Try Mongolian Tours For The Ultimate Adventure

By Serena Price


If you prefer traveling off the beaten track, you probably know that feeling of disappointment when you find that the exotic destination you've chosen to visit has tourists around every corner. It's a good thing that some destinations still offer fantastic adventures without crowds of people everywhere. With Mongolian tours you can experience nature in all its glory, fascinating cultures and adrenalin rushes but still go for days without seeing another Western face.

Mongolia is located in Central Asia. It is landlocked and bordered by China and Russia. Not only is it a big country but it is also the most sparsely populated in the world. With mountains, steppes and desert, as well as a rich history and culture, it offers a variety of travel experiences without the crowds.

The capital of Mongolia is Ulan Bator. Here you'll find sights such as the Gandan and Choijin Lama Buddhist monasteries, the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan and several fascinating museums. The area surrounding Ulan Bator offers great hiking, biking and skiing opportunities and if you visit in July, don't miss the Naadam Festival with its horse racing, wrestling and archery events.

While active travelers can certainly find plenty to do near Ulan Bator, they really should explore the rest of the country too. There are hiking opportunities everywhere and trekking is popular. Take to the water in a kayak or a canoe or experience the rush of whitewater rafting. If mountaineering is more your cup of tea, don't miss the region known as Altai with its so-called five holy peaks.

Mongolia is fast establishing itself as a prime ecotourism destination. There are several national parks, among them the Khustain Nuruu National Park where you can spot a rare species of wild horse. The Gobi Desert has several fossil sites and even dinosaur eggs and here you'll also be able to see the odd-looking Bactrian camel. Fishing and camping are possible almost anywhere in Mongolia and you can also try specialized tours such as visiting the traditional eagle hunters. Don't forget to spend some time at Uvs Nuur Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mongolia's people have traditionally been nomads and in the rural areas, this is still the way of life for many people. The Darhad Valley is home to reindeer herders and you'll also find camel herders especially in the southern region around the Gobi Desert. One animal that has become synonymous with the nomads of Mongolia is the horse and exploring the country on horseback is the ultimate Mongolian experience. You may even want to try airag, a drink made of fermented mare's milk.

While horses and camels are the traditional modes of transport in the country, there are many other ways to get around too. With a motorcycle you can travel almost anywhere in Mongolia but using a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be more comfortable. For long distances, taking the train is a good alternative too.

The best time to visit Mongolia depends on what you want to do. The warmest months are between May and August and are perfect for outdoor activities. September and October are still warm during the day but are quieter than the summer months. A growing number of people schedule their Mongolian tours for the cold winter months when they can participate in winter sports and focus on cultural experiences.




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