Central Mongolia

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As the heart of the country, central Mongolia is known for its current capital Ulaanbaatar and Karakorum, the ancient capital. Due to its strategic location, central Mongolia has been the hub of trade, culture and religion. For hundreds of years, ancient states built their capital cities along the Orkhon River Valley and forged their empires based on the fertile lands of Central Mongolia.

Central Mongolia is the land where Buddhism was introduced and flourished. Erdenezuu, the largest monastery in Mongolia, was built in 1586 by the order of Abtai Sain Khan, descendant of Chinggis Khan. Ruins of ancient cities, stone figures and ancient burial sites stand along Orkhon River Valley, witnessing ancient powerful states once dominated Central Asia and beyond.

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Geography

Central Mongolia features a diverse geography including mountains, valleys, steppes and forests. The Khangai Mountains are a prominent feature known for their forests and alpine pastures. The region also contains the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the site of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire.

Climate

Summers are short and relatively warm with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F). However, the Gobi region in the south can experience summer highs of 38°C (100°F) while Ulaanbaatar might see highs of 33°C (91°F) according to Mongolian Ways.

Central Mongolia experiences extremely cold winters with average temperatures below freezing from November to March and near freezing in April and October. January and February are particularly harsh with average temperatures around -20°C (-4°F) and nighttime temperatures often dropping to -40°C (-40°F).

People and Economy

Central Mongolia is primarily inhabited by the Khalkha Mongols, who are the largest group of Mongols in Mongolia and considered the core of all Mongol peoples across North Asia. They are seen as the direct descendants of Genghis Khan and the preservers of Mongol culture. While many Khalkha Mongols still practice nomadic herding, particularly with cattle and sheep, a growing number are also living in the capital, Ulaanbaatar and other urban centers.

Central Mongolia’s economy is heavily reliant on mining, particularly coal, copper and gold, which contribute significantly to exports and GDP. While the agricultural sector, primarily livestock farming is also present, it has faced challenges including recent severe winters. The service sector including tourism and transportation is growing and the government is working to diversify the economy through initiatives in manufacturing and other industries.

Animal Life

Central Mongolia is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including iconic species like the Przewalski’s horse, the wild Bactrian camel and the snow leopard. Other notable animals include the Mongolian wild ass, the Gobi bear, the Argali sheep and various species of gazelles and wolves. The region’s varied landscapes, from grasslands to mountains and deserts, support a wide array of birds, mammals and other creatures.

Plant Life

Central Mongolia’s flora is characterized by a mix of steppe, semi-desert and desert vegetation adapted to the region’s arid climate and high altitude. Key plant types include grasses, shrubs like saxaul and tamarisk and various flowering plants, some of which are medicinal.

Destination Facts

What to expect from Central Mongolia? Central Mongolia is a beautiful blend of history and nature. The centre of Chinggis Khan’s Mongol Empire, this region contains many ancient monuments, from Turkic pillars carved with a mysterious runic script to monasteries which survived the Stalinist purges by being tucked away in the mountains. This vast region has marvellous scenery, including the Khangai Mountains, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nur (the Great White Lake) and the remote Naiman Nuur. There are countless opportunities for hiking, horse riding and camping. Central Mongolia is a truly undiscovered paradise.
Ulaanbaatar, current capital of Mongolia Home to over half of the country’s population, it’s certainly not easy to navigate this sprawling, industrialised city of Soviet architecture. Ulaanbaatar isn’t particularly beautiful either. But it’s here that you’ll discover world-class museums, international cuisine and thriving nightlife.
Karakorum, old capital of Mongolia Karakorum (also known as Kharkhorin or Harhorin) was the capital of the Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan in 1220 and located in the Orkhon Valley of central Mongolia. It served as a major hub for trade, diplomacy and cultural exchange during its golden age. Karakorum's decline and abandonment began in the late 13th century after the Mongol capital was moved to Beijing by Kublai Khan.
The Mongolian Steppes cover 80% of the country's territory The Mongolian Steppe is a vast grassland, covering about 80% of Mongolia, and is characterized by its rolling hills, open plains, and arid landscapes. It's a significant part of the Eurasian Steppe, known for its unique ecosystem and wildlife. The steppe is home to nomadic herder communities and is vital for their livelihoods with traditional practices deeply intertwined with the land.
Mongolia has its own Olympics Have you heard about the Naadam Festival? This event has a long tradition that takes place every summer in all major cities in Mongolia. The most important sports events of the Naadam include three disciplines: archery, horse riding and wrestling. The festival also includes traditional Mongolian music and dance. For locals, this is one of the most important social and sporting events of the year.