"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
Now booking 2026, 2027 & 2028 departures — speak with David
Best Time to Travel: June–September
Mongolia is the least densely populated sovereign nation on Earth, defined by a nomadic culture that remains central to its modern identity. It is a vast, landlocked plateau where 30% of the population lives in traditional gers (felt tents), following seasonal grazing patterns across the steppe. Unlike any other destination, Mongolia has a landscape with zero fences, allowing for unrestricted movement across one of the world’s last great wildernesses, from the Gobi Desert in the south to the Siberian larch forests of the north.
The Mongolian-Manchurian Steppe is a fence-free expanse where 30% of the population follows seasonal grazing. Travellers stay in felt-walled gers, joining herders to milk livestock and sample airag (fermented mare’s milk). From the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO site, horse treks follow the river through a landscape of 13th-century burial mounds and the Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall, where the horizon remains entirely unobstructed by infrastructure.
The Gobi is a high-altitude desert featuring the 300-metre-high Singing Sands of Khongoryn Els. At Bayanzag, red sandstone cliffs protect the world’s most concentrated site for Protoceratops fossils, while the narrow Yolyn Am gorge is so deep that its floor remains iced over until July. This ecosystem supports the rare Bactrian camel and the endangered Gobi bear, thriving in a climate that swings 80°C between seasons.
In Karakorum, the 1585 Erdene Zuu Monastery was constructed using stone blocks from the ruins of Genghis Khan’s capital. During the Naadam Festival, child jockeys compete in 25-kilometre cross-country horse races, while archers and wrestlers demonstrate The Three Manly Games. This nomadic identity is preserved by Kazakh eagle hunters in the western Altai, who train golden eagles to hunt on horseback—a 1,000-year-old tradition.
Ulaanbaatar
3.5 million
Mongols, Kazakhs, Russians, Chinese, Koreans, Americans
Buddhism, Islam, Shamanism, Christianity
Mongolian
Tögrög (MNT)
+976
UTC+7 & UTC+8
Types C & E
June–September
Buuz (steamed dumplings filled with meat), khuushuur (fried meat pastries), tsuivan (noodle stir-fry), suutei tsai (salted milk tea)
Russia to the north, China to the south, east, and west
Get a Mongolia e-sim from Airalo or Holafly, or locally from Unitel or Mobicom shops in Ulaanbaatar.
Mongolia tourist visa information is available on the Electronic Visa Application System. Contact us for visa assistance.
Compare how Forward Travel stacks up against traditional travel agents and large tour operators.
| Feature | Forward Travel | Travel Agents | Tour Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalised itineraries built around your interests | |||
| Direct access to a dedicated travel expert (David) | |||
| Handpicked local guides in every destination | |||
| Flexible dates, pace, and on-trip adjustments | |||
| Transparent, ethical pricing with no hidden margins | |||
| 24/7 in-destination support | |||
| Exclusive small-group experiences (max 15) | |||
| Responsible travel & community give-back |
Stories from the road
Real journeys, real words — hear from explorers who've travelled the world with Forward Travel.
"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
Let's bring your dreams to reality. Whether you know exactly what you want or need inspiration, we'll design a journey as unique as you are.