There are tour companies that show you Mongolia. And then there is Mongolian Highland — a company born from Mongolia itself.
We are a community-rooted, locally driven tour operator based in Ulaanbaatar, specialising in authentic, transformative journeys through the wild heart of this extraordinary land. Our founders and guides grew up riding horses across these steppes, living in ger tents beneath infinite skies, and carrying the oral traditions of their ancestors. When you travel with us, you are not observing Mongolia from the outside. You are welcomed into it.
Our lead guide and founder, Shinetsetseg, has spent over 19 years guiding international travellers through Mongolia’s most remote and sacred territories — from the sacred Taiga of northern Mongolia where the Tsaatan reindeer people live, to the sweeping desert landscapes of Bayankhongor Province, to the ancient eagle-hunting grounds of the Kazakh people in the west. Guests from the USA, Europe, Australia, and beyond describe her not simply as a guide, but as a life-changing presence.
Our Signature Regions
We specialise in three regions that represent the full drama of Mongolia:
We operate differently from mainstream tour operators. Every journey we create is:
Sustainable tourism refers to types of travel where the environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism are factored in and where relevant adjustments are made to minimize these negative consequences. It considers the needs of travelers, but also the needs of host communities, local businesses and the natural world. This could mean adopting more sustainable methods of transportation, staying in more environmentally friendly accommodation, eating locally and ethically sourced foods, and avoiding harmful activities. Sustainable tourism can be related to leisure, business or event travel, but also travel to visit friends and family too.
There are significant educational components associated with ideas like sustainable and environmental tourism, and these can help tourists to adjust their attitudes and behaviors over the longer term. This is important because the greater demand there is for sustainable tourism, the more pressure will be placed on businesses and governments to deliver what customers are looking for and, in the process, this can lead to positive and lasting change.
Slow tourism is one of the emerging sustainable tourism trends, which is an approach to tourism based on sustainability, an appreciation of the culture and characteristics of the local area, and the enjoyment of fulfilling travel experiences. It contrasts with mass travel, and the idea of packed itineraries and a rush to visit as many attractions as possible.
Soft tourism is a form of travel that prioritizes local experiences, education, respect for local culture and the avoidance of tourist hot spots. It can be contrasted with hard tourism, or mass tourism, which is large-scale and focused on popular tourist attractions and destinations. Companies that are operating in accordance with soft tourism principles will prioritize longer stays, jobs for locals, and measures to avoid overcrowding.
Ecotourism is the name given to responsible or green tourism to areas of natural
beauty, with a particular focus on ecological conservation. The aim of ecotourism is
to protect the natural environment, to find ways to benefit local communities – while
respecting their culture – and to educate travelers about the importance of
responsible travel. Energy efficiency, water conservation and protection of wildlife
and indigenous people are all key.
Rural tourism refers to travel that centers around rural areas, rather than urban
areas. It includes everything from hiking and camping trips, to ethnic tourism, where
tourists may participate in traditional activities and experience nomadic lifestyles.
Ultimately, this kind of tourism focuses on natural features, such as forests, hills,
mountains, fields and waterfalls, rather than cities, tourist hot spots and built-up
areas.