So hop on a bus and head off to see some unusual rock formations! The moment you're out of the capital, nature takes over and buses wind their way past the steppe until they reach the Gorkhi Terelj National Park, home to clusters of majestic rocks that dominate the landscape.

The intiguing rock formations in Gorkhi Terelj

With its infinite landscapes and silent expanses, Mongolia offers its visitors a retreat from the world. You can focus on yourself, harmonise with nature and appreciate the freedom of nomadic life; a world where every element plays an essential role.

Live the nomad way in the Orkhon Valley

A nomadic people with Turkish origins, the Tsaatan are reindeer-herders. They live in the Mongolian Taïga and as far as the border with Russia. Going to meet them is like discovering a whole new world; you'll be captivated by their distinctive lifestyle.

The Tsaatan, a nomadic people who herd reindeer in the Taiga

With hair-raising sports and plenty of colour, this event is the most eagerly awaited of the year. A national celebration of independence, this is one festival that no Mongolian wants to miss. Cloaked in deels, the traditional Mongolian outer dress, participants spend the 11th and 12th of July either taking part in a variety of games or cheering on their favourite competitors.

Mongolia's Naadam Festival

A favourite spot with city-dwellers who come to unwind, the Gorkhi Terelj National Park is famous for its huge, granite rocks and sublime, Alpine surrounds. 

Asia

Mongolia is above all limitless stretches of land. No fields, not even rice paddies, as the climate makes any intensive culture impossible, but magnificent landscapes as far as the eye can see. In order to feed themselves, the Mongolian peoples have always adjusted their way of life to the needs of their flocks and herds, setting off regularly in search of new pastures. Although today half the Mongolian population lives in towns, it goes without saying that nomadism remains present. So, you will come across numerous yurts strewn along steppes, admist which you will certainly have the opportunity to discover the tremendous local hospitality. According to the most recent censors, Mongolia has the peculiarity of having the smallest density in the world (5 inhabitants/sq. m.), which explains the exceptional preservation of the landscapes, habitats and traditions. An ideal destination for a complete getaway and communication with nature, very far from the beaten track.

Mongolia

Terelj

Lying in the extreme west of Mongolia, next to the Chinese and Russian borders, Bayan-Ölgii is  the highest aimag (province) in the whole country. 

Bayan Ulgii

Sagsai

 Tavan Bogd, in Bayan-Ölgii Province, is the highest mountain massif (4,380 m) in Mongolia. The national park that shares its name extends over an area of 6,400 km².

Altai Tavan Bogd

The entrance to the Gobi desert is within easy reach. It is an easy-to-reach destination, whether you are coming from China or Ulaanbaatar, the capital.


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Don't come here for the town! It is a 'desert town' with four big main roads, and that's all. I thought of making this my starting point for crossing the desert but I was strongly advised against it! People come to Saynshand for what there is around it - the holy site of Shambala, the Ikh Nartiin Chuluu nature reserve and the Suikhent Petrified Forest (further away).
 The outskirts of the town are completely desert-like, and from time to time you spot the yurts of nomads, camels, herds of goats - all very exotic! The town itself gives you a good glimpse of what day-to-day life is like in the desert, but it does not take long to see it and it lacks any kind of charm.
 I stayed there for two days, enough time for one excursion per day, and then I continued on my travels. You could do the same, or simply pass straight by!

The entrance to the Gobi desert is within easy reach. It is an easy-to-reach destination, whether you are coming from China or Ulaanbaatar, the capital.

Saynshand Vacations

Saynshand: How to get there?

Saynshand: See when to go ?

Saynshand: For how long?

Saynshand: What to see nearby?

Mongolia: our articles for your vacations