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

Lonely Planet Mongolia has been named the number one country in the world to visit this year – and these images and videos show why.

They were taken by Mongolian Gan-Ulzii Gonchig, a photographer with over 100,000 followers on Instagram. In a post, he claims his country is Hawaii, Iceland, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Canada rolled into one.

His images and recordings underline his point of view, showing a landscape of turquoise waters, impressive snow-capped valleys and the enchanting dunes of the Gobi Desert, home to camels and the otherworldly peaks of the Yol Valley.

Gan-Ulzii’s photographs take the viewer to every corner of the 1,564,116 square kilometer country.

A photo taken in Tsengel, Bayan-Olgiy shows the Tsagaan Gol River flowing into the Khovd River. The unusual white color of the former contrasts sharply with the deep blue of the latter.

Gan-Ulzii Gonchig, a photographer with over 100,000 Instagram followers, claims his home country of Mongolia is Hawaii, Iceland, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Canada rolled into one. Here he captures the Tsagaan Gol River as it flows into the Khovd River

This photo was taken in Northern Mongolia, where the Eg and Tarvagatai rivers meet. It could definitely be Canada or Switzerland.

LEFT: The 85-mile-long beauty spot of Khuvsgul Lake could be Hawaii, with Gan-Ulzii revealing deep blue waters that splash against lush islands. RIGHT: The rolling sand dunes of South Gobi — where temperatures reach 108 degrees in the summer — could be the Arabian Desert, says Gan-Ulzii

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

It could definitely be Canada or Switzerland.

And the 136-kilometre-long Lake Khuvsgul in the north could be Hawaii, with Gan-Ulzii revealing deep blue waters lapping against lush islands.

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

‘The crystal clear waters, which account for almost 70 percent of Mongolia’s fresh water, are ideal for those seeking tranquility and breathtaking scenery.’

The rolling sand dunes of South Gobi, where temperatures can reach 42 degrees Celsius in summer, could be the Arabian Desert.

Mongolia is a country of contrasts and the Yol Valley, located in the Gobi Desert, is home to an icy river that freezes over with meters of ice every year until mid-July.

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

LEFT: Despite being in the Gobi Desert, Yol Valley is home to an icy river that remains frozen solid until mid-July each year. RIGHT: The towering Altai Mountains—home to snow leopards, lynxes, and golden eagles—are blanketed in snow behind fields where nomadic locals live in gers, traditional round tent dwellings

Fire and ice? It could be Iceland.

Other images show the towering Altai Mountains, home to snow leopards, lynxes and golden eagles, blanketed in snow behind fields where nomadic people live in gers, traditional round tent dwellings.

The tents are also seen in photographs from Khovd province, where dozens of tents line the banks of a winding river, surrounded by open green plains.

The photographer says: ‘Many Mongolians still live in traditional gers and lead a nomadic existence, which can be very special.’

Gan-Ulzii’s photographs also show the breathtaking tiered roofs, red columns and surrounding walls of the Amarbayasgalant Monastery from above, framed by winter snow.

Gan-Ulzii also creates dynamic images of horses galloping and bucking in open fields, and of horses grazing near gers – he says they are ‘on 24 hours a day [a day] ‘Looking for food yourself’.

Gers in Khovd province, dozens of them lining the banks of a river meandering through a plain

LEFT: This photo shows the breathtaking tiered roofs, red columns and surrounding walls of the Amarbayasgalant Monastery. RIGHT: A dynamic view of horses in an open field

Does Gan-Ulzii have any favorite places?

Lake Khuvsgul, the Gobi Desert and the Orkhon Valley form the stage.

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

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

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

Are there certain social missteps that people should avoid?

He explains: ‘Yes, there are some social customs you have to take into account in Mongolia.

Gan-Ulzii notes, “Tourists should be careful about visiting extremely remote areas without proper preparation.” Pictured above are the cliffs of Ulaan Yavar in Govi-Altai.

Gan-Ulzii says: ‘Many Mongolians still live in traditional gers and lead a nomadic lifestyle, which can be quite striking.’ In the image on the left, the gers lie at the foot of the Altai Mountains, while the land on the right extends into Lake Khar – also known as the Black Lake – in western Mongolia.

‘Avoid stepping on the threshold when entering a house or ger – always step over it. Do not touch anyone’s hat, as this is considered very personal. Never point your feet at people or the family altar in a ger.

‘When offered food or drink, it is polite to accept it, even if it is only a small sip. Use both hands or at least your right hand supported by your left hand when giving or receiving.

It is said that whistling indoors brings bad luck.

“Finally, show respect to elders by greeting them first and offering them the best seats. Being aware of these customs will help you be respectful in social interactions.”

Is there anything that might shock visitors to Mongolia?

Gan-Ulzii says: ‘Visitors to Mongolia can 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, can also be a shock.

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