Mongolia is emerging as a unique and captivating travel destination. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences like reindeer sleigh rides and camel racing, the place offers an adventure unlike any other. This vast, untamed land allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the warmth of its people.
Tourism In Mongolia
Like most nations, Mongolia’s tourism business was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has launched a “Welcome to MonGOlia” campaign to re-engage visitors. The government has increased airline capacity and simplified the visa application process, allowing numerous countries to visit without a visa. At least 4,37,000 foreign tourists arrived in the first seven months of this year, up 25% from the same period last year, with increases from Europe, the United States, and Japan. Visitors from South Korea nearly increased, thanks in part to the short flight time.
Mongolia tourist advertisements highlight spectacular vistas of frozen lakes for skating and fishing in the winter, the Northern Lights, and events such as reindeer sledging and riding, camel racing, and hiking. Lonely Planet rated Mongolia the best location in its Best in Travel 2024 survey. The Pope’s visit to Mongolia last year also drew attention to the country. Its breakdancers made waves at last year’s Asian Games. Some indigenous bands have gained a global following, such as The Hu, a folk-metal band that blends traditional Mongolian instruments and throat singing with modern rock.
Also Read: From The Naadam Festival To Wild Horses, Explore Mongolia
The Allure Of Its Landscapes
Mongolia’s landscapes are as diverse as they are vast. From the sprawling Gobi Desert in the south to the lush forests and lakes in the north, the country offers a wide range of natural beauty that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. The steppes, a hallmark of the Mongolian landscape, stretch endlessly, creating a sense of freedom and solitude. Outside of the busy metropolis, moving around can be difficult in summer because the steppes get soggy and there is insufficient infrastructure.
One of the most iconic natural features of Mongolia is the Gobi Desert, a place of stark beauty where sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and vast plains come together to create a landscape that is both otherworldly and mesmerising. Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with its nomadic way of life. This nomadic lifestyle is still very much alive today, and visitors to Mongolia have the unique opportunity to experience it firsthand.
Reindeer sleigh rides in Mongolia offer a unique and magical experience, especially when you venture into the remote northern regions where the Tsaatan people, one of the last remaining reindeer herding communities in the world, reside. Another highlight of Mongolia’s cultural heritage is its traditional sports, particularly camel racing. Horseback riding is another quintessential Mongolian experience. For a truly unique adventure, consider joining a group of eagle hunters in the Altai Mountains.
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