lonely planet named Mongolia the number one country to visit in the world this year, and these images and videos show why.
The photos were taken by Mongolian photographer Gan-Ulzii Gonchig, who has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, who in one post claims his country is like Hawaii, Iceland, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Canada all rolled into one.
His images and footage underscore his point, revealing a landscape of turquoise waters, dramatic snow-capped valleys and the mesmerizing dunes of the Gobi Desert, home to Bactrian camels, and the otherworldly peaks of the Yol Valley.
Gan-Ulzii’s photographs take viewers to all four corners of the 1,564,116-square-kilometer nation.
In one shot, taken in Tsengel, Bayan-Olgiy, the Tsagaan Gol River is shown flowing into the Khovd River – the unusual white hue of the former contrasts with the deep blue of the latter.
Gan-Ulzii Gonchig, a photographer with more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, says his home country of Mongolia is like Hawaii, Iceland, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Canada all rolled into one. Here, he captures the Tsagaan Gol River flowing into the Khovd River.
This photo was taken in northern Mongolia, where the Eg and Tarvagatai rivers meet. It could probably be Canada or Switzerland.
LEFT: The beautiful 136-kilometre-long Lake Khuvsgul could be Hawaii, and Gan-Ulzii reveals its deep blue waters dotting lush islands. RIGHT: The rolling sand dunes of the southern Gobi, where temperatures reach 42°C in summer, could be the Arabian Desert, says Gan-Ulzii
Another photograph, taken in northern Mongolia where the Eg and Tarvagatai rivers converge, shows a green scene of a winding canal surrounded by bright green grass, peaks and trees with fluffy clouds suspended above them.
It could probably be Canada or Switzerland.
And the beautiful 85-mile-long Khuvsgul Lake in the north could be Hawaii, with Gan-Ulzii revealing deep blue waters dotting lush islands.
Gan-Ulzii comments: ‘Known as the ‘Blue Pearl of Mongolia’, this pristine lake is surrounded by dense forests and majestic mountains.
‘The crystal-clear waters, which account for almost 70 percent of Mongolia’s freshwater, are perfect for those seeking tranquility and breathtaking scenery.’
The rolling sand dunes of the Southern Gobi, where temperatures reach 42°C in summer, could be the Arabian Desert.
But Mongolia is a nation of contrasts and the Yol Valley, despite being within the Gobi Desert, is home to an icy stream that remains frozen with ice several metres thick until mid-July each year.
Gan-Ulzii says: “The vast open landscapes are much larger and emptier than many expect.” The Kherlen River can be seen in the image.
LEFT: The Yol Valley, despite being within the Gobi Desert, is home to an icy stream that remains frozen until mid-July each year. RIGHT: The towering Altai Mountains, home to snow leopards, lynxes and golden eagles, are covered in snow behind fields where nomadic locals live in gers, traditional circular tent dwellings.
Fire and ice? It could be Iceland.
Other images include the towering Altai Mountains, home to snow leopards, lynxes and golden eagles, kissed by snow behind fields where nomadic locals live in gers, traditional dwellings made of round tents.
Tents can also be seen in photos from Khovd province, where dozens of them line the banks of a meandering river surrounded by open green plains.
The photographer comments: “Many Mongolians still live in traditional gers and follow a nomadic lifestyle, which can be quite surprising.”
Gan-Ulzii’s photographs also show the impressive stepped roofs, red columns and walls surrounding Amarbayasgalant Monastery from above, framed by winter snow.
Gan-Ulzii also takes dynamic images of horses galloping and bucking in open fields, as well as grazing next to gers: he says they “spend 24 hours (a day) looking for food.”
Gers in Khovd province, with dozens of people lined up on the banks of a river that meanders through a plain
LEFT: This photo shows the impressive terraced roofs, red columns and walls surrounding Amarbayasgalant Monastery. RIGHT: A dynamic image of horses in an open field
Does Gan-Ulzii have any favorite places?
Lake Khuvsgul, the Gobi Desert and the Orkhon Valley take the top spots.
Do you have any advice for tourists who want to visit Mongolia? Are there any places people should avoid in Mongolia?
Gan-Ulzii comments: ‘Tourists should be careful when visiting extremely remote areas without adequate preparation. For example, avoid remote wilderness regions without a guide, as the lack of infrastructure and potentially harsh weather can be risky.
‘High altitude areas like the Altai Mountains are very cold in winter, so proper preparation is essential. The Gobi Desert can be extremely hot in summer, which can be difficult if you’re not used to extreme heat. It’s best to travel with a local guide or join a tour group for safety.’
Are there any social mistakes that people should avoid making?
He explains: ‘Yes, there are several social customs to be aware of in Mongolia.
Gan-Ulzii comments: “Tourists should be careful when visiting extremely remote areas without proper preparation.” Above are the cliffs of Ulaan Yavar in Govi-Altai
Gan-Ulzii says: “Many Mongolians still live in traditional gers and follow a nomadic lifestyle, which can be quite surprising.” In the image on the left, the gers are situated beneath the Altai Mountains, while on the right the land spills out into Lake Khar, also called Black Lake, in western Mongolia.
‘Avoid stepping on the threshold of the door when entering a house or ger; always step over it. Do not touch anyone’s hat, as it is considered very personal. Never point your feet at people or the family altar inside a ger.
‘If you are offered food or drink, it is polite to accept it, even if it is just a small sip. Use both hands or at least your right hand supported by your left when giving or receiving something.
‘It is believed that whistling in closed spaces brings bad luck.
‘Finally, show respect to older people by greeting them first and offering them the best seats. Keeping these customs in mind will help you navigate social interactions in a respectful manner.’
Is there anything that might surprise visitors to Mongolia?
Gan-Ulzii says: “Visitors to Mongolia may be surprised by several things. The vast, open landscapes are much larger and emptier than many expect.
‘Extreme weather conditions, with very hot summers and very cold winters, could also be a shock.
“Visitors are sure to be impressed by the warm hospitality of the locals, who are known for their generosity. In addition, traditional festivals such as Naadam, which include unique events such as wrestling, horse racing and archery, offer a vibrant cultural experience that can be quite different from what visitors are used to.”
