Mongolia: Proof that less can be more
Sometimes the most unforgettable trips are not the ones filled with luxury shopping, Michelin-starred restaurants, or packed itineraries. Sometimes they are the trips that strip life down to its essentials and remind you how little we actually need to be happy.
For me, that trip was Mongolia.
At the right time
If you are planning to go, the trick is timing. In my opinion, the best time to visit is at the end of October. The cold is beginning to arrive, but it has not yet reached the point where it becomes uncomfortable. The landscapes are beautiful, the air is crisp, and there are fewer tourists.
Most importantly, it is still possible to visit the Gobi Desert before many of the resorts and camps close for the winter season.
Now before you think Mongolia is nothing but wide open spaces and complete tranquility, let me tell you that its capital Ulaanbaatar can be surprisingly congested. Coming from Metro Manila, it was one of the few things that felt familiar. Traffic can be quite heavy, especially during peak hours. This is exactly why I recommend flying out to the Gobi Desert as soon as you can. The real magic of Mongolia begins once you leave the city behind. The farther you get from Ulaanbaatar, the more dramatic and beautiful the landscape becomes.
An entirely different space
Life in Metro Manila is fast, noisy, and often chaotic, but Mongolia feels like entering an entirely different world. The first thing you notice is the space. There is so much space. Endless grasslands, rolling hills, vast deserts, and skies that seem to stretch forever. There are moments when you can stand outside and hear absolutely nothing except the wind. No traffic. No horns. No notifications. Just silence.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the giant statue of Genghis Khan. Standing proudly in the countryside, the massive stainless steel monument is impossible to miss.
Photographs do not prepare you for its scale. You can even take an elevator up the horse’s head, where you are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding plains. And whether you are interested in history or not, it is still difficult not to be impressed by the legacy of the man who built the largest contiguous empire in history.
Another memorable stop was Turtle Rock in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Nature somehow managed to sculpt a giant rock formation that looks remarkably like a turtle. It sounds simple, but seeing it in person is surprisingly impressive. The drive through the park is equally beautiful, with rolling hills, rugged rock formations, and scenery that seems to go on forever.
If you enjoy taking photographs, be prepared to ask your driver to stop repeatedly because there is always another beautiful view waiting around the bend.
Of course, no trip to Mongolia would be complete without spending time in the Gobi Desert. Before arriving, I imagined endless sand dunes and harsh conditions. What I found instead was one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen.
One of the most memorable experiences was riding a Bactrian camel through the desert. These camels have two humps and are perfectly suited to Mongolia’s climate. As we slowly made our way across the landscape, I found myself surrounded by breathtaking views. Golden sand dunes stretched endlessly into the distance while dramatic cliffs and mountains framed the horizon. The scenery felt untouched and timeless.
There was something almost therapeutic about moving at the camel’s pace. No rushing. No deadlines. No schedules. Just the gentle rhythm of the camel and the vastness of the desert all around you. It is one of those experiences that no photograph can truly capture because it is the feeling of being there that makes it unforgettable.
Pleasant surprises and discoveries to be had
The food was another pleasant surprise. Mongolia is probably not the first country that comes to mind when discussing great culinary destinations, but I genuinely enjoyed the meals. It was also my first time trying camel steak. If prepared properly, it tastes very much like beef but with a richer and more flavorful profile.
And after a long day outdoors in the cool weather, every meal felt especially satisfying.
Unlike some of my other trips, shopping was not the focus of this adventure. However, if you must spend, I highly recommend shopping for cashmere and leather goods in Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia produces some of the finest cashmere in the world, and the quality is exceptional. The prices are often considerably better than what you would pay elsewhere for similar products.
One of my favorite experiences was staying in a traditional ger, more commonly known as a yurt. From the outside, it looks simple, but inside, it can be surprisingly comfortable and cozy. At night, the lack of light pollution creates a sky so full of stars that it almost looks unreal. Living in a major city, we often forget what a truly dark sky looks like. Mongolia quickly reminds you of that.
In good company
As usual, traveling anywhere is always better when shared with good friends. The scenery can be spectacular and the destinations extraordinary, but it is often the people you travel with who make the memories truly special. The long drives become funnier, the meals become more enjoyable, and even the occasional inconveniences become stories worth retelling.
Our group spent hours laughing in vans, sharing meals, exchanging photographs, and simply appreciating the experience together. Years from now, I will remember the landscapes, the camel rides, and the star-filled skies. But I know I will remember the laughter just as much.
In a world where so many destinations are becoming crowded and commercialized, Mongolia remains refreshingly authentic. It reminds you that happiness does not always come from having more. Sometimes it comes from having less. Less noise. Less traffic. Less distraction. Less pressure.
And perhaps that is why Mongolia left such a lasting impression on me. It reminded me that less can indeed be more.
A Genghis Khan retreat
Keen on going on your own Mongolian escape right in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley? The all-inclusive Genghis Khan retreat from July 28 to Aug. 4, 2026 is an invitation to slow down, ride free, and reconnect with nature and nomadic culture.
For inquiries, contact Bubbles (+639177733444) or Camila (+639175451125)
