Mongolian written Heritage

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Mongolian written Heritage

Nomads’ Books: Mongolia’s Written Heritage

Despite a long tradition of nomadic life, Mongolia possesses a remarkably rich and ancient literary culture. For centuries, books have been valued as sacred objects and treasured sources of knowledge, carefully preserved and passed down through generations.

One of the most extraordinary examples is the ten-volume “Sandui Djud”, a masterpiece attributed to Dagva, whose illustrations and ornamentation required an estimated 50 kilograms of gold and 400 kilograms of silver. This monumental work is among the thousands of rare books preserved at the National Library of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar.


Early Printing and Translation Traditions

As early as the mid-13th century, Mongolia produced xylographic (woodblock-printed) books, many of which were translations from Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan. These works demonstrate the openness of Mongolian intellectual life and its deep engagement with neighboring civilizations and religious traditions.

Books traveled across the steppe, preserved within nomadic yurts (gers) as family chronicles—carefully protected, annotated, and expanded over time. From these humble beginnings, Mongolian books evolved into large, ornate editions, often richly decorated with the Nine Precious Stones and Metals, including gold and silver, reflecting the deep respect accorded to knowledge and learning.


The Secret History of the Mongols

Among Mongolia’s greatest cultural and literary treasures is “The Secret History of the Mongols”, written by an anonymous author around 1240 CE. It is regarded as the most important indigenous Mongolian historical work and a cornerstone of world literature.

The book chronicles:

  • The origins of the Mongol people
  • The rise, reign, and legacy of Chingghis Khan (1206–1227 CE)
  • The rule of his successor Ögedei Khan (1229–1241 CE)

Unlike most medieval sources on the Mongol Empire, which were written by outsiders, The Secret History presents events from a Mongolian perspective, blending historical narrative, legend, oral tradition, and imperial decrees.

Linguistically, it remains the richest source of pre-classical and Middle Mongolian, making it invaluable for scholars worldwide. Today, it is recognized as a classic of both Mongolian and global literature.

The term “secret” in the title suggests that the work was originally intended only for members of the imperial family, individuals granted special favor, or possibly Mongols alone, reinforcing its status as a sacred and confidential record.


A Living Legacy of Knowledge

Mongolian books reflect an extraordinary journey—from family-kept manuscripts in herders’ yurts to royal chronicles and sacred texts housed in national institutions. Reverence for books has long been expressed through craftsmanship, rare materials, and ceremonial preservation.

Today, the National Library of Mongolia safeguards many ancient, sacred, and rare manuscripts, ensuring that the intellectual heritage of the Mongolian nomads continues to inspire future generations.

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What Client Say About us

Maria Doe

Traveller

Exceptional Northern Mongolia Experience with Lunas Tours Our journey through Northern Mongolia was truly unforgettable thanks to 'Lunas Tours'. Traveling through the Khuvsgul region, Darkhad Valley, and remote northern landscapes, we experienced pristine nature, rich nomadic culture, and deep local traditions that few tours can offer. The tour was extremely well-organized, with careful planning for long distances, changing weather, and remote conditions. We especially appreciated the authentic experiences—staying with local families, learning about reindeer herders’ lifestyles, and enjoying the peaceful beauty of Mongolia’s northern taiga. The team’s strong local knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and respect for nature made the journey both safe and meaningful. This was not just sightseeing, but a true cultural and natural immersion. We highly recommend 'Lunas Tours' to travelers who want to explore Northern Mongolia in a responsible, authentic, and well-guided way.

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Micheal and Debby from Nederland

Traveller

Outstanding service by Guide Luna & Driver Eba – Lunas Tours Our trip in Mongolia was exceptional thanks to our guide Luna and driver Eba. Luna was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and caring. She explained Mongolia’s history, culture, and traditions with passion and clarity, and always made sure everyone felt comfortable and well-informed throughout the journey. Driver Eba was equally impressive. His driving was safe, smooth, and reliable even on challenging roads and long distances. He handled every situation calmly and professionally, making us feel secure at all times. Together, Luna and Eba worked as a perfect team. Their coordination, friendliness, and attention to detail turned our trip into a truly memorable experience. We highly recommend them to anyone traveling in Mongolia with Lunas Tours.

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Sarah

Australian traveler

Amazing experience with Lunas Tours – Mongolia Our journey with Lunas Tours was truly unforgettable. From the very beginning, everything was well-organized, flexible, and thoughtfully planned. The team showed deep knowledge of Mongolia’s culture, history, and nature, and they always made sure we felt safe and comfortable. What we appreciated most was Lunas Tours’ personalized approach and support for local communities. Staying with local families, experiencing authentic food, and exploring Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes made this trip very special. We highly recommend Lunas Tours to anyone who wants a genuine, meaningful, and well-guided travel experience in Mongolia. 🐎

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John

American traveller

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Vaiopoulos Nikos

Greece Traveller

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Garry's family

Canadian family

Perfect family tour with Guide Luna & Driver Eba Our family had a wonderful experience traveling in Mongolia with Lunas Tours in winter - 2025, especially thanks to our guide Luna and driver Eba. Luna was incredibly kind, patient, and attentive to our children. She explained Mongolian culture and history in a way that was easy and interesting for both adults and kids, making the journey educational and fun. Driver Eba made us feel completely safe throughout the trip. His careful driving, calm attitude, and readiness to help at any moment gave us great peace of mind, especially while traveling with children and luggage. Thanks to Luna and Eba, our family felt comfortable, well-cared-for, and truly welcomed. This was not just a tour, but a meaningful family memory. We highly recommend Lunas Tours for families visiting Mongolia.

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Minje & Dunhe

Korean family

함께한 완벽한 가족 여행 저희 가족은 루나스 투어(Lunas Tours)와 함께한 몽골 여행에서 정말 잊지 못할 시간을 보냈습니다. 특히 가이드 루나 와 드라이버 에바 덕분에 아이들과 함께하는 여행이 더욱 편안하고 안전했습니다. 가이드 루나는 아이들에게도 이해하기 쉬운 방식으로 몽골의 역사와 문화를 설명해 주었고, 항상 친절하고 세심하게 가족을 배려해 주었습니다. 여행 내내 아이들의 상태를 살펴주며 부모 입장에서 큰 안심이 되었습니다. 드라이버 에바는 장거리 이동과 험한 도로에서도 항상 안전하고 차분하게 운전해 주었으며, 가족 여행객에게 꼭 필요한 안정감을 주었습니다. 루나와 에바의 완벽한 팀워크 덕분에 이번 여행은 단순한 관광이 아니라 가족 모두에게 소중한 추억이 되었습니다. 몽골로 가족 여행을 계획하신다면 루나스 투어를 진심으로 추천합니다.

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Adrian Lee

Singaporeans

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