Mongolia Flag
"Land of the Eternal Blue Sky" and "Country of Blue Sky"
Why visit Mongolia?
For the experienced traveler seeking Buddhist culture, camels, culture, desert, fishing, horseback riding, lakes, mountains, museums, and temples.
Photo Credit: Erdenebayar/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Buddhist charms, books, cashmere, mugs, paintings, and silks.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Boortsog (fried dough). Buuz (dumplings). Khuushuur (dumplings). Khorkhog (BBQ).
- Local Drink to Try: Chinggis Vodka.
Photo Credit: hbieser/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- Name means "Land of the Mongols".
- The highest point is Khüiten Peak (west) at 14,350 ft.
- Home to the world's coldest capital city (Ulaanbaatar).
- Goats are valued for their hair for cashmere use.
- Largely exports coal.
- Home to rare gerbil, jerboas and marbled polecat.
- English is taught starting in 4th Grade.
- Wrestling is the most popular sport.
Photo Credit: Jacmac34/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Tsagaan Sar Festival, (February) Winter Festival of Altai Nomads, (March) Gobi Camel Festival, Khovsgol Ice Festival, Nauryz Festival, Silver Reeds Festival, Spring Golden Eagle Festival, Thousand Camel Festival, (May) International Ulaanbaatar Marathon, Yak Festival, (June) Crane Festival, Hunnu Music Festival, Mongolian Gobi Ultra Marathon, Moto Music Festival, Nomadic Naadam, Wind of Steppes, (July) Naadam Festival, Naadam Summer Festival, National Costume Festival Mongolia, Nomadic Culture Festival, Play Time Festival, Reindeer Festival, Tsaatan Festival, (August) Danshig Naadam Festival, Mongol Yak Festival, Orkhon Valley Horse Festival, Sand Festival, (September) Horseback Archery Tournament, Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival, and (October) Golden Eagle Festival.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Lunar New Year, Women's Day, Children's Day, Naadam Holiday, Genghis Khan's Birthday, Republic Day, and Independence Day.
Photo Credit: hbieser/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Local law requires travelers to declare any cash, cryptocurrency, and financial instruments equal to or greater than 15 million Mongolian tugrik (MNT).
- Dangerously cold winters -40° F across the country.
- Driving under the influence (DUI) is subject to 1 year suspension of driving privileges and a 400,000 MNT fine.
- Most sparsely populated country in the world.
- Exporting antiquities requires a special customs clearance certificate.
- Horse meat is eaten and purchasable in grocery stores.
- A International Driver’s License is required along with automobile insurance.
- Outside of Ulaanbaatar, there's little paved roads or street lights.
- Medical care and treatment does meet our standards.
- Medication for personal use must have a doctor's prescription.
- Southeastern area is dominated by the Gobi Desert.
- Avoid traveling at night alone.
- To reduce traffic and air pollution, license plate numbers are monitored into downtown Ulaanbaatar on certain days of the week.
- Only the Zamiin Uud border crossing (south) with China and the Sukhbaatar/Altanbulag border crossing (north) with Russia, are always open to foreign travelers.
- Un-metered, unofficial, and unregistered taxis are rampant (Ulaanbaatar).
- Pharmaceuticals are imported from China or Russia, and usually lack English labels.
- Avoid tap water consumption.
- LGBTI are prone to discrimination and violence.
- Prevalent diseases: Influenza, Measles, Meningococcal Meningitis, Plague, Rabies, and Tuberculosis.
- Heads are considered sacred and should not be touched.
- Sanitary conditions are below our standards.
- Drug possession or trafficking is from 1-12 to years in prison.
- Air pollution is an issue (Ulaanbaatar) from December - February.
- Elevators are usually too small for a standard-sized wheelchair.
- Avoid demonstrations.
- Tourism industry is unevenly regulated; routine safety inspections does not occur regularly.
- Nearly everything is closed on Tuesday.
- Offers unreliable air transportation subject to delays (days even weeks).
- Mongolian is the official language. Russian and English are commonly spoken.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.
Equestrian Statue of Genghis Khan, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Photo Credit: KiraHundeDog/Pixabay
- Best Time to Visit: May - September
- Coldest Months: November - February
- Hottest Months: May - September
- Peak Season: June - August
hoto Credit: hbieser/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain (and its surrounding sacred landscape), Landscapes of Dauria, Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai, and Uvs Nuur Basin.
Photo Credit: Kanenori/Pixabay
Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
No comments:
Post a Comment