About My Beloved Mongolia

1.About Mongolia

Mongolia, a country sandwiched between Russia and China, is a landlocked nation. It is ranked as the 18th largest country globally and is composed of 21 provinces. Aptly referred to as the 'Land of The Blue Sky,' Mongolia enjoys a staggering 250 days of sunshine annually. However, despite this, it also bears the distinction of being home to the coldest capital in the world. The country experiences a harsh climate with winter temperatures plummeting as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. In the past, Mongolia boasted a formidable empire under the leadership of Genghis Khan, a renowned figure in Mongolian history. The Mongolians, under Genghis Khan's command, triumphed over more than 50 countries, uniting a significant portion of the inhabited world. Following the successful defeat of the Chinese army, Mongolia declared its independence on July 11, 1921. For a considerable period, Mongolia maintained close ties with the Soviet Union. However, communism came to an end in 1990 during the Mongolian Revolution, which brought about a new constitution. With its expansive territory and extreme temperatures, Mongolia experiences a stark divide between the affluent and the impoverished. The country's landscape is characterized by distinct regional divisions. The southern regions are dominated by the Gobi Desert and other desert zones, while the eastern areas consist of flat and steppe zones. Moving north, one encounters taiga and forest zones, followed by the highest rocky mountain ranges in the western part of the country.

2.Things To Do in Mongolia

Mongolia's vastness poses a challenge for travelers with limited time on their hands. Your ability to explore the country during your vacation will be influenced by this constraint. To truly immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Mongol people, it is best to venture outside of the capital and escape the realm of Mongolia's tourist attractions. If you find yourself unsure of what to do in Mongolia, consider visiting Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, which is conveniently located just 80 km away from Ulaanbaatar. Here, you can have an authentic experience by staying with a nomadic family who will graciously offer you milk tea, Mongolian cuisine (typically consisting of lamb or beef), and even vodka. This park is a popular tourist destination and is well-known for its striking rock formations, making it an ideal spot for hiking and horseback riding. For those who can only spare a day, a short drive of 54 km outside of the city will take you to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex. Situated on the banks of the Tuul River in Tsonjin Boldog, this complex is home to a magnificent 40-meter high statue of the Mongolian hero, Genghis Khan (also known as Chinggis Khan in Mongolia). Climbing the steps to the top of the horse's head will reward you with a breathtaking view of the countryside and the traditional nomadic gers that dot the landscape. This iconic landmark is a must-see for visitors to Mongolia.

3.Best Time To Visit Mongolia

When planning your trip to Mongolia, it is important to consider the climate. Known as the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, Mongolia experiences 250 sunny days per year, guaranteeing plenty of sunshine during your visit. However, Mongolia also has extreme summers and winters, with temperatures ranging from -30 degrees Celsius to +30 degrees Celsius in summer destinations like Dalanzadgad. The optimal time to visit Ulaanbaatar and the rest of the country is in June, just before summer, when the weather is more moderate. Keep in mind that temperatures can drop in the evening, so it's a good idea to pack a fleece as a precaution. The chart below displays the average maximum day temperatures for Ulaanbaatar throughout the year.The best time to visit is just before summer, in June, when the weather is more moderate. It is advisable to pack a fleece as the temperature can drop in the evenings. The chart below displays the average maximum day temperatures in Ulaanbaatar throughout the year, from January to December.

4.Mongolia Facts

Can I drink the water? It is not advisable to consume the tap water. It is recommended to purchase bottled water instead.

Is tipping expected? Tipping is expected ? It is customary to tip 10% in restaurants, as well as your tour guide and drivers during your trip in Mongolia.

Fixed price or barter? In the markets, bargaining is acceptable, but for the most part, prices are fixed.

Any ATMs? There are ATMs available in Ulaanbaatar. Prices in the capital are quoted in US Dollars, but outside of Ulaanbaatar, only the local currency is accepted. It is advisable to exchange your money in the capital before heading into the countryside, or you can look for a Khan Bank.

Which side of the road do they drive? On the right-hand side.

Good for vegetarians? The Mongolian diet consists mainly of meat, so it may not be ideal for vegetarians. However, The Boardwalk is a themed restaurant that offers a variety of options, albeit at a slightly higher price. Their lasagne is particularly delicious and surpasses the ones I have tried in Italy. Korean cuisine is also popular in Mongolia, and I have had good experiences dining at various Korean restaurants. For a sophisticated cocktail experience, the cocktail bar in the Blue Sky Hotel & Tower is highly recommended.

Any seven wonders of the world? No, Mongolia does not have any of the seven wonders of the world.