Located between Russia and China, the nation without departure to the Sea of Mongolia is one of the most adventurous places in Asia. Famous for its endless and empty steppe, its rich nomadic culture and Genghis Khan, the vast country asks to be explored, with many incredible tourist attractions for visitors.
Home of majestic mountains, picturesque plains and the desolate desert of the Gobi, the wonderfully wild landscapes of Mongolia are impressive, with remote yurts that are here and there. In addition to experiencing the hospitality of the nomads, other things to do in Mongolia are horse hiking and camel rides for the spectacular landscape.
In addition, many fascinating festivals highlight the rich history, culture and traditions consecrated by Mongolia.
1. Naadam Festival
The Festival of Naadam, Which Shows and Celebrates The Rich History, Heritage and Culture of Mongolia, Is Celebrated Every Year In The Capital of The Country, Ulan Bator. It is Believed That They were Before the Times of Genghis Khan. At these centenary festivities, The Athletes Fiercely Compete In The Archery, Horse Races and The Fight, And Traditional Celebrations Also Occur.
While Competitions, Very Close, But The Military Skill Of The Soldiers To The Test, Now The Festival Commemorates And Celebrates The Country’s Independence. The Colourful and Chaos of The Festival of Naadam, Which is Celebrated During The National Festival from July 11 to 13, Is One of the Best Things That Can Be Seen and Done in Mongolia.
2. Camel ride through the Gobi desert
The Gobi desert, the largest desert region of Asia, covers an endless expanse of somber but beautiful landscapes in southern Mongolia. Limited by prominent peaks, plateau and plains, its basin houses from picturesque reconditions and salted rivers to ancient rock formations and spectacular gorges.
Due to its hardness and impact – although without a doubt seductive and attractive, “the Gobi desert is exciting to explore: Traveling its camel dunes is an unforgettable experience. Among its many highlights are the cliffs, caves and canyons of Yolyn AM and Dungeneegyn AM and the Singer Dunes of Khongoryn Els, all located in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park.
3. Stay in a GER
Although it is famous for Gengis Khan and the Golden Horde, the nomadic traditions of Mongolia are still very alive since more than 30% of its population adheres to this old way of life. Therefore, indeed you will find a lot of gers or yurtas while travelling through the majestic mountains, desert and steppe of Mongolia.
Staying in one of these warm and cosy round stores is a great way to know the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia while conversing with local families, trying tea with milk and tasting delicious food. After experiencing this humble hospitality, you can wake up after a relaxing night of sleep and explore the unique nature surrounding you.
4. Complex of the Statue of Genghis Khan
Located just over 50 kilometres east of Ulan Bator, this captivating, complex houses one of the most emblematic symbols of La Nación: the enormous equestrian statue of Genghis Khan. Sitting on his mighty steed him, the fearsome founder of the Mongol Empire contemplates the surrounding steppe, dominating and defining the landscape with its enormous size and scale.
Manufactured in bright stainless steel, the spectacular statue rises to 40 meters, with stunning views that can be enjoyed from the horse’s head. Although it is undoubtedly the most prominent element of the complex, a large museum also shows old Mongol artefacts.
5. Khongoryn Els.
Khongoryn Els, which covers a vast stripe from the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, is a breathtaking view like no other. Known as the “Singing Dunes” by the characteristic sound that makes the sand by blowing the wind, the vast dunes reach 300 meters high and extend along some incredible 100 kilometres.
Although the sands, which constantly change, make it rise to the top an arduous task, it is worth it: the views of the endless sand surrounding you are divine. As the landscapes of the desert are so fascinating, camping and walking on a camel between the dunes is one of the most magical and memorable things that can be done in Mongolia.
6. Khustain Nuruu National Park
Known especially for being the home of the wonderfully wild and free Takhi, a Mongolian horse breed that was believed to be extinguished, the Khustain Nuruu National Park protects and preserves its natural habitat. Created in 1993, the park covers a picturesque steppe and low mountains and is one hundred kilometres west of Ulan Bator.
Due to its impressive landscapes and its well-known inhabitants, the National Park is very popular. Many of those who visit it are staying at Gers or doing horseback riding excursions. In addition to the Takhi, Khustain Nuruu is home to deer, wild boar, lynxes and wolves, being the sunrise and sunset the best time to see them.
7. TSENKHER Terps
Located between the green foothills of the Khangai mountains, the steaming and relaxing Tsenkher hot springs have been known for a long time for their healing properties. Located in the province of Arkhangai, the sources are located in an idyllic place surrounded by beautiful forests and hills.
With the fame of being the hottest seconds of all Mongolia, they warm up thanks to the volcanic sources of the nearby mountains. Nowadays, visitors to Tsenkher’s hot springs can stay at the various resorts that splash the region and relax and disconnect in outdoor swimming pools, interior bathrooms and spas.
In addition, it is adorable to practise hiking and horse riding in the picturesque hills and valleys.
8. Gandan Monastery
One of Mongolia’s most important and impressive monasteries, Gandan, is located in the heart of the country’s capital, Ulan Bator. Built for the first time in 1809, it has been rebuilt and restored on numerous occasions over the years, and fortunately, it has come out unscathed from the religious purges of the 1930s. The monastery, which presents fantastic architecture with Chinese influences, Mongols And Tibetans, houses magnificent temples and bright Buddhist icons and images.
Of the numerous and magnificent statues, its image of Avalokitesvara, 26.5 meters high and coated gold, is the star attraction. The Gandan Monastery, which means “great place of full joy” in Tibetan, is incredible to visit. It is still in use, and the monks celebrate rites and daily ceremonies in their enclosure.
9. Tsagaan Suvarga.
Located in a picturesque and isolated place from the southeast of the country, Tsagaan Suvarga is another of the incredible natural landscapes of Mongolia. With more than 400 meters long, the cliffs reach 60 meters high and have a fantastic range of colours. There are purple and orange pastel tones next to its red and white clay layers, while the bright blue sky highlights deliciously above.
It is often called the “white stupa” because of its radiant, similar to the ritual places of the remoteness, Tsagaan Suvarga imperiously dominates the situating hills surrounding it. In addition to delighting with the views and walking through its impressive landscape, visitors can camp in place and visit the ancient petroglyphs engraved on the nearby rock.
10. Horseback ride in the Orkhon Valley
During millennia, the Orkhon Valley was considered the epicentre of the steppe’s life, culture, and power, with innumerable Khans and kingdoms originating here. Places of historical and cultural interest now plague it: magnificent monuments, monasteries and memorial monuments are located next to the remains of the Otrora Great City of Karakorum. In addition, the valley has beautiful landscapes, with sparkling waterfalls and meadows full of flowers that are seen here and there.
The area is better explored on horseback. Located almost ideally in the centre of Mongolia, the Orkhon Valley is a fantastic place to experience the rich pastoral traditions and the nomadic way of life of the country while staying at GERS and following the steps of the Khans.
11. Lake Khovsgol.
Surrounded by majestic mountains, forests and valleys, Lake Khovsgol is located in the northern end of the country, in a beautiful National Park of the same name. Formed more than two million years ago, it is one of the largest lakes in the country and contains almost 70% of the nation’s freshwater supply.
The lake is an increasingly popular tourist destination thanks to its charming and spectacular landscapes known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia” by its deep and dark waters. In addition to hiking along the shore of the lake and bathing in its waters, visitors to Lake Khovsgol can observe the fauna and flora in the magnificent landscapes of the surroundings.
12. Golden Eagle Festival
The Golden Eagle Festival, which is celebrated every year in Olgii, at the western end of Mongolia, is a show that will raise your spirits. Throughout an October weekend, a hundred Águila Hunters Kazakhs come to celebrate their inheritance through competitions, cultural exhibitions and ceremonies.
Dressed in traditional costumes, hunters compete in several categories, and their eagles are rated by their speed, agility and precision. In addition to the infarct hunts, there are also camel racing, horses games and archery. The eagles of Olgii, a fascinating festival like no other, are certainly stimulating to see, with many good photos of all events and festivities.
13. Bayanzag.
Best known as the “Cliffs on Flames”, Bayanzag is a part of the impressive beauty of the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, located in the country’s southern centre. The palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, who excavated in the 1920s, thus nicknamed these incredible sandstone cliffs for his reddish tone.
Over the years, several fossils and fascinating dinosaur eggs have been discovered here among their deliciously desolate landscapes. Although there is not much to do in Bayanz, apart from climbing the cliffs and contemplating the infinite empty, the flame cliffs are an epic show, especially when they light up at sunset.
14. Erdene Zuu Monastery
The first Buddhist monastery of Mongolia, Erdene Zuu, was founded in 1585. At its height, it had 62 temples that housed more than a thousand monks. Located next to the Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire (and built from its ruins), the monastery is now behind a long wall dotted with bright stupas.
Although he suffered persecution and abandonment during the communist era, there are still some lovely statues and sizes that can be seen, as well as a handful of impressive temples and ceremonial rooms.
Visitors to Erdene Zuu, who is again an active Buddhist monastery, can attend daily ceremonies and learn more about the rich history and heritage of the complex at its excellent museum.
15. Khorgo-Terkh National Park
Located in the seductive and attractive province of Arkhangai, in the centre of Mongolia, the Khorgo-Terkh National Park features splendid scenarios and spectacular landscapes. Centred around the reflective waters of Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur or “Great Lake Blanco”, the park houses endless hills, steppes and a large volcanic field.
His other outstanding feature is the elevated Mount Khorgo, 2,240 meters high, an inactive volcano with a cavernous crater that offers extraordinary views of the nearby lake from its top. The National Park is a charming place to visit, and hiking, swimming, camping and horseback riding are popular pastimes.