September 11, 2025
ULAANBAATAR – “WE LOVE TRAVELING AMONG THE MOUNTAINS”
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED/GO GO MONGOLIA
When did you arrive in Mongolia?
We flew from Amsterdam to Istanbul, and then continued on to Ulaanbaatar.
And within these three weeks, how did you travel?
We spent one night in Ulaanbaatar, and the next morning we took a domestic flight to Khovd. There, we joined nine friends—so we were eleven people in total—and traveled by two vans to Ulgii. That’s where we began our first three-day hike. I don’t remember the exact name of the region, but we started with an eagle hunter and his daughter. We camped in tents, hiked through the mountains, and the landscapes were absolutely breathtaking. It was a wonderful experience.
How often do you travel to other countries?
Within Europe, we usually travel several times a year. But outside of Europe, this was actually the first time in about five years.
In the past, we traveled quite a lot in South America, so we’ve already seen many countries. But for us, there always has to be mountains—we love hiking in the mountains.
And why did you choose to travel to Mongolia?
Visiting Mongolia had been a long-time dream of mine. The culture is so different from the Netherlands, and I was curious to experience it firsthand—the landscapes, the people, the traditions. I really wanted to see it all. And it was lovely.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED/GO GO MONGOLIA
What has been the most unforgettable moment of your trip?
I think the biggest difference between the Netherlands and Mongolia is space. In the Netherlands, nearly 20 million people live in a very small area, while Mongolia has just over three million people spread across this vast country. Everything feels so open and spacious. And of course, the animals we saw left a strong impression too.
What kind of animals?
We saw many domestic animals, like sheep, and lots of birds. For us, yaks were particularly special. We visited a family who raises yaks, and they offered us bread and yak milk. It was such a unique experience. Life in the countryside is not easy—it’s a tough way of living.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED/GO GO MONGOLIA
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED/GO GO MONGOLIA
Have you faced any challenges during your travels here?
Yes, especially in the countryside and mountains. The weather can change very quickly—you can experience all four seasons in a single day: sunshine, rain, and even snow within a few hours.
That doesn’t happen in the Netherlands?
Not in such extremes. Going from 15 degrees to snowfall in just a few hours is very unusual for us. Another thing I found remarkable is how people support each other in remote places. For example, if someone’s car breaks down, somehow they manage to call for help, and the next day someone arrives with spare parts and oil. Everyone helps one another.
We also had a small challenge with our gas stoves. At the airport, they told us we couldn’t bring them on the plane, but we really needed them for cooking during our trek. Our guide assured us it would be solved, and indeed, for the first three days we cooked on borrowed gas. Then, in the middle of nowhere, our stoves somehow arrived by bus and were handed back to us. It was incredible.
How did you two meet?
The funny thing is, we’ve known each other for about eight years through mutual friends. But we’ve only been together for a year and a half. So it took some time before love finally found us. Along the way, new people have joined our circle too.
Do you think having the same interests is important for couples?
Absolutely. It makes a big difference.
So what is your next destination after Mongolia—perhaps next year?
We’re still deciding. Most likely somewhere in Europe. We also love going to the mountains in winter. Sometimes we do snowshoe hikes, for example in Sweden or Finland. That might be our next trip.
We’re also thinking about taking a longer break from work—maybe three months—to travel in Asia. Indonesia or Vietnam are possibilities. I actually lived in Indonesia for two years when I was young, but I’ve never been back, so it would be wonderful to return.
Please share your first impression upon arriving in Mongolia.
One of the first things we noticed was the lack of trees. It looks quite dry, with little rain or water, which I imagine is a challenge here. But beyond that, Mongolia felt very safe and welcoming. The atmosphere in Ulaanbaatar is great, and people are incredibly friendly. It was completely different from what I had expected.
After returning home, would you recommend Mongolia to others?
Oh yes, definitely.
Thank you for your time. Have a nice journey back to your home.