Exploring Mongolia: A Journey of Adventure and Culture
Mongolia has so much to offer travelers who are looking for wide open spaces, adventure, and culture. Squeezed between Russia and China, Mongolia might seem hard to reach; however, it is welcoming due to a tourism campaign that has eased visa restrictions through 2025.
Experience Mongolia Through Film
Curious about what it feels like to travel to Mongolia? Check out this immersive video from our team at GoTravelDaily.
Behind the Scenes of Filming in Mongolia
I caught up with our creative director, Annie Greenberg, to gain insight into what it was like to film in Mongolia.
Filming Details
For this production, we were fortunate to join a Nomadic Road expedition. This adventure facilitated jaw-dropping overland journeys and helped us explore the vast beauty of Mongolia. We filmed for over a week, with nonstop driving and production days stretching from sunrise to sunset. Consequently, due to the remote nature of many locations, we traveled up to thirteen hours a day, capturing stunning footage from both the drone and the moving vehicle. We adapted our shooting schedule to align with this roaming production style, incorporating gimbal work and breathtaking aerial shots.
Valuable Takeaways from the Shoot
Two moments will be etched in my memory forever: witnessing sunrise on the “singing sands” of the Khongoryn Els and blazing through fragrant plains of wild onion in an off-road vehicle.
Immersing in Mongolia’s Rich Cultural Traditions
A significant aspect of traveling to Mongolia is immersing yourself in its deep cultural traditions. Nomadic Road graciously arranged a private cultural festival for us, featuring wrestling, horse racing, and archery. This allowed for direct interaction with the local nomadic communities who passionately uphold these traditions. I learned about the importance of these cultural events to the younger generations, who strive to keep them alive for future centuries.
It was a privilege not only to witness these events firsthand but also to engage with local nomadic children, who proudly carry on their heritage. Additionally, while in Ulaanbaatar, our capable Travel Buddies facilitated a tour of the Gandan Monastery. We were fortunate to witness the rhythmic chantings of Buddhist monks, which have continued for centuries. This spiritual experience felt sacred and special, and I was honored to converse with one of the monks, gaining a deeper insight into the significance of these traditions.
Memorable Encounters During the Journey
The fellow travelers on the Nomadic Road expedition hailed from diverse backgrounds, representing countries from India to Singapore. These individuals shared a common passion for adventure and stepping outside their comfort zones. However, the most memorable experiences stemmed from our interactions with the locals as they went about their daily lives. We were welcomed into nomadic Gers (traditional round, portable tents) to savor camel milk, played soccer with children, and even rode alongside a modern-day nomadic shepherd.
Our goal was to honor their hospitality and vibrant culture through this visual storytelling. Thank you for joining us on this journey celebrating the beauty and richness of Mongolia.
