1 RIO-GLENCORE DEAL CLOSER THAN EVER WITH PREMIUM AND CEO IN FOCUS WWW.BLOOMBERG.COM PUBLISHED:2026/01/10      2 MONGOLIA'S INFLATION DOWN TO 7.5 PCT IN DECEMBER 2025 WWW.XINHUANET.COM PUBLISHED:2026/01/10      3 MONGOLIA ENERGY FACES MNT 412.3 BILLION TAX LIABILITY AFTER LOSING MONGOLIAN COURT CASE WWW.TIPRANKS.COM  PUBLISHED:2026/01/10      4 NUMBER OF FOREIGN NATIONALS RESIDING FOR OFFICIAL AND PRIVATE PURPOSES UP 7.4% WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/10      5 SUSTAINABILITY RELATED REPORTING: READINESS ASSESSMENT MONGOLIA REPORT WWW.UNDP.ORG PUBLISHED:2026/01/10      6 GOVERNMENT TO FORMALLY APPROACH RIO TINTO, OYU TOLGOI TO SAFEGUARD NATIONAL INTEREST WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      7 NON-COMPLIANT ADVERTISING BILLBOARDS TO BE REMOVED WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      8 FROM TORONTO, CANADA TO PHU QUOC, VIETNAM: MONGOLIA’S BOLD 2026 AVIATION EXPANSION INCLUDES NEW FLIGHTS, VISA-FREE TRAVEL, AND AIRPORT UPGRADES! WWW.TRAVELANDTOURWORLD.COM PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      9 MONGOLIA TO MARK 820TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT MONGOL EMPIRE WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      10 PARLIAMENT SUPPORTS SOLAR GER INITIATIVE UNDER NEW REGULATORY REFORMS WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      GLENCORE, RIO TINTO КОМПАНИУД НЭГДЭХ ХЭЛЭЛЦЭЭ ХИЙЖ БАЙНА WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/10     Н.НАРАНБААТАР: ЭНЭ ОНД НҮҮРСНИЙ ЭКСПОРТЫН ХЭМЖЭЭГ 90 САЯ ТОННД БАРИНА WWW.MONTSAME.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/10     УЛААНБААТАРТ ӨНДӨР ТЕХНОЛОГИЙН ХОЁР ҮЙЛДВЭР БАЙГУУЛЖ, УСАН ХАНГАМЖИЙГ 80 ХУВИАР НЭМЭГДҮҮЛЛЭЭ WWW.GOGO.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     ХУУЛЬ БУС ЭЗЭМШИЛД БАЙСАН 15 БАРИЛГА БАЙГУУЛАМЖИЙГ НИЙСЛЭЛД БУЦААН АВЧЭЭ WWW.NEWS.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     МОНГОЛ УЛСАД 37 097 ГАДААД ИРГЭН ОРШИН СУУХ БҮРТГЭЛТЭЙ БАЙНА WWW.EAGLE.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     ҮСХ: 12 ДУГААР САРЫН ИНФЛЯЦ 7.5 ХУВЬТАЙ ГАРЛАА WWW.EAGLE.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     2026 ОНД НИЙСЛЭЛД ХЭРЭГЖИХ ТОМООХОН БҮТЭЭН БАЙГУУЛАЛТУУД WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     ДУЛААНЫ ТАРИФ НЭМЭГДҮҮЛЭХ ШИЙДВЭРИЙГ ХОЙШЛУУЛЖ, 2027 ОНЫ НЭГДҮГЭЭР САРЫН 1-НЭЭС НЭМНЭ WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     НИЙГМИЙН ДААТГАЛЫН ӨР ТӨЛБӨРТ ТООЦОЖ, "КАПИТАЛ" БАНКНААС ХУРААСАН ХӨРӨНГИЙГ ДУУДЛАГААР ХУДАЛДАНА WWW.GOGO.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     НИЙСЛЭЛИЙН 19 БАЙРШИЛД 11.7 КМ АВТО ЗАМЫН БОРООНЫ УС ЗАЙЛУУЛАХ ШУГАМ УГСАРНА WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/08    

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Events

Events

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MBCC “Doing Business with Mongolia seminar and Christmas Receptiom” Dec 10. 2025 London UK MBCCI London UK Goodman LLC

NEWS

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Mongolia to purchase 710 thousand tons of gasoline from Russia www.open.kg

The Deputy Minister noted that this month an agreement was confirmed with the Russian oil refinery in Angarsk. He also added that the consumption of petroleum products in Mongolia increases by about 30% annually. Despite the fact that supplies from Russia remain stable, it was decided in January to increase the volumes by 60%.
As of January 5 of the current year, the supply of petroleum products in Ulaanbaatar is at a stable level. The ministry has begun work on accumulating a 20-day supply of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline. There are no issues with diesel fuel supplies, and its volume at the beginning of 2026 is 197 thousand tons.

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Ulaanbaatar to Install 11.7 km of Storm Drains at 19 Sites www.montsame.mn

This year, the Geodesy, Water, and Construction Facilities Authority Municipality-Owned Enterprise will install 11.7 kilometers of road stormwater drainage networks at 19 locations in the capital city, funded by the Ulaanbaatar city budget.
According to the Governor’s Office of the Capital City of Ulaanbaatar, as part of works at the Selbe and Sharkhad sub-centers, 7.2 kilometers of groundwater drainage networks will be installed at two locations. The following works are also planned:
·         In the territory of Khoroos 13 and 14 of Sukhbaatar district, construction will begin on a five-tier water reservoir system with a capacity of 1.3 million cubic meters, covering a 21.7-hectare floodplain area, to store floodwaters of the Selbe river.
·         At 28 locations, 48,000 cubic meters of silt and sediment will be removed from flood protection facilities to ensure normal operation of flood channels.
·         Cleaning works will be carried out on 4,034 catch basins and 4,171 inspection manholes along 217 kilometers of road, stormwater, and groundwater drainage networks across six districts of the capital.

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Building Mongolia's New, Old Capital at Kharkhorum www.thediplomat.com

Mongolia wants to resurrect the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire as a modern-day urban hub.
Mongolia is pursuing an ambitious initiative to move its capital, Ulaanbaatar, to Kharkhorum (also known as Karakorum) – the ancient capital of the Mongolian Empire. Mongolia’s rapid urbanization has reached its peak, with one-third of the country’s population dwelling in the capital. A new capital might help solve some of the challenges of overcrowding and attract modern talents and investments. 
Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, is known as one of the highest and coldest capitals in the world. Surrounded by four sacred mountains, Ulaanbaatar has been the symbol of modern Mongolia for decades. The capital was and still is a place for nomads to seek opportunities and a modern way of life. 
However, in the last several decades, Ulaanbaatar’s size has tripled, surpassing what the city’s infrastructure could handle. Despite efforts to decentralize the capital, the mayor’s offices – the current and previous administration – have been stuck playing catchup. One of the solutions to this challenge is to move the capital to Kharkhorum.
Across Asia, several other countries are moving their capitals in an attempt to address overcrowding and unbalanced regional development. Indonesia, for example, is building a new capital at Nusantara on Borneo Island. The presidential office relocated there in 2024. 
South Korea is also heading toward relocating its administrative capital to the historic city of Sejong. President Lee Jea-myung vowed to relocate the presidential office to Sejong, hoping to create a more balanced society.  
In 2022, Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa passed a decree to restore Kharkhorum as the capital. The city, located 230 kilometers southwest from Ulaanbaatar, is famous as the historic capital of the Mongol Empire. The move to revive Kharkhorum will require both domestic and foreign talents and investors. If implemented efficiently Mongolia could create a new city, with much more modern elements while encapsulating its deep historic roots. 
Mongolia’s once-and-future capital, Kharkhorum, and the current capital of Ulaanbaatar. Via Google Maps.
Kharkhorum once represented a melting pot, linking the Eurasian steppes to the farflung corners of the Mongol Empire, from the Pacific to the Persian Gulf and even eastern Europe. Songs, poems, and anecdotes from the time about the liveliness of the ancient capital during its heyday in the 13th century. Kharkhorum hosted merchants and artisans from the East and the West; Christian missionaries, Muslim scholars, and Buddhist monks lived side-by-side. Archival documents mention Buddhist temples, Islamic mosques, pagan temples, and Christian churches in Kharkhorum. Today, one of Mongolia’s oldest surviving Buddhist temples, Erdene Zuu, is found in Kharkhorum.
Kharkhorum was initially built as a military base campground, given its large land space. The city was then transformed into a cosmopolitan hub for political and economic affairs. In 1235, under Ogedei Khan, Chinggis Khaan’s son and successor, Kharkhorum became a walled capital. 
According to historians, Kharkhorum was eventually neglected and lost its power after Khublai Khan – the grandson of Chinggis Khaan – decided to move the Mongol capital to Khanbaliq (modern day Beijing), to gain more direct access to diverse trade routes. 
Later, as Khublai Khan’s Yuan dynasty came to end, in 1388, forces from the Ming dynasty destroyed the capital and it has been in ruin since. Kharkhorum’s ruins remain a vital historic site for the Mongol Empire. The ancient city showcases modern Mongolia’s approach toward protecting cultural heritage, increasing tourism, and expanding international partnerships in specifically reviving archeological findings. 
Given Kharkhorum’s deep historical relevance and its role in the Mongol national identity, the government has registered the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape – which includes Kharkhorum – as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
In today’s Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar has engulfed the vast majority of financial and human resources, given the extreme centralization. The New Kharkhorum project will create new opportunities for development and modernization. The Mongolian government has dedicated 189 hectares of area for the special project. Construction has already begun and major cooperation agreements with Mongolia’s international partners are underway.
In 2024, Mongolia registered 428 teams from 54 countries to compete to showcase an urban concept for the development of New Kharkhorum. Teams from China, Italy, Mexico, Singapore, Russia, Turkiye, Bangladesh, and 18 other countries joined the competition. 
The winning team was a consortium of Chinese state-owned companies, with a design “aimed at creating a new green, cultural, resilient and happy city,” according to China State Construction Engineering Corporation. China is already investing in the New Kharkhorum project, particularly in road and bridge construction and engineering.
Member of Parliament Dr. Bum-Ochir Dulam, who is also a professor of anthropology, stressed the importance of welding old and new together in Kharkhorum. “Imagine people going there and understanding the history of humankind,” he said in an interview. “This is why we are restoring it.”
According to the administration of former Prime Minister of Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, “As part of the city’s master plan, it is envisioned to establish a residential area accommodating 500,000 people, a 4E-class international airport, an agricultural cluster, a 4,800-hectare transport and logistics center, and a 2,450-hectare tourism zone around Lake Ogiinuur.” 
The relocation of the capital will require approximately $30 billion. The mayor of Kharkhorum Khaltar stated that the reconstruction of the city will use modern tools, merging Mongolia’s historical identity with modern, smart, digital, and green urban concepts. 
The planned new capital may become Mongolia’s first nuclear-powered city, with assistance from Russia’s Rosatom to build small modular reactors (SMRs). In 2024, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Mongolia, Putin mentioned Russia’s possible assistance in diversifying Mongolia’s energy with small scale nuclear power plants. The deputy chairman of Mongolia’s parliament, Purevdorj Bukhchuluun, stated that if Mongolia were to start the nuclear-power project today, “in 10 to 15 years, we would have solved our energy issue.” 
As Mongolia makes a bold move to relocate its capital, diverse cooperation opportunities will arise. In establishing the New Kharkhorum City, Mongolia’s tech-savvy partners – not only China but Japan and South Korea – will play a major role in investment, introducing modern urban planning and development. If implemented successfully and efficiently, the New Kharkhorum City can be a major boost to the country’s investment portfolio, urbanization, and economy.
By Bolor Lkhaajav

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Backed by Indonesian Tycoon, This Listed Firm Rushes to Acquire a Mongolian Mine www.cnbcindonesia.com

PT Techno9 Indonesia Tbk (NINE) is planning to acquire mining assets in Mongolia following the entry of Poh Group as the company’s controlling and majority shareholder. NINE Director Nuzwan Gufron explained that the acquisition will be carried out entirely through a Rights Issue mechanism, formally known as a Pre-emptive Rights Issue (PMHMETD), without using internal cash reserves or external financing from banks or third parties.
He stated that the company aims to submit the PMHMETD Registration Statement no later than the second quarter of 2026, as disclosed in an official filing with the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) on Wednesday (January 7, 2026).
According to Nuzwan, the injection of Mongolian mining assets into NINE has become Poh Group’s primary focus. Meanwhile, plans to acquire coal mining assets in Indonesia are still under evaluation and have not yet been finalized.
He added that Poh Group will provide further disclosure should there be any progress regarding potential mining acquisitions in Indonesia, in accordance with applicable regulations.
Previously, NINE secured an option right to acquire mining assets in Mongolia for a period of 12 months. These assets are currently owned by Poh Golden Ger Resources Pte Ltd (PGGR), an entity affiliated with the company’s controlling shareholder.
The indicative value of the assets is estimated at around US$100 million, or approximately Rp1.6 trillion, although an independent valuation is still required to determine the final price. PGGR currently operates both open-pit and underground mines, with total assets valued at approximately US$500 million and a workforce of more than 1,000 employees.

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Preparatory Work Launched to Bring the Borteeg Deposit into Economic Circulation www.montsame.mn

The Government of Mongolia established a working group to ensure preparations for bringing the Borteeg section of the Tavan Tolgoi coal deposit cluster into economic circulation and to select an investor.
In bringing the Borteeg deposit into economic circulation, the Government will solicit proposals from investors transparently and openly, determine coal prices in accordance with market principles, ensure that the majority of the project’s benefits accrue to Mongolia, promote value-added construction and product manufacturing, and organize all stages of the process openly and transparently.
Accordingly, an international open call for expressions of interest will be announced on January 9 to assess investor interest at the initial stage.
Once the project is implemented, the benefits derived by citizens from natural resources will increase, the National Wealth Fund will expand, and the necessary financial resources will be formed to address pressing social and economic challenges.
A technical and economic feasibility study for the Borteeg deposit was prepared in 2020, and detailed exploration in accordance with the JORC standard was conducted. The updated bankable feasibility study is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of this year.
The license area held by “Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi” JSC includes strategically important sections of the Tavan Tolgoi coal deposit cluster, namely Tsankhi, Bortolgoi, Onchkharaat, and Borteeg.

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Tourism organisations to receive “Star” ratings www.gogo.mn

As part of the government’s “Year to visit Mongolia” (2023–2028) programme and the drive to host one million tourists in 2026, regulations establishing an official “Star” rating system for tourism service providers have been approved.
The new regulations clarify classification and rating standards for accommodation and hospitality services under the Law on Tourism. They are designed to raise service quality and accessibility to align with international norms, create eligibility for government discounts and incentives, and help attract foreign investment to the sector.
Officials say the rules were developed through stakeholder engagement: six roundtable discussions were held with tourism businesses and their recommendations were reflected in the draft. The draft was also published on the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth website for public comment.
Under the revised rules, categories can now be set for a wider range of operations, including tourist complexes, hotels and tourist resorts, whereas previous rules focused mainly on high-end hotels and resorts. The government says the rating framework will support both quality improvement and tourism-sector competitiveness ahead of the 2026 target.

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Citizens to get 6 services after switch to unified emergency number “112” www.gogo.mn

On January 6, 2026, Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs B.Enkhbayar reviewed the Information and Express Management Center of the General Police Department and the preparations for Mongolia’s transition to the international-standard unified emergency number 112.
Under Government Resolution No. 67 (February 5, 2025), Mongolia is moving its emergency-call services to 112 so that anyone can request timely assistance for crimes, violations, floods and river hazards, medical emergencies and other urgent incidents from anywhere and on any mobile network.
Switching to the 112 system will enable 6 key service capabilities: Video calling to emergency operators, automatic location determination (with the caller’s consent), reception of text messages to emergency services, multilingual support, the ability to receive calls from foreigners in four languages, first-aid video guidance and advisory video support, calls via the 102 mobile application (integration with existing police-app channels).
Officials also report ongoing infrastructure work, including connecting police, ambulance, hospital and mountain-rescue communication bases via fiber-optic links to improve reliability and response times.
The Information and Express Management Center currently handles an average of 8,500 calls per day, more than 3 million calls per year.

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Mongolia to Host Global World Horse Day Celebration www.montsame.mn

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted, on June 3, 2025, a resolution proclaiming July 11 as ”World Horse Day,” an initiative proposed by President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa.
This year, Mongolia will host, for the first time, a large-scale celebration of World Horse Day, bringing together 10,000 horse riders from 56 countries.
The event will take place at Khui Doloon Khudag, on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, on July 11–13, 2026. Organizers are currently developing an extensive program designed to showcase the wonders of horsemanship. Five thematic zones are preliminarily planned, covering entertainment, equine therapy, traditional healing practices, cultural programs, and heritage bearers from all 21 aimags.
In 2013, Mongolia organized a Guinness World Record event at Khui Doloon Khudag, featuring a 3,000-horse race and a parade of 10,000 mounted riders in traditional national dress with full saddlery and tack.
According to estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a total of 60.8 million horses worldwide were recorded in 2023.
Mongolia has a massive horse population that significantly outnumbers its people. As of the end of 2023, the country had 4.8 million horses out of a total 64.7 million head of livestock. Mongolians are deeply intertwined with horses, which are vital to nomadic life and widely used for riding and transportation. Horses occupy a central place in Mongolian culture, encompassing not only traditional racing and the production of airag (fermented mare’s milk), but also the associated ceremonial practices, folk games, praising for winning horses, and communal celebrations that accompany these traditions.

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This sacred site is one of the world’s oldest nature reserves www.nationalgeographic.com

Mongolia’s Bogd Khan Uul was originally protected by an ally of Genghis Khan and is home to Bronze Age petroglyphs, breathtaking views, and ancient human settlements.
Where a family’s prized possessions are their cows and sheep, second only to the horses—and maybe a pair of binoculars—strength has never been in numbers. The world’s last nomads have lived in harmony off the land for thousands of years in the least densely populated country in the world, but that is changing.
“We have never been team sports players because we can’t be,” explains Dorj Usukhjargal, a Mongolian biologist.
 On the Mongolian steppe, these minimalists race the horses they honor and eat to bulk up their children who’ve become world’s top sumo wrestlers. Separated by thousands of miles across the worn-out grasslands couched between the sand dunes of the Gobi Desert and the Altai Mountains, nomadic herding families bulk up to forge on, breaking down and reassembling yurt homes they call gers, just so their free-roaming livestock don’t overgraze. They’ve been migrating long distances seasonally to protect the land since before Genghis Khan unified their tribes into the largest land empire in history in the 1200s—and his nomad friend, Tooril Khan, protected Bogd Khan Uul, which in 1778 became world's first national park, a century before Yellowstone.
“Long before global conventions and climate summits, Mongolia was practicing conservation in ways that still resonate today,” says Galbadrakh (Gala) Davaa, director for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Mongolia.
In September, I stood on the other side of the world, watching a massive flock of pigeons fly south over Bogd Khan Uul’s 1733 Buddhist temple ruins. Winter temperatures are already creeping into the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s overcrowded capital, near the growing ger district where nomadic climate refugees make up a large percentage of the city's population. A fast and furious freezing phenomenon intensifying from climate change, called dzud, has interrupted Mongolia’s deeply cultural and practical nomadic conservation practices.
“These shifts are not abstract—they are felt in the harsh winters, which have become more frequent and devastating, causing massive livestock losses and threatening the livelihoods of rural herders,” explains Davaa.
In this one-two climate punch, only in Mongolia, extreme droughts and rising summer temperatures from greenhouse gases trigger heavy winter winds, blankets of ice, and negative 50-degree weather from a weakening polar jet system. More frequent and severe dzuds in the past decade have killed off droves of Mongolia’s livestock—about 10 percent (8.1 million) in 2023-2024 alone—just before UNESCO recognized the ancient Mongol Nomad Migration as an intangible cultural heritage.
This winter, Mongolian nomads Batbayar Dashtsermaa and his wife Dejidmaa are preparing for another severe dzud. Their hay supply will run out in February, and that’s when the dzud hits hardest.
“Our animals are weaker and we’ve lost 100 already,” says Batbayar, handing me a basket of dried Mongolian curd (aaruul) that Dejidmaa fermented here inside their ger after milking the cows outside. “We had to take out a loan to buy more wheat and feed so the animals survive winter because they can’t live off the pastures alone anymore, but that means life gets harder for us. We won’t have any money left for healthcare if we get sick.”
Dejidmaa fills the wood stove with odorless cow dung that vents through the chimney out the roof hole, then reaches up to remove a photo of her daughter wedged in the wall between the ger’s orange slats and felt lining from sheep’s wool.
“She’s off at school in Ulaanbaatar and when she gets older, she can decide whether to return to become a nomad, since she knows how to do it," she explains to me through a translator—Gan-Erdene Ganbat, a Mongolian G Adventures guide who is now my friend. But, chances are, she adds, they’ll join their kids in the city in a decade, selling their animals to buy an apartment they’ll leave to them, ending their family’s ancestral nomadic heritage. 
“Out of 10 nomadic families we know, three or four have left the steppe for an easier life,” adds Batbayar.
Nomadic routes have been central to Mongolia since 3500 B.C., and some even later became part of the Silk Road, where nomads facilitated cultural and religious exchange, and safe passage. Until Mongolia’s 1911 independence from the Qing Dynasty, nomads still made up 90 percent of Mongolia. But today, nomads only represent 35 percent of the population. 
“Mongolia stands at a critical crossroads. As one of the countries most affected by climate change, it faces intensifying threats—from rising temperatures to land degradation,” says Davaa. 
Bogd Khan Uul Biosphere Reserve
In a clearing from the dense woody evergreens, along the slope of Bogd Khan Mountain, I saw why this national park was prohibited from logging and hunting in the 1200s. Bogd Khan Uul is the world’s oldest nature reserve, originally preserved by an ally of Genghis Khan named Van, or “Tooril” Khan, leader of one of five dominant Mongol tribes in the 12th and 13th centuries. Worshipping the park’s Bogd Khan Mountain, Tooril Khan banned hunting and logging in its coniferous forests. By 1778, the area was home to hundreds of monks in more than 20 temples—including the famous Manzushir Monastery ruins—and designated a protected area under the Qing Dynasty.
Even after the park’s temples were destroyed in the 1930s, locals regarded the mountain as a holy site. Finally, in 1957, the government announced the official protection of the park, increasing its safeguarding in 1974 and again in 1995. A year later, UNESCO designated the site a biosphere reserve.
Gazing out the window of a centuries-old meditation retreat filled with colorful flags and Buddhist heads that belonged to Mongolia’s last monarch, a Tibetan spiritual leader who lived here in 1911, I understood why. The "Sacred Mountain" now offers hauntingly beautiful stupas and Bronze-age nomadic petroglyphs and this remaining intact temple–once home of Mongolia’s last monarch, a Tibetan spiritual leader. Hikers climb to the 7,418-foot summit of Tsetsee Gun for breathtaking views reaching over Mongolia's sprawling nearby capital city of Ulaanbaatar and the vast Gobi Desert steppe.
Atop of the country’s tallest mountain lies temple ruins of the 18th century Mongolian government leader who was instrumental in protecting Bogd Khan Mountain, and in the valleys and winding rivers you'll find petroglyphs and inscriptions on cliffs, ancient human settlements at Zaisan Valley, and the 1653 meditation site of Zanabazar.
Make sure to visit the sacred Bodhi tree landmark historic meditation site, ancient rock art in caves of Nukhte Valley, and the astronomical observatory on Camel Cliff behind Khurel Togoot. And around the outskirts of the park, you'll find 70 seasonal nomadic herding families still tending to their livestock.
A 2024 initiative by the Mongolian government, The Nature Conservancy, herding communities, and others dedicated $189 million to protect 30 percent of Mongolia’s land and freshwater by 2030. This initiative vows to expand community-based conservation across 84 million acres for 24,000 herding households by 2040 in the face of climate change and economic challenges.
(Mongolia became a global leader in conservation by returning to its Indigenous roots)
“For Mongolians, these grasslands are more than ecological assets. They regulate water cycles, store carbon, and buffer climate extremes across Central Asia, says Davaa. “They are the backbone of nomadic heritage and a centuries-old way of life.”
Visiting Mongolia
By the end of this two-week, life-changing trip, where I herded and milked Batbayar and Dejidmaa’s cows, ate Mongolian cheese, fermented mare’s milk, and sipped a homemade vodka called arkhi, I was ready for anything.
Down endless bumpy stretches that felt like roads to nowhere, we visited many of the country’s 24 national parks beyond Bogd Khan—the Flaming Cliffs of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park where the first dinosaur eggs ever were discovered, and Hustai National Park, where the last living truly wild (Przewalski's) horses came back from extinction.
Horses are so intertwined with Mongolia’s national identity, that when they die their skulls are wrapped in Buddhist scarves and placed on a mountaintop.
Along nomadic routes, we slept in visitor ger camps, which started covering the steppe when Western visitation opened up in the 1990s. Now, tourism is experiencing another boom—a record number of visitors in 2024 (808,000) and another 21.5 percent increase during the first half of 2025. After United Airlines launched the first regularly scheduled flight between the U.S. and Mongolia in May, via Tokyo, the Mongolian government announced its plan to attract two million visitors annually by 2030, with a sharp focus on American travelers.
“We saw the demand and a way to seamlessly connect by flying through Newark and Narita, Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar," says Matt Stevens, vice president of United Airlines’ International Network. “We’re seeing travelers trendsetting to find the next big thing in adventure and culture tourism, also with Greenland. They want to immerse themselves in an experience and Mongolia has one of the most incredible landscapes in the world.” 
With a Mongolian government promise to increase benefits to local communities through tourism, time will tell what it means for the future of the country's nomadic people and its natural landscape, which is now 77 percent degraded. 
Days before Batbayar and Dejidmaa pack up their cheese cloths, vats, and wood stove and break down their felt and slats to herd their animals across the arid high-plateau to their winter spot, I ask a last question and Batbayar responds that what he loved most about being a nomad is already gone. 
“The best part of this lifestyle is behind me. It was when I rode my horse to herd the animals before motorbikes were used. That’s when I felt most proud and happiest,” he says. “But in Mongolia we have a saying. As long as you follow your animals, you will always have food to eat.”
BY
Anna Fiorentino is a journalist of 20 years who earned a 2025 SATW Lowell Thomas Award, among others. Her science, outdoors, and travel stories have appeared in National Geographic, TIME Magazine, AFAR, Outside, Smithsonian Magazine, BBC, Travel + Leisure, Boston Magazine, and Boston Globe Magazine. Anna also writes and edits articles and reports for leading research institutes. She lives in Portland, Maine. Follow her on Instagram.

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Mongolia’s Tourism Surge: 1 Million Visitors Targeted & $1.6 Billion Revenue in 2026 – What Airlines Like Air China & Marriott Are Doing to Cash In! www.travelandtourworld.com

China, Russia, and South Korea are flocking to Mongolia like never before, as the country gears up for a tourism boom that could reshape its economy. Under the leadership of Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar, Mongolia is aiming to attract 1 million tourists by 2026 and generate over $1.6 billion in tourism revenue, making it one of the hottest new destinations on the global travel map. This surge is not just a trend but a transformative shift driven by Mongolia’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences that appeal to travelers seeking adventure, nature, and authenticity. Airlines like Air China and Korean Air are already capitalizing on the growing demand, with more direct flights connecting major international hubs to Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, offering convenience and accessibility for tourists from across the globe. International hospitality giants like Marriott are also positioning themselves to welcome the influx of visitors, ensuring that both luxury and traditional Mongolian experiences are within reach. As Mongolia continues to develop its infrastructure, including eco-friendly tourism projects and better transport links, the country is on track to become a top destination in Asia. For travelers looking for untouched beauty, a rich cultural tapestry, and a sense of adventure, now is the time to explore Mongolia—before it’s fully discovered by the masses. The landscape is changing, and so is the way the world views this hidden gem of Asia.
Mongolia, with its vast steppes, rugged mountains, and unique nomadic culture, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international travelers. Under the leadership of Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar, the country has set an ambitious target to attract 1 million tourists by 2026 and generate over $1.6 billion in tourism revenue. This surge in tourism is expected to reshape the country’s economy, providing significant opportunities for both the airline and hospitality industries.
For those eager to explore Mongolia’s untouched beauty, the country is rolling out several initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure and accessibility, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers. In this article, we will explore the potential impact of this tourism boom, highlight what airlines like Air China and hotels like Marriott are doing to support it, and offer travel tips to make the most of your Mongolian adventure.
Mongolia’s tourism sector is undergoing a rapid transformation. The government is targeting a significant increase in visitor numbers, aiming for 1 million international tourists by 2026. This target is not just a number, but a key pillar of the country’s broader economic strategy. With such an influx, tourism is set to become a major contributor to Mongolia’s GDP, generating over $1.6 billion in revenue by 2026.
The government’s vision is to develop a sustainable tourism ecosystem that attracts visitors throughout the year, not just during the summer months. One of the most attractive elements of this plan is the promotion of eco-tourism and cultural experiences. Mongolia’s rich history, preserved traditions, and breathtaking landscapes make it a prime destination for those looking for a unique and immersive travel experience.
Airlines Like Air China: Meeting the Surge in Travel Demand
As Mongolia’s tourism sector grows, airlines are stepping up to meet the demand. One of the key players in this surge is Air China, which is expanding its flights to Mongolia. The airline already operates direct flights from major cities like Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, and with the growing tourism interest, more flights are being added to cater to the increasing number of travelers.
Air China is not alone in recognizing the potential of Mongolia as a growing destination. Several other international carriers, including Korean Air, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates, have also ramped up services to Ulaanbaatar. These airlines are making it easier for tourists to access Mongolia, with more frequent flights and convenient connections from major hubs around the world. Travelers from countries like China, Russia, South Korea, and Japan will find it easier than ever to visit Mongolia, as these carriers continue to expand their services to the country.
For tourists planning to fly to Mongolia, here are some helpful flight details. Air China operates regular flights between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar, which take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Korean Air, another major carrier, offers direct flights from Seoul to Ulaanbaatar, with a flight time of around 3 hours. Other airlines like Turkish Airlines also offer convenient connections through Istanbul, making it easier for travelers from Europe and the Middle East to reach Mongolia.
When booking flights to Mongolia, it’s important to keep in mind that the summer months (June to August) are peak travel periods, with most international tourists visiting during this time. However, travelers looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy Mongolia’s winter festivals might consider visiting in the colder months, which also offer unique experiences, such as ice skating and traditional winter celebrations.
The Hospitality Industry: Marriott and International Chains Gearing Up for the Boom
With the expected rise in tourist numbers, the hospitality industry is gearing up to accommodate the influx. International hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton are making strategic moves to capitalize on Mongolia’s growing tourism sector. These hotels are investing in luxury accommodations and expanding their offerings to cater to international tourists looking for both comfort and cultural experiences.
Marriott’s properties, including the Sheraton Ulaanbaatar Hotel, offer high-end services with a local touch, making them a perfect choice for travelers who want to experience Mongolia’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. Sheraton is just one example of how international hotel chains are adapting to the increasing demand. These hotels are providing more than just a place to stay; they offer a cultural experience, with locally inspired décor, Mongolian cuisine, and opportunities to learn about the country’s rich history.
In addition to luxury brands, eco-lodges and ger camps (traditional Mongolian tents) are also on the rise. These types of accommodations offer travelers an authentic experience, where they can sleep under the stars and enjoy the vast, open landscapes that define Mongolia. Many of these camps are located near famous tourist spots such as Khuvsgul Lake and the Gobi Desert, providing a true off-the-beaten-path experience for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
Travelers can also expect improvements in overall hospitality standards, with more hotels offering amenities such as Wi-Fi, multi-lingual staff, and gourmet dining. The rise of boutique hotels and local guesthouses is another promising trend, as they cater to tourists looking for a more intimate experience that connects them to the heart of Mongolian culture.
While planning your trip to Mongolia, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you have the best experience possible. Whether you’re flying into Ulaanbaatar or heading straight to the Gobi Desert, these tips will help you navigate the country’s unique terrain and make the most of your visit.
Visa Requirements:
Many nationalities can enter Mongolia visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, including citizens from the European Union, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian countries. However, travelers from certain countries will need to apply for a visa in advance. Be sure to check your specific visa requirements before booking your flight.
Weather Considerations:
Mongolia is known for its extreme weather conditions. Winters can be bitterly cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, especially in the northern and central regions. If you’re planning to visit during the winter months (November to February), be prepared for cold temperatures, icy winds, and snow. On the other hand, the summer months are more temperate, with daytime temperatures reaching comfortable levels.
Currency and Payments:
Mongolia uses the Mongolian tugrik (MNT) as its official currency. While credit cards are accepted in larger cities like Ulaanbaatar, cash is often preferred in rural areas and smaller towns. ATMs are available in Ulaanbaatar, but it’s always a good idea to carry some local currency with you when venturing outside the capital.
Language:
The official language of Mongolia is Mongolian, but English is increasingly spoken in major cities, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Learning a few basic phrases in Mongolian, such as “Sain baina uu” (Hello) and “Bayarlalaa” (Thank you), can go a long way in building rapport with locals.
Local Customs and Etiquette:
Mongolians are known for their hospitality and warmth. When visiting rural areas, it’s customary to bring a small gift as a token of appreciation. If you’re invited into someone’s ger (traditional Mongolian tent), it’s polite to accept the offer of tea or dairy products, as these are an important part of Mongolian culture.
Travel Insurance:
As with any adventure trip, it’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers health, cancellations, and emergencies. Since Mongolia’s terrain can be challenging, especially in rural areas, ensuring that you’re covered for unexpected situations will give you peace of mind during your journey.
Exploring Mongolia’s Key Tourist Attractions
Mongolia is home to some of the most unique and breathtaking landscapes in the world, offering travelers the opportunity to explore vast deserts, towering mountains, and pristine lakes. Here are some of the must-see attractions that you shouldn’t miss during your visit:
The Gobi Desert:
One of the largest deserts in the world, the Gobi Desert offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore its dramatic landscapes. Famous for its camel treks and dinosaur fossil sites, the Gobi Desert is a must-see for adventurers looking to immerse themselves in Mongolia’s natural wonders.
Khuvsgul Lake:
Often referred to as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” Khuvsgul Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful freshwater lakes in the country. Nestled in the northern part of Mongolia, it’s a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and boating.
Ulaanbaatar:
Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar, is a bustling metropolis that combines modernity with traditional Mongolian culture. Highlights include the Gandan Monastery, Sukhbaatar Square, and the National Museum of Mongolia, where you can learn more about the country’s fascinating history and heritage.
The Altai Mountains:
For hiking enthusiasts, the Altai Mountains offer some of the most scenic trekking routes in Mongolia. The mountains are home to unique wildlife, including snow leopards and golden eagles, making it an ideal destination for wildlife lovers and photographers.
Kharkhorin:
Known as the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, Kharkhorin is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important historical destinations in Mongolia. Visitors can explore the Erdene Zuu Monastery and learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Mongolia’s Rising Star in Global Tourism
Mongolia is undoubtedly on the rise as a top travel destination, with a growing number of tourists flocking to its majestic landscapes and rich cultural experiences. With the country’s ambitious goals to reach 1 million visitors and generate $1.6 billion in tourism revenue by 2026, the future of Mongolian tourism looks brighter than ever. Airlines like Air China, Korean Air, and Turkish Airlines are already positioning themselves to support this surge, while international hotel chains like Marriott and Sheraton are expanding their presence to cater to the influx of travelers.
For travelers, now is the perfect time to explore the wonders of Mongolia before the rest of the world catches on. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure in the Gobi Desert or a peaceful retreat by the shores of Khuvsgul Lake, Mongolia promises an unforgettable experience.

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