Harnessing Mongolia’s Greatest Resource
As Mongolia races to become East Asia’s first net zero economy, new leisure opportunities emerge for business travelers.
“In Mongolia,” says Orchlon Enkhtsetseg, climate-tech investor and founder of URECA, “you can remove yourself from a city setting almost instantly and find yourself completely surrounded by nature.”
Born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital and home to nearly half of the country’s three million people, Enkhtsetseg grew up with nature on his doorstep. The seemingly endless grasslands known as the steppes envelop the city. Further south, the iconic Gobi Desert stretches all the way to the Chinese border, and to the west, dramatic, snow-coated mountains roll into Kazakhstan and Russia.
“What you see is what you get, both in terms of nature and the local communities,” says Enkhtsetseg, explaining Mongolia’s appeal. “The setting is so raw and natural, and that helps build very genuine business relationships.”
“While most visitors are initially hooked by Mongolia’s landscapes, many come away finding that the friendships they made were the highlight of their experience.
Orchlon Enkhtsetseg
Mongolia’s vast wilderness, it turns out, isn’t just an invitation to a transformative travel experience. These lands also have the potential to expedite the world’s transition away from fossil fuels. And with Mongolia’s natural environment increasingly under threat from climate change, this transition couldn’t be more urgent.
A Eureka Moment
Enkhtsetseg’s realization that Mongolia has immense untapped potential was shaped by his personal and professional experience. Born in Mongolia but educated in New York—two corners of the world that couldn’t be more different—Enkhtsetseg returned home after graduating in 2014. After a stint working in Mongolia’s mining sector, the backbone of the country’s economy, he set his sights on an industry that aligned closer with his passions: green energy generation.
In 2017, Enkhtsetseg took on the role of CEO at Clean Energy Asia LLC, where he oversaw the completion of the Tsetii Wind Farm Project, Mongolia’s second wind farm. For Enkhtsetseg, the project’s successful completion was pivotal. He saw firsthand the job generation opportunities of wind farms in a country struggling with unemployment and underemployment as the project recruited hundreds of people, the vast majority Mongolians. He also witnessed the speed and efficiency in which an ambitious wind farm like Tsetii, which was completed ahead of schedule, could be executed in Mongolia.
But above all, Enkhtsetseg realized the opportunity of Mongolia’s green energy generation capabilities. The project proved to him that Mongolia could play a key role in the world’s decarbonization efforts and become an important combatant in the fight against climate change.
“I realized that the best thing I could do to fight climate change was to try and provide a platform for equitable economic empowerment across the board.
Orchlon Enkhtsetseg
In 2021 Enkhtsetseg founded and became CEO of URECA, a startup empowering grassroots involvement in the fight against climate change using blockchain technology, and enabling companies and individuals to invest in various carbon offsetting projects, including the platform’s pilot programs in green energy-rich Mongolia.
“In the Gobi Desert alone, we have enough wind and solar resources to power all of Northeast Asia.
Orchlon Enkhtsetseg
A Journey Through Mongolia
4WD & Motorcycle Expeditions
Discover the untamed beauty of the steppes’ vast, open plains, journeying through grasslands and rolling hills to experience the nomadic way of life.
Dukha Tribe Seasonal Camps
Ride a reindeer and learn more about the centuries-old traditions and connection with nature of the nomadic reindeer herders, also known as the Tsaatan.
Ride a Camel
Trek through the Gobi Desert on the back of a two-humped Bactrian camel through dramatic scenery and endless sand dunes.
Horseback Archery
Connect with the equestrian heritage of Mongolia and explore the ancient sport of mounted archery still taught to children as young as three years old.
Skiing
Carve your way through snow-covered mountains including Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Sky Resort in Ulaanbaatar, and the Altai Mountains.
Khoton Nuur Lake
Pristine lake in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, where crystal-clear waters offer a serene setting for boating, fishing, and connecting with nature.
Bogd Khan Mountain
Discover the ecological wonders in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and hike through its lush forests and alpine meadows.
Bayanzag
Also known as the Flaming Cliffs for its red sandstone formations, the ‘Cemetery of Dinosaurs’ is so named for the fossilized remains found here that paint a vivid picture of Mongolia’s prehistoric past.
Khongor Sand Dunes
Stretching for 100 km, the “Singing Dunes” are so named for the sounds they produce when the wind whistles over their crest. Climb up the dunes to enjoy views of the ever-shifting landscape of the Gobi Desert.
Hiking & Trekking
From UNESCO World Heritage-listed valleys to glacier-capped mountains and vast steppe terrain, Mongolia’s diverse landscape offers hiking and trekking opportunities for various skill levels.
Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain
Designated part of the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, Burkhan Khaldun is considered one of Mongolia’s most sacred mountains and is believed to be both the birthplace, and burial ground, of Genghis Khan.
Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai
This petroglyph collection is a UNESCO World Heritage site and represents one of the best-preserved visual records found in Central and North Asia, displaying human history and culture over 12,000 years.
Stay in a Ger
Experience the traditional way of life with a stay in a Ger, a circular tent designed to remain cool and airy in the summer, yet extremely well insulated during Mongolia’s cold winters.
Kharakorum
Visit Kharakorum for a glimpse at the ancient Mongol Empire's history and explore the ruins of the empire’s former capital that was once an important stop along the former Silk Road.
Erdene Zuu Monastery
Believed to be the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, the ancient temple complex was founded in 1586 and is now part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site.
Elsen Tasarkhai
Known as ‘Little Gobi,’ this 50-mile (80 km) stretch of golden sand dunes is just a 4-hour drive from Ulaanbaatar, making it accessible for visitors short on time who still want to experience the Mongolian desert.
National History Museum of Mongolia
Explore Mongolia's rich history, culture, and heritage at the National Museum, where you can discover ancient artifacts, nomadic traditions, and Genghis Khan's legacy with a captivating journey through time.
Gandan Monastery
This monastery’s full name—Gandantegchinlen—translates as ‘the great place of complete joy.’ With over 100 resident monks, it is considered the center of Buddhism in Mongolia.
Genghis Khan Statue Complex
Climb the inside of this 141-foot-tall (40 m) statue for panoramic views of the Mongolian countryside and visit the attached museum for exhibitions relating to Bronze Age cultures in Mongolia.
Fly-fishing
Head for Mongolia’s remote wilderness to fly-fish with a licensed professional guide in designated rivers to catch taimen, the world’s largest salmonid that can grow up to 4.9 ft (1.5 m) long.
An Opportunity for Change
According to the World Bank Group and Asian Development Bank, average temperatures in Mongolia are already 2°C warmer than they were at the beginning of last century, which is higher than the global average. At the same time, future warming is projected to be faster than in other parts of the world, putting additional strain on health, livelihoods, and ecosystems. This, says Enkhtsetseg, is already keenly felt by the country’s nomadic herder community, who are contending with diminished water supplies. But crisis can inspire solutions, especially in Mongolia.
“Mongolia is in a position to lead the fight against climate change, partly because we are so affected by it.
Orchlon Enkhtsetseg
The World Bank also notes that over the past 30 years, Mongolia has transformed into a vibrant democracy, trebling its GDP per capita, reducing poverty, and increasing school enrollments. Business owners like Enkhtsetseg believe this stability has also benefited the country’s investment landscape. “I’m confident that we have a very robust democracy, and I think that this is one of the factors that has enabled significant foreign investment in the country.”
The government is encouraging foreign direct investment in non-mining sectors including agriculture, tourism, and green energy, and implementing policies such as tax incentives, investment promotion, and special economic zones that are making it easier to do business in the country. “The government’s Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications have been really helpful in driving the startup ecosystem,” notes Enkhtsetseg.
All this progress will be on show when Mongolia hosts the COP17 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in 2026, by which time Mongolia should be well on its way toward becoming a net zero economy by 2050.
Business Events in Mongolia
Mongolia Economic Forum
Launched in 2010, the MEF addresses pressing economic and social issues facing Mongolia to help accelerate development. The politically independent organization brings together government and private sectors for the annual two-day discussion forum.
Mongolian Mining Week
Organized by the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry and the National Mining Association of Mongolia, Mining Week is an annual event covering policy reform, and investment opportunities in the mining sector.
Build Mongolia
Now in its fourth year, Mongolia’s largest building, infrastructure, and mining technology exhibition trade show brings together domestic and international companies to showcase innovative and environmentally friendly technologies.
Recharge in Nature
In preparation for increased interest in Mongolia—from both investors and travelers—the country’s tourism sector is undergoing a transformation. The government, says Nomin Chinbat, Minister of Culture, is establishing a Tourism Development Fund to support investment in tourism infrastructure such as accommodation in designated strategic regions. New infrastructure is also being developed with increased investment in road connectivity, logistics efficiency, and the expansion of international and domestic air travel. Other initiatives, such as the extension of visa-free travel, introduction of e-visas, and VAT refund incentives, are also making it more attractive for tourists to visit Mongolia.
“Mongolia’s tourism infrastructure has expanded rapidly over the past decade, reflecting the investment and growth we are seeing across the entire economy.
Nomin Chinbat
Minister of Culture, Government of Mongolia
“Mongolians are warm and welcoming people,” says Minister Chinbat, and this hospitality will be on full display for business people like Enkhtsetseg who are looking to relax, switch off, and enjoy Mongolia’s wilderness. Some of Enkhtsetseg’s favorite activities include taking the two-day drive to soak in the Tsenkher Hot Springs, or getting away from it all in Hovd Province in the extreme west, accessible by flight. There are also opportunities to delve into nature close to Ulaanbaatar, says Enkhtsetseg, such as horse-riding in Gorkhi Terelji National Park, just 40 miles (65 km) northeast of Ulaanbaatar.
“You can be fishing all morning in the wilderness but back in the city and ready for a tuxedo reception by dinnertime.
Orchlon Enkhtsetseg
Mongolia’s economy is evolving and its green energy sector is powering infrastructure investment in hard-to-reach areas, opening up remote locations for non-traditional travel experiences. Standing on the frontlines in the fight against climate change, Mongolia’s future green energy projects may also be crucial to the world’s decarbonization efforts—and therefore key to safeguarding the very natural environments that host them.
It's Time to
Go Mongolia
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