In our travel in Mongolia, we often encounter Mongolian nomads traveling with their yurts in search of a new temporary home. It is then that many travellers realise we share something with the Mongolian ethnic group; our nomadic spirit. But despite this similarity, the Mongolians are a people with a rich history and customs and traditions far removed from Western ones. Let’s see why.
Typical Mongol customs
The traditions of Mongolia reveal nomadic lives adapted to the climate, respect among tribal members and a diet of meat and dairy, especially mare’s milk. Men and women traditionally dress similarly and live in close-knit communities, while celebrations such as the Naadam and sacred elements such as the Ovoos reflect the deep spiritual and cultural connection.
As for marriage, the Mongolians could marry relatives: a man could marry his sister. When a man died, his son could marry his wife. If the deceased was an older brother, the younger brother was obliged to marry his sister-in-law.
Their diet included no vegetables, pulses or bread. Can you live without bread? Apparently so. Instead, they ate horse, wolf, fox and dog meat, and frequently drank mare’s, camel’s, sheep’s and goat’s milk.
Clothing they wore were the same for men and women, making them difficult to distinguish.
Life within the tribes It was usually very good. There was always a climate of respect for the leader and the rest of the families. They never stole or fought among themselves.
A long tradition as looters allowed them to take all the goods they could not obtain because of their status as Travellers. One of his favourite places was always northern China, which had to devote considerable resources to reinforcing and repairing its wall because of the many incursions by the Mongolians. However, great forerunners, the Mongolians They did not often destroy sedentary peoples, preferring that they continue to produce goods and then plunder them again.
The ‘Ovoos’ (in Spanish, lots), are places of worship to honour nature, the sky and mountains, elements directly affecting daily life Mongolian nomad. Usually on high ground, these cairns also serve as landmarks. Travellers traditionally circle an ovoo three times for protection or, alternatively, sound their horn.
Mongolian homes, known as Gers or Yurts, have been essential to the survival and growth of the Mongols. They are built mainly from wood for the floor and frame, covered in layers of straw and wool whose thickness varies with the season. The structure withstands the country’s extreme climate, including heavy rain, snow and gusting winds. They are easy to heat and retain warmth well. Most surprising is that one can be built in just over an hour, as the video below shows. Impressive!
Here are a couple of images of the interior of the Gers or Yurts So that you can see that they are not lacking any luxury.
Mongolian Traditions Today
Although most Mongolians remain nomadic, globalisation and extreme weather have led some Mongolians to settle, losing some customs while preserving many others. The enduring nomadic spirit means some Mongolians, even when they have to live in a city, continue living in yurts. This leaves us with a curious image of the capital, Ulan Bator, where yurts surround modern buildings.
The festivities are also preserved, being the Naadam Festival one of the most popular. This summer celebration features the traditional games of Mongolia: Wrestling, horse racing and archery. These games once assessed the tribes' military prowess. In winter, meanwhile, there is the Tsagaan sar, another of the most traditional local festivals. Families wear their finest clothes, prepare special meals and gather with relatives and friends to celebrate winter’s end.
Sundoubtedly a culture that It's worth knowing, complemented by wonderful views of the changing landscapes of Mongolia, which pass from green plains to arid Gobi desert. If you want to have a complete Mongolian experience, check out our trips to Mongolia.
Naadam Festival in Mongolia
Departures from Barcelona and Madrid visit Mongolia’s great July festival, with athletes, wrestlers, riders and cultural displays. Deserts, immense grasslands and inaccessible mountains await, with regular encounters with nomadic families.
A domestic flight avoids endless overland transfers.
Upcoming trips to Mongolia
Mongolia✔️ Departure 8 JUL 2026
✔️ Price from 3050€
✔️ Departure 8 JUL | 1, 8 Aug 2026
✔️ Price from 2900€
