Traveling to Mongolia is a great way to relax for romantics and adventurers. This place is suitable for those who want to test themselves on an off-road trip in a jeep, for lovers of fishing, where you can catch grayling weighing two kilograms from the waters of one of the natural reservoirs. Here you can try hunting with golden eagles. You can also take part in a hike to the ruins of ancient cities or among the snowy mountains at an altitude of about 4000 meters above sea level.
This article provides information about the features of recreation in Mongolia.
Features
Mongolia is a country of nomads, wonderful blue skies and amazing mysteries.
This is a land of contrasts in every way. The northernmost zone of deserts passes through the territory of this state, and at the same time, the southern part of permafrost lies here. In January, the air temperature is equal to values from -30 to -10 degrees Celsius, and in July - +15 - +40 degrees. The difference between day and night temperatures can also reach 30 degrees.
Another interesting feature is that in the middle of June there can be ice on the Mongolian lakes. It is also noteworthy that the purest soft turquoise ice, breaking off under the rays of the bright summer sun, moves in powerful ice floes from lakes to numerous streams and rivers. In this country, the air is surprisingly clean and fresh.
These places are great for independent rest by car. There is something to see in Mongolia: vast territories with numerous natural and historical attractions, as well as original cities with their own unique history.
Cities
The main population of the agrarian pastoral country is nomads. However, today many Mongolians live in cities, use modern gadgets and work in large institutions.
The capital of the state Ulaanbaatar is the largest and most "ancient" (365 years) city of Mongolia. Of course, Ulaanbaatar gives the impression of a provincial appearance, but there are concert halls and theaters, restaurants and shops, as well as "underground" casinos.
Darkhan is the second largest city. It has a lot of industrial enterprises. This is the industrial center of Mongolia.
Ancient Mongolia also exists near modern cities. East of Ulaanbaatar (380 kilometers) is the Erdene-Zuu Monastery, built among the ruins of the cityKarakorum is the capital of the ancient Mongol state founded by Genghis Khan in 1220 and existed until the 16th century. Right next to the monastery walls, local merchants sell various Buddhist figures of Burkhans, ancient coins, as well as fragments of original iron and bronze jewelry found in the lands of the former Karakoram.
Gandan (Gandantekchinling), a Buddhist monastery, is of no less interest to travelers. Around it, typical buildings of the old city of Mongolia have been preserved, and this place is surrounded by narrow small streets with shops.
Since 1950, in connection with the beginning of the development of diplomatic relations and with the active railway construction, tourism in Mongolia began to actively develop. Holidays in this country can leave many unforgettable impressions.
Natural Attractions
The most convenient time for enjoying natural beauty is from May to October. The rest of the time, the climate, with dust storms and temperatures reaching below 30 degrees, is too harsh for travel.
Holidays in Mongolia during the high season can bring a lot of pleasure due to the magnificent scenery, which is the pride of the country. In the northern part of the country there are the snow-capped mountains of Altai, in the central part there are endless green steppes with magnificent lakes with emerald water, and in the south there are hills and colorful expanses of the Gobi Desert, where paleontological research is being carried out all the time.
There are 22 national parks in Mongolia, most of which have a well-developed tourist infrastructure. They have comfortable campsites. Each park has its own unique flavor. These are the remains of dinosaurs, beautiful ice valleys and sandstorms, the ruins of ancient monasteries, volcanoes, sculpture parks and rock paintings, as well as ethnic settlements and caves. In addition to all this, here you can get acquainted with numerous representatives of the local rich fauna. These are Przewalski's horses, argali, snow leopards, yaks, black vultures, desert bears and other animals.
In many of these parks, you can go for car rides, walks, camel and horseback rides, visit meals with national cuisine and folklore shows. You can also buy a lot of local souvenirs. Holidays in Mongolia are great in their own way.
Lake Khuvsgul
This body of water is the most beautiful and deepest lake in Mongolia. It is located at the foot of the mountain peaks of the Munku-Sardyk, Hiin-Nuuru and Bayan Zu ranges. The waters of the lake are crystal clear, and the coasts are virgin and picturesque, densely overgrown at the very edge of the water with tall (25 meters) larches. This is an almost untouched oasis of wildlife. Rest on Lake Khubsugul in Mongolia will be remembered for a long time. There are few places like this left in the world. Here, nature has been in its natural state for thousands of years. There are many birds and wild animals in these places, and the waters of the lake are rich in fish.
BGeologically, Khuvsgul is a reservoir of the Baikal type, and it is often called the smaller brother of Lake Baikal. They are similar not only in coastal landscapes. The water that flows out of Khuvsgul through the Egiin-Gola River first enters the Selenga River (the largest tributary of Lake Baikal), then, flowing through the Mongolian and Trans-Baikal steppes (1200 km), flows into Lake Baikal.
Holidays in Mongolia on Khuvsgul is a good option for beach lovers. The combination of magnificent natural landscapes on the coast of the lake with untouched nature is attractive for tourists. There are more than 30 recreation centers here (the south of the lake near the village of Khatgal and the north of the lake in the village of Khankh). They are exotic corners with traditional felt yurts. It offers national Mongolian cuisine, it is possible to make horse rides along the coast of the lake and along the Darkhad basin. The national Mongolian flavor, preserved from ancient times, gives a special uniqueness to the trip.
Active Leisure
Mongolia can be called a wonderland. She is truly magical. Rest in Mongolia for lovers of fishing is just right. Giants graylings and ottomans can be prey here. No less exciting is hunting with golden eagles.
Hiking lovers will not be indifferent to the routes through the mountainous areas of the Mongolian Altai. Here you can climb the highest peak of Kiytyn-Uul - Nayramdal (height 4374 meters).
Architectural Monuments
Most tourists (especially fromJapan) come to this country to get acquainted with the cultural heritage - the monuments of the empire of Genghis Khan and his subsequent descendants, as well as Buddhist shrines. Buddhist monasteries can be found both in the suburbs of the capital and in national parks. True, they can be active, or they can represent ruined ruins.
Resting in Mongolia, inquisitive tourists should visit the sacred place for the Mongolian people - Mount Bogd-Ul, which is the birthplace and adolescence of Genghis Khan himself.
Karakorum is the most famous archaeological park in Mongolia with religious buildings and palaces, as well as workshops of the Paleolithic era, located in the Gobi desert.
Interesting and colorful is the capital of the state, where huge five-star hotels, located in the very center of the city, perfectly coexist with nomads' yurts, monasteries and museums. Here are the Parliament building, the Peace Bell, the Khan's Headquarters, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, an amusement park and the largest Asian cashmere market.
Reviews
Recreation in Mongolia, according to tourists who have visited this country, is original and specific.
Among the advantages are huge spaces with magnificent nature untouched by people, free free access to objects of interest.
Among the disadvantages are the following: rest here is not for those who are used to comfortable conditions.
In cognitive terms, here you can learn a lot of interesting things about past history and modern lifepeople.
According to the reviews of tourists, holidays in Mongolia are definitely good for romantics who love nature and are not picky about living conditions. Some tourists note that the situation on the roads of Mongolia is not very good. Firstly, there are drunk drivers, and secondly, animals (camels and horses) often run out on them unexpectedly. It is also noted that traffic rules are practically not observed in settlements.
In closing
In any case, holidays in Mongolia are varied and unforgettable. Mongolia is a country of amazingly beautiful nature and centuries-old history of the people. The traditions of the population and way of life allow you to take a completely different look at this mysterious world. It is difficult to find tourists disappointed in the beauties of Mongolia.
