Mongolia Travel Blog & News

According to the gender gap report written by WEF, Mongolia has ranked 70th out of the 146 countries that have been studied.   In 2006, we were ranked 46th. What has happened over the decade that has worsened the country’s ranking by whole 24 places?

Ulaanbaatar, the bustling capital of Mongolia, is a city of contrasts where ancient traditions meet modernity. This vibrant metropolis offers an exciting array of culinary delights and trendy spots to enjoy a drink. If you're planning a trip to Ulaanbaatar and wondering where to eat and drink, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best places that cater to all tastes and preferences.  

When people think of Mongolia, they probably think immediately of Chinggis, or Ghengis, Khan, the famous conqueror. They may also think of the Gobi Desert, or the vastness of the countryside. For travelers interested in visiting exciting and remote spots, Mongolia is a great destination. Unfortunately, you may not know anyone who has ever been. It can be hard to figure out where to go in Mongolia. Lucky for you, I have compiled a list of where to visit in Mongolia, and things to see in Mongolia that will not disappoint you. 

Baron Roman von Ungern-Sternberg sounds like the kind of guy Mongolian parents can use as a threat for misbehaving children. His deeds are truly the stuff of nightmares – murdering deserting soldiers, keeping wolves in his attic for his enemies, and burning people alive inside of haystacks. Without him, however, there might be no independent Mongolia today.

Surviving two destructions and centuries of rejection, Erdene Zuu is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Mongolia, probably in East Asia. The building of the temple was ordered by the Abtai Sain Khan- grandfather of Zanabazar the Great when the Tibetan Buddhism was declared as the main religion of Mongolia in 1586. For Mongolians, who employed nomadic lifestyle, this kind of building or generally anything that stays in one place was not that common. So, the temple has naturally become the religious center, thus the heart of the Mongolia. The geographical situation was carefully thought out too, it’s built in Kharkhorin- near the old city of Karakorum.

Among the skyscrapers and shopping malls, there sits a white building and a temple in a small clearing. The mountain stands behind it, protecting the city. Not far behind is the mighty Tuul River. The white building is by todays standards, a modest building. The temple is beautiful, but dwarfed by the 6-story mall nearby. However, if you were a lucky visitor to Ich Khirie, as Ulaanbaatar was known then, you would be standing near the largest building in town, if you could even get close enough. This is the home of the Bogd Khan.

Social responsibility and supporting local economy has been the core philosophy of Selena Travel since our foundation. Selena Travel now supports local artisans and low income families through our recent cooperation with Mary and Martha`s Fair and Ethical Trade shop.

Just above China and south of Russia, Mongolia is a country tucked away in northern Asia. It’s graced with historical sites, stunning landscapes, and plenty to do for travelers. You can trek on a camel through the Gobi Desert, observe eagle hunters practicing their craft, and visit some of the last nomadic reindeer herders in the world. Visiting a remote area of the world can come with its fair share of challenges. So, we’ve put together five tips for travelling in Mongolia that will help you navigate the unfamiliar terrain on your journey.

When walking through the streets of UB if you’re lucky, you can see someone throw a spoonful of milk into the sky as an offering. This ancient practice is a way to give an offering to the gods in Mongolian shamanic practice. People practiced shamanic religions centuries before Mongolia became a Buddhist country, and they had a deep effect on the lives of the people living in this country.

Capturing many peoples’ imaginations, the Dukha, Tsaatan or reindeer people, live in the beautiful area North of Lake Khuvsgul in Mongolia. They are an enigmatic group; being relatively unknown because of the remoteness of the lives they live in the boreal forest. Read on to learn 15 facts about this group of people living as they have for centuries.