Tuesday, 7 June 2016

This Summer Unravel the Remote Mongolian Countryside

One the most spectacular destinations the world has to offer is Mongolia, and there is no better time to visit the country than the summer when the cultural season is at its peak, and the weather is just right to travel. Quite a few travel companies offer tours to the country but few, if any, match up to the many destinations on offer from the local tour companies in the country. These travel operators have had years of experience in taking foreigners around the amazing countryside and can be trusted to make any journey memorable. 

Travelling to the Mongolian countryside can be done in a number of ways, and you can choose from a 4x4 tour, a horseback holiday, a trekking expedition or a combination of all three. Let’s look each option to understand why it makes sense to go for a combination of all three.
  1. 4x4 Tours: These tours are the most comfortable of them all as you simply sit and are taken around to see the amazing countryside. These trips are best for people who are not accustomed to horseback riding or trekking on foot. One disadvantage of these tourism packages, however, is the fact that most of the exceptional places that you must see in Mongolia are not accessible by vehicles, and you may miss out on them if you stick to only a 4x4.
  2. Horseback Riding Packages: These are some of the most fascinating journeys that Mongolia has to offer. If you are comfortable riding a pony, you will find these tours some of the best ones you have undertaken in your life. From visiting the most remote valleys, mountains and forests to meeting inhabitants of remote settlements, Eagle hunters, and reindeer herders, the horseback rides will give you a taste of the unabashedly beautiful Mongolian countryside. You can choose from day treks that last for a few hours to ones that stretch over a few weeks. However, if you are not at all comfortable with horses or ponies, these rides may not be for you.
  3. Trekking Tours: Seeing Mongolia on foot can be an exhilarating experience. You can trek through the high mountains, the pristine natural parks, see the ancient monasteries and trek through the vast steppes as you take in the beauty of the country. However, these treks will not be for you if you are not comfortable walking for long distances.
Considering the pros and cons of these options, the best way to explore the remote Mongolian countryside is by a combination of all three options. You can use the 4x4 to travel as far as possible and then get on horseback to go to the remote locations. Once there, you can trek on foot to see the sights that mesmerise tourists from all around the world.


Friday, 6 May 2016

UpliftYour Holiday Mood by Opting for Mongolia Tours

Mongolia is an untouched and a diverse land comprised of a unique culture, contrasting landscapes and a rich history. Located in East Central Asia, the country is one of the most unexplored and serene destinations in the world. It boasts of a rich topography spread across wide-open steppes and undulating windy deserts. Its magnificent coniferous forests, high altitude mountains, spellbinding waterfalls and pristine rivers and lakes are complemented by the rugged and dry landscape. The nation is famous for its horse riding adventures and the gallant horsemanship of the locals. Interestingly, the terrain keeps changing as one covers the length and breadth of the country.

Mongolia is the best place to explore for anyone who wants to enjoy the uninterrupted wide open spaces, unexplored countryside and a picturesque setting away from the chaos of the city life. Here are some interesting tours which would make your trip to Mongolia worthwhile.

•    The Great Gobi National Park: This national park came into existence in 1975 and is formally designated by the United Nations as the fourth largest biosphere in the world. The national park is home to well-preserved dinosaur skeletons and eggs dating back millions of years.

•    Baga Gazariin Chuluu Mountain: This is another unique and scenic granite stone mountain which houses remnants of old stone temple ruins from the 17th century. You may also visit the nearby Ongi Temple which is located on the bank of the Ongiin River. One can explore this region of Mongolia on Bactrian camels which are domesticated by herders and provide the basic means of transportation across the Gobi desert.

This is a duplication of the paragraph below about Gorkhi Terelj National Park. It is the same place. If you want to add in another park please add Khustai

•  
 Lake Khövsgöl: This Lake issurrounded by tall pine forest covered mountains and is Mongolia’s largest lake. Often referred to as a dark blue pearl, it is located in the northern province of Mongolia and is geologically a part of the Lake Baikal rift system. You can try practicing reindeer breeding and sports fishing besides watching the migratory birds that come every year from Siberia to this region.

•    Gorkhi Terelj National Park: Hiking across the mountains of Gorkhi Terelj National Park with its coniferous forests, pristine lakes, mountain streams, gushing waterfalls provides for spectacular views. One can even opt for rock climbing as the park has various rock formations, the most famous being Turtle Rock and Lama Praying Rock.Other interesting outdoor sports activities such as mountain biking, trekking, skiing, hiking, rafting, etc.

•    Khangai Hills: This mountain range allows the visitor to experience Central Mongolia. One can see the Khangai Mountain range and some of the mightiest rivers in the region including the Orkhon. The tour generally includes home stays with the local nomads in the Khustai, Khogno Khaan and Tsenkher valleys.

Friday, 8 April 2016

Spend Holidays in Mongolia and Discover the Remote Mongolian Countryside

Habituated by many ancient and distinct cultural groups, Mongolia is one of the most unexplored and serene destinations in the world. The country has maintained much of its centuries-old nomadic traditions and rituals and which can be best experienced with horse riding that takes one through the rough and natural yet rich Mongolian wildlife and countryside.

The rugged mountains and dense forests of the north, the lush grasslands of the central plains and the rolling desert dunes of the south gives the country an endless natural beauty. Mongolia prides itself of some of the most rugged yet pristine plateaus and mountains in the world which are complemented by untouched coniferous forests, lakes and waterfalls.

Northern Mongolia is rich in coniferous forests and pine trees such as birch and poplar. These trees and forests usually grow along the riverbanks and make for interesting treks. One can also come across high mountain ranges that rise to heights of 4,000m. The Altai Mountains in Western Mongolia are one of the highest and the oldest mountains. Treks to the region cover these pristine landscapes and you get to see some of the most remote corners of the Earth.

The hills of the Khangai cover the Central Mongolian region and include the Khustai, Khogno Khaan and Tsenkher valleys. One gets to see the Khangai Mountain range and some of the mightiest rivers in the region including the Orkhon. The great Orkhon waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in the country and has been created as a result of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes over the centuries. The area around the lake can be best described as being magical. Tourists from around the world visit this wonderful region and see for themselves how beautiful nature can be.

Mongolia’s largest lake, Lake Khövsgöl, is situated amidst tall pine forest covered mountains. The lake is located in the northern province of Mongolia and is geologically a part of the larger Lake Baikal rift zone that lies between the Eurasian Plate and the Amur Plate. One gets to see the picturesque and splendid views of the surrounding countryside lush with wildflowers on any of the amazing treks offered by some of the best tour companies in the country.

Tuesday, 1 March 2016

Mongolia Travel – Discover the Glorious History & Wonderful Culture of Mongolia

Mongolia, located in Central East Asia between Russia and China, has a glorious history and a diverse culture. Archaeological evidence shows that the country has been inhabited for over two million years. There are various places in the country where interested tourists can see dinosaur fossils and see prehistoric cave paintings. A land of various tribes in its early years, the country was unified under the rule of its great ruler Genghis Khan in the 12th and 13th centuries. Under him and his successors, the Mongol empire formed the world’s largest continental empire stretching from Korea and Hungary and encompassed many countries, cultures and languages.

Ruins of ancient cities, Buddhist temples and stone cairns called ovoos are still found dotting the countryside and magnificent high altitude mountains. The erstwhile capital of the Mongols, Karakorum, and Erdene Zuu Monastery that houses 108 stupas are a must visit for any tourist. The monastery was reconstructed at the end of the last century and is now maintained by the democratic government of Mongolia. The boundaries of the complex are very unique as they have been marked by turtles carved from stone.

Mongolia is also quite rich on the cultural front. The Naadam festival is one of the most important summer festivals of the Mongolian people. It is an annual sporting event wherein the locals participate in traditional sports like horse riding, wrestling and archery. Mongolians prize the strength, skill and dignified character that are the hallmark of the great wrestler champions of Naadam.

Mongolian hospitality is well known and is a very important part of Mongolian society and culture. Travellers are welcomed to the gers of the nomads to share cheese, yoghurt, and the fermented mares’ milk, airag which is also cherished by Mongolian city dwellers.

Mongolian music reflects a deep love and pride that Mongolians have for their country, its pristine beauty and wilderness. Khoomi singing, also known as throat singing, is quite famous. It allows the singer to produce harmonic tones that can mirror the sounds of waterfalls, the steppe winds blowing, and the chants of Buddhist monks and can be mysterious and mesmerising at the same time.

Wednesday, 3 February 2016

ravel Mongolia – Discover the Country of Endless Horizons and Spectacular Landscapes

TMongolia, the land of the blue skies, is a truly delightful country. The ethereal landscapes, vast open spaces and ancient ruins reveala lot about the country’s beauty, and its rich history and culture. The people living in the countryside are warm, friendly and hospitable. They continue to live a traditional equestrian life.

The land of contradictions and surprises, Mongolia is a country with vast expanses of land and a rich topography. You will have an experience of a lifetime here. Located between China and Russia, and once under the influence of the Soviet Union (former USSR), the country has gradually transformed itself into a peaceful democratic nation. It has a fascinating history that everyone would be curious to learn about. The supreme reign of the Great Genghis Khan gave Mongolia its famous equestrian lifestyle that is still followed by the local nomadic herdsmen in the beautiful countryside.

You can experience the various spectacular and spellbinding terrains and landscapes that will surely have a mesmerising effect on you once you travel Mongolia:

•    Desert: The Gobi desert is one of the world’s largest deserts and is located in Southern Mongolia. Unlike other known deserts, it does not have too many sand dunes and consists of a huge barren expanse of rugged and dry land. Climatic conditions are very extreme. It gets very hot during summers and extremely cold during winters.

•    Lakes and rivers: There are many unevenly distributed pristine lakes in Mongolia which are mostly found in the old mountain ranges in the Western part of the country. One can also enjoy the large number of rivers in Mongolia, most of which are a part of the Northern Arctic river Basin.

•    National parks: Check out the famous national parks in Mongolia, which are dotted with breath-taking meadows, wildflowers and unique rock formations. Some parks are located around lakes and you can see some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world.

•    Forests: Northern Mongolia is rich in a variety of coniferous forests and pine trees. Birch and poplar are the other famous breeds of forest trees that usually grow along the riverbanks. There are many tours that take you around the forests and show you the natural splendour of the country.

•    Mountains: Mongolia is a country rich in mountain ranges which rise as high as 4,000m. The Altai Mountains in the Western Mongolia are one of the highest and the oldest mountains. Covered by glaciers during winters they offer a spectacular view to the appreciating tourist.

•    Waterfalls: There are many waterfalls such as the great Orkhon waterfall which has been created due to various volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. They fall from great heights and rush down in beautiful cascades. The waterfall lies in the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

From coniferous forests to snow-capped mountains, and from wide-open steppes to breath-taking deserts, Mongolia as a country is a treat in itself. The spectacular landscape varies a lot and changes gradually as one travels across the length and breadth of the nation. Mongolia is truly adorned with endless horizons and breath-taking wild beauty.

Wednesday, 6 January 2016

Travel Mongolia – Discover the Country of Endless Horizons and Spectacular Landscapes

Mongolia, the land of the blue skies, is a truly delightful country. The ethereal landscapes, vast open spaces and ancient ruins reveala lot about the country’s beauty, and its rich history and culture. The people living in the countryside are warm, friendly and hospitable. They continue to live a traditional equestrian life.

The land of contradictions and surprises, Mongolia is a country with vast expanses of land and a rich topography. You will have an experience of a lifetime here. Located between China and Russia, and once under the influence of the Soviet Union (former USSR), the country has gradually transformed itself into a peaceful democratic nation. It has a fascinating history that everyone would be curious to learn about. The supreme reign of the Great Genghis Khan gave Mongolia its famous equestrian lifestyle that is still followed by the local nomadic herdsmen in the beautiful countryside.

You can experience the various spectacular and spellbinding terrains and landscapes that will surely have a mesmerising effect on you once you travel Mongolia:

•    Desert: The Gobi desert is one of the world’s largest deserts and is located in Southern Mongolia. Unlike other known deserts, it does not have too many sand dunes and consists of a huge barren expanse of rugged and dry land. Climatic conditions are very extreme. It gets very hot during summers and extremely cold during winters.

•    Lakes and rivers: There are many unevenly distributed pristine lakesin Mongolia which are mostly found in the old mountain ranges in the Western part of the country. One can also enjoy the large number of rivers in Mongolia, most of which are a part of the Northern Arctic river Basin.

•    National parks: Check out the famous national parks in Mongolia, which are dotted with breath-taking meadows, wildflowers and unique rock formations. Some parks are located around lakes and you can see some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world.

•    Forests: NorthernMongolia is rich in a variety of coniferous forests and pine trees. Birch and poplar are the other famous breeds of forest trees that usually grow along the riverbanks. There are many tours that take you around the forests and show you the natural splendour of the country.

•    Mountains: Mongolia is a country rich in mountain ranges which rise as high as 4,000m. The Altai Mountains in the Western Mongolia are one of the highest and the oldest mountains. Covered by glaciers during winters they offer a spectacular view to the appreciating tourist.

•    Waterfalls: There are many waterfalls such as the great Orkhon waterfall which has been created due to various volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. They fall from great heights and rush down in beautiful cascades. The waterfall lies in the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

From coniferous forests to snow-capped mountains, and from wide-open steppes to breath-taking deserts, Mongolia as a country is a treat in itself. The spectacular landscape varies a lot and changes gradually as one travels across the length and breadth of the nation. Mongolia is truly adorned with endless horizons and breath-taking wild beauty.

Saturday, 5 December 2015

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.