Reasons To Visit Mongolia
The story of Genghis Khan is fascinating; from his unification of disparate Mongolian clans to the violent rampages across Asia, conquering almost half the known world.
Although it's difficult to believe, once Mongolia's Gobi region was an oasis of lakes, marshes and swamps which were home to a vast variety of dinosaur species. Today, fossils of these fascinating creatures are still being unearthed. Indeed its possible to visit some of these areas as well as to view some of the country's most famous finds.
The Nadaam festival is a spectacle to behold, with local nomads attending from around the country to show off their skills in the “manly” sports horse racing, archery and wrestling. A true Mongolian custom!
Mongolia is a country with a vast variety of differing landscapes. From the lush, alpine valleys found in the north around Lake Khuvsgul to the vast steppe lands at Khustai National Park along with the desolate splendour of the Gobi, Mongolia offers a variety of idyllic and stunning views.
Largely a nomadic nation, traditional Mongolian communities have cantered life around tented “ger” camps, which are still home to thousands of Mongolian people today.
It's virtually impossible to travel in Mongolia for any length of time without encountering something which relates to Mongolian spirituality. Buddhist monasteries can be found within the major towns and cities whilst cairns of stones and other offerings litter the countryside, festooned with vivid blue prayer flags.
The sheer size and vast openness of the Mongolian plains are breathtaking. The Gobi desert covers over 2 million hectares and is home to an array of wildlife and varying terrain.
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Located in Ulaan Baatar, the Bayangol has clean rooms with modern facilities, four restaurants serving Mongolian, Russian and European food.
The two towers of the Bayangol Hotel are a familiar Ulaan Baatar landmark.
Surrounded by downtown shops and restaurants, the Bayangol has clean rooms with modern facilities, four restaurants serving Mongolian, Russian, and European food, as well as fine views towards Zaisan Hill and the surrounding mountains.
As urban capital of a nomadic nation, Ulaan Baatar is something of a paradox, but with the modern world rapidly sweeping away the monolithic remnants of the Soviet era the city has become a forward-looking, if laid-back, base from which to explore this remarkable country.
Ulaan Baatar
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