Life on the Move

The nomadic people of Mongolia live a life of adventure – one shaped by the wilderness they call home.

Words: BEVERLEY LENNON

Adventure. our ticket to freedom. A momentary break from life's steady rhythm. This quest for the unknown ignites our spirits, propelling us beyond comfort's borders. For some, it might be a long-awaited trip or a mountain to climb. For others, it might be a journey into the unknown.

In Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, adventure is not an occasional indulgence; it’s ever present.

The nomadic people of Mongolia are some of the world’s last remaining true wanderers. The extraordinary harsh, arid environment they call home requires them to be resilient. In constant motion, they follow the seasons and the stars, navigating unforgiving landscapes that challenge them each day.

Following the seasons

Bright white domes stand out against the vast, unyielding expanse of deserts and mountains on the horizon. Located in the most remote areas of the Earth, these yurts brave howling winds, heavy snows and scorching heat. They have been used for thousands of years for a reason – they’re cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

For centuries, the Gobi dwellers have roamed the vast steppes and deserts, guided by an instinctive bond with their land and its rhythms. They adapt to seasonal transformations that could be both bountiful and unforgiving. In a year, they move their ger or yurt as many as four to six times, each migration a response to the changing seasons, weather patterns and the needs of their livestock. They embrace a philosophy of sustainability, understanding that their survival hinges on the health of the land, practising rotational grazing to preserve the fragile ecosystem. With knowledge passed down through generations, the herders have learned when, where and how fast to move their homes, reading the land's subtle signs and shifting seasons.

The Gobi Desert has one of the harshest and most drastic climates in the world. Each season brings its own challenges and gifts. When the time to move from one camp to another draws near, the family gathers in quiet anticipation. Traditionally, the father sits down with the same lunar calendar that has guided generations before him, studying the stars and moon to find an auspicious day for their migration.

Once, oxen pulled heavy wooden carts. They carried felt yurts, cooking pots and heirlooms. All tethered together in a slow, deliberate migration across the vast steppe. Now, trucks rumble over familiar, well-worn trails. They are piled high with the same belongings. Alongside the convoy of vehicles, the real heart of the migration moves on foot – hundreds of animals, each vital to survival. The ‘five jewels’ of nomadic life –horses, sheep, cows, camels and goats – form a living stream of hot and cold muzzles.

Spring. The land awakens with a burst of life. Snow melts, revealing lush pastures. Nomads migrate, seeking fresh grazing lands. In the summer, from June to August water sources dwindle and the relentless sun scorches the landscape, testing the endurance of both people and animals. The nomadic people migrate to riversides, seeking respite.

This season also brings with it joyous gatherings under open skies. The Naadam Festival in July embodies summer's spirit, showcasing ancient nomadic skills. Wrestlers grapple in ornate vests, their moves a powerful dance. Archers draw bows with inherited grace. Thundering hooves echo across the steppe as horses race. These ‘Three Manly Games’ pulse with tradition, uniting Mongolians in a vibrant celebration of their enduring nomadic culture. This period is also the only time when travellers are welcomed, as the coming harsh weather conditions will render many areas inaccessible. Summer’s warmth opens the vast steppes, deserts and mountains to adventurers, offering a fleeting window for exploration.

Autumn's golden hues herald a slower rhythm. Harvests begin as migrating flocks seek safer grounds. The air turns crisp, as nature prepares for winter's slumber. When the bitter Zud descends, the nomads move strategically, setting up their camps at the base of a mountain, whose towering presence offers shelter from the brutal winds and snowstorms. They huddle in their yurts, warmed by carefully tended fires. Winter blankets the land in snow, testing survival skills daily. Yet it’s also a time for storytelling, family bonding and honouring the wisdom passed down through generations, knowing that spring will come again.

Historic trails

As early as the Bronze Age, the ancestors of the Mongols were mastering survival in this wild, untamed land. They established a culture built on freedom, sustainability and adaptability. Horses were, and remain, central to their way of life. They are not just survival tools. They are companions and symbols of freedom.

It was on horseback that their ancestors, led by the legendary Genghis Khan in the 13th century, swept across Asia, creating the largest contiguous empire in history. Genghis Khan himself embodied the fierce independence and ambition of the Mongol people, uniting them into a powerful force driven by the limitless horizon. Today, a towering monument of Genghis Khan, the world’s tallest equestrian statue, stands in Ulaanbaatar, pointing symbolically east toward his birthplace. Mounted on his horse, the figure watches over the steppe from atop the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, a monument to his enduring legacy. From these ancient roots, the Mongol nomads forged a legacy of endurance and exploration, becoming custodians of one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. Even now, these nomadic traditions continue, with families teaching their children to ride as soon as they can walk.

Preserving nomadic traditions

As climate change alters Mongolia’s landscape, the traditional nomadic way of life faces unprecedented challenges. Unpredictable weather, long droughts and harsh winters are taking a toll on pasturelands, forcing herders to accept that they must reduce animal numbers to protect their fragile ecosystem.

At the same time, social dynamics are changing, with an ageing population and fewer marriages taking place as young people move to cities in search of new opportunities. This shift threatens the survival of their culture and requires herders to learn new sustainable practices. Recognising these linked environmental and social issues, various organisations are working with the Mongolian government to launch initiatives that improve livestock herding efficiency and sustainability, aiming to balance the herders’ rich heritage with the demands of a changing world.

A journey to Mongolia with Jacada offers rare insight into this way of life. By engaging with the herders and supporting their efforts, you help preserve generations of cultural heritage while contributing to the sustainability of their future.

A pocket guide to the Gobi Desert

Experience Mongolian life

Join a nomadic Mongolian family for a chance to immerse yourself in their ancient way of life. You can learn the art of herding, passed down through generations, as well as start to master time-honoured milking techniques as you gain a firsthand understanding of the intricate skills that sustain this pastoral culture.

Stay at Three Camel Lodge

Wake up in a traditional yurt, surrounded by the echoes of Mongolia’s ancient customs and rich history. After a day of adventure, unwind at the Thirsty Camel Bar, one of the most remote watering holes on Earth, offering a handpicked selection of fine whiskeys. With each stay, private guides lead you on expertly curated journeys to the Gobi’s most breathtaking sites.