Announced in 2010, the Nine Wonders of Mongolia highlight the diversity and beauty of this distinct country. The wonders, in a campaign jointly organised by the President’s office, the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism and the Mongolian Tourism Association, were selected online via a public vote.

Travelers often overlook Mongolia for its bustling neighbors, China and Russia. But in Mongolia—one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries—by venturing into the wild with epic horse rides through the valleys, climbing up to Buddhist villages and temples, hiking through the mountains, luxurious yurt stays under a canvas of stars, and homey dishes that are truly farm to table, one finds the perfect antidote to the intensity of, say, Shanghai or Moscow. Still relatively untouched by modern life, the country offers visitors a true look into life off the grid, but a slowly growing number of tour providers are making it easier to navigate the vast wilderness. Here, nine reasons to visit that will quickly catapult Mongolia to the top of your bucket list.

Why should you travel to Mongolia?