go through Alex Erdman Fathom | Mongolia is considered by many to be one of the last frontiers on earth, a remote and remote destination that only the most experienced travelers can reach. Bespoke travel consultancy Alex Erdman local foreigners Think, with a little guidance, this is a achievable travel dream destination.
on site
For the intrepid traveler, nothing is more exciting than the opportunity to explore a destination seemingly untouched by tourism.Mongolia is an explorer’s dream, with natural wonders such as Gobi and annual festivals such as Naadam. Due to its remoteness, Mongolia ranks low on many Westerners’ travel wish lists. Tourism is growing at a slow but steady pace.
on the last visit South Gobi Naadam Conference exist Dharanzagad, I was one of 6 visitors out of 10,000 spectators. Because of the proportions, such an experience feels authentic and intimate, and photographers can find endless inspiration from the people, landscapes and religions of this country.
land layout
Located between China and Russia, Mongolia is roughly the same size as Alaska and is completely landlocked. capital, Ulaanbaatarlocated in the northeastern part of the country hofsgol l., famous for Taimen fishing. Much of the north is under Slavic influence from neighbouring Russia, which occupied the country from 1924 to 1990. The Gobi Desert occupies the southern part of the country. In the west, Kazakh influence can be felt in the dress and customs of the region, which you might recognize from their famous falconers.
if you only do one thing
For adventurers with limited time, a trip to the South Gobi Desert is a must, offering typical Mongolian views and open grassland and yurt galore (yurt in Mongolian). Aside from photography, my days are filled with camel rides on the grasslands, adventures through the dunes, visiting dinosaur digs, interacting with local families, and camping at night.
We also had the opportunity to visit a local Buddhist temple and hang out with a monk who lives deep in the South Gobi Mountains. It was a deeply emotional experience; he told us about the persecution of Buddhist clerics by the Russians during the occupation, and how few temples and devotees survived. His temple was built entirely by hand, with devotees carrying stone and wood up 1,800 steps to the top of the mountain to rebuild their place of worship.
Things you wish you knew on the last day you knew on the first day
While the endless views over the Gobi are epic, my most cherished memories on the trip are the people I met. A bright spot came the night before the Naadam convention when our group impromptued to a local family’s yurt. Driving down a dirt road, our guide asked us which home we wanted to go to – a challenge to prove the hospitality of ordinary people. We picked one at random and the car took off in that direction. A couple in their 20s answered the door with their three children, one of whom was a five-week-old newborn.
Parents took us in, sat us down and fed us delicious fried dough (Burzog) when we talk about life on the steppe. Unlike many “home visits” offered through hotels and tour guide companies, it’s real and unscripted. This family didn’t expect anything from us, but gave us everything. This is a beautiful insight into Mongolian culture and a precious memory that I will always remember.
What should I do
Mongolia is a versatile destination with everything from culture to outdoor activities. I would recommend trying a range of experiences.
1. For those who travel in July and October, Naadam and the Golden Eagle Festival are must-see places. At Naadam, locals compete in three main competitions: archery, wrestling and a 30-kilometer horse-riding competition.
2. Horseback riding can be experienced all over the country, but I recommend going to the desert or the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar Gun Galuut Nature Reserve. Spend morning rides with the locals. In the afternoon, trek to find the endangered argali.
3. SouthGobi itineraries should always include camping nights. While not the most luxurious of accommodations, spending a night under the open sky, stargazing and storytelling with friends was one of the most satisfying experiences of my trip. We woke up at dawn to catch a glimpse of the sun rising over the dunes and enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef.
4. Yoel Valley, and various other locations in the Gobi, perfect for moderate hiking. It’s one of the few places where you can catch a glimpse of a glacier (even in summer), and often brings small surprises like petroglyphs and beautiful views.
5. Anyone who has been interested in dinosaurs since childhood will have the opportunity to participate in an excavation or visit one of the ruins scattered throughout the desert.Activities range from recreational hikes to mountaintops burning cliffwhere Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the world’s first intact dinosaur egg, has been digging for days with the current expedition.
I strongly recommend travelers use operators on the ground to coordinate flights, hotels and experiences. I used Nomadic Expeditions and had a great time.
where to live
Mongolia offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from basic yurt camps to the newly built Sofitel in the heart of UB. For adventurous travelers, renting a vintage Soviet van to cross the Gobi is the first choice. For travelers who want to enjoy some of the world’s material pleasures, Three Camel Inn SouthGobi is one of the best yurt camps in the country. At one point, we were standing just 30 minutes from the property next to a 5000-year-old petroglyph, looking down on a landscape that was probably exactly the same as the day it was painted.
Opening this year, the Sofitel in the heart of Ulaanbaatar will be the country’s first true 5-star hotel. until then, Blue Sky Hotel It is the best choice for foreign tourists. For those looking to head north to Lake Hovsgol or west, I recommend checking with the operator to help guide you in your choice. Many lodgings in these areas are basic, and often they need to bring their own yurts for larger gatherings.
how to get there
There are several routes from the US to Mongolia, the most popular of which are via Russia and China.However, most travelers will appreciate the range and range of airlines that fly to Beijing. flood hole And not just Aeroflot.
walk around
Mongolia is an expansive landscape, and travelers should be prepared for the amount of driving involved. Like many third world countries, the roads can be rough, and a three-hour drive often feels closer to eight. Mongolia is a developing country with more than one-third of its population migrating to Ulaanbaatar, and its economy has grown rapidly due to the export of natural resources. This development will eventually improve the road, but for now, don’t forget to bring your Dramamine. The best way to travel across the country (except for those extreme adventurers) is to partner with a ground operator who handles all your shipping logistics.
when to go/weather
The best time of year to visit is from June to August, as the Naadam festival is a highlight in July, when the weather is warm and mostly dry. Those who want to see the Golden Eagle Festival should travel in October. The low season lasts from October to April. When the weather turns cold, most yurt camps close.
for your bedside table
Genghis Khan and the Formation of the Modern WorldJack Weatherford.
before they leaveby Jimmy Nielsen.
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