arkhangai Province, and lies in a green valley at the foot of forested hills. Especially in summer, an important part of Mongolian culture is displayed here, the Nadam Festival, the country's most important national holiday. During these days, the fields around the city fill with spectators. Horse racing, wrestling, and archery, the three traditional manly skills, are among the central competitions. Nearby also lies Taikar Chulu, a massive granite rock on the banks of the Tamir River. On its surface are ancient inscriptions and prayer symbols, showing that this place has long held cultural significance. For many centuries, Buddhism played a central role in Mongolia's cultural life, and you can feel it. Ongi Monastery was founded in the 17th century, and once developed into one of the country's largest religious complexes. Today, mainly ruins remain, extending along a river in the open steppe. The destroyed walls remind us how strongly religious institutions were suppressed during the socialist era. Quite different is Amabayasgalant Monastery in northern-central Mongolia. It is among the best-preserved monastery complexes in the country. The buildings are arranged in a symmetrical layout and combine Tibetan and Chinese architectural elements. These places show two sides of Mongolian history. On one hand, the destruction of religious traditions in the 20th century. On the other hand, the revival of spiritual places that are once again part of cultural life today. We now travel to one of the few densely populated regions of the country, to a city where more than half of Mongolia's population lives. Ulaanbaatar is the political centre, economic engine and cultural meeting point of the country. At first glance, it appears surprisingly modern. Wide streets, high-rises and shopping centres characterise the centre. But the city also tells of a turbulent history. Around the centre stretch large Gur districts, residential areas of traditional yurts where many families live. They remind us that a large part of Mongolians are still closely connected to nomadic culture. At the same time, the city is growing rapidly. Cafes, universities and museums attract young people from across the country. Sukhbaatar Square forms the centre of Ulaanbaatar and is the country's most important public square. Here stand some of Mongolia's most significant buildings, including the government building with the large statue of Genghis Khan. The square is named after Damdin Sukhbaatar, one of the leaders of the Mongolian Revolution of 1921. The vast plaza appears deliberately monumental in design and reminds us how important this place is to the country's political history. Gandan Tegchinlen Monastery is Mongolia's most important Buddhist monastery. Its history dates back to the 19th century. During the communist era, many religious institutions were closed, but Gandan remained one of the few monasteries allowed to continue operating. The Zaisan Memorial sits on a hill south of Ulaanbaatar. It was erected during the socialist era and commemorates Soviet-Mongolian cooperation in World War II. However, the real reason many people come here is the view. From the platform, a wide view opens over the entire city. High-rises, residential districts and industrial facilities stretch along the Tuul River to the hills on the horizon. On clear days, you can even see the mountain ranges surrounding Ulaanbaatar. About 50 kilometres east of Ulaanbaatar stands one of the world's largest equestrian statues. The monumental statue shows Genghis Khan on his horse and is about 40 metres high. It was erected at the place where, according to legend, the legendary ruler once found a golden whip. Genghis Khan is a central figure in Mongolian history. In the 13th century, he created an empire that stretched across large parts of Eurasia. For many Mongolians, he still stands for strength, unity and national identity today. Visitors can climb up inside the statue and step onto a viewing platform on the horse's head. From there, the view opens over the vast steppe, a landscape that once formed the starting point of one of the world's greatest empires. Just a few kilometres outside Ulaanbaatar, the landscape changes noticeably. Gorky Terelj National Park is located only about an hour from Ulaanbaatar and is among Mongolia's best-known natural areas. Particularly famous is the so-called Turtle Rock, a large boulder that actually resembles a turtle. Terelj shows a somewhat gentler side of Mongolian nature. The region appears accessible yet simultaneously vast and quiet. Ulaanbaatar is the starting point for almost every journey through Mongolia. Anyone who wants to experience the untouched wilderness and culture first-hand cannot avoid this region. Next, we head to the Gobi Desert. Unlike many deserts in the world, it doesn't consist only of sand, but of a mixture of rock plateaus, gravel plains, canyons and scattered dune fields. Temperatures fluctuate extremely here. In summer, it can get over 40 degrees hot. In winter, it can fall far below freezing. Despite these conditions, people also live here, mostly nomads with camels, goats and sheep. At the same time, the region became world-famous through spectacular dinosaur finds. Fossilised bones and even complete nests with eggs were discovered here and made the Gobi one of the most important places in paleontology. Kongarin Elves are among Mongolia's largest sand dunes. Some of them reach heights of over 300 metres and extend more than 100 kilometres along the desert. When strong wind blows over the dunes, a deep, vibrating sound is created. This phenomenon gave them the name singing dunes. From the highest dunes, a wide view opens over the desert and the adjacent mountains. Yolin Am Canyon lies in the Gurvan Saikan Mountains and is among the most surprising places in the Gobi. The gorge is narrow and surrounded by high rock walls that only partially let sunlight in. The canyon impressively shows how diverse the Gobi landscape can be, a region that is far more than just sand. The flaming cliffs at Bayanzag are among the most famous sites for dinosaur fossils worldwide. In the 1920s, American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews first discovered dinosaur eggs here, a scientific sensation. The red sandstone formations glow particularly strongly in the light of the setting sun, which gave them the name flaming cliffs. Even today, scientists continue to find new fossils in this region. Besides their scientific significance, the landscape impresses primarily through its intense colours and wide views over the desert. Sagan Suvarga translates to white stupa and describes a series of distinctive rock formations in southern Mongolia. Wind and erosion have exposed layers of limestone and clay over millions of years. Depending on the time of day, their colours change from white through yellow to reddish tones. Especially at sunrise and sunset, the rocks appear almost luminous. Sagan Suvarga is among the most unusual landscapes of the Gobi and shows how strongly natural forces have shaped this region. Kermansav Canyon, further south, is among the most remote landscapes of the Mongolian Gobi. Deeply cut canyons of red sandstone run through an otherwise flat desert landscape and perfectly round out this chapter. Northern Mongolia differs greatly from the dry landscapes in the south of the country. Here, dense forests, mountain ranges and clear lakes shape the landscape. Rivers flow through green valleys, while vast coniferous forests cover the mountain slopes. The area encompasses forests, mountains and large parts of the lake's shoreline region. Numerous animal species live here, and it is particularly important for the protection of water ecosystems. Many families move to this region with their herds in summer. Lake Khuzgul is often called the Blue Pearl of Mongolia. It sits at about 1,600 metres elevation and is among the largest and deepest lakes in Central Asia. Its water is exceptionally clear and contains a large portion of Mongolia's freshwater reserves. Geologically, the lake belongs to an ancient rift system and is several million years old. Around the lake rise forested mountains that glow green in summer. Particularly along the northern shores, you'll find small bays and long pebble beaches. Fishing boats, yurts and animal herds are typical features of this region. Even further north, near the border with Russia, begins the Mongolian Taiga. This region consists of dense coniferous forests, moorlands and remote mountain valleys. Here lives a small indigenous community known as the Tsatan or Duka. Their culture is closely connected to reindeer herding. The animals play a central role in daily life. They serve as means of transport, provide milk and are part of the community's spiritual tradition. Many families continue to live in small groups and move through the forests with their herds. The Taiga is among the most difficult regions to reach in Mongolia. Roads are virtually non-existent and travel usually occurs on horseback. It is precisely this remoteness that has helped preserve the traditional way of life to this day. Only in this way does the region perfectly manage to convey a rare insight into a culture closely connected to the nature of the far north. Finally, Western Mongolia. Here rises the Altai Mountains, a massive mountain range that extends across several countries of Central Asia. Snow-covered peaks, glaciers and vast highland valleys shape the landscape. Here there are particularly stable populations of golden eagles. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park protects one of the most spectacular parts of the Mongolian Altai Mountains. The area encompasses glaciers, alpine lakes and vast highland valleys. Many regions of the park are only accessible on foot or horseback. This keeps the landscape largely untouched. The Tavan Bogd Massif of the same name is among Mongolia's highest mountain regions. Its name means five sacred peaks. The peaks are covered with snow and ice and form a distinctive silhouette above the surrounding landscape. The valleys of the Mongolian Altai are thousands of rock carvings known as the Petroglyphs of the Mongolian Altai. These engravings were created over several millennia and show animals, hunting scenes and symbolic representations. They provide a rare insight into the life of early nomadic cultures. The Bayanbulak Steppe lies in a vast highland region in Western Mongolia. Large grasslands stretch across gentle hills and valleys. In the summer months, numerous animal herds move across the pastures. Horses, yaks and sheep are typical features of this landscape. Across the open areas, animals are particularly easy to observe. Many wild animals also use this region as habitat. The steppe appears calm and spacious. Bayanbulak once again shows the classic vastness of the a landscape that seemingly stretches without boundaries to the horizon. Thank you for watching. 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