When people think of Mongolia, aside from the name Ghengis Kahn, few have any real idea what the place is like. The last century has seen it as an isolated nation where few westerners ever went, especially during the Russian occupation. Mongolian tours can open an exotic, fascinating window in the past one will always remember.
The location of Mongolia, a land locked nation nestled between Russia and China, resulted in a history of conflict and many occupations by both neighbors. Mongolia as a nation began with the rule of Genghis Kahn and represented a period when Mongolians ruled. One key to his power and success was getting the many separate clans united for the first time, not always peacefully.
Traditionally the people of Mongolia live in Gers, a felt lined circular tent which can be dismantled or reassembled within a few hours. The climate is extremely dry, with humidity in the single digits most of the time, and experiences more than 250 sunny days each year. The extreme continental climate means the winters are brutally cold with the capital of Ulaan Bataar being the coldest capital in the world.
Over a third of the population have crowded together in the capital city of Ulaan Baatar, which has all the trappings of a metropolis. There are shops, banks restaurants and hotels just like in any other country, which also includes the concomitant seedy nightlife, for those inclined. But the real beauty of the nation is to be observed outside the city limits of the capital.
The national religion is primarily Tibetan Buddhism, but more than a third of this population does not practice any religion at all. Ancient Mongolia practiced complete religious tolerance. During the Russian occupation, all religion was harshly repressed, with thousands of people killed in purges, but upon their departure, Buddhism returned in force.
The nation and its culture have rebounded since the soviet breakup, and with freedom of religion in place, Tibetan Buddhism returned as the majority practice. Festivals are held throughout the year, with the largest in Summer. Archery, horse racing and wrestling competitions are held with the national title at stake.
Eating in Mongolia can be interesting, though there are restaurants in the capital, anywhere else one is likely to have access only to mutton and a number of dairy products produced from their animals. Owing to their genetic makeup and the lack of arable land, vegetables are rarely eaten. Although they are quite creative in the products they can make from their herds, meat is dominant.
It is a rare opportunity to visit a nearly unspoiled culture that lives the same today as it has for generations. No country is completely without an impact from the industrial revolution, and the capital city of Mongolia is testament to that, but taking Mongolian tours provides an insight few have gained and the trip will be a memory for a lifetime.
The location of Mongolia, a land locked nation nestled between Russia and China, resulted in a history of conflict and many occupations by both neighbors. Mongolia as a nation began with the rule of Genghis Kahn and represented a period when Mongolians ruled. One key to his power and success was getting the many separate clans united for the first time, not always peacefully.
Traditionally the people of Mongolia live in Gers, a felt lined circular tent which can be dismantled or reassembled within a few hours. The climate is extremely dry, with humidity in the single digits most of the time, and experiences more than 250 sunny days each year. The extreme continental climate means the winters are brutally cold with the capital of Ulaan Bataar being the coldest capital in the world.
Over a third of the population have crowded together in the capital city of Ulaan Baatar, which has all the trappings of a metropolis. There are shops, banks restaurants and hotels just like in any other country, which also includes the concomitant seedy nightlife, for those inclined. But the real beauty of the nation is to be observed outside the city limits of the capital.
The national religion is primarily Tibetan Buddhism, but more than a third of this population does not practice any religion at all. Ancient Mongolia practiced complete religious tolerance. During the Russian occupation, all religion was harshly repressed, with thousands of people killed in purges, but upon their departure, Buddhism returned in force.
The nation and its culture have rebounded since the soviet breakup, and with freedom of religion in place, Tibetan Buddhism returned as the majority practice. Festivals are held throughout the year, with the largest in Summer. Archery, horse racing and wrestling competitions are held with the national title at stake.
Eating in Mongolia can be interesting, though there are restaurants in the capital, anywhere else one is likely to have access only to mutton and a number of dairy products produced from their animals. Owing to their genetic makeup and the lack of arable land, vegetables are rarely eaten. Although they are quite creative in the products they can make from their herds, meat is dominant.
It is a rare opportunity to visit a nearly unspoiled culture that lives the same today as it has for generations. No country is completely without an impact from the industrial revolution, and the capital city of Mongolia is testament to that, but taking Mongolian tours provides an insight few have gained and the trip will be a memory for a lifetime.
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