Mongolia is the world’s second largest landlocked country and occupies a territory of 1.56 million square kilometers (0.6 million square miles): It extends 2,392 kilometers (1,486 miles) from west to east and 1,259 kilometers (782 miles) from north to south. Mongolia is located in Northern Asia, bordered by Russia in the north and China in the south, east and west.

Mongolia has approximately 3,000 rivers with a combined length of approximately 67,000 kilometers, over 3,000 lakes, 6,900 springs, 190 glaciers and 250 mineral water springs.

Mountains

Mongolia’s mountain ranges are natural treasures that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. These ranges not only provide vital ecological functions but also support the livelihoods and traditions of the nomadic communities that inhabit them. From the rugged Altai to the picturesque Khangai, the remote Khentii, and the pristine Khuvsgul ranges, Mongolia’s mountains are a testament to the country’s diverse natural beauty and cultural significance.

Deserts

The Gobi Desert in Mongolia is one of the world’s largest deserts, stretching across northern China and southern Mongolia, covering around 1,295,000 square kilometers (500,000 square miles). Known for its varied landscapes, the Gobi includes sand dunes, rocky mountains, gravel plains, salt flats, and occasional oases. The desert experiences extreme weather, with scorching summers above 40°C (104°F) and freezing winters. Water is scarce, with limited surface water sources and vital underground reserves accessed through wells. The Gobi Desert is ecologically and historically significant, shaping the climate and life in the region.

Forests

Mongolia is not a huge desert, but it is a country of fresh water lakes, rivers, magnificent mountains and heavily forested regions where hillsides and valley meadows are spangled with alpine flowers. Country covered by closed forests. The forests are mainly located in the north-central parts of the country, forming a transition zone between the Great Siberian boreal forest and the Central Asian steppe desert. Taiga zone which covers 5 percent of Mongolian territory occurs only in northern Mongolia, where it is found in the Khentii Mountains, in the mountainous terrain around Lake Khuvsgul, back part of Tarvagatai mountain range, first higher place near Orkhon river and some parts of Khan Khukhii mountain range.

Steppes

The Mongolian steppe is a vast and open landscape that stretches across the heart of Mongolia, encompassing approximately 80% of the country’s territory. It’s a region characterized by its expansive grasslands, rolling hills, and occasional mountain ranges, creating a panorama that seems to stretch endlessly to the horizon.

Rivers and Lakes

If you travel in Mongolia you will see beautiful natural landscapes of Mongolia and fresh rivers, crystal clear lakes and icy streams. Mongolia is the world’s most extreme continental climate and notable aridity. In spite of its aridity, Mongolia has substantial reserves of surface and ground water with almost 4000 rivers, the total length of which is more than 40,390 miles (65,000 km) and 16 large lakes. The rivers are inundated with fresh water resources and abundant fish populations.