Best Activities to Enjoy During Mongolia Tours

If you think of adventure and relaxation at the same time, think Mongolia. You will never get tired of its vastness and wild beauty. Located in East Central Asia, Mongolia has a rich topography and is filled with wide-open steppes and vast deserts. It also boasts of a rich culture to complement this rugged and dry landscape. The countryside is full of mystical rivers, high mountains, beautiful waterfalls, natural hot springs, cold deserts and coniferous forests.

The cities in the country including the capital Ulaanbaatar are urbanised in a way but still carry remnants of the traditional nomadic heritage. The nomadic people who opt not to live in the cities chose to still stay in the Gers, the traditional round shaped portable tent that has been used for centuries. Mongolia is known for its unique culture, traditions and warm hospitality.Some of the best activities that you can enjoy during a Mongolian tour:

•    Culture and Festivals:
o    The Nadaam festival, held during the summer months, is one of the most famous festivals in the country. Participants engage in three competitions: wrestling, horse racing and archery. Tourists can also participate with the locals in the archery and other competitions.
o    Ice Festival on Lake Khovsgol: An amazing festival to explore, the festival takes place on the frozen Lake Khovsgol in North Mongolia. Some events include ice-skating, ice-wrestling, ice sculptures, dog-sledding and horse-sleighing, tug of war, etc.
o    Camel Festival: The festival celebrates the Bactrian camel. Various events are held including grooming competitions, camel racing, camel polo, and various others.

•    Monasteries:
Mongolia has a rich culture of Buddhism. You can visit the ruins of remote monasteries and also check out the Buddhist Ovoos located on the mountains.

•    Gobi Desert and the Flaming Cliffs:
See some of the wildest landscapes in the world. You can visit the Flaming Cliffs that are famous for the discovery of ancient fossils and dinosaur eggs.

•    Staying with the Nomads:
Check out what it feels like to sleep in a Ger in the open steppes. Stay for a few days with the hardy hospitable people and enjoy the wild beauty of the countryside.

•    Hiking, Trekking, Horse Riding:
The country has a rich and diverse geographical landscape. Explore the various natural wonders as you trek or hike or opt for a horseback ride to visit the various places around the country.

•    Cuisine and City Life:
Mongolia has its distinct cuisine. Check out some dishes such as the steamed meat dumplings called Buuz, the Tsuivan noodle stew filled with vegetables besides its more famous cousin, the Guriltai Shol noodle soup.

Horse Riding - A Great Way to Discover Mongolia

There’s no better way to yourself in the traditional nomadic way of life than to join a horse riding tour in Mongolia. You get to set out on a few days trek on horseback. Perhaps the biggest draw of horse riding trips in Mongolia is the fact that it allows you to somewhat follow the footsteps of Genghis Khan and live like the people did in the 13thcentury, if only for a few days. Genghis Khan was known to conquer territories riding his light bay horses. Throughout the trip, you will experience a beautiful combination of mountains,forests, lakes, and rivers.  You and your professional guide will ride through stunning fields of wildflowers, crossing vast steppes and settling into a ger camps, enjoying unbelievable sights along the way.

You will also get to explore lush valleys on foot, visit nomadic families, and simply experience the gentle rhythm of the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle. Why not go fishing in rivers close by, try Mongolian archery, and even take part in a regional Naadam festival or a small-village celebration? With a professional travel agency arranging your horse riding holiday in Mongolia, anything is possible.

Are You Fit Enough for Horse Riding in Mongolia?

Different horse riding packages require varying levels of horse riding skills, so be sure to check before you sign up. For easier rides, no previous horse riding experience is necessary. Beginners are usually welcome to join easier treks that involve anywhere fromone to five hours of trekking per day (covering anywhere from 3 to 12 miles). More advanced riders can opt for longer treks.

Where Will You Sleep?

The accommodation style for most horse riding treks in Mongolia is a mixture of tented camping, home stays and ger camps. Tourist tents are usually spacious and comfortable. Meals are typically served in separate dining tents. Most ger camps have separate shower and toilets for males and females.

Mongolia Tour: Dive into the Rich Mongolian Culture

In the span of time you choose to visit Mongolia, it is impossible to escape its culture and traditions, which are very much alive most everywhere you look. Before the so-called Communist Purge of the 1930s, Mongolia had more than 700 monasteries, resided in by in excess of 100,000 monks, which dissolved to only 6 that remained undestroyed after the purge. This fact alone will spark your interest to know more about Mongolia's rich history and culture.

If you have your heart set on having a cultural field trip to this lovely country, the capital Ulaanbaatar is a great place to kick your tour off. In fact, the capital is the single best hub for exploring any destination within the country. One of the first stops you can make is Gandan Monastery, which is also one of the city's most prominent and interesting sights. The structure was built way back in the mid 19th century and is about the only monastery where Buddhist practices and services continued even during Mongolia's communist past. The temples are alive with visitors during these religious services, which start late in the morning (10 a.m.) until midday.

In addition to Gandan Monastery and its Migjid Janraisig Temple, you can also visit many other cultural attractions in the area like the Natural and National History Museums, the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, Bogd Khan Palace, and Choijin Lama Monastery. You may also explore the local shopping scene for some traditional local products that are reminiscent of the country's rich culture.

However, nothing beats staying in a ger tent if you wish to experience the local nomadic culture and traditions first hand. In fact, most visitors don't find their trip to Mongolia complete without some degree of adventure with ger-dwelling nomadic tribes in Ulaanbaatar's ger district and elsewhere in the country.

Discovering Mongolia through exhiliarating Horse Riding Trips

When in Mongolia, ride a horse. Adventurous tourists certainly try horse riding when they find themselves in this part of the world—and it’s easy to see why. Mongolia’s vast and beautiful landscapes are best explored on horseback. Be sure to join an organised horse riding trip arranged by a reputable Mongolian tour operator. This is the safest and most convenient way to do a horseback holiday adventure in the country.

Did you know that Mongolian horses are different? They are noticeably short and stocky, but are some of the fastest, strongest, and most efficient breeds you will encounter. These are the very same horses that led Genghis Khan to many victories, after all. Horse riding is an essential part of Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle, and even as a tourist, you can live like local nomad even for just a few days by booking a horse riding trip.

Horse riding activities can be integrated in most Mongolia group tours. Choose a Mongolia travel agency that arranges horse trekking at areas such as the famous Terelj National Park. This place is popular for its vast wilderness. A typical horse riding package here lasts fivedays and will take you through larch forests, valleys, and hills. Camping is often part of the itinerary, so you get to sleep in a ger on the banks of the famous Tuul River. You can also add a kayaking experience or perhaps drop by the Chinggis Statue. All these activities will refresh your mind.

For experienced riders looking to enjoy a longer horse trek, the best time to go is during the Horse Festival. Look for a Mongolia tour operatorwho can put together a nine-day horse riding adventure through inlands, open valleys, and along shorelines. The trip will be punctuated with visits to nomadic families. You can also choose to drop by the popular Bulnai thermal springs.

Mongolian Group Holiday Tour Packages - Best Way to Explore

One of the most cost-efficient ways to explore Mongolia is to join a group tour. What exactly can you expect from such an adventure, and how do you choose the right package? Here are some tips.

•    Choose a Mongolian holiday group package that is well-paced, insightful, and comfortable. It should let you enjoy the nation’s varied landscapes and experience its nomadic culture. The best group trips combine all the expected highlights with twists and special touches, elevating your holiday experience.

•    Most group itineraries are 2 weeks long, but some can be as short as 1 week or 3 weeks and longer. Your choice should depend on how many days you can devote to your Mongolian adventure and what you can afford. Longer holidays cost more, of course.

•    Choose a group tours with some flexibility. The operator should cater to individual interests and preferences to some degree.

•    Smaller groups are better, as you will get more personalised attention. Between 8 to 12 people is a nice, manageable size.

•    Choose a travel outfitter that balances ‘doing’ and ‘seeing.’ You don’t want to be stuck in a 4WD vehicle for 8 hours every single day just to see attractions from behind the car window. Journeys will no doubt involve long road trips, but the operator should regularly stop for photo taking opportunities, picnic lunches, tea/coffee breaks, roadside pit stops, and leg-stretching walks. Some of the best operators even let you drop in on nomadic families and experience local markets along the way.

•    Looking for some time to yourself? During your free time back in Ulaanbaatar, you can break away from your group and walk around the town. The capital has a selection of good restaurants. Feel free to sample the local delicacies serving a fusion of Mongolian, Chinese, and Russian dishes. There will like be plenty of shops and interesting architectural highlights within walking distance of your hotel, too.

Enjoy Mongolia Tours with a Travel Agent to Make Your Trip Remarkable

Mongolia is one of the best places to visit for a wilderness experience. It can certainly change the way you look at life, nature, and culture. That said, Mongolia is not a country that you can easily explore on your own. The unreliable public transport system and language barrier can make it very difficult to get around without a guide. You’ll get more bang for your buck by working with a travel agency that can take care of everything on your itinerary—from the schedule to hiring a horse to your accommodation. Some of the best travel agents can create an itinerary that fits your interest, your time frame, and your budget. Here are some advantages of having a travel agent guide you through your Mongolian holiday:

• Make the most of your time – The best Mongolian travel agencies can offer expert advice on maximising your holiday. They can also suggest alternatives. If the activity you want might not be ideal for the current weather, for example, they can work out something else so you don’t waste a day.

• Special touches – The Mongolian wilderness can be harsh when you are on your own. A travel agency will make the experience a little more luxurious with thoughtful touches like snacks for an especially long trek, fresh fruit, a hearty breakfast and hot fresh coffee on a cold morning.

• Save money - Yes, you can save money when you book with a travel agent who can negotiate with local providers on your behalf. You can’t bargain well in a foreign country, especially if you don’t speak the language.

The best type of travel agency is one that has years of experience in Mongolian tourism. Their guides grew up in the country—they speak both English and the local language, they are respectful of the culture, and also knows the nook and corner of the city and the countryside. With a good travel guide you need not worry about anything. All you have to do is come to Mongolia with an open mind and a ready heart for exploration.

Know More about Mongolia Horse Riding Trips Offered By Mongolian Travel Agencies

Mongolia is a dream destination for serious riders, with its endless horizons and wild landscapes. The safest and most efficient way to enjoy the country’s riding trails is to join a comprehensive Mongolia horse trek tour. You will get to explore spectacular scenery, hidden trails, and wilderness terrain. There are all kinds of Mongolia horse riding trips short, long, full-on riding, and combination of horse riding and overland journeys.

Note that most Mongolia horse riding trips are expeditionary by nature and therefore don’t include vehicle support. The travel agency will provide one ‘pack horse’ for carrying provisions and equipment per two riders.

Interestingly, Mongolian horses are relatively short (about 13 hands high) and have disproportionately large heads, but are very strong. A good travel agency will we source your horse and wrangler from reliable local herdsmen. Each horse is carefully inspected in terms of stamina, speed, size, and temperament.

Eating and Sleeping During a Mongolia Horse Trek

Your travel agency should provide you high-quality rest mats and tents as well as access to a dining tent. Three high-quality dishes will be served daily, prepared by the cook who accompanies the trip. Western tastes are catered for, so you can expect a hearty breakfast of porridge, pancakes, bread and jam, bacon, tea, coffee, and juice. Lunch typically means sandwiches, salads, rice dishes and cold noodles, plus chocolate and fruits. Meaty soups and stir-fry dishes are usually served for dinner. Drinking water typically filtered from nearby rivers and fresh water streams will be provided.

Communications and Safety during a Mongolia Horse Riding Trip

Because you will journey to remote destinations during the trek, mobile communication may be compromised. A good Mongolia travel agency can provide emergency satellite phones for safety. The guide will also carry topographic maps for review and reference aside from a GPS handset.

Should there be medical emergencies, evacuation will be provided. The guide also carries fully-equipped first aid kits for smaller medical emergencies that don’t require evacuation.

Reasons To Hire A Mongolia Tour Agent For Safe Mongolia Trekking

Mongolia is a paradise for avid trekkers with its never-ending horizons and wild landscapes. Trekking across the country can introduce you to the diverse and spectacular scenery, letting you discover hidden trails and learn about the land on a more personal level. But planning a trip to go trekking in Mongolia can become overwhelming and time consuming. A Mongolia tour agent can help make the process a little easier. Find a tour agent that specialises in arranging Mongolia trekking adventures to make your trip not only ore convenient but also a lot safer.

•  Mongolia tour agents can organise tailor-made or private trekking trips or group treks, and they can provide select and unique additional travel services within or to Mongolia.

•  Reputable tour agents can arrange trekking holidays that allow you to explore classic routes, remote wilderness terrains, and hidden trails. They can arrange a long, short, or full-on trekking trip in Mongolia combined with other activities like horse riding and nomadic living. This way, you can combine cultural experiences with your trekking trip for a more memorable holiday.

•  Mongolia tour agents use their personal knowledge and experience to help you plan your trekking itinerary. They can give you suggestions on where to go or refer you to their existing trekking packages. One of the leading Mongolia tour agents has ready-made trekking trips to remote areas like Terelj and Khan Khentii, the northernmost Khovsgol province, the western provinces and snow-capped mountains of the Altai, and the nomadic heartland, Arkhangai.

•  Custom, private tours can be arranged if you do not wish to join a ready-made group tour or if you prefer to travel with your own personal group.

•  Your safety, comfort, and enjoyment are important to reputable Mongolia tour agents, so they provide high-quality equipment and guarantee the safest provisions on Mongolia treks. A leading Mongolia tour agent provides high-quality rest mats and tents and a dining tent on most treks. A cook will go with you, so you can be sure to eat clean and hearty meals three times a day.

Different Types of Mongolia Travel Packages Available Online

The most exciting Mongolia travel itineraries are prepared by tour operators who know Mongolia inside out and have an extensive personal knowledge of the country’s best tourist draws. To truly enjoy your holiday, buy an online travel package that allows for some degree of flexibility, taking into consideration individual interests and preferences. The best Mongolia tour groups are small—between 6 to 12 people. Anything bigger and the personal touch is often lost.

Ready to go on that Mongolia holiday? Here are just some of the many itineraries offered online by reputable tour operators:

Culture Tours

See what it’s like to live the Mongolian lifestyle first hand. You may get to stay with both city and rural locals, learn how to cook traditional food, take care of animals, ride, and even put up a ger. You may also be taken to Mongolia’s most popular palaeontology sites, sand dunes, rivers, ancient rock arts, monasteries, and stunning hilltop temples.

Adventure Tours

Are you the outdoorsy type? Why not try dog sledding on Mongolia’s frozen landscapes? You will get your own sled and dog team and cover around 50 kilometres of wilderness terrain every day, sleep with nomadic families, and enjoy Mongolia’s national parks at their rawest. You can also try a nine-day cycling adventure through the famous Khangai Hills as well as the Orkhon Valley, or explore Terelj and Khan-Khentii the old fashioned way—on foot. If you ride horses, you might enjoy an eight-day horse trek through the Lake Hovsgol area’s varied scenery, or ride alongside the best eagle hunters of Western Mongolia while learning about how they train birds. These adventure tours let you live the life of a Kazakh nomad.

Mix of Both

Contact your online Mongolia tour operator if you are interested in an itinerary that mixes culture and adventure. You can choose to skip certain activities in favour of another until you get the perfect blend. 

Enjoy the Novelty of Horse Riding In Mongolia on Your Tour

Apart from the nomadic culture, Mongolia is known for endless horizons and fantastic landscapes waiting to be explored. Horse riding is one of the activities that should be part of your itinerary when you visit Mongolia. An adventure or cultural visit to Mongolia is incomplete with the experience of riding its unique horses, which are known for their shorter stature yet robust and sturdy build. They look like ponies when compared to European horses, but don’t be fooled—they are very strong, with an amazing stamina that places them among the world's best horse breeds.

Mongolia is considered a must-visit place for avid horse riders. There are Mongolia tour operators that can arrange horse treks and horseback riding tours across the mountains, valleys, and steppes. Horse riding provides an alternative and one of a kind way to discover Mongolia, and it can make your trip more memorable and exciting.

The equipment used for Mongolian horse riding is considered special as it is inspired by traditional design and are reflective of the nomadic tradition, and heritage. Nomads are notably excellent riders themselves, and they start riding horse as early as childhood, even before they learn how to walk. They partake in horse racing festivals too, such as the Burentogtoh Horse Festival.

The best Mongolia tour operators can arrange an eight-day horse trek through various landscapes like shorelines, forested hills, open valleys, and inlands. Visits to local nomadic families, soaking in Bulnai's thermal springs, and camping are part of the experience. Day trips to Terelj National Park can include either an hour or two of horse riding. An adventure group tour like the Tsambagarav Trek has an option where you can have seven days of riding in the itinerary. A good Mongolia tour operator can arrange custom horse riding tours, too.

Discover the Traditional Mongolian Way of Life with Mongolia Tours

A guided Mongolia tour can allow you to go beyond the beaten path and experience how it’s like to live in a traditional Mongolian way. You can live like the nomads do, sleep in a traditional ger, cook your own camp food, and even live with a nomadic family for a few days if you wish. The success of your travel experience will really depend on your choice of travel agency. The key is to find one that can provide a local and authentic flavour while keeping the itinerary respectful of the locals.

Tourists impact the local rural communities in many ways—sometimes negatively. Choose a travel agency that is committed to ensuring that your interaction with the locals remains mutually beneficial, never over-bearing or intrusive.

A good itinerary includes the 'must see' attractions and ‘must-do’ activities, but goes beyond that. To truly experience the traditional Mongolian way of life, your guide should introduce unexpected additions that can set your holiday apart. For example, your travel agency may arrange for you to receive a cooking lesson from a local. You might also be taught how to put up a ger. Do you want a backstage tour of the famous State Opera House? That’s also possible. If you are tired of staying in hotels, the agency can arrange ger camp accommodation as well as homestays, so you get to truly live with a local family. You may also get to visit a traditional Mongolian school or even help the Gobi anti-desertification project by planting a tree. The best Mongolia travel agency let you get under Mongolia’s skin and to provide a variety of experiences.

The itinerary, while well planned, should remain flexible. You don’t want to be forced to do a rigid set of defined activities at specified times. The guides should be friendly, approachable, honest, and enthusiastic. Most of all, they should be organised and efficient. The best itineraries let you experience local life while making full use of your time and money, so that nothing is wasted.