Introduction to the Book the Last Nomads

Journalists from Ergelt.mn, part of the Oyunlag Ergelt Media Group, proudly present their book The Last Nomads in English. This work unveils the rich heritage, customs, and traditions of Mongolian nomads, preserving their cultural identity while capturing their enduring spirit in the modern world. With this English edition, the authors aim to share the unique story and lifestyle of Mongolia’s nomadic people with readers across the globe.

The book highlights remarkable individuals who embody the extraordinary life of Mongolians - people who harmoniously blend their nomadic heritage with the realities of modern civilization. Among them are:

• Four elderly salt miners, whose 40-year friendship and lifelong dedication to protecting nature reflect a sacred bond with their homeland.
• A man renowned for his extraordinary vision, capable of seeing as far as two kilometers.
• A legendary female tracker, able to precisely identify human and animal tracks, who devoted her life to safeguarding Mongolia’s borders.
• The discoverer of a world-renowned mining deposit.
• A master craftsman, preserving rare and ancient skills.
• Young students from a remote school, whose ambitions and leadership spirit symbolize Mongolia’s future.

The Last Nomads features a total of 32 profile articles, including:

• “I Think Mongolia Is the Biggest Country in the World – Students of Khanui Elementary School”, “Shoot the Guardian of the Forest on Sight, mercilessly”, and “The Eleven Days That a Little Boy Spent in the Forest” – by General Editor E. Khurelbaatar
• “Through Snow and the Tough Winter of Life” and “Tulgaa, the Water-Boy” – by General Editor B. Enkhmart
• “The White-Robed One Amidst the Snow” and “The Promise He Gave to His Daughter” – by Journalist B. Tsogtbayar
• “Forty Years Carrying Salt” and “A. Chuluun: Major Shareholder, or the Dumpsite Tycoon” – by Journalist D. Chantsaldulam
• “The Life Story of L. Sukhee, the Legendary Border Scout” and “A Camel Caravan Journey from the Foot of the Eternally Snow-Capped Kharkhiraa Mountain to Khar Tarvagatai Ridge” – by Journalist B. Badralmaa
• “D. Jamsran, Whose Face Was Torn by a Bear and Who Received More Than Two Hundred Stitches” and “The Doctor Who Breathed a Second Life into a Frozen, Heart-Stopped Boy” – by Journalist Gunjid
• “The One-of-a-Kind Morin Khuur” and “The Puzzle Found in Grandmother’s Chest” – by Journalist N. Otgonbaatar
• “The Old Sledge Driver with His Chestnut Horse” and “There Is No Greater Happiness Than Watering a Herd of Ibex Among the Brown Hills of the Gobi, Brother” – by Journalist H. Dorjpalam
• “The One Who Reads the Sky’s Moods” and “The Two Brothers Who Ride to School on Horseback” – by Journalist D. Byambasuren
• “The School’s Stoker” – by Journalist O. Erdenetungalag
• “The Hunter Who Made Friends with an Eagle: The Story of Kh. Ardak” – by Journalist H. Anargul

We are honored to present The Last Nomads, a collection of compelling profiles that reflect the uniqueness and pride of the Mongolian nomadic spirit. We are confident that this work will serve as a valuable reference, a meaningful guide, and a significant resource for scholars and readers around the world.