Mongolia is a vast and largely unexplored country that conjures up images of Genghis Khan, nomadic herders, and wild horses. Although it’s often thought of as a landlocked country, Mongolia actually has a small stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Siberia. This little-known fact is just one of the many surprises that Mongolia has in store for visitors.
Mongolia is a land of extremes. It is the world’s largest landlocked country and one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Much of the country is covered in the steppe, desert, or taiga (boreal forest). Mongolia is also home to some of the world’s tallest mountains, including the revered Khüiten Peak in the Altai Mountains, which is the country’s highest point at 4,374 meters (14,350 ft). You can try to test your Internet connection on the top and get a Bet365 bonus.
Despite its vastness and rugged terrain, Mongolia is a surprisingly easy country to travel around. The capital, Ulaanbaatar, is relatively modern and cosmopolitan, and there is an excellent network of roads and flights linking the city to the rest of the country. Outside of Ulaanbaatar, things are a little more basic but still perfectly doable for the average traveler.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path travel destination, Mongolia should definitely be on your radar. Here are 5 of the most unknown and interesting places to visit in Mongolia.
1. Lake Hövsgöl
Lake Hövsgöl is Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake and one of the world’s deepest lakes. It is located in the far north of the country, close to the Russian border. The lake is surrounded by forested mountains and is a popular destination for hiking, horse riding, and bird watching. In winter, the lake freezes over and is used for ice fishing and winter sports.
2. Gobi Gurvan Saihan National Park
The Gobi Desert is one of Mongolia’s most iconic landscapes. This huge expanse of sand, rock, and gravel spans much of southern Mongolia and is home to some of the country’s most iconic animals, including the Bactrian camel and the Gobi bear.
Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park is the best place to experience the desert. The park covers an area of 3,350 square kilometers (1,295 square miles) and includes the world’s largest sand dunes, as well as the Flaming Cliffs, where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered.
3. Ulaangom
Ulaangom is the capital of Uvs Province, in western Mongolia. The town is located on the banks of the Our River, at an elevation of 1,310 meters (4,298 ft). Ulaangom is the starting point for many treks into the Altai Mountains. The area around Ulaangom is also home to a large number of Kazakh Eagle hunters.
4. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is located in the far west of Mongolia, on the border with Russia and China. The park is home to Mongolia’s highest mountain, the Khüiten Peak, as well as a number of other peaks over 4,000 meters (13,000 ft).
The park is a popular destination for trekking, horse riding, and mountain climbing. It is also a haven for wildlife, with over 200 species of birds and animals, including the endangered snow leopard.
5. Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia and the largest city in the country. The city is located in the north-central part of Mongolia, on the banks of the Tuul River. Ulaanbaatar is the starting point for many treks into the nearby mountains and valleys.
Ulaanbaatar is a modern and cosmopolitan city with a wide range of tourist attractions. The city is home to a number of museums, galleries, and historical sites. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s nightlife, restaurants, and cafes.