Introduction: Why Mongolia?
Mongolia, a land of rich history and breathtaking landscapes, offers an array of travel opportunities that cater to diverse interests—from the rugged trekker to the culture enthusiast. This landlocked gem is known for its hospitable nomadic culture, stunning landscapes ranging from the Gobi Desert to lush mountain ranges, and a history that intertwines with the legendary exploits of Genghis Khan.
One of the most popular activities in Mongolia is horse riding. Riding on horseback allows you to immerse yourself in the local nomadic culture and experience Mongolia’s stunning scenery from a different perspective. For those looking for a riding holiday, there are a variety of packages that cater to all levels of riders1. In addition to thrilling outdoor activities, there are also ancient ruins and monasteries waiting to be explored. You can discover an array of thrilling and enjoyable activities across the entire country with expertly curated list of experiences.
Mongolia also offers a range of tours to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a budget traveler or seeking luxury, there are tours available for you. Some of the top tour destinations include Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi Desert, Lake Khövsgöl, and Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Visitors staying in Mongolia for over 30 days must register with the Mongolia Immigration Agency within seven days of arrival. Prior to 1997, individual tourists required a letter of invitation to visit Mongolia. The visa regime has since been liberalized, resulting in a surge in tourism.
Embark on an unforgettable Mongolian adventure and create lifelong memories with Enza Tours LLC. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website or contact Enza Tours LLC directly.
According to the document: Some popular tours in Mongolia include:
The vast Gobi Desert where you can ride a camel across the sand dunes, visit the Flaming Cliffs, or spend a night under the stars in a traditional Mongolian Ger.
The majestic Altai Mountains which offer some of the best hiking experiences in Mongolia.
The capital city, Ulaanbaatar, which beautifully blends the old and the new.
Experiencing the nomadic culture by spending a night in a traditional Ger, witnessing the thrilling Naadam Festival, or simply learning about the nomadic way of life from the locals.
The Vast Gobi Desert: A Journey into the Wilderness
The Gobi Desert, known as ‘Говь’ in Mongolia and ‘戈壁’ in China, is the world’s sixth-largest desert. It spans northern China and southern Mongolia, covering roughly 1,300,000 square kilometers. The Gobi Desert is a functioning, healthy ecosystem home to spectacular landscapes that support an impressive variety of biological diversity, including many rare and endangered species.
The Gobi Desert has a distinct and often extreme climate, classified as a cold desert due to its northern latitude and the influence of the surrounding geography. It experiences significant temperature fluctuations, both diurnally (between day and night) and seasonally. Winter temperatures can plummet to as low as -40°C (-40°F), while summer can see temperatures soaring up to 38°C (100°F). The Gobi is one of the driest regions in the world, receiving an average of only 194 mm (7.6 inches) of rainfall per year.
Despite its harsh conditions, the Gobi Desert supports an ancient and enduring nomadic lifestyle. It is also a hotspot for fossil discoveries. However, despite its wealth of natural and cultural heritage, the Gobi Desert in Mongolia lacks any recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage. The Gobi Desert is not just a vast barren land but a region rich in history, culture, and scientific interest. It holds historical significance, having been part of the ancient Silk Road. Its recognition in the West began with Marco Polo’s accounts. The Gobi has been the subject of numerous geographical expeditions, primarily by Russians and British in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. More recently, joint expeditions have delved into the Gobi’s tectonic history and landscape evolution.
In conclusion, the Gobi Desert is a fascinating world of extremes located in Asia. From its unique wildlife and historical significance to its stunning landscapes like the Flaming Cliffs, the Gobi presents a rich, diverse tapestry of natural and cultural wonders. Increased recognition and appreciation of Gobi Desert landscapes is crucial to ensure the long-term protection of these irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.
The Majestic Altai Mountains: A Trekker’s Paradise
The Altai Mountains, located in Western Mongolia, are a majestic range that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The mountains are home to the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, a pristine wilderness that is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
The Altai Mountains are part of the larger mountain system that extends across Central and East Asia. The highest peak in this range is Mount Khuiten, which is also the highest mountain in Mongolia. The mountains are eternally snow-capped, and the region is dotted with rivers, streams, and lakes. The Altai region is home to about ten different ethnic nomadic groups, including the Kazakhs. Despite the challenging environment, these communities have maintained their traditional nomadic lifestyle, moving with the seasons to find the best pastures for their livestock.
The Altai Mountains are also a hotspot for archaeological discoveries. The Khoid Tsenkher Cave, for instance, contains rock paintings dating back 20,000-15,000 years ago, providing a glimpse into the Upper Paleolithic period. These paintings depict various symbols and animals, including quietly standing stags, buffalos with horns, oxen, ibexes, elephants, ostriches, and two-humped camels.
The Altai region offers various activities for visitors. A popular one is the 10-day Mongolia Travel Tour, which explores the best of Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain. The tour includes visits to the Tsenkher Cave, Khar Us Lake, Tolbo Lake, and the Potanina Glacier. Along the way, visitors have the opportunity to meet local nomadic families, admire the stunning landscapes, and learn about the region’s rich history and culture.
Ulaanbaatar: The Beating Heart of Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, also known as Ulan Bator or simply UB, is the capital and most populous city of Mongolia. With a population of 1.6 million, it is the coldest capital city in the world by average yearly temperature. The city is situated on the Tuul River on a windswept plateau at an elevation of 4,430 feet.
The history of Ulaanbaatar is a fascinating journey through time, from prehistoric settlements to a nomadic Buddhist center, to a major trading spot, and finally to the modern bustling city that it is today. Each era has left its mark on the city, making Ulaanbaatar a living testament to Mongolia’s rich and diverse history. Modern urban planning in Ulaanbaatar began in the 1950s1. The city’s architecture has evolved from traditional ger tents to Soviet-era concrete structures, and now to modern glass and steel buildings. This reflects the city’s transition from a nomadic culture to a socialist state and finally to a burgeoning democracy embracing global influences.
Ulaanbaatar is moving into the future with an explosion of bars, restaurants, and lifestyle shops. It is the economic, cultural, and political center of the country, known for its rich history, diverse architecture, and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can explore museums and palaces to learn about the legendary Genghis Khan and watch history unfold. They can also play traditional games using shagai or sheep’s bones while enjoying a cup of hot Mongolian tea.
Nomadic Culture: Experience the Mongolian Way of Life
Mongolian nomadic culture is a way of life that has been practiced by the people of Mongolia for centuries1. It is a traditional lifestyle that is still practiced by many Mongolians today1. The nomadic lifestyle is based around the idea of traveling and living in small, temporary dwellings in order to sustain themselves.
Nomads in Mongolia rely on herding animals such as goats, sheep, yaks, horses, and camels to provide food, clothing, and transportation. They travel in small groups, typically consisting of extended family, and live in portable dwellings that can be taken down and re-erected at each new location. The most common type of dwelling is the yurt, which is a round, collapsible structure made from wood, felt, and canvas. Living in such a harsh climate, nomads must be very adaptive in order to make the most of their resources. They have found ways to make use of scarce resources, and have developed a culture based around sharing and mutual aid.
At Enza Tours LLC, they offer more than just a tour. They provide an experience that immerses their guests in the rich culture and lifestyle of the Mongol nomads2. Their tours are designed to provide their guests an in-depth look at the nomadic way of life2. Their itinerary includes a Mongolian show, lunch, hiking, and activities like archery, playing traditional games, glazing and making felt. The Mongol Nomadic Show features a warm welcome by Mongolia Customs, a visit to a Mongolian nomadic family to learn about their culture and lifestyle, an introduction to the nomadic culture, including demonstrations of traditional food and drinks such as dairy products, Airag-fermented mare’s milk, and Mongolian vodka.
Please note that this information is based on the details available on the website as of the date of this response and may be subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website or contact Enza Tours LLC directly.
Conclusion: Embark on Your Mongolian Adventure
Whether you’re an adventurer, a culture enthusiast, or a nature lover, Mongolia has something for everyone. So why wait? Embark on your Mongolian adventure today!
Remember, every journey begins with a single step. In Mongolia, that step leads you into a world of extraordinary landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Happy travels!
FAQ for tours to Mongolia
1. Why should I choose Mongolia for my next adventure? Mongolia offers an array of travel opportunities that cater to diverse interests—from the rugged trekker to the culture enthusiast. This landlocked gem is known for its hospitable nomadic culture, stunning landscapes ranging from the Gobi Desert to lush mountain ranges, and a history that intertwines with the legendary exploits of Genghis Khan.
2. What are the top tour destinations in Mongolia? The top tour destinations include Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi Desert, Lake Khövsgöl, and Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
3. How can I plan my tour to Mongolia? You can discover an array of thrilling and enjoyable activities across the entire country with our expertly curated list of experiences. Our team has scoured every corner of the country to bring you a handpicked selection of the most exciting and unforgettable things to do.
4. What are the visa requirements for Mongolia? Visitors staying in Mongolia for over 30 days must register with the Mongolia Immigration Agency within seven days of arrival. Prior to 1997, individual tourists required a letter of invitation to visit Mongolia. The visa regime has since been liberalized, resulting in a surge in tourism.
5. How can I book my tour with Enza Tours LLC? In order to confirm your place on a tour, you will need to return a completed booking form with a deposit. The balance is due 8 weeks prior to the departure date.
6. When is the best time to visit Mongolia? Generally, every time is suitable to visit Mongolia, based on your interests in snow or mild seasons. However, summer is the most exciting time to travel in Mongolia.
