Mongolia
Mongolia is a land of vast, open spaces, rich history, and unique culture. Known for its nomadic heritage and rugged landscapes, Mongolia offers an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the steppes, the Gobi Desert, and the towering Altai Mountains. The country’s history as the heart of the Mongol Empire is reflected in its fascinating landmarks and ancient traditions. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, staying with nomads, or enjoying the colorful Naadam Festival, Mongolia is a country that truly stands apart.
Here’s an overview of Brazil
Mongolia is a landlocked country located in East and Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. The country is the second-largest landlocked nation in the world and is known for its vast grasslands, deserts, and mountains. The capital city, Ulaanbaatar, is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country.
What can I expect from Brazil?
Mongolia is a land of vast, open spaces, rich history, and unique culture. Known for its nomadic heritage and rugged landscapes, Mongolia offers an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the steppes, the Gobi Desert, and the towering Altai Mountains. The country’s history as the heart of the Mongol Empire is reflected in its fascinating landmarks and ancient traditions. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, staying with nomads, or enjoying the colorful Naadam Festival, Mongolia is a country that truly stands apart.
If we talk about the culture
Mongolian culture is deeply rooted in its history of nomadic pastoralism. Traditional customs and practices, such as horsemanship, falconry, and throat singing, continue to play an important role in daily life.
Music and Dance: Mongolian music is distinctive, featuring a unique style of throat singing, known as “Khoomei,” and traditional instruments like the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle). Mongolian dance also features energetic and graceful movements.
Nomadic Lifestyle: Much of the Mongolian population still follows a traditional nomadic lifestyle, moving with the seasons to graze their livestock.
Buddhism: The majority of Mongolians practice Tibetan Buddhism, which is evident in the country’s monasteries and religious festivals.
Mongolian Cuisine: Traditional food includes dishes such as mutton, beef, and dairy products, often served with rice or noodles.
Things to See and Do in Mongolia
Explore Ulaanbaatar
Visit the Gobi Desert
Discover the Steepes
Experience Mongolian Festivals
Stay with Nomads
Proin gravida nibh
“The Professional Hobo”
“Never Ending Footsteps”
Accommodation in Mongolia
Mongolia offers a range of accommodation options, from basic guesthouses to luxurious resorts and traditional ger camps.
Luxury Options – Blue Sky Hotel (Ulaanbaatar): A modern luxury hotel offering great amenities and views of the city.
Shangri-La Hotel (Ulaanbaatar): A five-star hotel with elegant rooms, restaurants, and a spa.
Mid-Range Options -Hotel Ulaanbaatar: A comfortable hotel with modern amenities and a convenient location near the city center.
Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace (Ulaanbaatar): A popular hotel offering a mix of comfort and luxury.
Budget Options -Guesthouses: Simple, affordable options in Ulaanbaatar and rural areas, offering a glimpse into the Mongolian way of life.
Ger Camps: Traditional Mongolian yurts available for tourists in rural areas or near tourist attractions.
Food in Mongolia
Must-Try Dishes -Mutton and Beef: Meat is central to Mongolian cuisine. Try dishes like mutton stews or fried dumplings called buuz.
Khuushuur: Fried meat-filled dumplings, a popular snack during festivals.
Milk Tea (Suutei Tsai): A traditional Mongolian drink made from tea, milk, and salt, often served with meat or dairy-based dishes.
Airag: Fermented mare’s milk, a traditional drink enjoyed by Mongols.
Dining Tips -Eat Like a Local: Mongolian meals often feature meat, dairy, and noodles. Dairy products, especially cheese and yogurt, are staples in many Mongolian diets.
Meals Are Hearty: Mongolian food is hearty and filling, often designed to sustain the nomadic lifestyle.
Avoid Ice and Water: When traveling in remote areas, it’s advisable to drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice.
Budget Tips
Suggested daily budget Budget Traveler (₮40,000–₮80,000 per day):
• Accommodation: ₮15,000–₮25,000 (guesthouses or budget hotels).
• Food: ₮10,000–₮15,000 (local restaurants or street food).
• Transport: ₮5,000–₮10,000 (public transport or shared taxis).
• Activities: Free or low-cost options (hiking, local attractions).
Mid-Range Traveler – (₮100,000–₮150,000 per day):
• Accommodation: ₮30,000–₮60,000 (mid-range hotels or ger camps).
• Food: ₮20,000–₮40,000 (restaurants).
• Transport: ₮10,000–₮20,000 (taxis, buses).
• Activities: Paid attractions, guided tours.
Luxury Traveler – (₮250,000+ per day):
• Accommodation: ₮100,000+ (luxury hotels or exclusive ger camps).
• Food: ₮50,000+ (fine dining).
• Transport: ₮30,000+ (private transfers).
• Activities: Guided tours, exclusive experiences.
Additional Costs to Consider –
• Use trains for intercity travel, as they are affordable and offer scenic routes.
• Stay in hostels or guesthouses for cheaper accommodation.
• Eat at local restaurants or street food stalls for authentic and affordable meals.
• Take advantage of free entry to temples, parks, and public attractions.
Money Saving Tips
1
Accommodation Savings
Stay in Ger Camps: Traditional yurts are an affordable and unique way to experience Mongolia’s culture.Use Budget Hotels or Hostels: In Ulaanbaatar and other cities, affordable guesthouses are available.
2
Transportation Tips
Public Transport: Use buses or shared taxis for getting around in cities.Travel by Train: Trains are more affordable for long-distance travel compared to flights.Group Tours: Join group tours for cheaper travel options to major attractions
3
Save on Food
Eat at Local Markets: Local markets and small eateries offer cheaper, authentic meals.Street Food: Mongolian street food, such as buuz and khuushuur, is cheap and delicious.
4
Save on Attractions
Free Natural Attractions: Many of Mongolia’s natural wonders, such as the Gobi Desert and the steppes, are free to explore.Cultural Festivals: Enjoy traditional festivals like Naadam, where you can watch wrestling, archery, and horse racing for free or a small fee.
The best time to visit Mongolia depends on your preferences
The best time to visit Mongolia depends on what you hope to experience in this vast and diverse country. Summer (June to August) is the most popular season, with warm temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), making it ideal for exploring the vast steppes, enjoying outdoor activities, and experiencing the famous Naadam Festival in July. Autumn (September to early October) brings cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and stunning landscapes as the golden hues of the grasslands and forests create a photographer’s paradise. Winter (November to February) is harsh, with temperatures dropping as low as -30°C (-22°F), but it offers a unique chance to witness the nomadic lifestyle, ice festivals, and snow-covered wilderness. Spring (March to May) sees unpredictable weather but marks the return of herding activities, providing an authentic cultural experience. Mongolia’s wide-open landscapes, rich traditions, and nomadic culture ensure a memorable journey no matter the season, but plan according to your comfort with weather extremes and the experiences you seek.
Stay Connected in Mongolia: A Guide for Indian Travelers
Staying connected while exploring Mongolia is essential for navigation, communication, and sharing your experiences. Here’s how to stay online during your trip:
Use International Roaming
• Check with your mobile service provider for roaming packages that cover Mongolia.
• Providers like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea may offer international plans with data, calls, and texts.
• Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Mongolian networks.
Local simcards
• Purchasing a local SIM card is one of the most affordable options in India.
• Popular telecom providers include Jio, Airtel, and Vi (Vodafone Idea).
• SIM cards can be purchased at airports, telecom stores, or authorized outlets.
• You will need your passport, visa, and a passport-sized photo for registration.
Portable Wi-Fi Devices
• Portable Wi-Fi hotspots, also called MiFi devices, provide internet access even in remote areas.
• Rent or purchase these devices before your trip to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
Communication Apps
• Use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber for calls and messages when connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
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September 10, 2018
