Start here · Essential guide
Mongolia Regions: An Overview
A plain-language map of Mongolia's western, central, northern, eastern and southern regions, and the character each one has, as a starting point for planning.
Land and Nature
Regions of Mongolia
The main regions and what each is known for.
Central Mongolia and the Orkhon Valley
Why the central grasslands and the Orkhon River valley matter for Mongolian history and culture, from steppe empires to the old capital and its monasteries.
Darkhad Valley and the Northern Taiga
An introduction to the remote Darkhad basin west of Lake Khuvsgul: its wetlands, taiga forest, reindeer herders and why travel there needs patience and planning.
Eastern Mongolia: Plains and Border Country
An introduction to eastern Mongolia's wide steppe, wildlife, wetlands and border landscapes, and why this quiet region sees far fewer visitors than the west or south.
Lake Khuvsgul and the Northern Mountains
A guide to Lake Khuvsgul, Mongolia's great northern lake, with its forested mountains, taiga setting, reindeer-herding neighbors and how the seasons change it.
The Altai Mountains and Western Mongolia
A look at the high Altai Mountains of western Mongolia: its peaks, glaciers, lakes and the Kazakh eagle-hunting tradition, as background for planning a visit.
The Gobi Desert Region
The Gobi is more than sand dunes. Learn about its varied terrain of dunes, canyons, mountains and gravel plains, its wildlife and how remote it can feel.
Ulaanbaatar: The Capital City Explained
What to know about Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital: its role in the country, its character, how it grew and what visitors typically do there before heading out.
Western Mongolia: Bayan-Olgii and Kazakh Culture
An introduction to Bayan-Olgii, Mongolia's Kazakh-majority province: its language, Muslim traditions, music, crafts and how it differs from the rest of the country.
Related topics
More in land and nature
Nature and Wildlife Steppe, desert, mountains, lakes and the animals living there. Seasons and Weather How climate and seasons shape travel and daily life. Protected Areas and Parks National parks, nature reserves and how protected land works in Mongolia. Lakes, Rivers and Mountains The waters and highlands that define Mongolian geography. Wildlife Spotlights Closer looks at individual species and habitats.