Silkroad Mongolia

09/05/2024

Mongolian food is unlike the cuisine of any other culture or country. Shaped by the largely barren geographic conditions of the region, and the predominantly nomadic way of life, food in Mongolia reflects the function-first approach that the land and culture demand.

Mongolian food is unlike the cuisine of any other culture or country. Shaped by the largely barren geographic conditions of the region, and the predominantly nomadic way of life, food in Mongolia reflects the function-first approach that the land and culture demand. Meat and milk from livestock .....

08/05/2024

🌄 The highest point of the country is “The Khuiten peak” at 4374 m on the west side of the country along the border with China. It is known as “Youyi Feng” in Chinese and “Nairamdal Uul” in Mongolian. The peak was first ascended in 1963 by Mongolian mountaineers sponsored by the government. It was known as “Friendship Peak” in the past. 🤩🤩🤩

🌄 The lowest point is The Hoh Nurr lake at 560 m. Khökh Nuur, also known as the Blue Lake, is located in Dornod Province, Mongolia. This medium-sized freshwater lake covers an area of approximately 95 square kilometers and is abundant in rare animals, birds, and plants2. If you ever find yourself near Khökh Nuur, take a moment to appreciate its unique beauty. 😍😍😍

07/05/2024

🌍 Here are some other great things to see and experience when visiting Mongolia in June, July, and August:

📍 Annual Naadam Festival
📍 PlayTime Music Festival
📍 Spirit of Gobi Music Festival
📍 Tenger World Shaman Festival
📍 Mongol Derby
📍 Monkey Run Mongolia
📍 Free Daily Cultural Shows in Ulaanbaatar
📍 Polo Matches at the Genghis Khan Retreat and Polo Club

06/05/2024

The most unique Mongolian game is shagai(anklebones), which as the name suggests, is played using the cleaned and polished anklebones of sheep. Each of the four sides of the anklebone represents a different animal: horse, sheep, camel, goat. Although there are many games which can be played with the bones. 🇲🇳🇲🇳

04/05/2024

Mongolia is home to endangered snow leopards 🐯🐯🐯
Snow leopards are native to Mongolia, and one-third of the world’s population lives there.
✍️Fun fact: a snow leopard cannot roar or purr.

03/05/2024

Here are some of the most current statistics available and the time of publication about tourism in Mongolia:

1. In 2019, Mongolia welcomed a total of 609,621 international visitors, representing a 9.3% increase from the previous year.
2. The largest source markets for tourism in Mongolia are China, Russia, South Korea, Japan, and the United States.
3. The tourism industry contributes around 5% to Mongolia’s GDP, and the government has set a target to increase this to 8% by 2025.
4. There are over 700 tourism-related companies operating in Mongolia, including tour operators, accommodation providers, and transport services.
5. The most popular activities for tourists in Mongolia are trekking, cultural tours, horseback riding, and adventure activities such as off-roading and camel riding.
6. Ulaanbaatar is the main entry point for international visitors, with the majority arriving by air at Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
7. The average length of stay for international tourists in Mongolia is around 10 days.
8. The majority of tourists travel to Mongolia during the summer months, from June to August.
9. The government of Mongolia has identified tourism as a priority sector for development and has implemented policies and programs to support its growth.

02/05/2024

Mongolia offers a diverse range of tourism activities and experiences that cater to different interests and preferences.

Mongolia offers a diverse range of tourism activities and experiences that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of tourism in Mongolia: Adventure Tourism: Mongolia’s vast landscapes offer endless opportunities for adventure activities such as trekki...

29/04/2024

Amarbayasgalant Khiid was built between 1727 and 1737 by the Manchu emperor Yongzheng, and dedicated to the great Mongolian Buddhist and sculptor Zanabazar, whose mummified body was moved here in 1779.

Amarbayasgalant Khiid was built between 1727 and 1737 by the Manchu emperor Yongzheng, and dedicated to the great Mongolian Buddhist and sculptor Zanabazar, whose mummified body was moved here in 1779. The design references Manchu style, down to the inscriptions, symmetrical layout, imperial colour....

26/04/2024

The Zaisan Memorial was constructed in the 1970s to commemorate the soldiers of World War II and to honor the friendship between Mongolia and the Soviet Union.

Visit the Zaisan Memorial Another must-visit destination is the Zaisan Memorial. This iconic landmark will give you a unique opportunity to get lost in panoramic views of the city. The Zaisan Memorial was constructed in the 1970s to commemorate the soldiers of World War II and to honor the friendshi...

23/04/2024

🌌 A ger or yurt is a traditional Mongolian dwelling that has been used on the Central Asian steppe for thousands of years.

A ger or yurt is a traditional Mongolian dwelling that has been used on the Central Asian steppe for thousands of years. Larger, more durable, and sturdier than a tent, a ger is nevertheless still portable and relatively easy to set up. Nomads have used yurts as shelters for generations,…

21/04/2024

An early photo of a Mongolian yurt, c.1913.

20/04/2024

Mongolia is a national park record-holder

Bogd Khan Uul Biosphere Reserve is a nature reserve situated to the south of Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia. It is in the southern part of the forest steppe zone and is in the Khentii Mountains area. It includes Bogd Khan Mountain, and was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1996. It claims to be the oldest National Park in the world.

19/04/2024

What to Expect in Mongolia 🇲🇳🇲🇳👇👇

What to Expect in Mongolia  Mongolia is a rugged adventure travel destination no matter which way you tackle it. Most of the roads are unpaved and pot-holed while the environment ping-pongs from scorching hot to freezing cold.  You’ll most likely spend your nights camping in the remote wildernes...

19/04/2024

18/04/2024

Chinggis Khaan National Museum was established in 2019 by the decision of the Prime Minister U.Khurelsukh. The museum has more than 10,000 original exhibits ranging from exhibits of Modun Shanyu, the founder of the first nomadic state to the artifacts the activities of the kings and nobles of the Mongolian states, from Modun Shanyu, the founder of the Hun Empire, the first nomadic state, to the beginning of the 20th century, the artifacts they enjoyed and used, and major real events. , VR, interactive, and video technology, painting, hand painting, sculpture, blacksmithing, sewing, embroidery, and models are exhibited.

17/04/2024

Gandantegchinlen Monastery (Mongolian: Гандантэгчэнлин хийд, Gandantegchenlin khiid), also known as Gandan Monastery, is a Buddhist monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It was founded in 1809, closed amid persecutions in 1939, and from 1944 to 1989 was the country's only active monastery.
Today, it is the center of Buddhism in Mongolia. The monastery has more than 100 resident monks and numerous Buddhist treasures, including a 26-metre (85 ft) statue of Avalokiteśvara made of gilded bronze and precious stones.

14/04/2024

𝟮𝟭 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 🧐 :

1. Mongolia is the least densely populated country in the world, with vast open spaces and a population of just over 3 million people.

2. Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city of Mongolia, is the coldest national capital globally, with temperatures dropping as low as -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter.

3. The traditional Mongolian dwelling, known as a ger (or yurt in Russian), has been used for over a thousand years by the nomads of Central Asia.

4. Mongolia is home to the last truly wild horses known as Przewalski's horse or "Takhi." They were once extinct in the wild and have been reintroduced to their natural habitat in Mongolia.

5. The Naadam Festival, celebrated in July, is one of Mongolia's most significant events, showcasing the three "manly sports": wrestling, horse racing, and archery.

6. The Mongolian Death Worm, according to local legend, is a creature purported to live in the Gobi Desert. It is described as a deadly worm that spits acid and emits electric shocks.

7. Mongolia's Gobi Desert is one of the world's largest deserts and a rich dinosaur fossil reservoir. The first-ever dinosaur eggs were discovered there in the 1920s.

8. The Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan in the 13th century, was the largest contiguous land empire in history.

9. Traditional Mongolian music features the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), which produces a sound that is closely associated with the Mongolian nomadic culture.

10. Mongolia uses its own traditional lunar calendar, marking the Mongolian New Year, known as Tsagaan Sar, which translates to "White Moon."

11. Airag, also known as kumis, is a traditional Mongolian beverage made from fermented mare's milk and is considered the national drink.

12. Mongolia has no major water bodies but is home to over 4,000 rivers and lakes, providing essential resources for its pastoral nomadic lifestyle.

13. The Mongolian postal system utilizes a unique address system based on geolocation, reflecting the country's vast rural areas without traditional street names.

14. Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, is revered as a national hero and a symbol of strength and unity in Mongolia.

15. The "Eternal Blue Sky" is a central concept in Tengrism, the ancient belief system of the Mongols, emphasizing the importance of nature and the sky in Mongolian culture.

16. Mongolia's Orkhon Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing archaeological remains dating back to the 6th century and representing the evolution of nomadic pastoral traditions.

17. Khövsgöl Nuur is known as "Mongolia's Dark Blue Pearl." It's one of the deepest lakes in Central Asia and holds 70% of Mongolia's fresh water.

18. The Tsaatan, also known as the Dukha, are a small community of reindeer herders living in the northern regions of Mongolia, preserving a unique way of life.

19. Mongolia is one of the sunniest countries in the world, enjoying over 250 sunny days a year, which greatly influences its climate and lifestyle.

20. The Altai Mountains in western Mongolia are home to ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds, providing insight into prehistoric cultures in the region.

21. Despite its historical association with nomadic lifestyles, Mongolia is rapidly urbanizing, with more than half of its population now living in urban areas, particularly in Ulaanbaatar.

13/04/2024

The best time to visit Mongolia is during the Mongolian summer, from the mid of June till last week of August.
This is the safest time of the year to travel to Mongolia in terms of weather, sunny days throughout Mongolia and sufficient rainfall to make the steppes lush and green.
June and September are both very pleasant times to visit Mongolia. September, autumn is enjoyable, colorful, not hot, and not cold. Nomads have plenty of dairy products and are busy processing milk and preparing for winter. Beautiful countryside of Mongolia is even more beautiful and picturesque with the autumn colors.

12/04/2024

🏔 Altai Tavan Bogd National Park : Covering a vast expanse of territory that includes everything from the Tavan Bogd massif to the glittering lakes of Dayan, Khoton, and Khurgan, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park will delight nature lovers and outdoor aficionados alike.

Located in the western corner of the country, the national park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Mongolia. The towering Tavan Bogd Mountains loom over the three large freshwater lakes that lie among them.

11/04/2024

✨Ulaanbaatar: Home to almost half of the country’s population, the sprawling city of Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia’s capital, as well as its cultural, administrative, and commercial heart. Located in the delightfully named Valley of the Golden Cradle, at the point where the Selbe and Tuul Rivers meet, the city is a strange yet intoxicating mix of urban and nomadic lifestyles.

While its downtown is a bit of an eyesore, with Soviet-era buildings lying alongside modern monstrosities, there are some enchanting old monasteries scattered about here and there: Choijin Lama and Gandantegchinlen are the best of the bunch and tucked away in the endless sprawl, you can still find a yurt or two.

When it comes to its museums and art galleries, Ulaanbaatar is truly blessed. It is well worth spending a couple of days trawling its extensive collections and artifacts: the Bogd Khan Winter Palace and Mongolia National Modert Art Gallery are particularly delightful to peruse.

10/04/2024

Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur 🌅🌅🌅

Meaning ‘Great White Lake’ in English, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur is aptly named, as its reflective waters beautifully mirror the skies and clouds above. Stretching into the distance, the lake’s tranquil waters are surrounded by gently rolling hills, and the idyllic scenery is perfectly complemented by the white yurts and scatterings of horses that line its shores.
Due to its remote nature, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur is a very peaceful place to camp for a couple of nights. There are several great hikes you can do in the surrounding area, with Khorgo Volcano particularly worth a visit.

09/04/2024

The Two-Humped Camel Lives In Mongolia 🐫🐫

The Bactrian camel, an even-toed ungulate, is found in some parts of Central and East Asia with the largest population of this species found in Mongolia. This camel is noted for the two humps on its back. It has a high tolerance for high altitudes, cold, and drought, and so was used for travels on the Silk Road.

08/04/2024

Simply breathtaking, the gigantic statue of Genghis Khan atop his horse glimmers in the light as he imperiously looks out over all the steppe and mountains surrounding the complex. Towering to a height of 40 meters, the statue was built in 2008 to honor the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Mongol Empire.

The Genghis Khan Statue Complex lies around 50 kilometers outside of Ulaanbaatar. Once you arrive, you’ll find souvenir shops, a restaurant, and an archaeological museum for you to check out.

06/04/2024

The Mongolian flag consists of equal bars of red-blue-red, symbolising communism and Mongolian nationalism. It also features the soyombo, a traditional emblem consisting of a flame, sun, moon, yin-yang, triangles and bars. It represents the philosophical principles of Mongolian culture and religion. 🇲🇳🇲🇳🇲🇳

05/04/2024

The world’s longest horse race is in Mongolia. The Mongol Derby is raced 1,000km across the vast Mongolian Steppe following Ghengis Khan’s ancient postal system route.

04/04/2024

Fermented Horse Milk Is A Popular Mongolian Beverage 🇲🇳🥛

The Mongols love to drink Airag which is a fermented dairy product made from a mare's milk. Airag is the traditional national drink of Mongolia. The nomadic people of the country often greet their guests with a bowl of Airag. One must take a sip of the drink as rejecting it right away would be considered as impolite.

Video from Food Story

04/04/2024

Once the capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum is a fascinating place that is certainly worth a visit if you're interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Mongols.

Once the capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum is a fascinating place that is certainly worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Mongols.

02/04/2024

🇲🇳🇲🇳

The Gobi Desert, in Mongolia, is the coldest desert on earth and stretches for 250,000 miles. 😱😱😱
The Gobi Desert is a large, cold desert and grassland region in northern China and southern Mongolia and is the sixth largest desert in the world. The name of the desert comes from the Mongolian word Gobi, used to refer to all of the waterless regions in the Mongolian Plateau, while in Chinese Gobi is used to refer to rocky, semi-deserts such as the Gobi itself rather than sandy deserts. 🏜🏜🏜
The Gobi Desert is the source of many important fossil finds, including the first dinosaur eggs, twenty-six of which, averaging 23 centimetres (9 in) in length, were uncovered in 1923. 🦖🦖🦖

22/03/2024

The Nauryz have been celebrated by Kazakh nomads for many years. The main reason of the festival is safely passing the winter and meeting the first green and warm days of the spring.

During the Nauryz holiday, large and small cities, villages become festival centers, felt yurts – traditional nomad houses are erected in city centers and rich Dastarkhan (table) is laid down in each of them.

18/03/2024

Happy Mongolian military Day 🫡

It's a public celebration day in Mongolia, celebrated on 18 March annually. Being the official holiday of the Mongolian Armed Forces, it is the equivalent of Defender of the Fatherland Day in Russia.

Mongolian Armor (13th century)