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Part 1. Where Real Men Live: Uvs

We head to Uvs in the west, a place in Mongolia with the most ethnic diversity and unique charms in its mountain ranges, lakes, and grasslands. Turgen Sum is a village located at the foot of Mount Turgen, one of the highest mountains in Mongolia.

The entire village gathers to busily shear goat hair, the raw material for cashmere. Once the work is finished, they share the boodog prepared by Mr. Miga, the village's only boodog chef. Although it is a rough, wild dish eaten by Genghis Khan's troops when they conquered the continent, it is now considered Mongolia's premier delicacy. After playing "Animal Bone Breaking," a traditional Mongolian game and a pastime for men, you will soon find yourself immersed in the rugged charm and romance of these real Mongolian men.

Next, we head to Khyargas Lake. After being fully immersed in the charm of the 75km-long, sea-like lake, we had to cross it, but what is the story behind the barge stopping in front of us? You can also witness the amazing eyesight of Mongolians, who can even spot the locks on the gers across the river.

We also meet ‘Pagi,’ the representative athlete of Ubs, ahead of the horse training competition. After a night in Ubs spent sitting around with family, tasting Mongolian dumplings called Huushuur and Buuz... the next morning, dressed in Deel, we head to the competition venue in Aduchin after receiving the Tsatslaga ritual from Pagi’s wife. The prize for the win is none other than a motorcycle. At this competition, where all the tough guys of Ubs have gathered, we witnessed the spirit of the Ubs’s magnanimous men.

Part 2. On the Road in Khovd

The true essence of a trip to Mongolia unfolds right on the road! We traverse Khovd in western Mongolia aboard a Purgon, the country's representative mode of transportation. The first thing we encountered on the road was a herd of Mongolian camels. We were told that now is the season to shear the camels. The process of laying the camels down for shearing is no easy feat.

In Durgun Village, you can find Durgun Lake and the Mongol Els (sand dunes), which are part of the Gobi Desert. We dip our feet in the salt lake and try sandboarding on the sand dunes spread out right next to it.

We come across horses racing along the way. It is said to be a historic horse race continuing the traditions of the Genghis Khan era. We listen to the dream of an 8-year-old jockey who has traveled 1,500 km.

In Mönkhkhairkhan Village, we meet a master craftsman of the Tsuur. The Tsuur is a traditional Mongolian instrument that sounds similar to chains. The craftsman also plays Khöömii, a traditional Mongolian singing technique. Let’s listen to the unique singing style of Mongolia that no one can imitate.

We eat meat grilled in the traditional way at a ger where we stopped for the night while traveling. We heat two stones over a fire and place the meat between them to grill. After filling our stomachs, we find the sky filled with stars. Under the starry night sky, we conclude our journey by sharing stories with the nomads.

Part 3. The Road to Altai

A journey through the Altai Mountains toward Tavan Bogd, the highest peak in Mongolia. It begins in Bayan-Ulgii, in northwestern Mongolia.

On the way past Khar Us Lake, which means "Black Water," we discover a small forest. An old man tells us he is planting trees to prevent desertification. While walking home with the old man, we encounter an astonishing sight on the road… the threat of a hawk targeting a newborn calf! We watch as the calf is placed in a sack and transported, and as it is reunited with its mother cow. We also meet Bankhar, the military dog ​​of Mongolia. We head to Sagsai Sum, the village of eagle hunters, accompanied by the spirited farewell of Bankhar, who remains dignified despite his age. The pride and sorrow of the hunters, who have been hunting eagles for generations, were immense.

Leaving behind the people embraced by the Altai Mountains, we begin our trekking in earnest. Along the journey, we visit stone figures and petroglyphs. Could the deer depicted in the petroglyphs really be related to the ruins of the Korean Peninsula? Reflecting on the connection between the Altai Mountains and our people, I feel an inexplicable sense of peace.

Stalling in the Altai Mountains is Tavan Bogd, Mongolia's highest peak, meaning "Five Peaks." We arrive at the guide's home, taste Tsuivan (Mongolian stir-fried noodles), and spend the night. The next day, a five-hour horseback ride! Upon finally reaching the snow-covered peak of Tavan Bogd, the first thing we do is offer a prayer to God. We conclude our journey accompanied by the guide's singing while savoring Borts, a Mongolian-style dried meat dish.

Part 4. Khovsgol, the Land of Spirits

We set off for Khovsgol, the land of shamans! It takes two days by car alone to travel from the capital, Ulaanbaatar, to Khovsgol. After a...