When people think of Mongolia, they probably think immediately of Chinggis, or Ghengis, Khan, the famous conqueror. They may also think of the Gobi Desert, or the vastness of the countryside. For travelers interested in visiting exciting and remote spots, Mongolia is a great destination. Unfortunately, you may not know anyone who has ever been. It can be hard to figure out where to go in Mongolia. Lucky for you, I have compiled a list of where to visit in Mongolia, and things to see in Mongolia that will not disappoint you.
The Southern Mongolia is widely known for its Gobi Desert, one of the world’s unique ecosystems and best kept secrets. The region is famous for its unique nature formations, many places of real dinosaur fossils, and many endemic flora and fauna. A trip to Mongolia is not complete without a visit to the Gobi Desert. Here are 20 interesting facts about the Gobi Desert.
Thousand camel festival or “Mongolian Camel 999” was successfully organized in Gobi Desert on March 6-7 in 2016. This famous festival was first initiated in 1997 by the locals of Umnugovi province to increase the population of two humped Bactrian camel and to protect the camels furthermore to inherit the nomadic camel breeding to the next generation. The most significant event was the race of 1108 Bactrian camel and organizers successfully registered camel races in Guinness book of Record.
Wondering where to go and what to do during the long weekend at Tsagaan Sar, which is just in a couple of weeks? We are suggesting you to visit the beautiful Lake Huvsgul – so called the Blue Pearl of Mongolia. And I know it’d sound quite extreme - it must be freezing cold out there! The pristine Lake Huvsgul is 2 million years old, and makes up to 1% of the world’s total fresh water reserve. The Huvsgul stretches for 136km in the Alpine-like mountains, and the deepest point of the lake is 262m. The Huvsgul region itself is a home to the Tsaatan – Reindeer Herders of Mongolia, an ethnic group famous for their distinctive lifestyle based on keeping reindeers in the depth of the Taiga.
According to the gender gap report written by WEF, Mongolia has ranked 79th out of the 153 countries that have been studied.
In 2006, we were ranked 46th.
What has happened over the decade that has worsened the country’s ranking by a whole 33 places?
You will find no shortage of restaurants to enjoy in Ulaanbaatar. There are some well-established eateries around the city, both local chains and stand alones, but also plenty of new places popping up all the time. I am NOT a food critic nor a master chef; however, I like to eat--and prefer to eat good food--and have visited numerous restaurants in the capital.
Khoomei or Throat singing is one of the most representative traditional arts of Mongolia. Khoomei was originated when people started imitating the voice of nature and animals many thousand years ago, and around 19th century, Khoomei was first developed as an art. Mongolian throat singing was registered in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, as an art native to Mongolia in 2010. At its meeting in Nairobi, the UNESCO Council inscribed Mongolian Khoomii in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of mankind.
You’ve probably heard of sheep herders and cattle herders. But how about...reindeer herders? Now presenting, an introduction to the Tsaatan reindeer herders of Mongolia! If you’re visiting Mongolia and looking for an under the radar cultural experience, the Tsaatan reindeer herders are going to be your “thing.” As in, the “thing” that you take back home through amazing pictures and incredible stories, the marker of your fantastic experience traveling in Mongolia. There’s a lot to know before you set out on your journey, so let this introduction to the Tsaatan reindeer herders be your guide. From herding history to cultural ties, we’ll take you through the A-Z of reindeer herding in Mongolia.
“Nomads on horses” is what comes to mind of many upon hearing the word “Mongolia”. Indeed, nomadic culture is engrained into every part of Mongolian lifestyle and culture. Mongolians have been nomads for thousands of years, sustaining their life on Central Asian plateau by relying on their domesticated livestock. Today, about 30% of the country`s population is still leading nomadic lifestyle all over the country, and as there are not many truly nomadic cultures left on earth, Mongolia has become an unique destination to visit for many tourists.
Happy Birthday to Mongolia's capital city Ulaanbaatar! The first stones of the city were placed some 300km west from current location, and the city moved for 20 times as a true nomadic city before settling into today's location in 1778.
11 20, 2011
