Mongolia is a country located in Central Asia. Its northern neighbor is Russia, and on all other sides it borders on China. Mongolia has no access to the sea. Most of the country is occupied by plateaus and mountains. The vast Gobi Desert is also located here.
Mongolia has a very diverse natural environment. Here you can find semi-deserts and deserts, steppes, forest-steppes, even taiga forests. Among the large lakes, Khubsugul and Ubsu-Nur are especially well known. In their fauna, flora and structure, they are similar to Baikal. The largest rivers are the Selenga, Orkhon, Dzabhan, Kobdo and Kerulen. The climate in this territory is sharply continental.
Features
Anyone planning a trip to Mongolia should keep in mind that this is a rather unusual country. In order to understand it, you should not study bright pictures in advertising brochures. Best of all, only dry statistics will tell about this state.
So, a trip to Mongolia is a trip to a country where the population density is 1.7 people per 1 sq. Km. km Moreover, 40% of the population lives in the capital of the state - Ulan Bator.
It is also known that there are thirteen horses per inhabitant of Mongolia, and also that during the year you can observe 260 sunny days when there is not a single cloud in the sky. Many may be surprised by the significant difference between winter and summer air temperatures. In the cold season, the thermometer column often drops to -40 degrees, and in the hot period it rises to +40.
To all of the above, it is worth adding the commitment of the local population to the traditions of their ancestors. Yurts in this territory are not considered a relic of the past. They are full-fledged and often the only possible houses. But at the same time, in Mongolia, one can observe openness to the civilized world. Here, local shepherds talk on cell phones and, as is known from the same statistics, Mongolian youth often go to study at universities in Europe.
As it might seem at first glance, tourism and this Asian country are simply incompatible things. And yet, those who decide to travel to Mongolia will find clear blue lakes, endless steppes of amazing beauty, the hot Gobi desert, snow-capped peaks of Altai, Buddhism monuments, the history of Genghis Khan, vibrant festivals, incredible hospitality of the local population and generous cuisine. Tourism in this country is up to standard. That is why many foreigners travel to Mongolia. At the same time, travelers have the opportunity to go fishing, hunting, sightseeing, as well as take part in caravan or car tours.
Air travel
How to get to Mongolia by plane? To do this, you will need to purchase tickets from Moscow to Ulan Bator. Take advantage of direct flights. They are carried out by Aeroflot and Miat Mongolian Airlines. Flights are made several times during the week.
Flights from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar can also be purchased for transit flights involving transfers in other countries. It should be borne in mind that in Mongolia there is only one international airport. It is located 15 km south-west of the country's capital, the city of Ulan Bator. The airport accepts flights from South Korea, Japan, China, Germany and Russia.
Railway transport
Tourists can also travel on their train “Moscow-Ulan-Bator”. From the capital of Russia he leaves 1 time in 7 days. In addition to the Moscow-Ulan-Bator train, tourists can reach their destination by purchasing a ticket to Beijing. This train passes through the capital of Mongolia.
Travel time is a little over 4 days. Trains run to Ulan Bator and from other cities of Russia, for example, from Irkutsk.
Motor transport
Travelers can also get to the territory of Mongolia by bus, which regularly runs from Ulan-Ude. Travel time to Ulaanbaatar from this Russian city will be approximately 12 hours.
Those who decide to travel to Mongolia by car will need an international driver’s license. No other permits are required to travel to this country.
About a dozen border crossings operate here on the border with the Russian Federation. The main one is Kyakhta. This post works round the clock, passing only motorists. Crossing the border is prohibited here.
The distance from Kyakhta to Ulaanbaatar is 350 km. However, tourists should keep in mind that there are practically no roads in Mongolia. So for those who value their car, they are faced with the journey, not rushing to weigh the pros and cons
Visa
What documents other than a passport will be needed to visit the edge of blue lakes and blue sky? Do I need a visa to Mongolia? This question often worries those Russians who decided to visit this country. When traveling for a period not exceeding 30 days, this permission is not required. A visa-free regime between Mongolia and Russia was introduced in November 2014.
No additional documents are needed if the traveler plans to get acquainted with the country, wants to visit friends or relatives, and also intends to make a business trip.
Do I need a visa to Mongolia if the period of stay of a Russian citizen has exceeded a month period? A person who has been in the country for more than 90 days for 6 months should contact the Consulate of this state located in the Russian Federation. Here, when applying for the necessary package of documents, study, work and private visas are issued for longer periods.
Crossing the border
The passage of the Mongolian border posts, judging by the reviews of experienced tourists, is a simple and troublesome business. It is enough to present a valid passport and, if there are products and goods requiring a customs declaration, fill out this document.
National currency
To date, Tugriks are in circulation in Mongolia. They are its national currency. There are both coins and banknotes in the country. The minimum banknote in this case is 10 tugriks. The maximum face value is 20,000 units.
The currency of Mongolia has its own graphic symbol. They are the capital letter "T", which is crossed out by two lines located at an angle of 40 degrees.
In addition to the national currency, American dollars are widespread in Mongolia. Despite its unofficial popularity, the calculations in them are allowed by the state.
They accept Russian rubles and euros in Mongolia. However, sellers do this not so willingly, and even then only in some stores.
Those tourists who plan their trip to Mongolia should keep in mind that there are exchange points for money conversion in the country. You can make such an operation in banks, as well as in large stores. But this only applies to cities. Having gone beyond their borders, you cannot meet exchange offices on your way.
Tongue
What kind of speech can be heard in this country? The official language of Mongolia is Mongolian. Most of the country's population speaks it.
However, in addition to Mongolian, languages such as the Buryat, Oirat, Kramigansk, Tuvan, Kazakh and Tsaatan-Soyot dialects also gained their distribution here.
Time
The traveler should keep in mind that Ulan Bator and the capital of Russia are located in different time zones. Time in Mongolia is five hours ahead of Moscow.
Cities
It is interesting that the inhabitants of the country call Ulan-Bator “hot”. Translated, this means "city". And if one of the Mongols says that he is heading to the city, then he means only the capital. The rest are similar settlements, and there are 29 of them in the country, are not considered as such. The status of Mongolian cities they have only in fact. We will get acquainted with the largest of them.
Ulaanbaatar
Almost half of the country's population lives in this city. The capital of Mongolia is its major tourist, cultural and economic center.
This is a city of amazing contrasts, on the territory of which you can find ancient Buddhist monasteries among tall modern buildings, and young Mongols riding stunted horses mixed with the latest models of the automobile industry on the streets. Sitting on wooden saddles and dressed in modern clothes, they rush to their parents for a traditional dinner in one of the yurts, which are surrounded by a tight ring surrounding Ulan Bator.
Tourists the capital of Mongolia provides entertainment for every taste. For guests of the country night clubs work here and numerous boutiques are open. Attracts travelers Ulaanbaatar and its attractions.
Erdenet
This city in Mongolia is the third largest. He is known for his mining and processing plant, which was built in Soviet times. Thanks to this, Erdenet rapidly expanded during that period.
And today everything here is reminiscent of Soviet aesthetics. In addition, almost 15% of the population of this city are our compatriots.
The distance between Erdenet and Ulaanbaatar is 330 km. At the same time, the city is a rather large railway junction connecting China and Russia.
In Erdenet, you can visit the quarry, as well as the mining museum, which houses fairly rare exhibits, admire Buddhist temples and purchase products from the carpet factory without a trade margin.
Choibalsan
In former times, this city was called Bayan Mist. Its history began thanks to caravan trade. Today it is the fourth largest in Mongolia.
Choibalsan is located at a distance of 670 km from the capital, which is best overcome by plane.
Karakoram
This city is the oldest capital of Mongolia. The word "karakorum" means "black stones of a volcano." In former times, it was the capital of the state, led by Genghis Khan. Many cities of the world could not compare with its luxury and splendor.
Today, only ruins can be seen here. Nevertheless, many tourists seek to visit this place. After all, it is here that the object is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the cultural landscape of the Orkhon River, on the right bank of which rises Erdani Euu - the oldest Buddhist monastery.
Ulgiy
This city is located in the western part of Mongolia and 1100 km from the capital. From all sides it is surrounded by mountain peaks. Attracts Ulgiy tourists with its location. It is equally easy to get there from Russia, Kazakhstan, as well as from China. It is better to fly from Ulan Bator to Ulgia by plane. Here you can make a transfer to Alma-Ata.
Major Attractions
What to see in Mongolia?
Among the main attractions of the country are:
- Monument to Genghis Khan. This is a statue that is located in Tsongin-Boldog and is the largest in the world, depicting a horse rider. In addition, in Mongolia it is also the largest monument to Genghis Khan. Inside the pedestal, on which a 40-meter figure is installed, there is a rest room. Upstairs is an observation deck.
- Buddhist monastery Gandantegchenlin. It is located in Ulan Bator and is currently operating. This monastery is the first religious center in the country. On its territory is one of the attractions of Mongolia. This is a huge statue depicting the Golden God. It was installed in 1911.
- Gobi Desert. This area consists of only stones and clay. The Gobi Desert is located in the north of Mongolia and is considered the largest in Asia. Its plant world is represented by small bushes of hard grass and small saxaul trees. There are sands here. This, for example, Hongor Aps - singing dunes. During the movement of grains of sand in the desert, sounds similar to gentle singing are heard. There is a mountain range in the Gobi Desert that can impress any traveler. It is called Bayanzag and is a majestic red cliffs. It was here that in 1923 the first dinosaur egg was found, and today there is a cemetery of these animals.
- Amarbayasgalant Monastery. This landmark of Mongolia is the largest religious complex. All buildings located in it are distinguished by the unity of style, in which Chinese traditions prevail. Today this monastery is functioning and about a hundred monks live in it. This object attracts tourists because of its unique combination of interesting architecture and natural landscape. All its buildings were erected in a picturesque valley and are located on the background of hills covered with deciduous forests.
- Zaysan Memorial. This landmark of Mongolia is a complex of military glory. It is located near Ulan Bator on the Zaisan Tolgoi hill. A memorial was erected in honor of the battle at Halkin-Gol, in which the Soviet-Mongol army won. A complex with an original architectural solution has been completed. The memorial is a huge concrete ring, decorated with mosaics and bas-reliefs.
- Palace of Bogdykhan. This complex is one of the most spectacular and vibrant sights of the country. It includes the buildings of the Summer and Winter Palace of the last emperor of the state, which were built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Both the external and internal decoration of these structures have been preserved in excellent condition. This allows tourists to get acquainted with the life of the Mongol rulers. Interestingly, the summer palace includes several buildings built in traditional Chinese style.
- Suhe Bator Square. It is located in the capital of Mongolia and is its main public space. To date, the main square of Ulan Bator has been renamed and bears the name of Genghis Khan. There are several monuments on it, and business centers rise around, there is a theater and a museum. It is on this square that all holidays and public events are held.
- Gorkhi-Terelj. This is the national park of Mongolia, the distance to which from Ulaanbaatar is only 80 km. Its landscape is represented by low mountains, the slopes of which are covered with forest or steppe vegetation. In the south of the park area there is a well-developed infrastructure of the tourism sector. There is a spa resort, recreation facilities and hotels. Those travelers who decide to stay at this place are invited to explore the park with dinosaur sculptures and a Buddhist temple.
- Hustain Nuruu. This national nature park can only be visited during a jeep or horse ride, as well as a walking tour. In addition to picturesque landscapes, tourists will see ancient monuments here. Those travelers who love nature can take part in its study. This park is known for the fact that work is underway to restore the almost lost population of Przhevalsky horses.
- Hubsugul. This lake is called the younger brother of Lake Baikal. It is located at a distance of two hundred kilometers from it. The lake is freshwater, and also very deep. His age is more than 2 million years. Khubsugul is located between taiga and steppe landscapes. Around it is a conservation area. There are tourist camps on the shores of the lake, and ferry runs along its water surface. This place is considered a popular eco-tourist attraction.
Shopping
What to bring from Mongolia? In this country, tourists love to purchase amazingly warm and soft cashmere items. Get it by combing the undercoat of mountain goats and making fabric or yarn from it. But it should be borne in mind that the cost of such things is too high. That is why experienced tourists recommend buying them in stores open at factories.
Fine gifts brought from Mongolia will also be:
- Carpets
- leather products;
- National costumes;
- woolen socks manufactured by the Yanmal factory;
- goods brought from neighboring China.
All this can be found in souvenir shops or in the largest market in Mongolia, Naran Tuul.