If you want to travel to a destination that looks and feels out of this world, plan a trip to Mongolia. This enigmatic land has everything from snow-capped mountains to vast grasslands, a mesmerizing desert, and vibrant metropolitan cities.

Once the heartland of Genghis Khan’s empire, today, most of Mongolia is sparsely populated. A large percentage of the population still lives a nomadic lifestyle. This unique culture is as big a tourist attraction as Mongolia’s raw, rugged beauty. Getting to Mongolia is relatively easy for Indians as you can get an e-visa that lets you stay in the country for up to 30 days.

Most Mongolia tour packages start in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. From here you’ll travel to the Gobi Desert where you can spend a few days discovering its ancient secrets and then on to Mongolia’s steppe valley. It’s a holiday where every day promises unforgettable adventures. Let’s find out more on what to expect along the way.

Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia’s capital and most populated city. Don’t let the city’s modern façade fool you – the city is over 350 years old. Buildings dating back to the Soviet era stand side by side with modern skyscrapers.

You can learn some of its stories on your visit to the Natural History Museum. History buffs will also enjoy walking through the Bogd Khaan Winter Palace Museum. The Gandan Khiid Monastery is another must-see. Inside, you’ll see a 26.5m tall statue of Buddha – the tallest indoor statue of Buddha in the world! You might also want to walk around the local market and pick up a few souvenirs.

If merely seeing cultural references is not enough, attend a traditional concert. The Mongolians are known for their unique throat singing and making music from the quaint Morin Khuur instrument. You could also consider learning how to cook Mongolian staples like steamed dumplings and noodle soup. Many locals welcome tourists to their kitchens for quick cooking classes. Or, just walk into a restaurant and feast on the food!

The Gobi Desert
A holiday in Mongolia is incomplete without visiting the Gobi Desert. It’s one of the most isolated places on earth and unless you’re a master navigator, it’s worth attempting to explore on your own. Thankfully, there are countless tour operators that will take you on a guided tour.

The Yol Valley National Park is one of the first stops in the Gobi Desert. As you hike through this valley, you’ll come across indigenous Mongolian animals and birds like the double-humped camels, ibex, Altai snowcocks, and mountain sheep. The Flaming Cliffs are another popular highlight in the Gobi Desert. Seeing these red cliffs in stark contrast to the blue sky is well worth braving the heat.

Then there’s the Tugrugiin Shiree – a cliff where archaeologists once found fossilized dinosaur eggs and the Khavtsgait petroglyphs site. Along the way, you’ll probably pass dozens of sand dunes. Try walking up them – with the sand slipping below your feet, it isn’t as easy as you’d imagine!

Jalman Meadows
Mongolia is more than just the desert. As you move eastwards from Ulaanbaatar, you’ll cross thick forests that are home to a number of rare birds. As the forest thins out, you’ll find yourself in the lush Jalman Meadows. The area falls within the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area – Mongolia’s only true wilderness. If you’re lucky, you might spot red deer, moose, marmots and gazelle in the distance.

It’s a place that was made for adrenaline seekers. You can choose to explore the region on foot or horseback. Or gently float down the Tuul River on a cataraft or kayak. Here, you can also spend a night in a Ger Camp. These traditional Mongolian tents give you an insight into how the country and its people have been championing sustainability over the years.

The Easy Way to Explore Mongolia – The Mongolian Odyssey
Planning a trip abroad, especially to a country as remote as Mongolia is no easy task. That’s why it’s better to join a tour package like the Mongolian Odyssey. This 7 night and 8 day tour lets you experience Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle and rugged wilderness in utmost comfort. From the busy streets of Ulaanbaatar to the mystical Gobi Desert and the seemingly endless Jalman Meadows, we take you on guided excursions across all the highlights of Mongolia. 

But, it isn’t just the itinerary that makes us your ideal travel partner. At Odyssey, we organized tours in small groups. This gives you the opportunity to make new friends as you discover new places. We’ll also help you organize the necessary paperwork for the trip. From visas and insurance to flight tickets, we’ll guide you through every step of the process. It’s truly the most stress-free way to plan and enjoy a holiday!