A Driver's Tale: Discovering Mongolia's Heart and Soul with Nyamka
Hey there, fellow adventurer! I'm Maya, and back in December, I was sent to explore and document my adventure in Northern Mongolia with Beyond Expeditions. Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences that ignite transformation in our travels!
I’ve been thinking about how when we travel, we often think of things as a whole: the scenery, the landmarks and the goals for the day. But perhaps we don’t notice the little things that make up most of our travels, such as the people around us that we may not even have spoken much to but made the experience pleasant and memorable.
Traveling in Mongolia often means spending extensive hours in vans or cars due to the vastness of the country. It's an adventure that demands skilled drivers, navigating challenging terrains for up to eight hours a day on average (and occasionally stretching to 14 hours due to unpredictable road challenges), all to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience for travelers. For me, the person who made the journey possible was Nyamka!
The views and terrain along the 960 kilometres drive from Ulaanbaatar to northern Mongolia.
Despite the language barrier, the bond my travel buddy Alia and I formed with Nyamka was one of the highlights of my adventure. We learned so much from him, and through him, I believe we saw the best of Mongolia: the friendly, generous, and heartwarming nature of its people.
My travel mate, Alia, Nyamka and I with the Russian van we drove around the country in!
Nyamka has been a driver for 25 years, guiding adventurers like you and me through the wonders of Mongolia. He even chauffeured the fitness influencer/YouTuber “Liver King” and his crew!
The ‘Liver King’ in Mongolia.
On our final night, I asked Nyamka for an interview to share his story with all of you. His tales from his 25-year career were as captivating as our encounters, and I'm excited to share this gem with you all! The interview, like many of our conversations with Nyamka, was graciously translated by our guide, Rocky.
Nyamka enjoying Mongolia’s milk tea, Tsuutei Tsai!
You started as a driver at a very young age! How did you know it was for you?
My dad drove giant Russian trucks for a living to transport goods from the countryside to the city. He had a lot of these trucks back home. One day, I drove one and the feeling I got from it was incredible. I loved operating these machines and driving them. That was when I knew I wanted a career where I could drive Russian vehicles!
What it’s like riding inside the Russian van! Look at all those cool-looking stuff!
Nyamka learned enough English to communicate with Alia and me. He often showed us photos on his phone: people he'd met, places we'd visited in different seasons, adventurers he'd guided, and things he enjoyed. This became our primary way of bonding with each other.
Do you still drive those giant Russian trucks when you’re not in your Russian van bringing people around Mongolia?
I don’t drive it as much, but I still have it back home! My dad’s truck was built sometime in 1985, way before you guys were born!
I noticed that Nyamka wasn't much of a fan of driving in the city because of the traffic jams and overcrowded petrol stations.
My first encounter with Nyamka was on the ride from the airport to Ulaanbaatar. The journey is typically about an hour, but with the evening traffic, we ended up spending quite a bit more time on the road. While my guide, Alex, and I chatted for a while before he drifted off to sleep, I attempted to shoot some videos to update our Instagram. It took a few tries, and as I struggled, I suddenly heard giggles next to me. It was Nyamka, finding humor in my repeated attempts. It was a simple moment, but one that felt incredibly wholesome.
Nyamka loading and unloading the van every night and morning.
What has been the best experience you’ve had with a tourist?
Early in my career as a driver, I had the pleasure of meeting a Caucasian man who asked me to be his driver during his trips to Mongolia. We quickly developed a friendship, and he returned twice more to explore the country with me. On his third visit, he stayed with my family on our land and helped us build a farmhouse. This remains one of my fondest memories with a tourist. Although I've lost touch with him and don't know where he is now, his kindness will always stay with me.
On our first drive out of the city, our van encountered a problem, forcing us to stop in the middle of the road. It was around 10 in the morning with the sun barely shining down to provide warmth in the -35 degrees Celsius weather. Nyamka swiftly identified the problem, crawled under the van and without gloves on, fiddled with the metal car parts. I was out for about 15 minutes when the cold got to me. Nyamka was out for almost two hours trying to fix the problem. It was a stark reminder of the harshness of the environment, but Nyamka's resilience and dedication were truly admirable.
As Rocky, Alia and I prepared for our journey to Northern Mongolia to stay with the Tsaatan Reindeer Nomads, Nyamka showed genuine concern for our well-being. He noticed that we were not adequately dressed for the extreme cold and went out of his way to provide us with extra gear, including his own boots and ski overalls. When we returned two nights later, Nyamka warmly welcomed us back with a big hug, showing his caring nature and the strong bond we had formed.
Getting stuck in melting ice and receiving help from friendly locals driving past.
What’s the best part of driving people around Mongolia?
Everyone who has come to Mongolia has never forgotten our landscapes, our culture and the unique experiences that come with it. Do you think you will ever forget the 11 days you’ve spent here?
To answer Nyamka’s question, absolutely not. My experiences in Mongolia, from enduring the bone-chilling weather to immersing myself in the vast landscapes and the unique lifestyle of the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders, are unforgettable treasures.
But what often truly resonates with me when I travel are the people I meet and the moments in between. Travel goes beyond itineraries, revealing unexpected nuances when we least expect them. And I think this philosophy applies to our daily lives as well! By opening our hearts and minds, we discover beauty in the simplest gestures — a new route uncovering hidden gems, a kind word sparking a friendship, or a smile brightening someone's day. It's the little things that make life truly remarkable.
Just some of the amazing people I met on this journey!
These experiences remind me to embrace life with curiosity and openness. They teach me that even in the most routine moments, there is magic waiting to be discovered. So, as I reflect on my journey in Mongolia, I am filled with gratitude for the people I met, the stories I heard, and the lessons I learned. And I carry with me the knowledge that every day is an adventure waiting to unfold, filled with opportunities to find beauty in the unexpected!
As we journeyed north, I marveled at the views from our van. It was a true privilege to witness endless landscapes and animals roaming freely in the wild. Here’s some of that through my camera lens.
Are you ready to embark on your own adventure to Northern Mongolia? At Beyond Expeditions, we offer this tour all year round, not just in winter! Whether you're drawn to the pristine beauty of the Taiga, the rich culture of the Tsaatan nomads, or the thrill of exploring remote landscapes, there's definitely something for you!
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity — book your journey today and discover the magic of Mongolia with Beyond Expeditions! Find out more about it here! And for more of Maya’s Mongolia, head over to our Instagram page!
Read up on my adventure meeting the Tsaatan reindeer nomads in Mongolia’s Taiga by clicking here!
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: MAYA
With a background in filmmaking, Maya has always been a storyteller. She hopes to bring more stories from Beyond Expeditions to you, the readers!
In her free time, Maya enjoys cycling to the beach and chilling with a cup (or two 🤫) of hot teh tarik.
