Mongolian Tours - The Adventure Of A Lifetime‏

    

Burkhan Khaldun mountain

      Eating in Mongolia can be interesting, though there are restaurants in the capital, anywhere else one is likely to have access only to mutton and a number of dairy products produced from their animals. Owing to their genetic makeup and the lack of arable land, vegetables are rarely eaten. Although they are quite creative in the products they can make from their herds, meat is dominant. When people think of Mongolia, aside from the name Ghengis Kahn, few have any real idea what the place is like. The last century has seen it as an isolated nation where few westerners ever went, especially during the Russian occupation. Mongolian tours can open an exotic, fascinating window in the past one will always remember.

Nomads from Mongolia

    The location of Mongolia, a land locked nation nestled between Russia and China, resulted in a history of conflict and many occupations by both neighbors. Mongolia as a nation began with the rule of Genghis Kahn and represented a period when Mongolians ruled. One key to his power and success was getting the many separate clans united for the first time, not always peacefully.

     Traditionally the people of Mongolia live in Gers, a felt lined circular tent which can be dismantled or reassembled within a few hours. The climate is extremely dry, with humidity in the single digits most of the time, and experiences more than 250 sunny days each year. The extreme continental climate means the winters are brutally cold with the capital of Ulaan Bataar being the coldest capital in the world.

     There are cities throughout the country with the capital, Ulaan Baatar, being by far the largest and most significant. It was given its current name, which means Red Hero, following the communist triumph in 1924. This began the Soviet influence, square buildings and heat infrastructure transmitting steam for heat quiet inefficiently in exposed over-ground pipes.

Mongolian landscapes

     Historically the people who practiced religion were free to choose from many, including Islam and      Christianity, but by the 12th century Tibetan Buddhist had become predominant, with ornate monasteries scattered throughout the land. During the Russian occupation religion was actively and brutally suppressed. Tens of thousands lost their lives in the purges and most of the beautiful golden artifacts were looted and taken back to Russia.

Mongolia Map

      The nation and its culture have rebounded since the soviet breakup, and with freedom of religion in place, Tibetan Buddhism returned as the majority practice. Festivals are held throughout the year, with the largest in Summer. Archery, horse racing and wrestling competitions are held with the national title at stake.

It is a rare opportunity to visit a nearly unspoiled culture that lives the same today as it has for generations. No country is completely without an impact from the industrial revolution, and the capital city of Mongolia is testament to that, but taking Mongolian tours provides an insight few have gained and the trip will be a memory for a lifetime.