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.
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.
