One of my favorite quotes about Mongolia comes from Steven J. Bodio’s book *Eagle Dreams*. In just a few short lines, he perfectly encapsulates what draws me back to this incredible country time and time again. He writes:
“Each time I return I see constant changes alongside the things that never change. I love its paradoxes. Its space and hospitality, its freedom and ancient customs. It’s a place of great roadless areas, all known and inhabited since prehistory. It is wild enough for great horned sheep, wolves, snow leopards and the last domesticated camels; with the lowest human population density on the earth. It is the home of Buddhist hunters and Muslims who toast their guests with vodka. I can’t get enough of it, and probably never will.”
These words resonate deeply with me. Mongolia, with its vast landscapes and rich culture, has a way of inspiring awe, wonder, and a sense of connection that lingers long after you’ve left. It is a place where the past and present exist side by side, and where modernity and tradition dance together in an ever-changing, yet timeless, harmony.
The Paradoxes of Mongolia
Mongolia is a country of contrasts, and it’s these paradoxes that make it so intriguing. On one hand, you have the incredible vastness of the land—untouched, wild, and full of space. There are regions here where you can travel for hours without seeing a single person or building. Yet, in these remote areas, there is a sense of welcome and hospitality that is unrivaled. It’s a land where you can experience solitude and adventure in equal measure, and where people still adhere to ancient customs that have been passed down through generations.
This paradoxical blend of space and hospitality is one of the things I love most about Mongolia. Whether you’re exploring the Gobi Desert, hiking in the Altai Mountains, or meeting a nomadic herder in the steppe, you’ll find that despite the remoteness of the land, the warmth of the people is ever-present. A stranger is never treated as an outsider here—they’re welcomed into the fold with open arms and often offered a cup of tea, a place to stay, or a shared meal.
Nature’s Majesty and Fragility
The wildness of Mongolia is another paradox. It is home to some of the most elusive creatures on Earth: snow leopards, wolves, and great horned sheep roam freely in its vast, rugged terrains. Yet, this land of extremes, is also fragile. The low human population density allows for vast wildernesses to persist, but this very isolation makes Mongolia vulnerable to the forces of global change. The shifting climate, the pressures of modernization, and the effects of rapid development pose challenges to the delicate balance between nature and human activity. Despite these challenges, the resilience of Mongolia’s ecosystems and its people is remarkable.
A Land of Deep Culture and Ancient Traditions
Mongolia is also a place where old and new coexist in fascinating ways. The country is a home to ancient traditions—such as the iconic eagle hunters of the Altai Mountains, who use trained golden eagles to hunt foxes and other prey. The Buddhist traditions that have shaped the culture for centuries continue to thrive, as do the customs of the Mongol people, who remain closely tied to their land and their herding lifestyle.
Yet, Mongolia is also changing. Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, is rapidly modernizing. This blend of the old and the new creates a dynamic energy that is palpable, and it’s something that I have seen evolve during my time in the country. Even as the country develops, its people continue to hold onto their deep connection to the land, their customs, and their spirituality. It’s this delicate balance of modernity and tradition that makes Mongolia so unique.
The Spirit of Mongolia
What I love most about Mongolia is its spirit—a spirit of resilience, independence, and deep connection to the land. It is a place where the people and nature are intertwined, where the ancient ways still guide the daily lives of many, yet the country’s youth are looking to the future with ambition and hope. The freedom that comes with living in such a vast, open land is unlike anywhere else. There is a sense of space here—both physical and emotional—that is hard to find in the crowded, fast-paced world we live in.
Bodio’s words ring true for me: “I can’t get enough of it, and probably never will.” Mongolia is a land that keeps calling you back, a place where you can never fully know all its secrets, yet it welcomes you each time with open arms. There are always new things to discover, new stories to hear, and new experiences to have. It is a land that leaves an indelible mark on your heart, and one that continues to surprise, challenge, and inspire you with each return.
Mongolia’s paradoxes—the mix of ancient customs and modern change, the vastness of the land and the warmth of its people, the wildness of nature and the fragility of its ecosystems—are what make it so special. It’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left, a place that, like Bodio, I can never get enough of.