If you prefer traveling off the beaten track, you probably know that feeling of disappointment when you find that the exotic destination you've chosen to visit has tourists around every corner. It's a good thing that some destinations still offer fantastic adventures without crowds of people everywhere. With Mongolian tours you can experience nature in all its glory, fascinating cultures and adrenalin rushes but still go for days without seeing another Western face.
Mongolia is a huge landlocked country bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. Its varied landscape, which ranges from steppes to mountains and even desert, offers unbeatable travel experiences. More importantly, no other country in the world has fewer people per square mile so you just might have that open space all to yourself.
The city of Ulan Bator has a little more than a million inhabitants and is the largest in Mongolia. It's also the nation's capital. Must-see attractions here are the Bogd Khan's Winter Palace and the monasteries of Choijin Lama and Gandan. In July the city hosts the Naadam Festival where you can watch Mongolians show off their prowess in horse racing, archery and wrestling. Outside Ulan Bator you can also go hiking, mountain-biking or, during the cold winter months, skiing.
While active travelers can certainly find plenty to do near Ulan Bator, they really should explore the rest of the country too. There are hiking opportunities everywhere and trekking is popular. Take to the water in a kayak or a canoe or experience the rush of whitewater rafting. If mountaineering is more your cup of tea, don't miss the region known as Altai with its so-called five holy peaks.
With so much unspoiled natural beauty, Mongolia is a fantastic ecotourism destination too. Go fishing or, for something different, try eagle-hunting but preferably shoot your prey with a camera only. See the wild horses of Khustain Nuruu National Park, visit the World Heritage Site of Uvs Nuur Lake, try to spot Bactrian camels in the Gobi Desert or release your inner paleontologist by visiting sites where you'll find fossils and dinosaur eggs. Many travel operators offer specialty tours through Mongolia's countryside.
Traditionally, Mongolians have been nomads. Many rural people still live the nomadic lifestyle and welcome visitors who want to know more about their culture and traditions. Visit some camel or reindeer herders or have the quintessential Mongolian cultural experience by spending some time with the many horsemen in the country. They may even treat you to their favorite drink, which is made of mare's milk that has been fermented.
While horses and camels are the traditional modes of transport in the country, there are many other ways to get around too. With a motorcycle you can travel almost anywhere in Mongolia but using a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be more comfortable. For long distances, taking the train is a good alternative too.
The peak season for Mongolian tours is in summer, usually from May to the end of August. If you prefer off-season travel, visit in September or even as late as October when days are still quite warm but nights are cold. For winter activities and cultural travel, the cold months are best.
Mongolia is a huge landlocked country bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. Its varied landscape, which ranges from steppes to mountains and even desert, offers unbeatable travel experiences. More importantly, no other country in the world has fewer people per square mile so you just might have that open space all to yourself.
The city of Ulan Bator has a little more than a million inhabitants and is the largest in Mongolia. It's also the nation's capital. Must-see attractions here are the Bogd Khan's Winter Palace and the monasteries of Choijin Lama and Gandan. In July the city hosts the Naadam Festival where you can watch Mongolians show off their prowess in horse racing, archery and wrestling. Outside Ulan Bator you can also go hiking, mountain-biking or, during the cold winter months, skiing.
While active travelers can certainly find plenty to do near Ulan Bator, they really should explore the rest of the country too. There are hiking opportunities everywhere and trekking is popular. Take to the water in a kayak or a canoe or experience the rush of whitewater rafting. If mountaineering is more your cup of tea, don't miss the region known as Altai with its so-called five holy peaks.
With so much unspoiled natural beauty, Mongolia is a fantastic ecotourism destination too. Go fishing or, for something different, try eagle-hunting but preferably shoot your prey with a camera only. See the wild horses of Khustain Nuruu National Park, visit the World Heritage Site of Uvs Nuur Lake, try to spot Bactrian camels in the Gobi Desert or release your inner paleontologist by visiting sites where you'll find fossils and dinosaur eggs. Many travel operators offer specialty tours through Mongolia's countryside.
Traditionally, Mongolians have been nomads. Many rural people still live the nomadic lifestyle and welcome visitors who want to know more about their culture and traditions. Visit some camel or reindeer herders or have the quintessential Mongolian cultural experience by spending some time with the many horsemen in the country. They may even treat you to their favorite drink, which is made of mare's milk that has been fermented.
While horses and camels are the traditional modes of transport in the country, there are many other ways to get around too. With a motorcycle you can travel almost anywhere in Mongolia but using a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be more comfortable. For long distances, taking the train is a good alternative too.
The peak season for Mongolian tours is in summer, usually from May to the end of August. If you prefer off-season travel, visit in September or even as late as October when days are still quite warm but nights are cold. For winter activities and cultural travel, the cold months are best.
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