‘It’s Hawaii, Iceland and Canada all in one’: Photographer’s eye-opening images and videos of Mongolia show why Lonely Planet named it the world’s best country to visit in 2024

Lonely Planet named Mongolia the No.1 country to visit in the world this year – and these images and videos show why.

They were shot by Mongolian Gan-Ulzii Gonchig, a photographer with over 100,000 Instagram followers who claims in one post that his country is like Hawaii, Iceland, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Canada rolled into one.

His imagery and footage underscore his point, revealing a landscape containing turquoise waters, dramatic snowy valleys and the spellbinding dunes of the Gobi Desert, home to Bactrian camels and the otherworldly peaks of Yol Valley.

Gan-Ulzii’s photos take viewers to all four corners of the 1,564,116-square-kilometre nation.

In one shot, taken in Tsengel, Bayan-Olgiy, the Tsagaan Gol River is shown flowing into the Khovd River – the former’s unusual white hue stark against the latter’s deep blue.

This photograph was taken in northern Mongolia, where the Eg and Tarvagatai rivers converge. It could certainly be Canada, or Switzerland

LEFT: The 85-mile-long beauty spot Khuvsgul Lake could be Hawaii, with Gan-Ulzii revealing deep blue waters splashing against lush islands. RIGHT: The undulating sand dunes in South Gobi – where it reaches 42C in summer – could be the Arabian Desert, says Gan-Ulzii

Another photograph, taken in northern Mongolia, where the Eg and Tarvagatai rivers converge, shows a verdant scene of a winding waterway surrounded by bright green grass, peaks and trees with fluffy clouds suspended above them.

It could certainly be Canada, or Switzerland.

And 85-mile-long beauty spot Khuvsgul Lake, in the north, could be Hawaii, with Gan-Ulzii revealing deep blue waters splashing against lush islands.

Gan-Ulzii comments: ‘Known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia”, this pristine lake is surrounded by dense forests and majestic mountains.

‘The crystal-clear waters, which make up nearly 70 per cent of Mongolia’s fresh water, are perfect for those seeking tranquillity, and stunning scenery.’

The undulating sand dunes in South Gobi – where it reaches 42C in summer – could be the Arabian Desert.

But, Mongolia is a nation of contrast and Yol Valley, despite being within the Gobi Desert, is home to an icy stream that is frozen solid with metres-thick ice until mid-July each year.

Gan-Ulzii says: ‘The vast, open landscapes are much larger and emptier than many expect.’ Pictured here is the Kherlen River

LEFT: Yol Valley, despite being within the Gobi Desert, is home to an icy stream that is frozen solid until mid-July each year. RIGHT: The towering Altai Mountains – home to snow leopards, lynx and golden eagles – are snow-kissed behind fields where nomadic locals live in gers, traditional round-shaped tent dwellings

Fire and ice? It could be Iceland.

Other images include the towering Altai Mountains – home to snow leopards, lynx, golden eagles – snow-kissed behind the fields where nomadic locals live in gers, traditional round-shaped tent dwellings.

The tents can also be seen in photos of Khovd Province, where dozens line the banks of a meandering river surrounded by open green plains.

The photographer says: ‘Many Mongolians still live in traditional gers and follow a nomadic lifestyle, which can be quite striking.’

Gan-Ulzii’s photos also show the jaw-dropping tiered roofs, red columns and enclosing walls of Amarbayasgalant Monastery from above, framed by winter snow.

Gan-Ulzii also shoots dynamic images of horses galloping and bucking in the open field as well as grazing by gers – he says they ‘spend 24 hours [a day] foraging for food themselves’.

Gers in Khovd Province, with dozens lining the banks of a river meandering through a plain

LEFT: This photo shows the jaw-dropping tiered roofs, red columns and enclosing walls of Amarbayasgalant Monastery. RIGHT: A dynamic image of horses in an open field

Does Gan-Ulzii have any favourite spots?

Khuvsgul Lake, the Gobi desert and Orkhon Valley make the podium.

Does he have any travel advice for tourists who want to visit Mongolia? And are there any places people should avoid in Mongolia?

Gan-Ulzii comments: ‘Tourists should be cautious about visiting extremely remote areas without proper preparation. For example, avoid remote wilderness regions without a guide, as the lack of infrastructure and potentially harsh weather can be risky.

‘High-altitude areas like the Altai Mountains are very cold in winter, so adequate preparation is essential. The Gobi Desert can be extremely hot in summer, which can be challenging if you’re not used to extreme heat. It’s best to travel with a local guide or join a tour group for safety.’

Are there any social faux pas people should avoid committing?

He explains: ‘Yes, there are several social customs to keep in mind in Mongolia.

Gan-Ulzii comments: ‘Tourists should be cautious about visiting extremely remote areas without proper preparation.’ Above are the cliffs of Ulaan Yavar in Govi-Altai

Gan-Ulzii says: ‘Many Mongolians still live in traditional gers and follow a nomadic lifestyle, which can be quite striking.’ In the image on the left gers are pitched below the Altai Mountains while on the right the land spills into Khar Lake – also called the Black Lake – in Western Mongolia

‘Avoid stepping on the door threshold when entering a home or ger – always step over it. Don’t touch someone’s hat, as it’s seen as very personal. Never point your feet at people or the family altar inside a ger.

‘If offered food or drink, it’s polite to accept, even if just a small sip. Use both hands or at least your right hand supported by the left when giving or receiving something.

‘Whistling indoors is believed to bring bad luck.

‘Finally, show respect to elders by greeting them first and offering them the best seats. Being mindful of these customs will help you navigate social interactions respectfully.’

Is there anything that might shock visitors to Mongolia?

Gan-Ulzii says: ‘Visitors to Mongolia might be surprised by several things. The vast, open landscapes are much larger and emptier than many expect.

‘The extreme weather conditions, with very hot summers and very cold winters, might also be a shock.

‘Visitors will likely be impressed by the warm hospitality of the locals, who are known for their generosity. Additionally, traditional festivals like Naadam, feature unique events such as wrestling, horse racing, and archery, offering a vibrant cultural experience that can be quite different from what visitors are used to.’