Mongolia Travel Guide

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Top Things to See

Monasteries
After years of communist persecution, Mongolia is seeing a revival in Buddhism and you can visit a number of active monasteries. Don't miss the beautiful and well-maintained monasteries Erdene Zuu (near Kharkhorin), Amarbayasgalant (between Darkhan and Erdenet) and Gandan (Ulaanbaatar).

Naadams
This nomad sports extravaganza features horse racing, wrestling and archery. It's a great time to see Mongolians decked out in their festive gear and taking part in traditional sporting events. The biggest naadam is in Ulaanbaatar but more intimate naadams are held all around the country.

Ghengis Khan's birthplace
Travel to northern part of Khentii aimag, and you'll experience the boyhood home of Ghengis Khan. This landscape of beautiful lakes, rolling mountains and clear streams has changed little since the great warlord last pitched his tent here, some 800 years ago.

Museums
Ulaanbaatar has a handful of surprisingly good museums. Visit the Zanabazar Museum to see Buddhist Art, the National History Museum for Mongolian culture and the Natural History Museum for dinosaur skeletons. All the regional capitals have their own modest museums.

Gobi Desert
The mysterious Gobi Desert is not as barren as one may think. The vast area contains mountains, lakes, sand dunes and even an oasis or two. Visitors can hunt for dinosaur fossils, go on a camel trek or hike along the ice-filled gorge of Yolyn Am.

Wildlife
Bring a pair of binoculars and keep an eye out for gazelle bounding over the steppes, marmots scurrying over rocks and argali sheep perched on the mountaintops. Wolves, snow leopards and bears are harder to spot but keep your camera ready, just in case.

Top Things to Do

Camping
In this land without fences you can pitch your tent any place that pleases you. Some of the best spots are in Khovsgol National Park, Terelj and Tavan Bogd National Park. Car camping is an option or you can hike between camping spots.

Horse Riding
Mongolians are avid horse riders and this is still the main form of transportation in rural areas. Visitors can sign up for a horse trek with a tour company or even organize their own horse expedition. Steppe Riders (www.stepperiders.com) provides introductory horse riding lessons.

Hiking & Trekking
Mongolia's wild landscapes and rugged terrain ensure that there are plenty of hiking opportunities. Set trails are limited however, so this is an activity that requires some serious route planning. Suggested hiking areas include Bogd Khan Uul, Tavan Bogd National Park and Otgontenger Uul.

Birdwatching
Mongolia is home to 429 recorded bird species. With a strong pair of binoculars twitchers can spot falcons, eagles, vultures, swans, cranes and more. The best places to look are around the lakes in western Mongolia, such as Uvs Nuur or Khar Us Nuur.

Fishing
The fishing in Mongolia is world-renowned. The big catch is taiman, the world's largest salmonoid; a ferocious fish that feeds on small rodents that fall into the rivers. These beasts can live more than 50 years and grow up to 45kg. Catch and release is standard practice.

Homestay
For a truly authentic experience, try to arrange a night in a ger (yurt). Staying with a nomad family is a fascinating experience and full of surprises. You'll get to taste local food, ride horse and help herd the sheep. Remember to bring some thoughtful gifts in exchange for hospitality.

Cross-country skiing
The vast steppes of Mongolia get plenty of snow in winter, making the country a great place for cross-country skiers. A good place to start is Terelj National Park, which has ger camps still operating in the winter months. It's best to bring your own equipment as the local stuff isn't very reliable.