From June 18 to July 16, I had the privilege of traveling solo through Mongolia, a land that welcomed me with its vastness and silence, where the horizon seems endless, and the soul finally finds space to breathe. Each day spent there was an encounter with wild nature, ancient traditions, and a spirituality that permeates every corner of this extraordinary country.
My adventure began among the nomadic families, the guardians of an ancient culture that lives in harmony with nature. I was hosted in their ger, the traditional Mongolian yurts, where the sense of community is strong, and the rhythm of life follows the sun and the seasons. The hospitality of the nomads was warm, and I had the chance to share with them simple but meaningful moments, such as preparing tea or caring for their horses.
One of the most moving experiences was meeting the Tsaatan people, who live in northern Mongolia, near the Siberian border, and dedicate their lives to reindeer herding. Meeting them felt like stepping back in time. Their life is shaped by the rhythm of nature, and the reindeer are not just animals but a symbol of survival and spiritual connection with the world around them. My stay with them taught me the value of simplicity and respect for the land.
The Naadam Festival was another highlight of my journey. This event, which celebrates ancient Mongolian traditions through archery, wrestling, and horse racing, is a window into the beating heart of Mongolian culture. Watching the competitions, especially the horse races, made me understand the importance of these animals in nomadic life. Horses in Mongolia are not just transportation; they are companions in life, symbols of freedom and courage.
I could not leave Mongolia without exploring its profound spirituality. I had the opportunity to meet shamans and participate in ancient rituals, full of symbolism and mystery. Shamanic spirituality blends perfectly with Buddhism, which here takes on unique forms, intertwining the worship of nature spirits with meditation and compassion. Visiting the monasteries, nestled in vast landscapes, gave me moments of peace and introspection.
But perhaps the most intense memory I carry with me is that of the landscapes. Mongolia is a land of infinite spaces, where your gaze gets lost between steppes, deserts, and skies that seem to stretch on forever. Traveling solo in these places makes you feel small in the face of the world’s vastness, yet at the same time, it gives you a sense of freedom that is hard to describe in words.
This journey changed me. It strengthened my belief that traveling alone doesn’t mean being lonely, but rather opening yourself to deep encounters with cultures, people, and landscapes that transform you. I am working on a documentary that will tell these stories, to share with you the magic of a country where tradition and nature coexist in harmony, where the spirits of the land are still present, and where travel truly becomes transformation.
