Mongolia

A trip to Mongolia is inextricably linked to magical moments. One such memory was riding in a van with an enormous golden eagle named Kherem. I watched in awe as Kherem perched comfortably on the lap of her owner, Jenisbek, a Kazakh eagle hunter, while he surfed the internet on his smartphone.

With 30–40% of Mongolia’s modest three million inhabitants still living as nomads, packing up their gers (yurts) and livestock every season, it’s no wonder there’s a seamless blending of centuries’ old tradition with the trappings of modern life. But what makes Mongolia a consistent fixture on so many wish lists are its stunning panoramas, historic power, and extraordinary people.

When it comes to magnificent sprawling terrain, Mongolia continues to draw travelers to its rugged steppe — from watching two-humped endangered Bactrian camels crossing sand dunes and gazing at the Milky Way under clear starry nights in the Gobi Desert in southern Mongolia, visiting ultra-lush Gorkhi-Terelj National Park roughly 36 miles east of capital city Ulaanbaatar, or witnessing trained golden eagles circle ahead and hunt on command at the foothills of the Altai Mountains in western Mongolia.

Once the world’s most powerful empire founded by Genghis Khan in 1206, the Buddhist nation was the largest contiguous realm in world history. The Mongol empire spanned all the way to the Danube River and Persian Gulf in the west, and to the Pacific Ocean in the east, covering roughly nine million square miles. Remnants of this empire are etched across its vast landscape, which requires at least two weeks to explore.

For a quick snapshot of its topographic diversity, head toward the center of Mongolia. At UNESCO-protected Orkhon Valley, you’ll find Kharkhorin, the ancient capital city of the former empire, and its oldest-surviving monastery, Erdene Zuu. For magnificent sunrises, Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes provide a miniature Gobi Desert perfect for photographing camel herders against a backdrop of silky sand and rocky outcroppings.

An unforgettable showcase of Mongolian culture is during the traditional Naadam festival held every July, when horse racing, archery, and wrestling take center stage. Officially recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as an intangible cultural heritage, Naadam is widely observed across the country, alongside Deeltei Mongol, when Mongolians don their vibrant traditional attire, deel, and march in parades, reminiscent of powerful armies of times past.

When to go: The best times to visit are during summer for both the Naadam and Deeltei Mongol traditional costume festivals, and fall for the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival in western Mongolia. While winter can be breathtakingly beautiful across its cinematic terrain, temperatures regularly reach –40ºF.

What to wear: Layers. Focus on outdoor clothing, including fleece undershirts, thermals, hats, gloves, waterproof coats, sunglasses, and hiking boots.

Where to stay: Located in the southern Gobi Desert, Beyond Green’s Three Camel Lodge offers luxury gers built according to Buddhist and Mongolian traditions.

Getting there: Several airlines offer the best flight options to Ulaanbaatar. Traveling by train from China and along the Trans-Siberian Railway route is also a popular choice.

How to get around: Certified, locally run travel companies can curate the perfect experience for you.