Mongolia - Land of the Blue Sky

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Mongolia is an independent republic in East Asia. The country is bounded on the south, east and west by China and to the north by Russia. The capital city is Ulaanbaatar, and other major cities include Darhan and Erdenet. The country is mountainous with an average altitude of 1580 meters above sea level, which makes Mongolia one of the highest countries in the world. The lowest point is Hoh Nuur depression at 560 meters above sea level and the highest point is the Khuiten peak at 4374 m.

The Mongolia gained fame in the 13th century when under Chinggis KHAAN they established a huge Eurasian empire through conquest.

For 3 000 years, the people of the steppes have adopted a pastoral way of life moving in the search of best pastures and campsites. They live by and for their livestock, in the forefront of which the horse undoubtedly was the first animal domesticated in these infinite meadows. Today, approximately half of Mongolia’s population is still roaming the vast plains living in the ger and moving their campings several times a year on the grounds with no fence. Nomadic life thrives in summer and survives in winter. Considering climatic conditions, especially during winter, such lifestyle may seem to the outside world to be a very hard way of living. However, Mongolians have developed for centuries such qualities as strength and resilience that are essential for survival in this harsh nature, which is their cherished homeland. 

Mongolia was a communist state being sandwiched between China and Russia and when the Soviet Union broke up in the 1990's removing economic assistance, the country went into a crippling recession. Economic activity traditionally has been based on agriculture and breeding of livestock. The country however also has extensive mineral deposits including copper, coal, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and gold account for a large part of industrial production. Iron ore deposits are found in the region near the town of Darhan and coal is also produced in this region.

The international time zone in Mongolia is GMT + 8 hours and GMT + 7 hours in the western provinces of Bayan-Ölgii, Uvs and Khovd.

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Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Home to nearly half the national population, UB is the cultural, educational and economic heart of the country. The glass towers and sprawling new apartment suburbs are a testament to the mining boom that is fuelling Mongolia’s economic growth. The city features excellent museums and unique historic sights, many located walking distance from the central Sükhbaatar Square. A highlight is Gandan Monastery, where hundreds of monks gather each morning for prayers. 

Bayan Ölgii
Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia

Kazakhs make up the majority of the population in this westernmost province, a stunning landscape of glaciers, jagged peaks and colored deserts. The provincial capital of Ölgii and its cheery market is a good place to launch an expedition into the wilderness. Kazakhs are renowned for their skills in falconry and many spend their leisure time hunting with golden eagles. Eagle hunting is done in the colder months; if you’re keen on experiencing this activity, plan your visit for October or November.

Lake Khövsgöl
Khövsgöl, Mongolia

Lake Khuvsgu is on most itineraries for Mongolia. With a fully paved road all the way from Ulaanbaatar, access is easy and the lakeside setting is stunning. Close to the border with Russia, the abundant pine trees and mountains make this feel more alpine than the vast steppe normally associated with Mongolia. 

The Gobi
Mongolia

Mountains and sand dunes are scattered across the vast and formidable Gobi, surrounded by plains of nothingness and occasional pink canyons that hide the bones of dinosaurs. Gobi people are hardy camel breeders often willing to show off their proud beasts to visiting travelers. The desert contains a few interesting monasteries, including mystical Khamaryn Khiid near the town of Sainshand. This monastery is situated near a powerful energy center, attracting visitors across the country for its healing powers.

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Location

Mongolia is located in the plateau of Central Asia, between Russian Siberia and China, and covers an area of 1.566.500 sq.km, which is roughly the size of Western Europe in which has immeasurable huge grass of steppes, sand dunes, rocky and forest Mountain ranges.  

Transportation

The transportation system in Mongolia consists of a network of railways, roads, waterways, and airports.

Languages Spoken

The script is Cyrillic due to Russian influence but a switch back to traditional script has begin in schools. Second language: Russian is spoken by many graduates, with many Mongolians formerly educated in Russia. English is replacing Russian as the second language. German is spoken by many graduates, and a little Spanish, France and Japanese is spoken. Chinese not widely understood except in border areas.

Currency

The official currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian tögrög. As tourist in Mongolia you can use your international credit or debit cards but only in the cities or in the towns with ATM or supermarkets. But if you will go travel outdoor there are no any ways to withdraw cash. So before you travel out of the town you must make sure that you have cash certain amount of local Mongolia currency (MNT). People who live in the countryside do not accept or make deals with foreign currency except most touristic areas.

Visas

A 30-day tourist visa is required for some foreign nationals, although a number of countries can visit visa free, including citizens of the USA, Canada and Germany.

Tourist visas A 30-day tourist visa is required for most countries and can be easily obtained at any Mongolian embassy, consulate, consulate-general or honorary consul.

Electricity

In Mongolia the power plugs and sockets are of type C and E. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Vaccinations

There are no mandatory vaccinations to travel to Mongolia. Yellow fever is not a requirement, unless you travel from an endemic country of Africa or South America. 

Emergency Calls

Fire Station -101

Police -102

Ambulance - 103

Immigration Office - 1882

When to visit
Best time to visit the destination

The best time to visit Mongolia is during the Mongolian summer, from the mid of June till last week of August.  This is the safest time of the year to travel to Mongolia in terms of weather, sunny days throughout Mongolia and sufficient rainfall to make the steppes lush and green.

What to do?
Don’t miss to challenge your world

Sleep in a Monastery

Although many Mongolians claim to be atheists, Buddhism is still the predominant religion in the country, and you’ll see monks walking around Ulaanbaatar and most of the other major cities. And the country’s impressive monasteries can be quite interesting to visit.

Go Horseback Riding

Mongolians are famous for their horses, and riding horses across the expansive, unoccupied Mongolian countryside is a real treat. In fact, if you wanted to, you could spend days out there on your own seeing no one except the other people you’re traveling with.

Drink Airag

Airag, or fermented mare’s milk, is a drink that you won’t find in most parts of the world. The taste? Something between normal alcohol and that taste that coats your mouth when you stand next to a horse for a day. Be careful, though: it’s got an extremely high alcohol content that can definitely catch a person unawares!

Bask in the Sunlight at Khovsgol Lake

Ulaanbaatar in the winter is the coldest capital city in the world—but that doesn’t mean the year-round temperatures of Mongolia are terrible! In fact, Mongolia can get quite warm during the summer, and locals love nothing more than getting out into the countryside on the weekends and taking a dip in the pure waters of Khovsgol Lake. Even if you’re not interested in swimming, there are other options in the area, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking.

Experience a Festival

If you really want to get immersed in Mongolian culture, there’s no better way to do it than to attend one of their festivals, of which there are many. One of the best-known and largest ones is Naadam, which is held every year from the 11-13 of July. The festival is lauded as the “second-oldest Olympics” in the world, and Mongolians are fiercely proud to see their favorite athletes compete. The three main events of the festival are archery, horseback riding, and wrestling, but there are plenty of other things happening, including traditional dance.

You ask, we answer
FAQs about Mongolia

Is Mongolia a safe destination to travel?

Mongolia is a very safe travel destination. In the bigger cities, particularly in Ulaanbaatar pickpockets in the crowded areas, bag snatching and robbery at night are the main dangers. Fortunately, there is no religious or political turmoil and no serious crimes against tourists have been registered. However, we do recommend that you avoid going out alone at night in Ulaanbaatar. In the countryside, most of the people are friendly, hospitable and helpful.

You can call home from your HOTEL ROOM in Ulaanbaatar and use wireless at your hotel. Hotels also have business centers or internet centers at an additional fee. Prepaid international calling cards are commonly used. GSM and CDMA are both used. Internet cafes are available at 600-800 MNT per hour in Ulaanbaatar and in provincial centers.

It is common to tip when on tour. The amount depends on the length of your trip, the number of staff members on the trip and the number of clients on the trip. If you enjoyed your trip, giving a tip is a way of showing your gratitude. Every staffs on the trip should to receive your gratitude to the staff. Tipping staff of tourist camps, restaurants and hotels is commonplace and will not go wrong.

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