Mongolia is a vast country in the southern part of the Asian continent. Bordering Russia, this part of the world is a land of monasteries, steppes, mountains and lakes. Would you like to discover this country with its astonishing landscape? Here are the must-see places to visit on a trip to Mongolia.
The Orkhon Valley in Karakorum
A family holiday in Mongolia without a trip to the Orkhon Valley can leave you with a taste of unfinished business. This region steeped in history is set in the central part of the country. Here you'll find ruins of the city of Karakorum and its architectural remains. The city was built with fortifications and includes four large gates.
Karakorum is also the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road in Asia. A visit here is important if you want to learn more about the history of the Mongol Empire. The mythical city of Karakorum is in fact home to a famous Buddha monastery: the Erdene Zuu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Curious visitors can venture between the white-coloured walls of this monastery in Karakorum.
The town is also the epicentre of many sporting and cultural events during Naadam. If you choose to visit Karakorum during this period, you can watch horse races.
The Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert has the status of the fifth largest desert in the world. It crosses into China and extends over much of southern Mongolia. It's a must-see for globetrotters visiting the country. It is in fact a fabulous historical site.
Several million years ago, the Gobi Desert in Mongolia was a major watering place for dinosaurs. You can still see relics of this species embedded in the rocks or buried in the sand. During your visit, you can take advantage of the desert wind to stroll through the Gobi sand dunes.
The lake in Khövsgöl Nuur National Park
If you're looking for a change of scenery in the heart of nature in Mongolia, head to Khövsgöl Nuur National Park. This is an appropriate place to indulge in horse riding. This expedition can take place over several days. This gives you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the way of life and culture of the region.
However, you need to be careful with Mongolian horses even if you are a seasoned rider. They are a particular breed of horse, small but energetic, and you will have to get used to their behaviour, which differs from that of European horses. You need to be patient to get used to them.
If you're passing through Khövsgöl Nuur, you should also pay a visit to the region's eponymous lake. This nature reserve offers visitors a range of activities. For example, you can set off from the shores of the lake to ride the most magnificent treks of the Mongol Empire. This unique experience takes you through mountains and lands you in the village of Renchinlkhumbe.
The steppes of Dornod
The Dornod steppes are protected areas in Mongolia. These vast meadows bear witness to the diversity of Mongolia's ecosystem. During your visit, you can contemplate rare animals such as white-tailed gazelles.
This is a species typical of Mongolia. If you come across it during your safari to Dornod, don't forget to photograph it. This chance may not come again and all professional wildlife photographers dream of capturing an image of this animal.
Ulan Bator
A visit to Mongolia isn't just an expedition through countryside, mountains and lakes. You can also visit major urban centres during your time in this Asian country. To do this, you need to include a diversion to Oulan-Bator on the programme of your stay in Mongolia. This capital city of the country is packed with numerous museums and places full of interest.
Oulan-Bator is a real business centre. Here you can find numerous commercials and boutiques. Be sure to pick up a few souvenirs of your visit to Mongolia during your shopping spree.
It should be noted, however, that the city of Ulaanbaatar is not ultra-modernised in the Western style. The ancestral Mongolian tradition is still alive and well here. In fact, you can come across monasteries that are centuries old right in the heart of Mongolia's capital.
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