Exploring Mongolia’s Cultural and Natural Heritage

A captivating glimpse of traditional Mongolian life comes from a photograph taken on September 18, 1958, by Czechoslovak archaeologist Alois Kleybl. While surveying the Kul-Tegei monument, his expedition passed through Arvaikheer on the way back to Ulaanbaatar, capturing a marmot hunter in the area known as “Old Orkhon.”

This image highlights Mongolia’s rich nomadic traditions and the deep connection between local communities and the land. Marmot hunting, historically practiced for food and fur, offers insight into rural life and traditional livelihoods that continue to inspire cultural tourism today.

For modern travelers, regions like Arvaikheer and the Orkhon Valley provide opportunities to experience authentic nomadic culture, explore historical and archaeological sites, and witness the natural beauty that has shaped Mongolia’s way of life for centuries. Photographs like this not only tell a story of the past but also invite tourists to connect with the country’s living heritage.