Mongolia is located in East Asia. Despite being a landlocked country, it has a lot of activities to offer. Mongolia has one of the most beautiful natures in Asia. This country also has a plenty of cultural practices to showcase. You will be thrilled by the rich history of this landlocked country. Mongolia was once a powerful nation. A lot of endangered wildlife species can be found in this country. You will also be able to see different kinds of animal species. These are a few reasons Mongolia should be your next tourist destination country.
Naadam Festival
Ensure you are in Mongolia every July if you want a glimpse of the Naadam festival. This national festival is one of the traditions that are passed on to the next generation. In most instances, Naadam festival is held from the 11th to the 13th of every month. Generally, three main traditional activities are emphasized on this popular festival. They are archery, wrestling and horse-racing. These three activities can be traced back to the nomadic civilization period. The Naadam festival also gives you a rough insight to the Mongolian culture and practices.
That’s not all; you will also get the chance to taste some local delicacies, see some art performance, craftsmanship and hear some local songs. You will also be able to see some practices and rituals being followed by the local people. These practices range from wearing special costumes and tools used during the sporting events. Pay close attention to the poems and praise songs at this national festival event. You will definitely enjoy every single moment of this unique event.
Bogdkhan Uul Strictly Protected Area
Bogdkhan Uul strictly protected area is the oldest protected mountain in Mongolia and the globe at large. It was first opened in the year 1778. This has made it attain plenty of recognition across the globe. The most important award is the UNESCO Biosphere reserve award in the year 1997. Therefore, be assured of seeing one of the beautiful natures in this country. Bogdkhan Uul strictly protected area is also considered to hold religious values among the local people. This is the reason humans have not destroyed the beauty of this spot.
Therefore, you will be able to see different kinds of wild animals and plant species. Religious ceremonies are currently held at this protected area. You might be lucky to witness one activity. There are mountain and forest regions inside this protected area. You can try visiting Tsetsee Gun, the highest point at this protected area. Wild boar, Siberian ibex, Siberian deer, musk deer and the red deer are some wildlife you will spot while touring Bogdkhan Uul strictly protected area. You will also be able to see different bird species. Do you love hiking? If yes, you can try out some hiking trails. Lastly, tour around this location is guided.
Gurvan Saikhan National Park
Gurvan Saikhan national park attracts people all year round. It is situated in Omnogovi province. The roads leading to Gurvan Saikhan national park are in good shape. Therefore, you will enjoy every moment of your tour. You will also be lucky to see a section of the renowned Gobi-Altai range. Gurvan Saikhan is the largest national park in Mongolia. This national park also offers a perfect view of the highest peaks of the surrounding mountains. These highest peaks are Zuun Saikhan, Dund Saikhan and Baruun Saikhan. These peaks are visible from different angles, depending on your position at Gurvan Saikhan national park.
This national park also has a sandy and rocky desert spots. Ensure you check out Khongor dunes while at the desert spots. You will also see different kinds of rocky formations, oasis and dried up basins while at the rocky and sandy location. It is also estimated that there are over 600 different plant species on this national park. This can be proven when you move around this national park. There are also different kinds of wild animals. They include the wild goats, onagers, Mongolian gazelles, Siberian ibex, argalis, mouflons and goitered gazelles.
Khustain Nuruu National Park
Khustain Nuruu cannot be left out in top sights in Mongolia worth your time. This is one of the few national parks you will find the wild horse. The world horses are called Takhi by the local people. People who love nature will enjoy this tour because the nature is still intact. This is one of the reasons the wild horse were re-introduced here. A section of the Khustain Nuruu national park is protected, whereas a section is opened to the public. Tours around this national park are guided. This ensures you don’t miss out on any beauty.
There are plenty of things to see at Khustain Nuruu national park. This ranges from sand dunes, river valley, mountains, birch forest and different ecology species. There are specific times you should visit Khustain Nuruu national park if you want to see the wild horses. Corsac foxes, red deer, black vultures and Siberian marmots are some wild animals you will see at this national park. There is couple of biking and horse treks you can try out. Hiking can also be carried out here. The landscapes offer different adventure.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Gorkhi-Terelj national park will make you feel in a paradise. The beauty of this national park is undeniable. There are also plenty of activities to do here. They include rafting, camel & horse riding and hiking. It all starts by admiring the landscapes around this national park. A lot of people visit this site just to see the colorful alpine scenery. The rock formations offer a spectacular view of the valley, trees and the winding river. You can also take some pictures to remind of your visit to the Gorkhi-Terelj national park. The turtle rock is another attraction you must see at this leading attraction site. This giant rock looks like a turtle.
Ariyabal meditation temple is another gem in Gorkhi-Terelj national park you should check out. This temple is situated on a steep hill and symbolizes elephant’s trunk. As highlighted above, hiking is a common activity. You will be able to see the green meadows, River Tuul, River Terelj and the Rocky Mountains while on the hiking trail. There are plenty of wild flowers you will see at this national park. Try and find the Edelweiss flower.
The local inhabitants of Mongolia are pastoralists. They mostly ride on camels and horse. Try riding on either a horse or camel if you have never. You can also extend your tour around the national park by visiting the local community. Archery and camping at Mongol Ger are other activities you should try out at Gorkhi-Terelj national park.
Lake Khövsgöl
You must visit Lake Khovsgol if you are in Mongolia. This lake holds fresh water. It is surrounded by green hills and craggy peaks. This makes Lake Khovsgol one of the most beautiful places in Mongolia to visit. The surrounding region around the lake offers a perfect background for taking pictures. A couple of award winning photographs were taken here. Pine trees and an open valley are also visible from a distance. Ensure you explore both the western and the eastern side of the lake. Each side has its own uniqueness. Fishing is also common at this lake, bearing in mind it is a fresh water lake. You will be able to catch different types of fish. Hiking is another popular activity on the surrounding environment. It helps you fully explore this location.
Ulaanbaatar
Anyone who visits Ulaanbaatar while in Mongolia will revisit this place over and over again. There are plenty of things to do and places to visit. Commence your tour by checking out Sukhbaatar square. This is one of the leading attraction sites in Ulaanbaatar. This square has a statue of Genghis Khan. A lot of events and tours are held each year at this square. Go on to the Zaisan Monument. This monument is situated on top of a hill. Therefore, it can be visible from a distance. Paintings on this monument remind people of the relationship between Mongolia and previous USSR. You should also check out Buddha garden next to the monument.
Ulaanbaatar is well lit especially at night. Take a stroll through the city at night to admire the night light. Move on to Gandantegchinlen monastery. This monastery will help you understand the history of Buddhism and that of Mongolian.
The urban part of Ulaanbaatar city is visible when on the 3 rd and 4th street. Here, you will see malls, restaurants, bars and cafes. Narantuul market should also be among the must visit places while in Ulaanbaatar city. This market has something for everyone. Prices are not fixed. It all depends on your bargaining power. Do you want to get away from the busy city life? If yes, visit the Bog Khan Mountain. This mountain is found in the southern part of the city. Hiking on Bog Khan Mountain is pretty straightforward.
The Mongolian military museum is another attraction in Ulaanbaatar city you should also check out. Here, you will see different military hardware over the years. They range from a fighter jet, artilleries and a tank. You should also visit Ice Skating rinks.
Chinggis (Genghis) Khan Statue Complex
Chinggis Khan Statue complex is another gem in Mongolia you must check out. This statue was erected in honor a Mongolian hero and ruler Chinggis Khan. You will understand the ruler put Mongolia in the public light in history. He is the one who conquered most part of the globe and establishing the political force. You will appreciate the beauty of this statue if you see it. The statue shows the ruler riding a horse. It is also in good state. The Chinggis Khan Statue complex offers a perfect background for taking pictures. This site is also easily accessible from the capital.
There is an archaeological museum beneath the statue. This museum houses plenty of portraits of the Khan’s family lineage. There are also a couple of the Mongolian traditional costumes. Climb on top of the statues head to have a perfect view of the surrounding region.
Golden Eagle Festival (Ölgii Eagle Festival)
You must attend the golden eagle festival while in Mongolia. Here, you will get to see the famous eagle hunters accompanied by their eagles. The golden eagle festival was first held in the year 1999. Ever since, this event has grown over the years. It is also listed as UNESCO world heritage cultural event. Currently, thousands of people both local and international attend this event. The golden eagle festival event commences by display of both the hunters and their eagles.
Afterwards, the eagle and their hunters will showcase their various talents. The eagles will be challenged to catch fox skin and take it to their owner. Camel racing and the Tiyn Teru games are other activities held at the Golden eagle festival. You will get the opportunity to hear some traditional music at night. There are awards for the winner and the best dressed people.
Amarbayasgalant Khiid (Monastery)
The Amarbayasgalant Khiid monastery was built in the year 1727. It is one of the ancient monasteries in Mongolia that remains intact. The Amarbayasgalant Khiid monastery was built in honor of zanabazar, a Mongolain Buddhist. This is one of the monasteries that have adopted the Chinese architectural design. You will also enjoy the rich history found in this location. Ten out of the total 37 temples were once destroyed before being restored. Currently, you can access only five halls. These halls house different scroll paintings and statues. You are required to pay a small fee if you want to take pictures inside the monastery.
Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs
The central museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs was established by the local government in the year 2013. There are plenty of exhibitions inside this museum worth your time. Walking dinosaur is the main exhibition inside this museum. There is also a section that explains the research that has been made over the years regarding cretaceous aquatic species. Tours around the central museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs are guided.
There is no doubt Mongolia deserves to a top spot when it comes to countries in Asia you must visit. Mongolia has something for everyone.
