Discovering Mongolia’s Hidden Side: My Decade-Long Journey
The first time I touched down at Chinggis Khaan International Airport outside Ulaanbaatar, I thought I knew what to expect. I’d read the guidebooks, planned my trip to the Gobi, and was ready for the typical Mongolia experience. Ten years and seventeen trips later, I’m still discovering places that leave me breathless. Last summer, as I sat sharing fermented mare’s milk (airag) with a nomadic family in Arkhangai province—far from any tourist route—I realized how much of Mongolia remains genuinely untouched by outside visitors.
What began as a two-week adventure has evolved into a decade-long love affair with a country whose vast landscapes hold secrets that few travelers ever witness. In 2023, Mongolia received just over 600,000 international tourists, yet 90% never ventured beyond Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi, and Kharkhorin. The remaining 99.9% of this massive country—the size of Western Europe but with only 3.3 million people—offers extraordinary experiences for those willing to step away from the established routes.
This guide draws from my personal missteps (like the time I nearly froze in a summer ger because I didn’t bring proper layers), countless conversations with local friends, and the kind of knowledge that only comes from getting gloriously lost in a country with few roads. As we look ahead to 2025, I’m sharing my most treasured discoveries—the places that have shown me the true heart of Mongolia.
“Mongolia isn’t a country you visit; it’s a country that changes you.” – A nomadic elder who shared his ger with me during an unexpected snowstorm in June
The Western Frontier: Bayan-Ölgii and the Kazakh Eagle Hunters
Mongolia’s westernmost province feels like a different country—because culturally, it nearly is. Home to ethnic Kazakhs rather than Mongolians, Bayan-Ölgii offers an extraordinary cultural fusion you won’t find elsewhere.
I first visited in 2018, traveling 50 hours by Russian van from Ulaanbaatar, though you can now fly directly from ULN to Ölgii airport (ULG). What I discovered was a region of towering Altai mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and a community that maintains the ancient tradition of eagle hunting.
Eagle Hunter Homestays: The Authentic Experience
While eagle hunting has gained some international attention, most tourists only experience it through staged festivals. Instead, I recommend arranging a homestay with a hunting family. My friend Dalaikhan and his family in Sagsai soum (district), about 25km from Ölgii town, welcome visitors year-round.
For 70,000 MNT (~$20) per night including meals, you’ll witness daily training with golden eagles, learn the intricate process of making traditional Kazakh embroidery, and sleep in a tul (Kazakh yurt) surrounded by mountains. Dalaikhan speaks basic English and can arrange horse treks into the surrounding mountains.
Insider tip: Most travelers visit only for the October eagle festival, but winter (November-February) is when actual hunting happens. I watched Dalaikhan’s 15-year-old daughter successfully hunt a fox with her eagle last January—an experience unchanged for centuries and witnessed by perhaps a dozen foreigners annually.
Tavan Bogd National Park: Five Sacred Peaks
This remote national park contains Mongolia’s highest peak (Khüiten, at 4,374m) and its largest glacier. Most tour companies charge $1,200+ for a 5-day trip here, but I’ve done it independently for less than $400:
- Take a shared UAZ (Russian jeep) from Ölgii to Tsengel village (45,000 MNT, ~$13)
- Hire a local guide with horse in Tsengel (150,000 MNT/day, ~$43, negotiable)
- Bring your own camping gear and food from Ölgii’s bazaar
The park entrance fee is just 3,000 MNT (~$0.85), but you need permits arranged in Ölgii beforehand. The turquoise waters of Khurgan and Khoton lakes, the ancient petroglyphs at Tsagaan Salaa, and the chance to visit authentic Tuvan families (a tiny ethnic minority) make this region unparalleled.
Beginner’s Mongolian: Learn “Sain baina uu” (Hello, pronounced “sine-by-noo”) and “Bayarlalaa” (Thank you, pronounced “by-er-la-la”). In Bayan-Ölgii, “Salamatsyzba” (Kazakh greeting) will earn you huge smiles.
The Northern Wilderness: Khovsgol and Darkhad Valley
Lake Khovsgol itself is hardly off the beaten path anymore—it’s Mongolia’s second most visited destination after the Gobi. But the true gems lie in the surrounding regions that most tourists never reach.
Darkhad Valley: Mongolia’s Most Remote Community
West of Lake Khovsgol, accessible only by dangerous mountain passes or small aircraft, lies the isolated Darkhad Valley. Home to just 5,000 people spread across an area the size of Connecticut, this is one of the most remote inhabited regions in the world.
My journey here in 2019 was accidental—a local guide in Khatgal (the town at Khovsgol’s southern tip) mentioned a shaman he knew in the valley. Three days of brutal jeep travel later, I was sitting with Tsenghel, a 76-year-old female shaman whose family has practiced traditional Darkhad shamanism for 13 generations.
The valley remains largely untouched by tourism infrastructure. You’ll need:
- A reliable Russian UAZ jeep or Furgon van with driver (450,000 MNT/day, ~$130)
- A local guide from Khatgal who speaks Darkhad dialect (150,000 MNT/day, ~$43)
- Camping equipment or willingness to stay with local families (expect to pay 25,000-50,000 MNT, ~$7-14 per night including meals)
What you’ll find: Mongolia’s highest concentration of shamans, pristine taiga forests, the 30+ small lakes of Dood Nuur system, and the most traditional form of nomadic reindeer herding left on earth. The Tsaatan (reindeer people) in the northern reaches of the valley are among the last nomadic reindeer herders in the world.
Khoridal Saridag Mountains: The Undiscovered Trekking Paradise
The eastern shores of Lake Khovsgol are bordered by the dramatic Khoridal Saridag mountain range, a protected wilderness with virtually no infrastructure. Unlike Nepal or Patagonia, you’ll encounter no other hikers here.
In 2022, I spent two weeks trekking with a local guide named Bataa, crossing high-altitude passes and camping beside crystal clear alpine lakes. We encountered only three people—all local herders—in 12 days.
Getting there: From Khatgal, hire a boat to cross the lake to Toilogt (80,000 MNT, ~$23). From there, you’ll need a guide (essential for navigation as there are no marked trails). The park office in Khatgal can recommend reliable local guides (expect 200,000 MNT/day, ~$57).
Money-saving tip: Most tour companies charge $1,500+ for guided treks here. Instead, go directly to the Information Center in Khatgal village and ask for Baatar or Tuvshin—both are exceptional guides who charge 30% less than agencies and know these mountains intimately.
The Eastern Steppe: The World’s Last Great Grassland
Mongolia’s eastern provinces of Dornod and Sükhbaatar contain the largest intact temperate grassland on Earth. While the region lacks dramatic mountains or forests, it offers something equally rare: uninterrupted horizon and wildlife encounters impossible elsewhere.
Stipa Grasslands and Mongolian Gazelle Migration
Each autumn (late September to October), up to a million Mongolian gazelles migrate across the Eastern Steppe in one of the world’s most spectacular—and least known—wildlife events. Unlike the famous Serengeti migration, here you might be the only witness.
I witnessed this phenomenon in 2021, camping for five nights on the steppe. As dawn broke on the third day, I awoke to find our camp surrounded by thousands of gazelles stretching to the horizon in every direction. The sound—a mixture of soft bleats and the thunder of countless hooves—is something I’ll never forget.
The remote nature of this region means organized tours are rare and expensive. Instead:
- Take the weekly train from Ulaanbaatar to Choibalsan (18 hours, 62,000 MNT, ~$18 for a sleeping berth)
- In Choibalsan, rent a vehicle with driver through Dornod Tourism Association (ask for Bataa: +976 99057189)
- Budget 350,000 MNT/day (~$100) for vehicle, driver, and basic camping equipment
Mistake I made: My first attempt to see the migration in 2020 failed because I went too early (August). Local herders later explained that climate change has pushed the migration later—now it reliably occurs in early October, about three weeks later than historical patterns.
Khökh Nuur: The Secret Blue Lake
In the middle of this seemingly endless grassland lies an unexpected oasis: Khökh Nuur (Blue Lake). This freshwater lake with shifting sandbars resembles a mirage rising from the steppe.
What makes this place special isn’t just its incongruous beauty, but its isolation—I’ve visited three times and never encountered another tourist. The lake is surrounded by sand dunes on one side and wetlands on the other, creating a diverse habitat for birds, including the rare white-naped crane.
Insider tip: The best camping spot is on the eastern shore where small pine trees provide shade (extremely rare in this region). Local families occasionally visit on weekends in summer, but are universally welcoming—bring extra airag (fermented mare’s milk) to share if you want instant friends.
Access requires a serious 4WD vehicle; the “road” is often just tire tracks across grassland. From Choibalsan, it’s a full day’s drive with frequent route-finding challenges.
Money-saving hack: If traveling solo, post in the “Mongolia Backpacking” Facebook group to find travel companions. I’ve met some of my best friends this way, and splitting vehicle costs can reduce your daily expense to around $30-40 per person.
The Inner Gobi: Beyond the Touristy South
When most visitors think of the Gobi, they picture the southern tourist circuit: Khongoryn Els sand dunes, the Flaming Cliffs, and Yolyn Am ice gorge. But the Inner Gobi—primarily in Dundgovi and Dornogovi provinces—offers equally striking landscapes with a fraction of the visitors and costs.
Ikh Nart Nature Reserve: The Wilderness Without Tourists
This 66,000-hectare reserve of granite rock formations, hidden springs, and semi-desert steppe hosts one of Asia’s largest populations of argali sheep and Siberian ibex, yet receives fewer than 200 foreign visitors annually.
What makes Ikh Nart special is its accessibility combined with its emptiness. Just 280km from Ulaanbaatar (about 5 hours by car), it’s reachable on a straightforward day trip from the capital. Yet when I camped there last year, I had the entire reserve to myself for three days.
The reserve has a small research station run by the Mongolian Conservation Society where you can:
- Camp in the yard for free (bring your own gear)
- Hire local guides for wildlife tracking (50,000 MNT, ~$14 per day)
- Join ongoing research projects if you stay longer (they welcome volunteers)
The labyrinth of canyons and rock formations provides excellent day hiking. I’ve spotted wolves, argali, ibex, cinereous vultures, and even the elusive Pallas’s cat during my visits.
Money-saving tip: The daily bus from Ulaanbaatar to Sainshand passes near the reserve entrance (20,000 MNT, ~$6). Ask to be dropped at “Ikh Nart Garulga” (entrance). From there, it’s a 7km walk to the research station, or you can pre-arrange pickup with the station staff.
Khar Bukhyn Balgas: Mongolia’s Forgotten Desert City
The ruins of this once-thriving Silk Road outpost lie in Dundgovi province, about 280km southwest of Ulaanbaatar. Built in the 10th century and abandoned after the Mongol conquests, these extensive ruins remain largely unexcavated and completely unregulated.
Unlike the restored temples at Kharkhorin (Karakorum), here you’re free to wander among the crumbling remnants of the ancient city. I spent an afternoon mesmerized by pottery shards still visible on the surface—some with intact glazing and designs from the Tang Dynasty period.
What struck me most was the absolute silence. Standing amid these ruins with not another soul for miles, it’s easy to imagine yourself as an explorer who’s discovered a lost city.
There’s no public transportation, accommodation, or services of any kind—you’ll need:
- A private vehicle (ideally 4WD)
- Camping equipment
- Sufficient water (there are no sources nearby)
Mistake I made: I first attempted to visit during summer when temperatures reached 40°C (104°F), making exploration unbearable. The ideal times are May-June or September-October when days are pleasant and nights cool but not freezing.
Uvs Aimag: The Forgotten Far West
Even more remote than Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia’s northwesternmost province offers extraordinary diversity: salt lakes, sand dunes, mountains, and steppe all in one compact region. It’s also home to the Tuvan people, an ethnic minority with distinct traditions and throat-singing capabilities.
Uvs Nuur: The Inland Sea
This UNESCO World Heritage site is Central Asia’s largest saltwater lake—so large it creates its own microclimate. Despite its significance, it receives perhaps 50 foreign visitors annually.
My journey here in 2022 required a 3-day off-road adventure from Ulaanbaatar, though you can fly to Ulaangom (the provincial capital) and then drive 2-3 hours to the lakeshore. What awaits is otherworldly: a vast inland sea surrounded by white salt flats, shifting sand dunes, and distant snow-capped mountains—all in one panoramic view.
The lake supports incredible birdlife, including massive flamingo colonies in spring. The surrounding area encompasses 12 distinct ecosystems, from desert to alpine tundra.
Local experience: In the small settlements near the lake, I discovered that traditional Tuvan throat singing (khöömei) remains a living tradition rather than a tourist performance. At a small local gathering, I watched three generations of men demonstrate different styles—including the incredibly rare “whistle” style that few practitioners can still perform.
The local phrase “Каndy barayin?” (“How are you?” in Tuvan) opened doors to incredible hospitality in this region.
Central Mongolia’s Secret Valleys
The central provinces (Arkhangai, Övörkhangai, and Bulgan) contain Mongolia’s most accessible countryside, yet numerous hidden valleys remain virtually unknown to tourism.
Chuluut River Canyon: The Mini Grand Canyon
This dramatic 100m-deep basalt canyon carved by the Chuluut River offers spectacular hiking, fishing, and wild camping. Despite being just 60km from the popular Tsetserleg town, few travelers venture here.
I stumbled upon this place in 2019 when my driver took a wrong turn en route to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. What was supposed to be a brief photo stop turned into a three-day exploration. The canyon walls display ancient petroglyphs, and the river teems with lenok (Siberian trout).
Fishing tip: You’ll need a permit (15,000 MNT, ~$4) available in Tsetserleg town. Local herders make exceptional guides who know the best fishing spots (negotiate directly, usually 50,000 MNT, ~$14 per day).
Uurt Valley Hot Springs
While Tsenkher hot springs attract tour buses, the nearby Uurt Valley springs remain virtually unknown. Located in a forested valley in northern Arkhangai province, these natural hot springs maintain a perfect 38-42°C (100-108°F) year-round.
A local family has built simple wooden pools that capture the mineral-rich water, but otherwise, the site remains undeveloped. You can camp nearby for free or stay with the family in a separate ger (40,000 MNT, ~$11 per night including meals).
What makes this special is the opportunity to bathe beneath the stars in absolute silence. I’ve visited in winter when the contrast between the steaming water and snow-covered landscape is magical—and you’re guaranteed to be the only visitor.
Getting there: From Tsetserleg, take the weekly Monday local bus to Ikhtamir sum (15,000 MNT, ~$4), then arrange a motorcycle taxi to the valley (30,000 MNT, ~$8). Alternatively, any driver in Tsetserleg can take you directly for around 200,000 MNT (~$57) round trip.
Khentii: In Chinggis Khaan’s Footsteps
The mountainous northeastern province of Khentii holds special significance as Chinggis Khaan’s birthplace and spiritual homeland. While a massive tourist complex has been built near Ulaanbaatar, the actual historical sites in remote Khentii remain beautifully undeveloped.
Baldan Bereeven: The Monastery That Survived
This partially restored Buddhist monastery, nestled in a sacred mountain valley, once housed 5,000 monks before being destroyed during the Stalinist purges. Unlike the famous Erdene Zuu Monastery, Baldan Bereeven sees perhaps 200 foreign visitors annually.
What makes this place extraordinary is its setting—the monastery is surrounded by granite mountains with distinct formations said to represent Buddhist deities. Pilgrims circumambulate not just the monastery but the entire valley, visiting sacred caves and rock formations along a 10km path.
When I visited in 2020, I was invited to join a small group of Mongolian pilgrims led by a local lama who explained the significance of each site. We burned juniper (sacred in Mongolian shamanism and Buddhism) at various points, and he performed blessing ceremonies that few outsiders witness.
Insider experience: The caretaker monk sometimes allows visitors to stay overnight in a small guest ger on the monastery grounds (donation basis, 30,000 MNT, ~$8 is appropriate). This gives you the rare opportunity to attend the morning chanting ceremony at 5am—an authentic experience few tourists ever witness.
Burkhan Khaldun: The Sacred Mountain
This UNESCO-listed mountain in the Khentii range is believed to be Chinggis Khaan’s birthplace and possibly his secret burial site. While technically open to visitors, access requires significant effort and local connections.
In 2021, I arranged permission through the Khentii Protected Areas Administration in Öndörkhaan town (the provincial capital). As a sacred site, proper respect is essential—our local guide performed traditional rituals before we began our ascent.
The three-day trek to the summit and back passes through pristine taiga forest and alpine meadows. Local tradition holds that Chinggis Khaan still protects the mountain—our guide pointed out wolf tracks that followed our path for several kilometers, considered a good omen.
Access note: This region occasionally closes to foreigners with little notice. Always check with the Khentii Tourism Office before planning your trip (+976 7058-2303).
Practical Tips for Mongolia’s Hidden Gems
After years of exploring Mongolia’s remote regions, I’ve learned numerous lessons—often the hard way. Here are my essential tips for visiting these off-the-beaten-path destinations:
Transportation Realities
| Transportation Type | Pros | Cons | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russian UAZ/Furgon | Virtually indestructible, can go anywhere | Extremely uncomfortable, slow (max 60km/h) | 300,000-450,000 MNT/day (~$85-130) |
| Japanese 4WD (Land Cruiser) | Comfortable, reliable, good speed | Expensive, some remote areas still inaccessible | 400,000-600,000 MNT/day (~$115-170) |
| Local buses | Extremely cheap, authentic experience | Infrequent schedules, only reach sum centers | 10,000-50,000 MNT (~$3-14) depending on distance |
| Domestic flights | Save days of driving time | Frequent cancellations, limited destinations | 200,000-400,000 MNT (~$57-115) round trip |
Money-saving tip: For travelers with time flexibility, shared jeeps often leave from Ulaanbaatar’s Dragon Bus Station to provincial capitals. These cost 30-60% less than private rentals but may involve waiting days for sufficient passengers.
Accommodation Realities
Outside Ulaanbaatar and major tourist areas, formal accommodation is scarce. Your options are:
- Camping: Legal almost everywhere in Mongolia; no permits needed except in some national parks
- Family homestays: 25,000-50,000 MNT (~$7-14) per night including meals
- Sum center (district) hotels: Basic rooms for 30,000-80,000 MNT (~$8-23); often no English spoken
- Monastery guest rooms: Some monasteries offer basic accommodation (donation basis)
Insider tip: In provincial towns, look for the “гуанз” (guanz) sign—these simple canteens often have a back room with beds for 15,000-20,000 MNT (~$4-6). Quality varies wildly, but they’re the cheapest option in towns.
Language and Communication
English levels remain very low outside tourist areas. I’ve found these approaches helpful:
- Download the Mongolian language pack in Google Translate for offline use
- Learn basic Cyrillic—even reading signs phonetically helps tremendously
- Carry a small notebook for drawing pictures when words fail
- Download maps.me with Mongolia maps—it works offline and shows tracks that Google Maps doesn’t
Connectivity tip: Mongolia’s cellular coverage is surprisingly good. Buy a SIM card from MobiCom in Ulaanbaatar (10,000 MNT, ~$3 with 10GB data). Even in remote areas, you’ll occasionally find signal on hilltops.
Your 5-Step Action Plan for Exploring Mongolia’s Hidden Gems in 2025
After a decade of crisscrossing this extraordinary country, I’ve distilled my advice into five concrete steps to help you experience the Mongolia that most travelers never see:
- Time your visit strategically: June-September offers the best weather, but consider shoulder seasons (May and October) for wildlife migrations and fewer tourists. The absolute best two-week window is late August to early September when temperatures are moderate, summer crowds are gone, and the steppe turns golden.
- Build a flexible itinerary: Choose 2-3 regions maximum for a two-week trip. Plan an absolute minimum of three nights in each area—distances are vast, and the joy of Mongolia is in slowing down. Build in buffer days for weather delays.
- Connect with locals before arrival: Join the “Mongolia Travel” and “Backpacking Mongolia” Facebook groups where locals and expats offer current advice. Reach out to provincial tourism offices directly via Facebook (they often respond faster than by email).
- Prepare for true self-sufficiency: Outside Ulaanbaatar, ATMs are unreliable, credit cards rarely accepted, and supplies limited. Bring cash (USD or EUR to exchange), basic medical supplies, water purification, and essential spare parts if driving.
- Embrace spontaneity: My most meaningful experiences in Mongolia came from unexpected invitations, chance encounters, and plans gone wonderfully wrong. Budget time and money for detours—when a nomadic family invites you to a wedding, say yes, even if it means changing your carefully planned route.
Remember that Mongolia operates on “Mongolian time”—distances take longer than expected, weather changes rapidly, and plans require flexibility. This isn’t a bug; it’s the feature that makes traveling here so transformative.
“In Mongolia, the journey itself is the destination. The moment you surrender to its rhythm is the moment you truly begin to understand this extraordinary land.” – Nomadic wisdom shared by my first driver in 2015
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mongolia safe for solo travelers, especially women?
Mongolia is remarkably safe for all travelers, including solo women. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare, even in remote areas. The greatest dangers are environmental (extreme weather, road conditions) rather than human. That said, exercise normal precautions in Ulaanbaatar, where pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas and intoxicated individuals can be unpredictable at night.
As a woman who has traveled extensively alone in Mongolia, I’ve experienced nothing but respect and protection from locals. In rural areas, families will often assign a female family member to assist female guests with bathing and other private matters to ensure comfort.
What’s the minimum budget needed for exploring off-the-beaten-path Mongolia?
For truly remote areas, budget a minimum of $70-100 USD per day as a solo traveler, or $40-60 per person when traveling with others. Transportation is the major expense—a driver and vehicle will cost $80-150 daily depending on the vehicle type and region. Food and accommodation are relatively inexpensive (as low as $10-20 daily), but the distances require motorized transport.
Budget travelers can reduce costs significantly by using local buses between provincial capitals and then finding local guides for shorter excursions from these hubs. With this approach and basic camping gear, costs can drop to $30-40 daily.
When is the best time to visit Mongolia’s remote regions?
The prime season is June through September, when temperatures are warm and rainfall minimal. However, for specific experiences:
- Late May to early June: Spring migrations and newborn animals
- July: Naadam festivals throughout the country (though this means more tourists)
- Late August to early September: Ideal weather, fewer tourists, beautiful autumn colors beginning
- October: Eagle hunting season in the west, gazelle migrations in the east
- November to March: Extremely challenging but offers authentic winter nomadic experiences (only for the hardy)
I personally prefer early September when summer crowds have departed but temperatures remain pleasant.
How difficult is the language barrier in remote Mongolia?
Outside Ulaanbaatar, English proficiency is very limited. In remote areas, even Russian (Mongolia’s second language) may not be understood. That said, Mongolians are incredibly resourceful communicators and will find ways to overcome language barriers through gestures, drawing, and phone translation apps.
Learning the Cyrillic alphabet and basic phrases goes an extremely long way. Even just handling basic greetings in Mongolian will earn you tremendous goodwill. In western provinces, knowing a few Kazakh or Tuvan phrases can open even more doors.
What kind of vehicle do I need for Mongolia’s remote areas?
For truly off-the-beaten-path exploration, a Russian UAZ 4WD or Furgon van is ideal, despite their discomfort. These Soviet-era vehicles are virtually indestructible and can be repaired with basic tools in any remote village.
Japanese 4WDs (Land Cruisers, Delicas) offer more comfort and are suitable for many regions, but their low clearance can be problematic in very remote areas. Critically, they’re harder to repair if something breaks hundreds of kilometers from the nearest town.
Never attempt remote travel in standard cars or crossover SUVs. Mongolia’s unpaved tracks, river crossings, and extreme terrain demand proper 4WD with high clearance and robust construction.
What about sustainability in fragile Mongolian ecosystems?
Mongolia’s ecosystems are indeed fragile, particularly in desert regions where tire tracks can remain visible for decades. Practice strict Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste (including toilet paper), use established tracks, minimize water usage, and avoid creating new campsites when existing ones are present.
Sustainability also extends to cultural interactions. Always ask permission before photographing people or entering ger camps. Bring small, useful gifts rather than candy for children (quality school supplies are always welcome). Support local economies by purchasing directly from herders (dairy products, meat, handicrafts) rather than bringing everything from Ulaanbaatar.
References
- Lonely Planet Mongolia – Comprehensive guide with some off-the-beaten-path suggestions
- Mongolia Travel – Official tourism board with updated information
- Backpacking Mongolia Facebook Group – Active community of independent travelers
- Mongolia Protected Areas – Information on national parks and protected regions
- Conservation International: Eastern Steppe – Information on the Eastern Steppe ecosystem
- Wildlife Conservation Society Mongolia – Research on wildlife migrations in Mongolia
- UNESCO: Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain – Details on this sacred cultural landscape
- World Nomad Games – Information on traditional nomadic sports and eagle hunting
- Mongolian Kazakh Eagle Hunters Association – Authentic eagle hunting experiences
- Dangerous Roads: Mongolia – Realistic information about Mongolia’s road conditions
- American Center for Mongolian Studies – Research and cultural information
- K-Ingushetia YouTube Channel – Excellent videos of remote Mongolian regions