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 located in Central Asia. It is landlocked and bordered by China and Russia. Not only is it a big country but it is also the most sparsely populated in the world. With mountains, steppes and desert, as well as a rich history and culture, it offers a variety of travel experiences without the crowds.
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.
Mongolia is fast establishing itself as a prime ecotourism destination. There are several national parks, among them the Khustain Nuruu National Park where you can spot a rare species of wild horse. The Gobi Desert has several fossil sites and even dinosaur eggs and here you'll also be able to see the odd-looking Bactrian camel. Fishing and camping are possible almost anywhere in Mongolia and you can also try specialized tours such as visiting the traditional eagle hunters. Don't forget to spend some time at Uvs Nuur Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mongolia's people have traditionally been nomads and in the rural areas, this is still the way of life for many people. The Darhad Valley is home to reindeer herders and you'll also find camel herders especially in the southern region around the Gobi Desert. One animal that has become synonymous with the nomads of Mongolia is the horse and exploring the country on horseback is the ultimate Mongolian experience. You may even want to try airag, a drink made of fermented mare's milk.
Horses aren't the only mode of transport for travelers in Mongolia. Jeeps and other off-road vehicles are best for navigating the treacherous roads in the countryside and many visitors also go on motorbike tours. For shorter distances, try the back of a camel and for long-distance travel, there are buses and trains.
If you want to spend most of your time in Mongolia exploring the outdoors, the summer months from May to August or September are the best time to visit. However, these are also the busiest times. October nights are cold but the days are still warm enough to spend outdoors. Another option is to try one of the Mongolian tours scheduled for the winter, when you can concentrate on cultural travel and winter sports.
Mongolia is located in Central Asia. It is landlocked and bordered by China and Russia. Not only is it a big country but it is also the most sparsely populated in the world. With mountains, steppes and desert, as well as a rich history and culture, it offers a variety of travel experiences without the crowds.
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.
Mongolia is fast establishing itself as a prime ecotourism destination. There are several national parks, among them the Khustain Nuruu National Park where you can spot a rare species of wild horse. The Gobi Desert has several fossil sites and even dinosaur eggs and here you'll also be able to see the odd-looking Bactrian camel. Fishing and camping are possible almost anywhere in Mongolia and you can also try specialized tours such as visiting the traditional eagle hunters. Don't forget to spend some time at Uvs Nuur Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mongolia's people have traditionally been nomads and in the rural areas, this is still the way of life for many people. The Darhad Valley is home to reindeer herders and you'll also find camel herders especially in the southern region around the Gobi Desert. One animal that has become synonymous with the nomads of Mongolia is the horse and exploring the country on horseback is the ultimate Mongolian experience. You may even want to try airag, a drink made of fermented mare's milk.
Horses aren't the only mode of transport for travelers in Mongolia. Jeeps and other off-road vehicles are best for navigating the treacherous roads in the countryside and many visitors also go on motorbike tours. For shorter distances, try the back of a camel and for long-distance travel, there are buses and trains.
If you want to spend most of your time in Mongolia exploring the outdoors, the summer months from May to August or September are the best time to visit. However, these are also the busiest times. October nights are cold but the days are still warm enough to spend outdoors. Another option is to try one of the Mongolian tours scheduled for the winter, when you can concentrate on cultural travel and winter sports.
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