Mongolia is Central Asia’s great mystery, Haslund-Christensen’s ancient playground and a gigantic and vast country located between Russian Siberia in the north and China’s Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang in the south.
In the world of large numbers, Mongolia is divided by a third steppe, to the south the Gobi desert and to the north are the large forest areas, the taiga. In addition, the mountain landscapes with the Altai Mountains in westernmost Mongolia.
Almost three million people live there. people in Mongolia, which with its 1.566 million km2 gives a population density of just 2 per km2, one of the lowest in the world. And one is never in doubt about the small population density or the country’s incredible expanses (about 3 times larger than France) when looking out over Mongolia’s gigantic, rugged and strange steppe country.
Mongolia:
A gigantic and vast country located between Russian Siberia in the north and China’s Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang in the south.
In the world of large numbers, Mongolia is divided by a third steppe, to the south the Gobi desert and to the north are see large areas of forest, the taiga. In addition, the mountain landscapes with the Altai Mountains in westernmost Mongolia.
Almost three million people live there. people in Mongolia, which with its 1.566 million km2 is world19. thirsty land, giving a population density of just 2 per km2, one of the lowest in the world. And one is never in doubt about the small population density or the country’s incredible expanses (about 3 times larger than France) when looking out over Mongolia’s gigantic, rugged and strange steppe country.
Half of the population lives outside UB (the nickname for Ulan Bator) and a large part has a Ger and thus lives partly nomadically or at least with the Ger in the backyard.
Since the real independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, a lot has happened. First, they had to, like large parts of the Eastern bloc, go through a hard time of poverty and violent problems. But since approx. In 2010, growth rates between 6 and 12% were strongly affected, partly due to world-class mineral deposits, among a copper mine with a potential of up to 30% of world consumption. In addition, gold, oil and large deposits of gas.
There is a sensible education and health system and in many ways it seems at the time of writing that democracy has a good grip on the country.
Bogd Khan Reserve (Bogdkhan Uul Strictly Protected Area):
Bogd Khan is one of the oldest protected areas in the world, established as early as 1778, and protected by llamas from Ulanbataar.
It is a terrific bare mountain and steppe landscape at an altitude of just over 2,000 meters, where birds of prey such as red kites and peregrine falcons are on the lookout for chipmunks, rodents and mice.
Here are good opportunities for hiking to the highest peak, Tsetseengun Uul is 2,256 meters, but not least also for horseback riding from one of the many Ger camps with horses.
You must always be well dressed with a small warming layer and not least a wind and waterproof layer for a Bogdkhan trip, as it is usually very windy, which is why you can easily get chilled on even the most beautiful summer day.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is the Mongolian national sport, and everywhere outside the center of Ulanbatar you will find both horses and riders. Several places along the way, it is possible to go horseback riding. Both as a beginner or as an experienced rider. There is a riding guide along the way and then you step beyond the valleys or the steppes – and it is definitely one of the great experiences on any Mongolia trip.
Make camps:
One of the great experiences in Mongolia, is without a doubt a stay in one of the classic Ger (Yurter). The camps are usually with 10-20 Ger tents, each of which is a kind of simple double room. Inside there are beds and linens, candles and sometimes table and chairs. There is Eat-Ger (restaurant), where you can also get tea and coffee during the day. In addition, there are shared but perfectly good toilet and bathing facilities.
You can by no means call it just the smallest luxury, only experiential luxury, because it is the surroundings that are the experience – and it is so quite unique.
You can buy upgraded Ger camps with a little more luxurious facilities. However, they cost significantly more than the classic Ger camps.
