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

 Ölgii is located in the extreme west of the country, next to the Russian and Chinese borders. It is a Kazakh land, with the Kazakh people making up a large majority of the region's population (90%).

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Arriving in Kazakh territory is a wonderful experience, and it really gives you a strong sense of the exotic and being off the beaten track. The Kazakhs and Mongolian peoples share mutual respect, and the former display all the same warmth and generosity and are just as friendly and welcoming as the latter, though they do have their own distinct culture. With the way the locals dress, from the characteristic appearance of their faces, and from observing their customs, you can tell you virtually have one foot in nearby Kazakhstan here. <a href="/mongolia/">Visiting Mongolia</a> is above all about encountering and meeting its people and learning about their way of life. I really enjoyed mingling with the local Kazakh population when visiting the Ölgii market and the museum of Kazakh culture. And as for the region's countryside and unspoilt natural areas, these are also equally wonderful. After you've visited these places I recommend heading to the southeast and the Altai Tavan Bog National Park, which is based around a wonderful mountain massif that contains Mongolia's highest point, Khüiten Peak (4,374 m high), as well as a number of glaciers and other impressive summits. There are many walks, horseback rides, cycle rides and jeep trips you can go on here.

Ölgii is located in the extreme west of the country, next to the Russian and Chinese borders. It is a Kazakh land, with the Kazakh people making up a large majority of the region's population (90%).

Olgii Vacations

Olgii: How to get there?

Olgii: See when to go ?

Olgii: For how long?

Olgii: What to see nearby?

Mongolia: our articles for your vacations