5 Reasons to Travel to Mongolia

Mongolia is a landlocked country sandwiched between China and Russia. It is one of the least visited countries in Asia. Travelers still have ample opportunities to explore this untouched vast land in its natural and authentic state.

Ulan Bator, Ulaanbataar or UB for the locals is the biggest city and where one third of the population resides. It is served by only seven airlines. If you are traveling to Mongolia by air, chances are you will have to take several flights before you arrive. Your best connecting flights would be from Beijing, Seoul, Osaka or Moscow.

Located nine miles from Ulan Bator, Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) is the one and only international airport in the country.

You will find your local tour guide referring to one name and see important landmarks named after one person- Chinggis Khaan or Genghis Khan.

Why visit Mongolia? Here are Travelmath’s 5 reasons to travel to Mongolia:

One: History
Mongolia was ruled by the Soviet Union for over 70 years and Soviet style buildings are apparent in Ulan Bator. To stamp out all traces of Mongolian nationalism, according to History.com, the Soviets suppressed Genghis Khan’s memory, removed his story from school textbooks and forbid the people from making pilgrimages to his birthplace in Khentii.

Since the collapse of communism, there has been a return of national pride in Mongolia particularly in upholding their hero and founding father –Chinggis Khaan or Genghis Khan. His face even appears in all denominations of the Mongolian Tughrik (Mongolian money).

Visit the 131-foot-tall Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue just outside Ulan Bator and find out more about the nationalist movement of Mongolia. This stainless steel statue looks out of place in the Mongolian steppe but it conveys the emergence of a new Mongolia.

For another history lesson and statue of Genghis Khan, visit Sukhbataar Square in the middle of Ulan Bator.

Two: Nomadic culture
Besides city folks in Ulan Bator, about half of the people in Mongolia are nomads. They move from place to place in search of a better pasture for their livestock. The harsh climate of Mongolia requires nomads to look for better shelter during the winter months. This 3,000 year old tradition is dwindling as the young generation receives education and abandons the difficult lifestyle of their forefathers.

Travelers could experience the nomadic culture by staying in a ger camp at Terelj National Park, ride on small Mongolian horses and try fermented horse milk and authentic Mongolian barbecue.

Three: Nature
Mongolia’s geographical diversity offers many unique mammals and birds. Marmot, wolves, Saiga antelope, black tail gazelle, Gobi’s brown bear, wild camel, Argali sheep, snow leopards and Takhi or Przewalski horses are among the many unique and rare animals found in Mongolia.

Mongolia is also a land for bird lovers. The Mongolian Ornithological Society (MOS) has been providing birding tours in Mongolia since 1999. These tours include bird watching, bird photography and professional birders’ tours in birding sites.

More information: MOS

Four: Adventure
Many parts of Mongolia are still raw, remote and secluded. An off the beaten track adventure awaits travelers who seeks out a journey into the Gobi desert, steppe land, sandstone cliffs and snow-capped mountains. Horse-trekking, hiking, camping and camel riding are among the many adventurous ways to see the huge open land.

More information: Nomadic Expeditions

Five: Culture
Throat singing is revived in Mongolia after the fall of Communism. Mongolian throat singing is an important part of the country’s culture. The Tumen Ekh ensemble in Ulan Bator performs all types of Mongolian song, music and dance that depicts the nomadic lifestyle.

Their performance includes the famous Mongolian throat singing and an important musical instrument known as morin khuur (the horse hair fiddle).

More information: Tumen Ekh

Tips for traveling to Mongolia:
1. Americans do not need a visa to visit Mongolia (up to 90 days visit).
2. Beware of pickpockets in Ulan Bator.
3. ATM machines are available and you can only take the local currency- Mongolian Tughrik
4. While in Ulan Bator be aware of manholes at night.
5. To find flights to Ulan Bator.