Enduring Spirit: The Resilience of Mongolia's Nomadic People

Mongolia is one of the least densely populated places on Earth, with nearly half of the country’s 3.5 million people concentrated in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, while the rest of the population is scattered across more than 1.5 million square kilometers of untamed wilderness that lies beyond the city limits. Once you leave Ulaanbaatar, you enter the steppe: a vast, rugged landscape with an extreme climate and limited resources. But on the steppe, there is a story to be told of perseverance, for this seemingly uninhabitable land is occupied by nomads whose way of life has remained largely unchanged for centuries.A community that, through its collective way of life and profound respect for the natural world around them, has managed to endure in conditions where many others would not. A people whose strength and fortitude truly reflect the spirit of the Mongolian people.

A Nomad tends to his horse during a winter storm. 

Life on the steppe is tough—brutal, even. The challenges faced by the nomadic tribes of this vast land have been battled over generations, shaping the daily lives of these roaming people. The weather can swing dramatically, with winter temperatures plummeting to -40 degrees Celsius and summer heat soaring to a blistering 40. The growing season for crops is short, and the crops that manage to grow are limited to hardy varieties like carrots, potatoes, and corn. Just like the people who cultivate them, only the most resilient crops survive the harsh conditions of the Mongolian wilderness. Because of this challenging environment, the nomadic people have formed a deep bond with nature, both plants and animals alike. Their survival depends on their ability to understand the land around them, creating a relationship built on respect and interdependence. Their existence hinges on an extensive knowledge of nature’s rhythms, relying on the health of their crops and herds of animals to sustain their nomadic lifestyle. Life on the steppe for Mongolians is a dance of survival, a partnership between man and nature. A dance that has been going on for centuries. A dance that the nomads of Mongolia have all but perfected.

A Traditional Ger.

Constant mobility is the defining characteristic of nomadic life and an essential part of survival for those who maintain this lifestyle today. These nomads roam vast distances in search of grazing pastures for their livestock—sheep, goats, yaks, camels, and horses. Their seasonal migrations are guided by centuries of wisdom, with each journey reflecting a deep connection to the land. In spring, they descend into lower valleys. By autumn, they move to higher ground to escape the biting cold. Each move is a testament to their adaptability, reminding them that in their world, change, along with family unity, is the only constant. At the heart of this nomadic life is the ger—a felt tent that is as practical for their culture as it is symbolic. Its circular shape represents unity, serving as a gathering place for family and community. Easy to dismantle, move, and reassemble, the ger provides refuge from fierce elements, cozy in the winter chill, and airy in the summer heat. Inside, it is adorned with vibrant textiles and personal touches, transforming a simple structure into a warm, inviting home where stories are shared, laughter rings out, and traditions are passed down through generations. For Mongolians, home isn't where their their Ger is located, but who occupies the space inside it.

Mongolian horses in a field. 

While their bond with family is strong, for Mongolian nomadic people, the essence of life on the steppe lies in their deep bond with their livestock. Families rely on herds of goats, sheep, and camels for sustenance, using them for meat and crafting a variety of dairy products central to their diet—ranging from rich, tangy cheeses to creamy yogurt. They also enjoy milk tea, a comforting blend of black tea and milk, often enhanced with a bit of butter, providing warmth and comfort in the chilly climate. In addition to the livestock they rely on for food, horses play an essential role in their daily lives, serving as both transportation and vital companions in herding and hunting. Horses enable these nomadic families to traverse the vast steppe more easily in search of grazing lands for their livestock. This harmonious relationship with their animals reflects their resourcefulness and adaptability, allowing them to thrive in their unique environment.

Traditional Mongolian Cheeses. 

Hunting also plays a crucial role in their survival. The crops they grow and livestock they herd are limited resources, and during the brutal winter months, when resources deplete more rapidly, nomads must seek additional sources of food. Traditional hunting practices using weapons like guns and bows are employed throughout most of the year, but in certain regions of Mongolia, as the steppe becomes blanketed in snow, nomadic tribes engage in eagle hunting. In particular, the Kazakh people of Western Mongolia train golden eagles to hunt small game during winter months that are too harsh for humans to pursue. These majestic birds are trained for years to capture foxes and rabbits in conditions that would be unbearable for humans for extended periods. The bond between eagle hunter and eagle is yet another profound testament to their connection to nature, exemplifying the very essence of nomadic life.

An eagle used for hunting small game sits outside of a ger. 

For all their hardships, the nomadic people of Mongolia are famous for their hospitality. Visitors to the steppe are often welcomed with open arms and invited into the gers of nomadic families where limited resources are shared with grace. Guests are treated to hearty meals of mutton and homemade dairy, with a steaming cup of milk tea as the universal gesture of warmth and goodwill. Everyone eats together and everyone eats well. This openness is not just a reflection of their values; it’s an invitation to connect, share stories, and forge bonds that transcend cultures. Family is a focal point of the Mongolian nomad’s life, and when you step inside their home, you are a part of that family. 

The Inside of a traditional ger. 

However, just because these people have their foundations deeply planted in the past, it doesn’t mean they are stuck there. As globalization inches closer, the nomads have adapted to the future while maintaining their roots. Solar power has become a common energy source for their gers, and cars and motorbikes are often seen parked outside. Many nomads own smartphones and scroll through social media just like the rest of us. Yet, they embrace the future without losing sight of their heritage, choosing a simpler lifestyle that resonates with their traditions. These nomadic tribes navigate the challenges of modernity while fiercely preserving their cultural heritage, acting as guardians of a legacy that is as rich as it is vital. As they face the future, they do so with a spirit of openness and a commitment to their traditions, ensuring that the stories of the steppe echo through generations to come. While spending time with the nomadic people of the Mongolian countryside, there seemed to be one defining characteristic between them. Happiness. Their life is simple. They are content. They need family, food and shelter. Anything else is secondary. 

Life on the steppe might be tough, but the Mongolian people preserve and make it seem like a life well worth living.