Mongolia – The Remote Land of Nomads and Attractions

Mongolia is the nation among the lowest population densities in the world. Although an outlying and a trivial holiday destination, it mesmerizes the tourists and travelers with its different natural, historic, and cultural sites – countryside, flora and fauna, and spiritual monuments. Talking about its landscape, it is incredibly varied and ranges from the extensive zones of wilds, lakes, mountains, and desert that provides different opportunities for varied adventures as a thrilling experience to the sports fans. Some of the most popular activities include jeep tours, horse riding, camel riding, mountain biking, and bird watching.

In the outskirts and in far away areas from the key cities, you will be able to trace the real traditional life of malchin (herdsmen) along with the presence of many nomads. Since majority of them are nomads, you will able to notice camel as their principal transportation medium and handy canvas tents (gers) as their houses. The 21st century nomadic standard of living in Mongolia would actually make you remind of Ghengis Khan who is the most popular Mongol.

The rural areas are still developing with current infrastructure being poor, while on the other hand, the capital Ulaanbaatar is undergoing a rapid conversion of providing a contemporary outlook with intercontinental hotels, opulent restaurants, shopping arcades, and glass tower blocks. In fact, this rich aroma of the modern world can be even seen among nomads who are familiar with the mobile phones and the Internet in spite of the being rural regions. In a nutshell, you will feel in your country even with the traditions of this nation here.

Mongolia Tourist Attractions

• Monasteries:
  Offering many such active monuments, the nation has revitalized the religion of Buddhism after obtaining freedom for communist mistreatment. The attractive monasteries are Erdene Zuu located close to Kharkhorin, Amarbayasgalant lying between Darkhan and Erdenet, and Gandan at the capital city.
• Naadams:
  This is a special nomadic sport show that includes horseracing, wrestling, and archery. The attraction during this time is to watch these inhabitants soaked in their jovial outfit and actively participating in their customary sport actions. Although these naadams clearly take place throughout the different parts of the country, the largest naadam occurs at the capital – Ulaanbaatar.
• Ghengis Khan’s Birthplace:
  Situated in the northern part of Khentii Aimag, this land marks the childhood days of Ghengis Khan. Marking the last tent by the great warrior approximately 800 years ago, this is the land of stunning lakes, undulating mountains, and tidy streams; which has preserved its maximum originality even today.
• Museums:
  Offering some amazing museums, the capital offers the Zanabazar Museum exhibiting the Buddhist Fine Art, the National History Museum displaying the Mongolian traditions, and the Natural History Museum showing dinosaur carcass. Apart from the state capital, the regional capitals also offer worth visiting museums.

• Gobi Desert:
  Surprisingly, this desert is not completely harsh as other deserts. You will be amazed to view mountains, lakes, sand dunes along with one or two oasis. Attractions for the tourists here are looking for dinosaur remains, enjoying on a camel trek, and hiking along the icy gorge of Yolyn Am.
• Watching Wildlife:
  For those who like to spend time in watching the animals, hunt for the gazelle jumping on the grasslands, marmots bustling over the rocks, and the argali sheep hovering on the mountains. More tough is to find a wolf, snow leopards, and bears; but nevertheless try out your luck by holding your binoculars intact.
• Camping:
  The land of Mongolia without any barriers is ideal for tent camping and it could be in anywhere part of the country of your wish. To name a few ideal sites for camping are Khovsgol National Park, Terelj National Park, and Tavan Bogd National Park. There are two options – go for car camping or hike between camping sites.
• Horse Riding:
  Horse being the principal medium of transportation in rural regions, people are well versed with the art of horse riding. You have two options – either enroll with a tour company for a horse ride or arrange for an own horse journey. If you want to learn in detail before the ride, hunt for steppe riders who conduct preliminary lessons on horse riding.
• Hiking and Trekking:
  Hiking has a good scope in the country due to wild landscapes and rocky territory. However, do plan for this seriously and with guidance as there are less number of tracks marked for this activity. Some of the recommended hiking sites are Bogd Khan Uul, Tavan Bogd National Park, and Otgontenger Uul.

• Bird Watching:
  Offering you 429 different bird species, the nation invites visitors with a good pair of binoculars for looking out for falcons, eagles, vultures, swans, cranes, and many more to the list. Some of the ideal sites for nature lovers include besides the lakes in western Mongolia – Uvs Nuur or Khar Us Nuur.

• Traditional Stay:
  To really feel the life of the people here, spend some time to stay with a nomad family that will be full of stunning experiences or set up a night in a ger (yurt). Doing this will make you explore the taste of the local food, horse riding, and sheep herding. At the end, do not forget to thank the nomads with a gift.
• Cross-country Skiing:
  In the country, the extensive steppes are adorned with bountiful snow in winter that is very much conducive for cross-country skiing. The Terelj National Park that offers ger camps even in the winter months is an ideal place to start this adventurous activity. However, do carry your own equipment.