Have you’ve ever wondered ‘where is Mongolia?’, then you’ve come to the right place. Covering East and Central Asia, Mongolia sits beneath Russia to the north and China to the south, east, and west. Thanks to its consistent weather, Mongolia is known as the ‘Land of the Eternal Blue Sky’. However, Mongolia is much more than contrasting blue skies. Visiting Mongolia is a stunning mix of landscapes, traditions, and modern life. This unique blend of the modern world and time-honored traditions is a big part of Mongolian culture, and it’s all waiting for you to experience first-hand.
When you arrive in Mongolia, there is no doubt that a unique experience awaits. A significant proportion of the population, around 30%, still adheres to the nomadic way of life, an admirable testament to resilience in the face of Mongolia’s harsh climate and rugged terrain. You’ll have the chance to visit a traditional Mongolian Ger, which offers a glimpse into this nomadic lifestyle.
Spend time with the locals, who are known for their warmth and hospitality, participate in age-old activities like horse riding and archery, and enjoy local delicacies such as Airag, a fermented horse milk drink. This firsthand experience of the nomadic way of life truly enriches your understanding of the culture in Mongolia.
Picture a grand celebration that captures the spirit of a nation. That’s the Naadam Festival, one of Mongolia’s most anticipated annual events. Known as ‘the Three Games of Men,’ Naadam showcases traditional Mongolian sports such as wrestling, horse racing, and archery, all of which date back to the era of the Great Mongol Empire.
But Naadam is not just about sports. It’s a stunning display of Mongolian culture and traditions. From traditional music and dance to colourful parades, attending the Naadam Festival feels like stepping into a living, breathing painting of Mongolian history.
Tucked away in the remote and rugged Taiga region in northern Mongolia, are the Tsaatan people—known as Mongolia’s Reindeer Tribe. The Tsaatan, whose lives revolve around their herds of reindeer, are among the last of the world’s truly nomadic reindeer herders. Spending time with this tribe allows you to witness their profound connection with nature, their ancient shamanistic rituals, and their remarkable resilience against extreme weather conditions—a truly authentic and intimate cultural experience.
Come September/October, the Altai Mountains in Mongolia serve as the setting for a thrilling spectacle—the Golden Eagle Festival. This annual event showcases the ancient Kazakh tradition of hunting with golden eagles, a practice that spans nearly a millennium. At the festival, Kazakh eagle hunters display their skills in a series of events, the most anticipated of which is the contest to determine which eagle flies to their master’s hand in the shortest time. Witnessing the festival is not just about the thrill of competition but rather about appreciating the deep relationship between the Kazakhs and their revered golden eagles.
No Mongolian travel experience is complete without a visit to the Gobi Desert. This isn’t your typical desert. The Gobi, one of the world’s largest deserts, offers a landscape of stark beauty that goes beyond rolling sand dunes. Here, you can embark on a range of unique experiences, from riding a Bactrian camel to hunting for dinosaur fossils. The Flaming Cliffs, a formation of red-orange sandstone, is a must-visit spot. Renowned as a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a prehistoric era.
The culture in Mongolia is a symphony of sights, tastes, and, most strikingly, sounds. Mongolian music, particularly the unique art of throat singing or ‘Khoomei,’ is a mesmerising part of this symphony. Khoomei is a style that allows the performer to produce multiple pitches simultaneously, resulting in a captivating harmonic sound. Alongside this is the enchanting music of the Morin Khuur, a two-stringed instrument often adorned with a horse head. A live performance of throat singing or the Morin Khuur is more than just a musical experience.
Are you ready to take the road less travelled with Crooked Compass? We are a travel and tour company dedicated to unveiling every destination’s less-explored and more authentic heart. We curate journeys that go beyond the usual tourist routes, immersing you in Mongolia’s unique culture and leading you through untouched landscapes that have shaped its stories.
From the thrilling spectacle of the Golden Eagle Festival to intimate encounters with the Reindeer Tribes, your Mongolian adventure awaits. Don’t just travel to Mongolia—experience Mongolia. Contact Crooked Compass today to find out more.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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