Mongolia to the top of your bucket list
The Adventures
With the ever-changing terrain, the nearly constant blue skies, and the incredibly beautiful landscapes, most people are flocking to the wilds of Mongolia for the chance of some heart-pumping adventure. From climbing up the steep and craggy terrain of Bogd Khan Mountain to hiking around the crystal blue Ugii Lake, and horseback riding from Ulaanbaatar to the majestic Orkhon waterfall, there are plenty of ways to experience the rugged Mongolian countryside. For those truly serious about seeing the most remote parts of the country, there’s the annual 100-mile trek through the Altai Mountains that follows the movements of the hundreds of Kazakhs who brave the minus-25-degree temperatures to reach western Mongolia. The Kazakhs, who are mostly hunters, gatherers, and farmers, brave the harsh climate every spring in order to gather food and herd their animals.
HORSEBACK RIDING
The Festivals
One of the best ways to soak up the country’s history and culture is to visit during the annual Naadam festival, which takes place every July. It combines some of the most important and traditional aspects of Mongolian culture, from wrestling competitions and horse races to cultural performances and culinary offerings. The country also celebrates its New Year with parties and feasts.
The Gobi Desert
One of the largest deserts in the world, the vast Gobi Desert encompasses much of northern China and southern Mongolia. Bordered by the staggering Altai Mountains and the vast grasslands of northern Mongolia, the views you get from atop a camel or standing on a towering sand dune will vary depending entirely on which way you look
