Where Is Mongolia? A Hidden Gem Between East and West

So… Where Is Mongolia?

If you’ve ever asked yourself “Where is Mongolia?” you’re not alone. For many travelers, this vast, mysterious land still feels like a blank space on the map—remote, untouched, and waiting to be explored.

Mongolia is a landlocked country located in Central Asia, nestled between two giants: Russia to the north and China to the south. It sits on the Eurasian steppe, a region of endless grasslands, rolling mountains, and vast deserts. Despite its size—it’s the 18th largest country in the world—Mongolia remains one of the least densely populated places on Earth.

When you look at a map of Mongolia, you’ll find the capital Ulaanbaatar almost in the country’s center, surrounded by an ocean of steppe and desert stretching to the horizon. It’s a land of incredible contrasts: snow-capped peaks in the north, the golden dunes of the Gobi Desert in the south, and ancient nomadic traditions that have survived unchanged for centuries.

A Land Between Civilizations

Mongolia’s location has always made it a crossroads of cultures and empires. During the 13th century, it was the heart of the world’s largest contiguous empire—the Mongol Empire, led by the legendary Genghis Khan. From this central steppe, the Mongols rode out to connect East and West, creating trade routes that would later become known as the Silk Road.

Today, that same sense of openness defines Mongolia’s geography and its people. Wide horizons, big skies, and boundless freedom—this is a place where you can still feel the wild spirit of the world.

What Makes Mongolia’s Geography So Special

When travelers ask “Where is Mongolia?” they often follow it with “What is it like?” The answer is: unlike anywhere else on Earth.

1. The Northern Taiga and Lakes

In the north, near the Siberian border, you’ll find dense forests, alpine meadows, and clear blue lakes like Khuvsgul Lake, known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” It’s one of the purest freshwater lakes in the world. Travel to Northern Mongolia following the traces of explorer Khasar.

2. The Central Steppe

Central Mongolia is the heartland of nomadic life—vast grasslands where herders live in traditional gers (yurts) and move with their animals through the seasons. The region’s rolling hills and rivers make it perfect for horseback riding, the most authentic way to experience the Mongolian steppe. Request tailor-made Mongolia trips around Central Mongolia.

3. The Southern Gobi Desert

Stretching across the south, the Gobi Desert is a world of dramatic landscapes—towering sand dunes, rocky canyons, and hidden oases. It’s home to Bactrian camels, dinosaur fossils, and the incredible Khongoryn Els dunes, known as the “Singing Sands.” Follow the tracks of explorer Emad and travel to Gobi.

How to Get to Mongolia

Reaching Mongolia might sound like an expedition—but that’s part of the adventure.

• By Air: Most travelers fly into Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport, which connects to major cities such as Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, San Francisco, Istanbul and Frankfurt.
• By Train: The Trans-Mongolian Railway links Moscow to Beijing, passing right through Ulaanbaatar—a legendary journey across Siberia and the steppe.
• By Road: For the true explorers, Mongolia is also accessible overland via Russia or China. Self-drive travelers can experience one of the most thrilling road trips on Earth.

Why Visit Mongolia

If you’re wondering not only “Where is Mongolia?” but “Why should I go there?”—here’s why it should be on your bucket list:

• Unspoiled Nature: One of the last places where you can still find complete wilderness.
• Nomadic Culture: Meet herders, sleep in a traditional ger, and experience life unchanged for centuries.
• Adventure Travel: Off-road driving, camel trekking, horseback riding, and wild camping.
• Rich History: From Genghis Khan’s empire to Buddhist monasteries, Mongolia’s past is everywhere.

Explorer.Company specializes in off-road expeditions across Mongolia—crafted for those who want to go beyond the guidebook and into the wild.

Mongolia: The Heart of the Earth

On a map, Mongolia might look small compared to its mighty neighbors. But once you arrive, you realize how immense it feels—endless skies, open plains, and a timeless silence that fills the soul.

So, where is Mongolia?
It’s in the heart of Asia.
But more importantly, it’s a place where adventure still feels pure—where the horizon never ends, and freedom has no fences.

Plan Your Mongolia Adventure

Whether you’re dreaming of the Gobi Desert, the Orkhon Valley, or the wild Khuvsgul Lake, Explorer.Company offers curated self-drive and guided tours to help you uncover Mongolia’s raw beauty.

👉 Explore our expeditions: https://explorer.company/tours