Mongolia has been ruled by many nomadic empires throughout history such as the Xiongnu, the Xianbei, the Rouran, and the Gorkturks. The Mongol Empire that was founded through Genghis Khans conquest in 1206 was one of the largest empires the world has ever seen. The Mongol Empire also included china as part of the Mongol lead Yuan Dynasty. When the dynasty eventually collapsed, the Mongols returned to their nomadic patterns.
 
During the 16th and 17th centuries Mongols came under the influence of Tibetan Buddhism. By the end of the 17th century the area that the Mongol nomads roamed was ruled by the Chinese Qing Dynasty. When the Qing Dynasty collapsed in 1911, Mongolia declared their independence; although, it was a struggle to have it internationally recognized until 1945.
 
Between 1911 and 1924 Mongolia was heavy influenced by Soviet Russia, so most of their government practices were modeled after Russia. After the breakdown of eastern communist regimes in 1989, Mongolia had their own democratic revolution. Mongolia wrote its constitution in 1992, and now has a free market economy.

Cultural Crossroads Tours of Mongolia at a Glance

• Mongolia: Cultural Landscape and Diversity
  

  Join Cultural Crossroads for a cultural trip to Mongolia, a country with ancient Tibetan-Buddhist traditions, monasteries and friendly spiritual people. Meet lamas, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals. Our travelers have special access to the Arts Council of Mongolia and its art collection. Meet local artists and crafts people. Enjoy the Hustain Nuruu National Reserve, home to the last remaining species of wild horse, the Takhi. Learn about current conservation efforts and the status of the herds found within the reserve. We will see the Kharakhorum, site of the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire of Chinggis Khan. Take in the remote and stunning wilderness of Mongolia when we stay in South Gobi, home to Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep, goitered gazelle, golden eagles, saker falcons, jerboas (similar to kangaroo rats) and many endemic reptiles. The Gobi is also home to some of the Northern Hemisphere’s rarest and most elusive mammals such as the dhole, snow leopard, wild camel, and Gobi bear. Cultural Crossroads travelers will stay at the Three Camel Lodge in gers (Mongolian tents), an eco-lodge located near the Gurvansaikhan Gobi National Park. Our trip ends with a visit to a nomadic family leading a local movement to protect and preserve the Bactrian camel populations