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Mongolia |
Capital: Ulaanbaatar
Official Language: Mongolian
Currency:Togrog or Tugrik
Mongolia or the land of nomads in Central Asia between China and Russia is a spectacular country with wonderful natural beauty and unique cultural and historical sites. Mongolia's vast wilderness of mountain forest steppe, semi arid desert, and beautiful lakes offer plenty of scope for travel enthusiasts. The majority of the country has a high elevation, with both the highest point namely Tavan Bogd, in the Altai Mountains and lowest point namely Khukh Nuur Lake, in the east. Mongolian nomads
lead the traditional life of malchin or herdsmen. The land of Mongolia is popular world wide for being the one and only refuge of pastoral nomads preserving the traditional cultural heritage of the many nomadic tribes that once took shelter in the rough terrains of Mongolia.
Major Cities
Ulaanbaatar is the capital city of Mongolia. Other major cities are Erdenet, Darhan, Choybalsam, Oligiy, Saynshand, Ulaangom, Hovd, Moron, Uliastay, Suhbaatar and Bayanhonger. Modern Ulaanbaatar located in the east of Outer Mongolia is a sprawling city with modern buildings and shopping complexes. The old Ulaanbaatar founded in the early 17th C is located 400km from the present Ulaanbaatar in Arhangay Province. There are three distinct quarters in the old city: the Kuren or monastery, the residence of the "Living Buddha"; the Mongol city and the Chinese town. Darhan is another major city in Mongolia. The most interesting sight in Darhan is the charming Kharagiin monastery. In addition, the city hosts the Museum of Darkhan-Uul. This museum, also named the Traditional Museum of Folk Art contains a well laid out collection of archaeological findings, traditional clothing, religious artifacts and a few stuffed animals.
Tourist Attractions
Mongolia, the homeland of the fiercest warriors offers astounding tourist attractions. The legendary Genghis Khan's empire comes with an array of historic sites that are really to pride with. Genghis Khan's Mausoleum built in 1954 in Erdos City, Inner Mongolia is said to be the burial place of Genghis Khan. The mausoleum is a grand architectural masterpiece with three grand halls, shaped like Mongolian yurts, and exotic corridors leading to the halls. In addition, tourists can taste delicious Mongolian barbecue, and enjoy a Mongolian-style dance and horse performance. The Natural History Museum of Ulaanbaatar features awe inspiring pale ontological discoveries from the Gobi. Displays of dinosaur eggs, large Hadrosaur fossils (duck-billed dinosaurs), the Tarbosaurous fossils (close relative of the Tyrannosaurus Rex) are really fascinating. The Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, named after the first Buddhist leader in Mongolia is a place of timeless beauty. The Buddhist tankas and sculptures are a treasure for the country. The Ganden Monastery is still today the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. It towers on the highest point of Ulaanbaatar where pilgrims and tourists come to spin the prayer wheels and offer prayers. Known as a sister lake of Baikal Lake Huvsgul Lake offers pristine views with alpine mountain ranges embedded with dense taiga forest. The Gobi Desert occupies more than 400,200 sq. km of the South Mongolia. The desert is a home to rare species of animals like camels, snow leopard, ibex, wild sheep wild horse and antelopes.
Getting Around
The major internal airlines are MIAT and Aero Mongolia, which together offer flights to most of the provincial capitals, major cities and tourist destinations. There are 1750 km kilometers of railway track, which is part of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, connecting China with Russia. There are bus services between major towns but they are not frequent. Car hire is available through tourism companies. Taxis are found only in Ulaanbaatar or for short trips out of town like Terelj or Zuunmod. Jeeps, camels or horses are popular transports to uneven lands. The condition of roads except the major towns and cities are not good with numerous potholes. A journey to any place in Mongolia is little time consuming with frequent breakdowns. There are a good number of hotels and guesthouses in the chief towns of Mongolia. 1 World Hostel, Bolod's Guesthouse, Friends Guesthouse Mongolia, Golden Gobi, Idre's Guesthouse and Magic Rock are some of the premier hotels and guest houses of Mongolia.
Precautions
There has been a significant rise in street crime in Mongolia, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, the capital. The most common crimes are pick pocketing and bag snatching. There are reports of organized groups and terrorist activities in remote desert areas usually after dark. Caution is advised when using public transportation and traveling remote areas. Medical facilities in Mongolia are very limited. So the travelers should carry with them an adequate supply of needed medicines prior to travel.
For further details and information on Mongolia and its tourist destinations browse more pages of
Allwonderscountries
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