More Than Genghis Khan: What You Must Know about Mongolian Culture

Stepping out of Chinggis Khaan International Airport feels like taking a deep breath of ice water. The wind bites right through your jacket, the views are more impressive than you thought they’d be, and you get the unexplainable feeling that things are going to be great here.

Mongolian culture – and the country in general – is not as well known as other countries in the world, and I’m here today to right the wrongs.

As one of the least-visited countries in Asia, it can be hard to find decent information about Mongolia before you visit. As such, I visited without knowing much about Mongolia other than the whole descendants of Genghis Khan stuff. And, boy, there’s so much more to know!

Mongolian Culture 101

There is a wild, rugged heartbeat to Mongolia that you should know about before you hit the ground, so you’re not shocked by the gridlock of dust-covered SUVs and stray dogs, set against the massive, empty backdrop of the steppes. Here is what you need to know about the culture before your trip.

Religion

Overall, Mongolia does not feel like a strictly religious country. You will not hear a call to prayer waking you up at 5 AM like in Indonesia. But spirituality is heavily baked into daily life.

Buddhism does find it’s way into society in some respects, but for the most part, there’s no concern. Respect is more important that religion in the country.

Liberal Nature

I found the people of Mongolia to be pretty “normal” overall. You’ll find women in Mongolia who are somewhat liberal in their views, while you’ll also find traditional girls who seem to have conservative values, too. A nice mix, I would say!

Always Be Polite

Mongolians place a massive value on respect and ancient customs. Learning every single rule for a short trip is tough, but picking up the basics will save you a lot of friction. I actually got my crash course from a local – a girl I met online in Ulaanbaatar.

We had a few drinks and then went back to my place. At home, we started chatting about my travels and comparing Mongolia to other Asian countries. And somehow we ended up on the topic of Mongolian culture.

She told me some interesting stuff about the culture. Things like showing your wrists to someone can be considered rude, whereas many Mongolians show up at their friends’ and family’s houses unannounced, as it’s not considered rude.

She also explained that passing items is a big deal. You always use your right hand to give or receive something.

Of course, you won’t upset anybody if you announce your visit or if you unknowingly show your wrists (people there do understand that you’re a foreigner and you might not know all the subtleties of the Mongolian culture), but it’s always good to do your best and learn at least the most important things about the country you’re visiting.

They Love Russians

I was initially told that Mongolians hold a special place in their heart for Russians. Older generations still refer to Russia as their “big brother” since Soviet-Russia was a communist ally that built a lot of the city’s older infrastructure. As a result, many of these people also speak Russian.

Younger people don’t seem to hold the same views, but overall, there is a love for Russians in Mongolia.

Drug-Free 

Drugs are a big no-go in Mongolia. While places like Bali and Thailand are filled with “fun,” drugs, and rock’n’roll – Mongolians are not fans of these substances.

If you are caught with anything illegal, you will end up in a local prison. The police do not mess around with this, so stay away from drugs entirely. Stick to the local drinks if you want to party.

And party you will, because this is a hard-liquor culture fueled almost entirely by Chinggis Vodka.

No Body Awareness

My first few days in Mongolia, I was in for a rude awakening. Literally.

I was walking through the streets, malls, and markets and people were continually crowding my space. As I was buying some fruits, someone stepped on my toes. I was shoulder checked numerous times, and I’m not a small guy.

Don’t take offense to this.

It’s just part of Mongolian culture. If you’re in public spaces shopping or walking around, don’t expect the Mongolians around you to offer much space.

The Fighting Factor

Mongolians like to drink. And if history has taught us anything, Mongolians also like to fight. The combination of these two factors plays a role in Mongolian culture.

To put it frankly – you shouldn’t roll out solo in this country. As a foreigner, you could end up in a bad situation, especially if you’re hitting on girls.

Mongolian guys have no issue starting a confrontation, especially if he thinks you’re “taking” his girls. Kudos to them for being so protective to their women, but it can get a bit scary sometimes.

The Final Verdict

If my time there taught me anything, it is that Mongolia is not your standard Asian country – far from it!

It is raw, unique, beautiful, yet with its own set of challenges, but completely unforgettable. You simply need to be aware of and respect the local superstitions, avoid the late-night vodka-fueled brawls and generally show some basic cultural awareness, and this country will reward you with experiences you cannot find anywhere else on the map.

And if you have additional thoughts or knowledge you’d like to share, let us know in the comments down below!