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Bucket List: 15 Popular Tourist Destinations in Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country in Central Asia and one of the world’s highest countries. Being one of the largest landlocked countries, although not bordered by the sea, Mongolia’s mountainous landscapes and total otherworldliness more than makeup for it. Because tourism is still in its infancy, it can sometimes be hard to travel around. A lot of travel companies don’t even have sites on the internet! But don’t let that stop you from having a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Best time to visit Mongolia
The best time to visit Mongolia is during the summer season, which is between mid-June and late August. Summer in Mongolia is characterized by sunny days with occasional rain showers.
Here are some of the Top Things to do in Mongolia:
Explore Ulaanbaatar
Equestrian statue of Genghis Khan in sunny weather. Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar photo via Depositphotos
When traveling to Mongolia, chances are you’ll be arriving at the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. A great place to start your journey through Mongolia! From museums to monasteries, this city boasts a handful of attractions that can keep you amazed during your visit.
Some locations to visit are the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, the National History Museum, a handful of parks, and more during your stay. Stay for a while and see the local attractions before moving out to the countryside.
Take a stroll through Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
This National Park is one of the most coveted areas to visit when traveling in Mongolia. Many activities can be performed in this area. Adventure awaits as activities such as hiking, rafting, horseback riding, camel riding, and staying with families in Gers.
Activities listed below can mostly be done here, and admire the view of the alpine scenery and how we could forget the 24-meter high turtle rock.
Hike up Ariyabal Meditation Temple
Not so far from Ulaanbaatar’s capital city, this temple hidden in the mountains can be traveled to, surrounded by areas full of attractions, granite formations among the view of the hills, and valleys with a river surrounded by trees.
The journey to the top may be challenging, but the picture at the top will all be worth it, as it is also a ritual to cleanse your sins.
Travel via Horseback
Now for traveling the vast landscape of Mongolia, horseback riding. Horseback riding may not excite you as it can be done anywhere else globally. Still, horseback in Mongolia is a whole new experience. One of its perks is the freedom to roam around through various landscapes inaccessible to modern cars.
As well as looking for campsites, you can set up camp for the night under the stars as it does not require a permit! Being able to stop where you want and stay where you want is perfect.
Stay in a Ger
After staying at hotels in Ulaanbaatar, why not try visiting the night in a Ger? Gers, also known as Yurts, are portable circular dwellings, the country’s traditional nomadic housing style. Some locals may even invite you to stay with them to open their houses to travelers.
If you’re not into that, you can still experience the Gers through tourist camps set up around the area.
Drink/Tryout Ayrag
Are you feeling parched? Why not try the local brews! The traditional national beverage of Mongolia is made from horse milk and brewed into alcohol Airag or Ayrag. When staying with a family in Gers, they may offer Airag.
It is considered rude when declining a sip from the beverage as the family passes a bowl around. It has extremely high alcohol content, so you must be careful as it may catch you off guard.
Stop by Ovoos
Along the top of mountains and high places, Ovoos are found. These are sacred stone heaps used as altars for worshiping Heaven and lesser gods. You may encounter some of them along the way to the countryside. In that case, stop by it and circle it three times.
It is said that doing so will ensure a safe journey, though honking three times will suffice if unable to.
Camel Riding through the Gobi Desert
If horseback riding isn’t your thing, why not try riding a camel? The Gobi desert is a vast barren region around Southern Mongolia and Northern China. Being the 6th largest desert globally, there are many sights to be seen in this area.
From the Khongoryn Els dunes to the red “Flaming Cliffs” of Bayanzag, the Gobi desert has much to offer for your next Instagram post.
Stay the night at a Monastery.
There are countless monasteries around Mongolia, and visiting them around the day may not be enough. So why not stay at one? Spending the night in these quiet scenes can help you relax and find zen. As Mongolia is still predominantly Buddhist, picking a monastery to stay at will not be a problem.
Simply ask your tour guide for help planning your stay or go up to the monasteries and ask to remain, as very few will turn you away.
Experience the Naadam Festival
The largest festival in Mongolia, Naadam, is also known as “the three games of men” or locally known as “eriin gurvan naadam” and is hailed as the “second-oldest Olympics” in the world. In this festival, the Mongolians get to see their favorite athletes compete in fierce games to win. This festival has three main games: archery, horseback riding, and wrestling.
Although there are plenty of other events you can enjoy, such as the traditional dance, and have the opportunity to try all sorts of conventional Mongolian food!
Go Skiing!
Although Mongolia may not be the first place you think of when planning to go skiing, the Altai Mountains may be the first place you think of. However, there’s only one skiing resort within the country, but it has vast mountain ranges and clean and untouched lines.
It can be a way to get off the grid during the winter season and have fun!
Explore the Ruins of Karakorum
The old capital of the mighty Mongol Empire is now a UNESCO world heritage site. One of the most important cities in the history of the Silk Road. You can explore the ruins of the former capital though small in size.
Many can still be visited within the area, such as the Silver Tree Fountain of Karakorum.
Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
It is located in the southwest of the Dundgobi province. It is a sheer slope that was created over millions of years. As the hill faces eastwards, it is interesting to see. That is why it was called the “White stupa.” Two famous caves may be worth visiting as well.
They are called Khevtee Bosoo agui or “Lie and Stand Cave” it got its name because some areas of the cave are so narrow that you need to lie down, and some are big enough to stand.
Bask in the Sunlight Beside the Lake
Known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” Khuvsgul Lake is Mongolia’s second-largest water source. As Ulaanbaatar is known for its cold weather during the winter, that does not mean it’s cold all year round.
The weather at the lake during the summer is warm. The right temperature to take a dip in. if you’re not into swimming, just admiring the lake’s view under the sun is highly comforting.
Enjoy the Food!
The one reason why some people travel around the world is food. Of course, Mongolia also has its fair share of beautiful delicacies. Some of these are Byaslag, Mongolian cheese made from cow or yak milk; Tsuivan, a Mongolian noodle dish; Bansh, a soup with Mongolian dumplings; and Buuz, the traditional Mongolian steamed dumplings.
There is more to this list, but why ruin the surprise? Don’t be afraid to try something new. You might find a new favorite dish after eating some of these delicacies.
Mongolia Travel and Tour Packages
To help you plan your vacation to Mongolia, we listed places to visit and other unique activities in Mongolia. We also listed some of the best travel deals and tour packages and excellent flight deals and accommodation.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Mongolia hotels and resorts via Agoda, Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new package tours and other exciting tourist spots in Mongolia? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
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