Experience Spring In Mongolia
Meeting Halmira – Olgii, Western Mongolia
March 15, 2019
Well Refurbishment Project – CAMDA NGO – Mongolia
April 16, 2019Last updated 1 year ago by Jessica Brooks | Published: April 7, 2019
Experience Spring In Mongolia
Spring in Mongolia may not be the most commonly promoted time of year by tour companies, but it holds immense significance for Mongolia’s herders and offers a fascinating experience for visitors. While the weather can be unpredictable— of the four distinct seasons in Mongolia, spring is notorious and Mongolians say, ‘like a spring sky’ (хаврын тэнгэр шиг), in reference to changeable, moody behaviour – with dry, arid windy conditions often interrupted by sudden changes including snowfall or rain, it’s also a time of renewal and transformation in the Mongolian landscape.
Don’t let the ever-changing weather deter you. Simply pack a windproof and waterproof jacket, thermals, and sunglasses, and embrace the adventure. Spring in Mongolia offers a genuine and immersive experience, allowing you to witness the country’s raw beauty and cultural authenticity firsthand.
During this time, almost 4.3 million livestock were born in under one month in 2018 alone. These months are among the busiest and most captivating times of the year to experience Mongolia, offering a unique insight into the industriousness and resilience of its herding communities.
Cashmere Combing Mongolia
One of the mainstays of the Mongolian economy is animal husbandry, and one offshoot of this is cashmere production with Mongolian-produced cashmere being considered world-class as it is typically not mixed with lower standard wool. Gathering cashmere is a precise and labour-intensive process, conducted by herders who hand comb each individual goat as the weather warms in early spring. During this time, goats naturally shed their softer undercoat, but hand-combing ensures that the protective guard hairs remain intact, providing essential protection against the elements such as wind and rain.
Remarkably, even in Mongolia’s harsh environment, goats produce some of the longest and finest cashmere fibers. On average, each Mongolian goat yields 250 to 300 grams of cashmere annually. However, after processing to remove dirt and coarser fibers, only around 50% of the original weight is retained as cashmere.
While the work is arduous, it provides herding families with much-needed income after the long winter. Often, cashmere collection is a community effort, with ger encampments supporting one another through this labor-intensive process.
By exclusively using locally sourced 100% raw Mongolian cashmere, Gobi minimises waste associated with supply chain issues. Furthermore, all production processes, from raw cashmere processing to yarn creation to final production, take place in their Ulaanbaatar factory, guaranteeing quality control and supporting local craftsmanship.
Castration Of Livestock In Mongolia
Herders in Mongolia practice castration of young male livestock in spring to manage breeding within their herds, ensuring only high-quality animals are used for breeding purposes.
Referred to as ‘khungulakh’ in Mongolian, this practice is carried out with specific traditions to minimize animal suffering. Using a small scalpel, herders locate the testes, make a small incision, and carefully remove each testicle. The testicles are then boiled and consumed as part of a soup or broth, as there is a belief that quick consumption aids in the animals’ swift recovery.
Spring Migration Mongolia
Each herding family in Mongolia has its own unique migration patterns, with some covering long distances while others move shorter distances. Spring typically marks the migration from depleted winter pastures, although the timing and distance vary among families. Moreover, herding families do not migrate on the same day each year.
Herders in Mongolia follow the lunar calendar for their daily activities, choosing auspicious days based on the combination of elements—earth, air, fire, and water. This lunar calendar guides decisions such as when to move their herds, set up their ger (traditional dwelling), comb cashmere, or perform castration on male animals. By aligning their activities with auspicious days, herders seek to maximise success and prosperity in their livelihoods. Learn more about how Mongolia’s herders migrate here.
Here’s an example: the young Batsuuri family, whom we work with through our long-term local community partnerships. They reside in the Bayandalai district of the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. During the winter, their shelter is nestled in the protected foothills of the mountains. Come summer, they migrate to the more expansive plains, where rainfall transforms vast gravel plains into lush pastures for their livestock.
Their migration, usually in April or May, covers only a few kilometers—a pattern typical of the Gobi region. Despite the short distance, it’s a significant transition that underscores the unique lifestyle and adaptability of herding families in Mongolia.
The Mongolian desert steppe provides the perfect setting for a cycling adventure and we have developed great cycling routes in collaboration with the local communities we work in partnership with. This itinerary isn’t about ticking off ‘must-see sights’ or chasing highlights; it’s about immersing yourself in rural communities and uncovering the diverse regions of the middle Gobi.
As you pedal through these vast and stunning landscapes, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with the local way of life firsthand. From heartfelt welcomes to genuine hospitality, you’ll experience the warmth and generosity of the people who call these landscapes home. Find out more here.
If you do choose to travel in the spring, you will gain genuine insights into Mongolia’s culture and landscapes. Whether you prefer small group tours or tailor made expereinces, we’ve got you covered. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in exploring Mongolia during this fascinating season.
Jess @ Eternal Landscapes.
