Mongolia is a truly exciting and beautiful country. The dramatic nature is comprised of an extreme climate, endless grassy wilderness, mountains, and desert that are all worth seeing. Mongolia is one of the least populated and most remote countries in the world, but that is also part of its appeal. Venture into the countryside to live with the locals and discover Mongolia for yourself!
The capital – Ulaanbataar
Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbataar, is situated in the north east of the country. If you are planning a trip there, you should check out The Natural History Museum. The museum houses a large collection of stuffed animals and dinosaur skeletons found in the Gobi desert. You should also visit the Gandan Khiid, the city's largest Buddhist monastery. As far as food, mongolian cuisine consists mainly of deliciously prepared beef and lamb.
Untouched beauty in Mongolia
Mongolia is a country of extremes. The summers are short and hot, with temperatures reaching close to 40 degrees! Conversely, Mongolian winters are long and cold, with lows of -30 degrees! Despite these extremes, Mongolia has some of the world’s most untouched countryside with endless plains, huge deserts, high mountains, extensive forests, crystal clear lakes, and rich wildlife. The amazing scenery, in combination with the country’s history and nomadic traditions, make for a very unique and exciting journey.
Live like a local
Mongolia is particularly exciting and attractive because it is so different from home. You should deifnitely take the opportunity, therefore, to maximize on the experience. The best way to do this is by living the nomadic lifestyle out on the plains, far away from the everyday stress of civilization. Thanks to the Trans-Siberian Railway, many travellers are able to make interesting stops throughout the countryside. We really recommend that you make this journey and that you stay with a nomadic family. This is the best way to get a truly exciting, different, and authentic experience. One of the best places to do this is in Terelj National Park, situated about 60 kilometres from Ulaanbataar in Gorkhji.
Adventure in Terelj
Terelj National Park is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Mongolia. In the midst of this amazing scenery, you will find some thrilling activities. Try mountain climbing, rafting, horseback riding, rambling, and swimming in the ice cold lakes. After a hard day of activities, settle down to a well-earned mutton kebab and a glass of goat’s milk, just as any real adventurer would do!
Nadaam Festival
Nadaam Festival is the largest and most exciting annual event in Mongolia. The festival takes place over three days in July and dates back to the time of Genghis Khan. Originally, it was a competition to test the battle skills of Mongolian equestrians. Nowadays, there are also wrestling, archery and horse racing competitions. During the colourful opening ceremony, the riders enter the arena carrying Genghis Khan’s nine white ox tails. The other competitors wear folk costumes representatives of the various ethnic groups in the country. The festival is celebrated throughout the country, but the largest is in Ulaanbaatar.
Endless desert
The Gobi Desert, one of the largest in the world, stretches from southern Mongolia to northern China. Here, you can see plenty of sand, rocks, endless plains, and even high, snow-covered mountain peaks. Reclusive snow leopards live in these mountain areas and they are pretty remarkable to see in person.