Are you itching to get out on the road? Happen to be hungry for a fresh, under the radar destination that boasts adventure and leisure activities alike? Well, we’d like to make a case for Mongolia. This gorgeous country bordered by China and Russia is bursting with things to do and sites to see. For restless travelers on the hunt for new experiences in incredible places, meeting some of the world’s last reindeer herders and taking in amazing views in the Gobi Desert should satisfy your wanderlust for quite some time. Below are our top reasons you need to visit Mongolia right now.
Planning a journey to Mongolia? Getting there is half the fun! If you’re unsure of how to travel to Mongolia, know that you have a lot of options. From planes to buses to trains, taking a jaunt to the country neighbored by Russia and China has never been easier. We know that organizing your transportation choices can be tough. Read on for more information and details on how to travel to Mongolia.
If you’re headed to Mongolia, you might be tempted to stay in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, and tour around the Eastern region of the nation for the duration of your trip. We vote, explore beyond! There are a wealth of things to do in Western Mongolia, like observing the ancient practice of eagle hunters or scaling the country’s highest peak. You’ll get to dive deeper into Mongolia’s culture and enjoy a one of a kind experience while touring the other side. So without further ado, here are our favorite things to do in Western Mongolia!
Dinosaur fossils. Traditional Mongolian houses. Incredible landscapes. Welcome to the Gobi Desert. If ever you find yourself in Mongolia and on the prowl for adventure and a one of a kind experience, then look no further than the Gobi Desert. It’s about 1.2 million square kilometers of dusty terrain, extending from Mongolia into northern China. This famous attraction comes equipped with history, outdoor activities, and plenty more for every type of traveler in every season, and it’s easily accessible from Mongolia’s capital city and main tourist hub, Ulaanbaatar. The top things to do in the Gobi Desert are quite numerous, so let’s get started and take a look at our absolute top 5 favourites!
If you’re looking to explore a destination that’s both under the radar and chock full of enjoyable activities and incredible sights, then look no further than Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia’s capital city boasts a host of must-do activities for curious minded and adventurous travelers alike. You can wander through museums and temples, hike among some incredible rock formations, or take a ride on a roller coaster. When you’re on the road, it can be hard to pinpoint the best attractions in each destination. But with this curated list of the best things to do in Ulaanbaatar, you can make the most of your journey!
Tsagaan sar, the Mongolia’s Lunar new year is the biggest long-awaited holiday in Mongolia. It is widely celebrated throughout the country around January or February according to the combination of Solar-Lunar calendar that Mongolians use. It is a celebration of passing long harsh winter and welcoming a spring as well as welcoming new year. Furthermore, Tsagaan Sar is a family celebration as all relatives gather at the elders’ home to greet and wish all the best to each other for the following year. The festival lasts for 3-14 days depending on the region. It is non-working national holidays in Mongolia for 3 days.
Ger (aka Yurt) has been a reliable accommodation of the nomads of Central Asia for the last three thousand years. Surprisingly, due to its unique characteristics, ger is still used by Mongolian nomads nowadays. Interesting traditions involving gers include that the altar space usually serves as the traditional seating area for elders or respected leaders. Ger’s western half is considered the male part of the dwelling, while the eastern is where women lives and works. In 2013, the traditional craftsmanship of the Mongolian Ger and its associated customs was recognized as part of our Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Mongolia celebrates many festivals and celebrations throughout the year, and one of the most important of them is Naadam festival which is held in summer months all over the country. While the national celebration of Naadam is held on 11th and 12th of July every year in the central stadium, each province and soum (equivalent to villages) also organize their own local Naadam festival throughout summer months, mostly in July and August. Given its importance and unique celebrations, Naadam was registered in Unesco`s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
Many think that Mongolian winter is unbearably cold and there isn't much to do and see in Mongolia during the winter. However, Mongolian winters are incredibly beautiful and there are plenty to see and enjoy! Glittering white snow, clear fresh air with sun shining almost everyday, and of course, adventure! In recent years, dog sledding tours are trending during the long winter in Mongolia.
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.
11 20, 2011
