Guide to Mongolia

Mongolia is a country with extreme landscapes, from the Altai Mountains to the Gobi Desert. It has a rich cultural heritage and is influenced by nomadic traditions. The country is also known for being the home of Genghis Khan. It has a rich cultural heritage spanning centuries and a way of living that is shaped by nomadic traditions.?

A relatively undiscovered destination, the Land of Blue Sky provides travellers a unique opportunity to explore and experience authentic culture without the usual tourist traps. Here’s everything you need to know about the country

?Where is Mongolia?

Mongolia is a vast country in East and Central Asia and shares borders with Russia and China. Featuring rugged mountains, expansive grasslands, and deserts across a vast, elevated plateau, it covers over 1.5 million sq km.

?When should you start planning for the trip?

• A Mongolian tourist visa can be applied for at the Mongolian embassy, consulate in India, or an authorized visa agency.
• The time a Mongolian visa takes depends upon the processing time of the embassy and the type of visa required. It is recommended to apply for it well in advance, we would recommend at least 4 months prior.
• There are weekly flights connecting New Delhi to Ulaanbaatar.
• Some of the major airlines serving this route include Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Asiana Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Korean Air, and Vistara.

What is the best time to visit?

• June to August: The peak tourist season is during the summer months. It is an ideal time for trekking, horse riding, and cultural festivals like Naadam. However, this is also the busiest time.
• November to March: This is the best time to experience Mongolia's snowy landscapes, and winter sports like skiing and dog sledging. However, the temperatures can drop below -40°C in some areas, so be prepared for extremely cold weather.

Why should I visit Mongolia?

There are many reasons to visit Mongolia, right from trying out the different types of accommodation to experiencing super cool festivals! Let’s have a look.

Places:

Lake Kh?vsg?l:?

• Known as the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia," it is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the country
• The crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding mountains and forests.?
• Lake Kh?vsg?l is also revered for its spiritual significance to the local Mongolian people! It is believed to be a sacred site with healing powers, and many people make pilgrimages to the lake to seek its blessings.

Khogno Khan Mountains:?

• One of the most striking features of the Khogno Khan Mountains is the combination of the Gobi Desert sand dunes and the mountain range, creating a dramatic and contrasting landscape.
• The mountains themselves are dotted with ancient ruins, monasteries, and other cultural and historical sites, adding to the area's significance and beauty.

Tsenker Hot Springs:?

• Tsenkher Hot Springs is a hidden gem located in the Arkhangai Province of Mongolia, surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and lush greenery.?
• The hot springs are a natural wonder, with crystal clear water that is rich in minerals and is believed to have therapeutic benefits.
• The pools themselves are surrounded by wooden decks and traditional Mongolian yurts, providing a unique and authentic cultural experience for visitors!

Gobi Desert:?

• It is one of the world's largest deserts, covering an area of over 500,000 square miles.?
• Visitors to the Gobi can also explore the region's rich cultural history, which includes ancient cave paintings, dinosaur fossils, and the ruins of once-great cities along the old Silk Road trading route.

Bayanzag:?

• A visit to Bayanzag, also known as the "Flaming Cliffs," is famous for its red sandstone cliffs that glow a fiery orange-red in the sunlight.?
• Bayanzag is also home to a wealth of dinosaur fossils and eggs, which have been excavated by paleontologists for over a century.

Zuun Nuur:?

• Zuun Nuur is a beautiful lake located in the western part of Mongolia's Arkhangai Province.
• It is situated at an altitude of 2,140 metres above sea level (yes, it can get pretty cold!) and is surrounded by mountains, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and campers.
• The lake is also home to various species of fish and waterbirds.

Festivals:?

• January: Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) : A three-day celebration of the Lunar New Year with family gatherings, traditional food, and gift-giving.

• February: Ice Festival - held at Lake Khuvsgul, this festival celebrates the winter season with ice skating, ice sculpting, and traditional games.

• June: Naadam Festival - Mongolia's biggest and most famous festival, Naadam celebrates the three traditional sports of wrestling, horse racing, and archery.

• July: Nomads' Day - a celebration of nomadic culture and traditions, including music, dance, and horse racing.
• August: Yak Festival - held in the Khangai Mountains, this festival features traditional yak racing, as well as cultural performances and demonstrations.

• September: Golden Eagle Festival - held in the Bayan-Ulgii Province, this festival showcases the traditional Kazakh art of eagle hunting, as well as traditional music and dance performances.

• October: Throat Singing Festival - held in the western province of Khovd, this festival celebrates the art of khoomei, or throat singing, a traditional form of Mongolian music.

Accommodations:

Ger camp:

• A type of accommodation that consists of traditional round tents called gers, which are often equipped with modern amenities like electricity and en-suite bathrooms.?
• These camps are typically located in scenic areas and offer a range of activities and tours, such as horseback riding and cultural performances.

Nomadic homestays:

• Provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in Mongolia by staying with local families in their homes.?
• Nomads are known for their hospitality, and visitors are often treated as honoured guests during their stay.
• They can enjoy traditional Mongolian meals, which typically consist of meat, dairy products, and bread, as well as experience traditional Mongolian music and dance.

Food:

Mongolian food culture is influenced by the country's nomadic heritage, and its cuisine is based on meat and dairy products. Some of our favourites include:

• Khorkhog - A traditional Mongolian barbecue where meat, vegetables, and potatoes are cooked in a pot with hot stones.

• Bansh - Boiled dumplings filled with meat and vegetables, served with a savory broth.

• Boortsog - Sweet, fried dough biscuits often served with tea or milk.

• Aaruul - Dried yogurt made into small, chewy pieces, commonly eaten as a snack.

• Tsuivan - Noodle stir-fry with meat, vegetables, and sometimes scrambled eggs.

• Boodog - Meat, typically goat, cooked inside its own skin with hot stones.

• Guriltai shul - A hearty noodle soup with meat and vegetables.

• Suutei tsai - Salted milk tea, a staple beverage in Mongolian culture.

If you have any more questions, our COO Gunjan has all the answers! Mongolia for him was a transformational journey. Come along to experience authentic culture amidst beautiful landscapes, DM us to know more!