Mongolia has a lot to offer tourists out for culture, adventure, or the best of both. Here are just a few of the many amazing places to visit during your Mongolia holidays:
1. Lake Khovsgol – A fantastic winter destination, this lake northwest of Mongolia (close to the Russian border) is one of the world’s oldest ancient lakes, being over 2 million years old. Lake Khovsgol is so pristine that its water is readily drinkable, not requiring any treatment. This lake is in a protected national park known for its variety of wildlife—from elks to wolverines to musk deer to brown bear, they’re all here.
2. Khustain Nuruu National Park – If you want to enjoy Mongolia in the spring, then Khustain Nuruu in Töv Province is the destination for you. It is also called Hustai National Park, and is best known for prehistoric takhi – or Przewalski – horses that were reintroduced to the wild here back in 1992. This 50,600 hectare national park is also home to over 400 vascular plant species, over 80 species of lichens, and numerous species of moss and mushrooms. Over 40 mammal species have also been recorded here, including the Mongolian gazelle and the Eurasian badger.
3. Gobi Desert – Experience Mongolia’s nomadic traditions in the Gobi Desert. Enjoy a home stay, try your hand at putting up a ger, enjoy local cooking lessons, meet nomadic families, and explore varied landscapes as well as historical sites.
4. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park – A popular weekend getaway destination, there are a number of tourist camps in the southern portion of this vast national park complete with restaurants, camels and horses for rent, souvenir shops, and well equipped gers. Some of the must-see attractions here include Turtle Rock, Aryabal Temple, Gunjin Sum and the Tuul River.
5. Orkhon Waterfall – This is Mongolia’s biggest waterfall and one of the highlights of the Orkhon River valley. A UNESCO World heritage site, this area is perfect for fishing, cycling, horse riding, and photography. There are also good opportunities for hiking.
1. Lake Khovsgol – A fantastic winter destination, this lake northwest of Mongolia (close to the Russian border) is one of the world’s oldest ancient lakes, being over 2 million years old. Lake Khovsgol is so pristine that its water is readily drinkable, not requiring any treatment. This lake is in a protected national park known for its variety of wildlife—from elks to wolverines to musk deer to brown bear, they’re all here.
2. Khustain Nuruu National Park – If you want to enjoy Mongolia in the spring, then Khustain Nuruu in Töv Province is the destination for you. It is also called Hustai National Park, and is best known for prehistoric takhi – or Przewalski – horses that were reintroduced to the wild here back in 1992. This 50,600 hectare national park is also home to over 400 vascular plant species, over 80 species of lichens, and numerous species of moss and mushrooms. Over 40 mammal species have also been recorded here, including the Mongolian gazelle and the Eurasian badger.
3. Gobi Desert – Experience Mongolia’s nomadic traditions in the Gobi Desert. Enjoy a home stay, try your hand at putting up a ger, enjoy local cooking lessons, meet nomadic families, and explore varied landscapes as well as historical sites.
4. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park – A popular weekend getaway destination, there are a number of tourist camps in the southern portion of this vast national park complete with restaurants, camels and horses for rent, souvenir shops, and well equipped gers. Some of the must-see attractions here include Turtle Rock, Aryabal Temple, Gunjin Sum and the Tuul River.
5. Orkhon Waterfall – This is Mongolia’s biggest waterfall and one of the highlights of the Orkhon River valley. A UNESCO World heritage site, this area is perfect for fishing, cycling, horse riding, and photography. There are also good opportunities for hiking.