Mongolia Famous For

Nestled between Russia and China, the vast and rugged land of Mongolia is famous for breathtaking landscapes, rich nomadic heritage and enduring traditions.

While this is a year-round destination, the best time of year to visit Mongolia is during the summer months (from June to August). During this time, the weather is mild, and festivals like Naadam display the vibrant culture and traditions of the country.

With that in mind, here are some of the most beautiful places in Mongolia that travellers must include in their itinerary:**

-Ulaanbaatar

Among Mongolia's tourist attractions, Ulaanbaatar is the most popular one. The capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar is a beautiful blend of tradition with modernity.

This bustling city accommodates several prominent historical sites such as the Gandantegchinlen Monastery and the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, as well as Soviet-era architecture. To dive deeper into the history and culture of Mongolia, travellers can visit the National Museum of Mongolia.

-Best Time to Visit Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: The best time to visit Ulaanbaatar is during summer when the weather is warm. During this time, the city hosts various festivals that travellers can enjoy.

-Weather in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: Winters in Ulaanbaatar are freezing cold with temperatures in January dropping as low as -25°C. However, summers are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 26°C.

-Olgiy

Capital of the Bayan-Ulgii Province and a hub of Kazakh culture, Olgiy is situated in the far west of Mongolia. Olgiy is famed for its annual Golden Eagle Festival, where Kazakh hunters display their traditional eagle hunting skills. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding Altai Mountains provide awe-inspiring landscapes and opportunities for trekking and adventure.

-Best Time to Visit Olgiy, Mongolia: The ideal time to make the most of your trip to Olgiy is in September and October as it coincides with the Golden Eagle Festival and the pleasant autumn weather.

-Weather in Olgiy, Mongolia: Olgiy experiences harsh winters, with temperatures dropping below -20°C. Although summers are comfortable, they are short, and the temperatures during this time range from 10°C to 22°C.

-Gobi Desert

Travellers wondering, “What is Mongolia famous for,” will have their questions answered by visiting the Gobi Desert. This is Mongolia’s most iconic landscape and is renowned for its vast, windswept dunes, unique wildlife, and striking sunsets.

For an unforgettable experience, visit the Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur fossils have been discovered. Travellers can also explore Khongoryn Els dunes, some of the tallest in the world.

-Best Time to Visit the Gobi Desert, Mongolia: To enjoy a serene and comfortable exploration, the best time to visit the Gobi Desert is from May to September when the temperatures are milder.

-Weather in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia: In this land of extremes, summers in the Gobi can reach scorching temperatures of up to 38°C, whereas winters are bitterly cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below -20°C.

-Bayan-Ulgii Province

Bayan-Ulgii Province is the westernmost province of Mongolia. It is renowned for its scenic landscapes and its Kazakh population. Travellers can experience the Kazakh culture up close by witnessing the unique tradition of eagle hunting. The Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is home to the highest peaks in Mongolia that visitors who enjoy the outdoors can explore.

-Best Time to Visit Bayan-Ulgii Province, Mongolia: The best time to visit is when the Golden Eagle Festival takes place in late summer and early autumn. This is also when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

-Weather in Bayan-Ulgii Province, Mongolia: Summers are mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 22°C. However, winters are frosty, with temperatures dropping below -20°C, making travel challenging.

-Dalanzadgad

Serving as a gateway to the Gobi Desert, Dalanzadgad is a small town that helps kick off explorations of some of the most beautiful places in Mongolia. From here, travellers can explore the famous attractions of the country including Yolyn Am Gorge, Khongoryn Els dunes, and Bayanzag (the Flaming Cliffs). This town serves as the ideal base for adventurers who intend to unveil the mysteries of the Gobi.

-Best Time to Visit Dalanzadgad, Mongolia: The best time to visit Dalanzadgad is from May to September when the weather is relatively warmer and more accommodating to exploring the desert.

-Weather in Dalanzadgad, Mongolia: Summers can be hot, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C, while winters are cold, frequently reaching below -15°C.

-Selenge Province

Situated in the north of Mongolia, Selenge Province is known for its fertile lands and rivers. Travellers can visit the Amarbayasgalant Monastery, which is one of the most prominent Buddhist sites in Mongolia. Visitors can explore the serenity of the countryside and discover the rich cultural heritage of the region.

-Best Time to Visit Selenge Province, Mongolia: To enjoy the natural beauty of the region in full bloom, the ideal time to visit is from June to September, when the weather is mild.

-Weather in Selenge Province, Mongolia: While winters here are cold with temperatures dropping below -20°C, summers are pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.

-Kharkhorin

This former capital of the Mongol empire, Kharkhorin is the region of historical prominence. Kharkhori serves as the starting point for exploring the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is known for its historical importance and stunning views. The nearby Erdene Zuu Monastery which was constructed in the 16th century, is one of the oldest Buddhist temples of Mongolia.

-Best Time to Visit Kharkhorin, Mongolia: To enjoy lush green landscapes and warm weather, the best time to visit Kharkhorin is from June to September.

-Weather in Kharkhorin, Mongolia: Summers are mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C whereas winters are cold and frosty, with temperatures often dipping lower than -20°C.

-Khentii Province

Khentii Province is the birthplace of Genghis Khan making it a region of great historical and cultural importance. This province boasts some of the most scenic places to visit in Mongolia such as the Khentii Mountains and the Onon River. To dive into the historical roots of the country, travellers can explore the legendary Burkhan Khaldun Mountain.

-Best Time to Visit Khentii Province, Mongolia: For outdoor enthusiasts excited at the prospect of trekking, the best time to visit Khentii Province is from June to September.

-Weather in Khentii Province, Mongolia: Summers are mild, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, while winters are cold, often dropping below -20°C.

A trip to Mongolia promises a range of memorable experiences for travellers. Here are some of the most fun things to do in Mongolia:

Explore the Gobi Desert

No list of Mongolia’s tourist attractions is complete without the mention of the iconic Gobi Desert. Travellers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the landscape, visit the Flaming Cliffs where dinosaur fossils have been discovered, explore the towering Khongoryn Els sand dunes and ride camels.

Horse Trekking in the Stepp

To explore the countryside authentically and traditionally, consider horse trekking along the endless Mongolian steppe. By riding across open plains, travellers can follow the ancient trails used by Mongolian nomads and experience a unique way to connect with the culture and history of the land.

Stay in a Traditional Ger

For an authentic exploration of the culture of Mongolia and a close-up of the nomadic life, travellers can stay in a traditional ger (yurt). This is a memorable experience that will reveal local customs and allow tasting traditional dishes. Sleeping in the round felt tents under a star-filled sky is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Naadam Festival

Naadam Festival is a celebration of the country’s traditional “three manly sports.” These include wrestling, archery and horse racing. This is an exciting cultural event that is held every July that tourists must attend.

Visit Khuvsgul Lake

The ‘Blue Pearl of Mongolia,’ in other words, the Khuvsgul Lake is a destination of striking natural beauty. Travellers can go boating and fishing in the crystal-clear waters and adventure seekers can hike through the surrounding forests and mountains. The area is also home to the Tsaatan reindeer herders, adding a cultural dimension to the visit.

Trekking in the Altai Mountain

To establish a deep connection with the wild side of Mongolia and enjoy the beauty of awe-inspiring landscapes, consider trekking in the Altai Mountains. These rugged mountains accommodate glacial lakes and some of the highest peaks in Mongolia. The hiking trails take you through remote valleys and past traditional nomadic camps for a cultural exploration of the country.

Mongolian cuisine is a reflection of the nomadic lifestyle of the country and its severe weather conditions. Mongolian food is, therefore, a combination of hearty and flavourful dishes that are satisfying and unique. Here are some foods travellers must try:**

-Buuz: These are steamed dumplings filled with meat (typically mutton or beef) and are served at the time of festive occasions.

-Khuushuur: For a quick snack on the go, travellers should try these deep-fried meat-filled pastries.

-Tsuivan: Stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables, these are one of the most loved dishes in Mongolia.

-Khorkhog: This is a Mongolian barbecue where meat and vegetables are cooked with hot stones inside a pot on an open fire.

-Boodog: A Mongolian dish that takes several hours to prepare, the Boodog is a whole goat or marmot cooked from the inside using heated stones.

-Boortsog: The national cookie of Mongolia, Boortsog, is fried dough, served as a sweet snack or dessert.

-Airag: Fermented mare’s milk, Airag is a mildly sour drink. This national “beer” of Mongolia is often served as a welcome drink.

-Aaruul: Mongolia is rich in producing dairy. Aaruul is dried curd, often served as a sweet, chewy dessert.

• Before travelling to Mongolia, here are some tips that travellers must bear in mind:

• Indian travellers will need a visa to travel to Mongolia, so it is important to ensure your travel documents are in place.

• As temperatures can fluctuate greatly between seasons, it is important to pack clothing that accommodates the extreme weather conditions of Mongolia.

• Travellers are advised to carry cash in Mongolian Tugriks as remote regions may not accept card payments.

• Vegetarians will need to make due arrangements as Mongolia is a meat-heavy country.

• Learn some basic Mongolian phrases as English is not widely spoken outside Ulaanbaatar.

With plenty of fun things to do in Mongolia, the country is a treasure trove of memorable experiences. Travellers are promised unique adventures at every turn whether exploring the Gobi Desert, trekking through the Altai Mountains or immersing in nomadic life. However, to ensure a smooth travel experience, every traveller must invest in overseas travel insurance.

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Is there public transport in Mongolia?

Outside of Ulaanbaatar, public transport options are limited. So, tourists can hire private vehicles or book tours as a more reliable alternative for exploring rural regions.

What is the best month to visit Mongolia?

July is the best month to visit Mongolia, as the weather is pleasant this time of the year and it coincides with the Naadam Festival, which is the country’s most significant cultural event.

What souvenirs should I buy from Mongolia?

For unique souvenirs and gifting options consider cashmere clothing, handwoven wool products, traditional Mongolian boots, and leather goods. Tourists can also find beautiful handcrafted miniature items such as horsehead fiddles (Morin Khuur) and traditional yurts.