5 Reasons why
Mongolia should be
on your bucket list
This one is for all of you nomads, adventurers, and lovers of desolate, wild scenery.
Mongolia is a small, cold country sandwiched right in between Russian and China. It is widely known for it’s great conqueror Genghis Khan, but this country’s hero is just one of many subjects that make it intriguing.
Did you know that its steppes are home to over 30 million sheep, cows, goats and camels? One article states that “there are almost as many people as horses” in Mongolia. Now while this may be a deterrent for some, the landscape during summer will take your breath away.
I’m not joking.
My first flight to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia landed during the night, so I didn’t get to see the landscape until daylight. I was not prepared for the jagged, bare, powdery mountains that met my eyes as I looked out my window the next morning. I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. And then my first question was, “can I climb them?”
My first recommendation would be to visit Mongolia in the summer, as the temperatures are very extreme during winter. But if you do love a good winter trip, the landscape still holds a certain barren charm that not every country has (in my opinion).
Here are 5 reasons why Mongolia should be on your bucket list.
#1. It is home to gorgeous mountains, rolling hills, grassy steppes, winding rivers, wild horses, camels, and last but not least…the Gobi desert!
#2. Mongolian people are extremely warm, welcoming, and down-to-earth. Side note: If someone accidentally bumps into you or steps on your foot in a crowd, always accept their handshake as it is their custom to shake hands as a sign of apology. (I learned this after being seriously confused at someone who stepped on my foot and then offered to shake hands. A Mongolian friend immediately explained that it is extremely impolite to refuse.)
3. It is not crowded with tourists, but instead attracts a more intentional group of travelers. Note: this makes for a photographer’s paradise.
4. Plane tickets to Mongolia can be expensive (WayAway is a great way to save on flights with options for cash back), but once you’ve arrived, you can easily explore on a backpacker’s budget.
5. The landscape is nurturing and calm, which makes it the perfect place to get away, relax, unplug, and maybe–climb a few mountains for a breathtaking view!
So what do you think? Have I convinced you to add Mongolia to your bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!
