Mongolian culture has many distinctive
features. They are closely connected with the life style. From ancient times
on, Mongolian have lived in the vast lands of Central Asia.
Location: Mongolia is located in
the center of the Asian continent between two large neighbors Russian
Federation and China. Area: 1566500 sq. km
Healthcare facilities in Mongolia are poor,
particularly in the countryside where facilities are run down and medicines
scarce.
Mongolian Eagle festival, Mongolian
Tsagaan sar-New year festival, Mongolia Naadam event, Ice festival,Horse
festival
Steppe plants from Kazakhstan grow beside
Manchurian steppe flowers. More than 3000 species vascular plants, 927 lichens,
437 mosses, 875 fungi, and numerous algae have been recorded. Many other
species, however...
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Payment: Cancellation periods: Confirmation: Confirmation: Guide:
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Official name of the country: Mongolia
Capital city: Ulaanbaatar, founded in 1639, over 1.5 mln inhabitants (2015)
Territory: 1,566,500 sq.km
Population: 3.4 mln (2018)
Location: Northern Asia, between China and Russia (landlocked)
Land boundaries: 8.158 km, with Russia 3,485 km and with China 4,673 km
Average altitude: 1,580 m above sea-level
Terrain: Vast semi-desert and desert plains, mountains in west and south-west,
Gobi Desert in south-east
Natural resources: Mongolia has one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes - Hovsgol and
river system. 75.1 percent of territory - pasture land and 8.0 percent
- forest. Vegetation cover - 2260 species of vascular plants united in
596 genera and 104 families. Fauna - 127 species of mammals, 360 species
of birds and 70 species of fishes.
Mongolian Climate: Sharp continental, marked by four seasons. Average summer temperature +17'C, average winter temperature -26'C, average rainfall 200-220 mm. The cold winter season lasts from November to late April, Spring May through June is cool and windy. Summer from July through to September with occasional rain is the best season for travel and outdoor activities. Autumn months are cool but sunny.
Language: Mongolian
Religion: Buddhism 85% and Christian11% Muslim 4%
Mongolian Education: Literacy rate 89.5%. Education system consists of pre-school education
(kindergarten), general education (primary school 1-6, incomplete secondary
school 1-8, complete secondary school 1-10), and professional education
(universities). Pre-school and general education is free.
Mongolian Culture: The oral tradition of folklore includes myth, fables, legends, sayings
and proverbs, song lyrics and poetry, especially the epic, the poetry of
praise and good wishes. The history of written literature is now known
to date from the XIII century and its first creation was "Mongolyn
Nuuts Tovchoo" (Secret History of the Mongols) written in 1240 and
published in 1382 main theme of which is the unification of separate Mongol
tribes by Chinggis Khaan under the banner of a single state. An invariable
lively response is evoked in many countries around the world by Mongolian
painting and handicraft, and by performance by Mongolian circus acrobats,
singers and dancers.
Political system: Mongolia is a parliamentary republic.
Head of the State: President elected for sex years. /since 2021/
Legislature: State Great Hural (Parliament), unicameral with 76 members elected
for four years.
Judicial system: Mongolian judicial system consists of Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, aimag and capital city courts, somon and district courts.
State structure: Mongolia is a unitary state. Territory of Mongolia is divided administratively
into aimags (23) and the capital city; aimags are subdivided into somons;
somons into bags; and the capital city into districts; districts into khoroos.
National currency: Tugrug (Tg), Tg 2850= US$1, (2020.12)
Mongolian Fiscal year: January 1 - December 31
Main ports: Chingis khaan international airport in Ulaanbaatar city, Sukhbaatar
(railway station on Mongolian-Russian border) and Zamyn Uud (railway station
on Mongolian-Chinese border)
Mongolian Air links: Moscow, Irkutsk (Russia), Berlin, Frankfurt (Germany), Paris (France),
Istanbul (Turkey), Beijing, Erlian, Huhhot, Hongkong, Shanghai, Hailar
(China), Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (Republic of Korea) and Tokyo &
Osaka (Japan).
Mongolia Rail links: Ulan-Ude, Irkutsk, Moscow (Russia) and Huhhot & Beijing (China)
Sea access: Tianjin/China (1.344 km) and Nakhodka/Russia (4.037 km)
Mongolia Public holidays: December 31- January 1 - New Year; around January/February - Mongolian
New Year (Tsagaan Sar), June 1 - Mother and Child day, July 11-13 - National
Holiday (Naadam)
Time zone: Add 8 hours to Greenwich Mean Time
Working hours: - 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-18.00
Communication: Country code - 976, area code for Ulaanbaatar - 11
Electric current: 220 volts/50 HZ
Weight and measures: Metric System
Mongols before Genghis khan
Archaeological evidence places early Stone Age human habitation in the southern
Gobi between 100,000 and 200,000 years ago. By the first millennium B.C.,
bronze-working peoples lived in Mongolia. With the appearance of iron weapons
by the third century B.C., the inhabitants of Mongolia had begun to form tribal
alliances and to threaten China. The origins of more modern inhabitants are
found among the forest hunters and nomadic tribes of Inner Asia. They inhabited
a great arc of land extending generally from the Korean Peninsula in the east,
across the northern tier of China to present-day Kazakhstan and to the Pamir
Mountains and Lake Balkhash in the west. During most of recorded history, this
has been an area of constant ferment from which emerged numerous migrations and
invasions to the southeast (into China), to the southwest (into Transoxiana--modern
Uzbekistan, Iran, and India), and to the west (across Scythia toward Europe).
By the eighth century B.C., the inhabitants of much of this region evidently
were nomadic Indo-European speakers, either Scythians or their kin. Also
scattered throughout the area were many other tribes that were primarily Mongol
in their ethnologic characteristics.
Khamag Mongol Empire
Around the 12th centuries, there were various tribes lived in Mongolia. In 1206
after Temuujin established the first united Mongolian state, he was given the
title “Chinggis Khaan”. Chinggis Khaan is legendary king who had conquered “the
half of the world”. He stretched his land from Baikal Lake in north, to the
Great Wall of China in the south, and from Mount Hyangan in the east, to the
Altai Mountains in the west. Mongolians built many cities in 13th century and
one of them is Khar Khorin which was the capital city of Mongolian empire.
The Manchu period
The Hamnigan, who established the Manchu
dynasty gained power in the 12th century and conquered Mongolia in 1775 after
their conquering China and Inner Mongolia. Thus Mongolia became colony of
Manchu’s and lost its independence for 200 years. Buddhism was main religion in
this period. Many sutras (Tibetan holly books) were translated into Mongolian
and hundreds of Monasteries and temples were built.
Mongolia in 20th century
As the result of the Mongolian People’s
revolution in 1921, Mongolia was released from Manchu colonization. It was dark
years under the oppression of Manchu that had made Mongolia left behind world
development. Socialism – the great civilization started with support of Soviet
Union. Therefore the great building work had started. Secondary schools, heavy
industries, power plants, telephone stations and telegraph lines have been
built. A number of people increased who settled in main cities such as
Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, Erdenet and Dornod. Russia’s influence was strong through
these years.
Modern Mongolia
In 1990’s, Mongolia transferred to Free
Market economy and Democracy, and set the goal of building “democratic human
socialism” based on a multi-party democracy. In January 1992, a new
constitution was established. The first President of Mongolia was elected by
public election in 1993, which was very new to the people that they actually
had the opportunity to choose their own leader. The president is elected for a
four year term. The Mongolian first president was P.Ochirbat. Also, Mongolia
elects the Parliament on national level. The State Great Assembly (Ulsyn Ikh Khural),
the parliament has 76 members, elected for a four year term in single-seat
constituencies.
Visa is required for all, except citizens
of the following countries. Visas are available from the Mongolian embassy in
your country. If there is no Mongolia embassy in your country, one month visas
can be obtained on the spot once you arrive at the airport or railway station.
There will also be a visa fee of $53US. We will supply an official confirmation
letter (by email or post) for your visa application once you book a travel
service with us.
Useful links:
Ministry of Foreign affairs Trade, Mongolia:
http://www.mfat.gov.mn/en.html
Mongolia Immigration Agency:
http://www.immigration.gov.mn/?vlang=mn
Consular service of Mongolia: http://www.consuls.net
LIST OF MONGOLIAN EMBASSIES
AUSTRIA(Vienna) |
JAPAN(Tokyo) |
BELGIUM (Brussels) |
KAZAKHSTAN (Almaty) |
BULGARIA (Sophia) |
NEW ZEALAND (Wellington) |
CANADA (Ottawa) |
POLAND (Warsaw) |
CHINA (Beijing) |
RUSSIA (Moscow) |
CUBA (Havana) |
SOUTH KOREA (Seoul) |
CZECH Republic (Prague) |
SYRIA (Damascus) |
EGYPT (Cairo) |
THAILAND (Bangkok) |
FRANCE (Paris) |
TURKEY (Ankara) |
GERMANY (Berlin) |
UNITED KINGDOM (London) |
HUNGARY (Budapest) |
USA (Washington D.C) |
INDIA (New Delhi) |
VIETNAM (Hanoi) |
Chingis Khaan International Airport, located 18 km to the southwest of
Ulaanbaatar has regularly scheduled flights on MIAT (Mongolian Airlines),
Air China, Korean Air, Turkish Air and Aeroflot (Russian Airline).
Here are list of airlines that serve Mongolia with direct flights from
Germany, Russia, Turkey, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and China, connecting
to everywhere in the world.
Destinations |
Airlines |
2021- |
Moscow, Russia |
All year |
|
Beijing, China |
All year |
|
Seoul, (South Korea) |
All year |
|
Tokyo, Japan |
All year |
|
Osaka, Japan |
Seasonal, in the summer |
|
Berlin, Germany |
All year |
|
Frankfurt, Germany |
Seasonal, in the summer |
|
Hong Kong, China |
All year |
|
Istanbul, Turkey |
All year |
The legendary Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest continuous rail line in the
World. The total distance by rail from Beijing to St. Petersburg, Russia is
7,925 kilometers. The Trans Mongolian runs from Russian border via Ulaanbaatar
to the Chinese border. A total of 1,110 kilometers of "Trans-Mongolian
Main Line" is operated inside Mongolia.
Exploring Mongolia following the rail lines of the legendary Trans-Siberian
Railways is more than a simple way of transportation, it is an expedition in
itself. The famous railway route is Moscow – Ulaanbaatar – Beijing. The journey
by train from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar takes 5 days and from Beijing to
Ulaanbaatar takes 36 hours. There are usually nine compartments in each
carriage with four berths in each. Twin-share compartments are available for a
supplementary price.
You may purchase train tickets online directly from Ulaanbaatar Railway
website at: www.eticket.ubtz.mn/mn/. Tickets must be purchased one month in advance.
return to top
Sharp
continental, marked by four seasons. Average summer temperature +25'C, average
winter temperature -15C, average rainfall 200-220 mm. The cold winter season
lasts from November to late April, Spring May through June is cool and windy.
Summer from July through to September with occasional rain is the best season
for travel and outdoor activities. The sun shines for well over 200 days a
year. Autumn months are cool but sunny.
THE CLIMATE IN MONGOLIAI
If you planning to travel in Mongolia. It will depend on weather and climate.
Mongolia is naturally have 4 season. These advices will help you to travel. The
four seasons are very different, winter lasts from November to February, spring
from March to mid-May, summer from mid-May till late August, and autumn is in
September and October. The cold weather in north can last a month or two longer
than the Gobi areas. So pack your woollens if you trotting here. Mongolia can
experience four seasons in a day. With more than 260 sunny days a year,
Mongolia is known as the 'Land of Blue Sky'. Mongolia experiences extreme
continental clime; it is so far inland that no sea tempers its climate. As you
travel in Mongolia, keep the climate in mind.
Seasons
|
Month
|
Average
T |
Level |
Tips |
WINTER |
Dec |
(-22)-(-35) °С |
|
Prepare warm jackets, thick jeans and long johns, sweaters,
hats and gloves. |
Jan |
(-20)- (21)°С |
|
||
Feb |
(-14)-(-20)°С |
|
||
SPRING |
Mar |
(-08)-(+15)°С |
|
There is much wind and dust in spring. Prepare sunglasses, jackets
and mask to protect your nose. |
Apr |
(+04)-(+14)°С |
|
||
May |
(+12)-(+22)°С |
|
||
SUMMER |
Jun |
(+16)-(+26)°С |
|
This season is recommended as the best season to
visit! Prepare umbrella, rain coat, sunglass and sun screen are recommended. Wear
summer clothes. |
Jul |
(+22)-(+32)°С |
|
||
Aug |
(+20)-(+28)°С |
|
||
AUTUMN |
Sep |
(+15)-(+25)°С |
|
September is also good a month to visit Mongolia. Prepare warm clothes
for October and November. |
Oct |
(-05)-(+15)°С |
|
||
Nov |
(-10)- (-20)°С |
|
SPRING: TIMEIn spring when unpredictable weather creates snowstorms intermixed
with spells of wind and sun, keep in mind that the wind-chill factor: a
10-knot wind can make 0°C feel like -5°C. The maximum rainfalls occur in
the taiga areas beside the northern border, especially Khentii and Khovsgol.
Only in summer does cloud-cover the sky. Humidity is generally zero and
sunshine is intense.. Only in summer does cloud-cover the sky.
SUMMER TIME:Right time to travel is in mid-May. Early May can still see snowfall, especially
in the north. June weather is good and usually dry throughout the central
and southern regions. The mountains and northern areas can be cold. July
is the time to see the Naadam Festival. This is also the peak tourist season.
It's a decent time to look for travel partners and get out of the city.
Gobi temperatures this month can rise up to excruciating 40°C.
AUTUMN: In the month of August
there will be heavy rainfall in the northern and central areas. This weather
fills up rivers and brings the lush green grass creating a picturesque view,
but it can also swamp the roads with mud and attract mosquitoes. This is one of
the best times to travel in Mongolia. September is another okay month. The cool
weather brings respite to the Gobi and the varying colours in the forests in
the north are beautiful. October is again cool and sees the occasional or rare
snow bustle up north but is still fine for travel, especially in the Gobi
desert. Weather patterns at this time are unpredictable. You never know one
moment you're walking in a T-shirt, the next you need an overcoat and boots,
and then you are back to T-shirts. The cold season is between November and
February. Mongolians, especially nomads, contemplate March and April as the
worst months. After the long winter, livestock will already be thin and a lack
of rain brings about their death, causing financial and psychological
adversity. If the spring is a harsh weather, staying with a nomad family at
this time is not recommended.
IN THE ULAANBAATAR: Ulaanbaatar is considered
the coldest capital city in the world. Temperatures can drastically start to
drop below 0°C in late October, and cold biting temperature of to -30°C in
January and February and remain below freezing till April. July to September is
pleasant, but it can still turn cold. Mongolia is a holiday spot to plan with
your friends and family.
Natural Zones Of Mongolia
1. High Mountain Zone. All Mongolia
is “mountain”, the country averaging
1.5 kilometers above the sea level. In Mongolian terms, 5% is at such high
altitude as to endure extreme condition –the High Mountain Zone – winds, extreme cold, and very short growing season.
The Zone is above the tree
line, characterized by tundra, alpine- sedge meadows, upland swamps and lichen-
covered screes and boulders. Plants include shrubby Ground Birch; occasion
Mountain Pine, beautiful white Gentian and Mountain Saxifrage. Typical mammals
are “Argali”, Ibex, Snow leopard, Ermine, Snow Marten and Mountain Hare, birds
include White Ptarmigan, Altai Snow cock, Eurasian Dottrel, Rock Pigeon and
Red-Billed Chough.
2. Taiga forest zone. Northern
Mongolia includes the southern rim of Siberia 's vast taiga forest, the largest
forest on the planet Earth. The taiga is boreal coniferous forest, mainly
Siberian Larch and in higher areas Siberian Pine. Other confers such as
Siberian Spruce feature. The bark and forest floor is rich in moss and lichens.
In Mongolia are relatively undisturbed.
3. Mountain
forest steppe. To the south, about 25% of Mongolia is a mix of forest and
grassland, a transition zone between taiga forest and steppe, with northern
slopes clothed in trees and southern slopes carpets of wild ‘ flower of open
grassland'. This attractive landscape has a high biological diversity, home to
Roe Deer, Elk, Wolf, Red Fox, and Tolai Hare, Siberian marmot.
4. Steppe
Zone. Further
south, the Steppe Zone is a ‘sea grass' covering 20% of Mongolia , crucial for
the livestock of the semi-nomadic herder families. These permanent pastures,
undisturbed by ploughing or artificial chemical are rich carpets of sweet
smelling herbs, flower and grasses. The steppe Zone is crucial for the
semi-nomadic life with livestock such as horses, goats, cattle, yaks and
camels.
5. Desert
Steppe Zone. South
again the lush green grasslands of the steppe give away to a transition, the
Desert Steppe Zone on the north rim of the Gobi Desert . The transition zone
covers 20% of Mongolia , a dry region of parched grasslands and salt pans,
strong winds and dust storm. It has grasses and shrubs very different from
those of the Steppe Zone many are unique to Central Asia . Desert Steppe Zone,
Desert to South. In the skies, are Houbara Bustard, Cinerous Vulture and huge
Lammergeyer. Grazing animals include herds of Wild Horse, Wild ass, Saiga
Antelope and Black-Tailed Gazelle.
6. Gobi
Desert Zone: To
the south, lies the vast Gobi, a massive desert straddling the border of
Mongolia and the Inner Mongolia region of China. One of the world's great
deserts, much of the Gobi is a daunting place of bare Rocky Mountains , sand
dunes, huge desert flats, relieved by well-watered oases. The climate is harsh,
from 40 degree centigrade in summer to -40degree centigrade in winter.
return to top
Mongolian culture has many distinctive features. They are
closely connected with the life style. From ancient times on, Mongolian have
lived in the vast lands of Central Asia. Raising livestock and nomadic living
patterns have found reflection in everyday thinking and the culture.
One of the unique features of nomadic culture is that
Mongolian people live in full harmony with Mother Nature. In comparison with
settled peoples, the nomadic herders, face nature directly on a day in, day out
basis. Through this, the herders are involved in a multifaceted relationship
with nature. This is why Mother Nature is the theme of many epics, blessings,
and well wishes. There are many traditions, customs, and teachings regarding
the protection and care of Mother Nature. Tearing up flowers and grass,
allowing filth into water systems, digging up and destroying land, killing of
animals and destruction of forests are considered sins and are thus strictly
prohibited even today.
Livestock Herding, the main source of the nomadic lifestyle,
is another important trait of Mongolian culture. Mongolians have a history of
raising and caring for their livestock. Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and
camels are praised as the "five treasures". Horses are considered the
"emeralds" and are highly respected among the people. Thousands of
teachings, sayings, proverbs, tales, epics, songs, and dances have been created
in praise of the "five treasures'.
Shamanism is closely related to Mongolian nomadic culture.
The tribes in Mongolia followed shamanism from the times of the Great Huns
until the formation of the Uighur Empire. According to the "Secret History
of the Mongols", and other historic sources, shamanism was the state
religion until the introduction of Buddhism. Shamanism reflects the Mongolian
feeling towards Mother Nature. For these reason shamans performed rituals of
worshipping the master of mountains, water, sky and land. Some of these
traditions, mixed with the Mongolian lifestyle, oral literature, folklore and
symbolism, are important components of Mongolian nomadic culture.
Buddhism, introduced in Mongolian in the 16th century,
played an enormous role in the development of Mongolian culture. The
Mongolians' perceptions, psychology, traditions, thinking, and world outlook
were enriched by the Buddhist philosophy and worldview.
An outstanding historical and cultural relic is the
Mongol-un nigucha tobichiyan ( The Secret History of the Mongols). This work by
an anonymous author dates to about 1240. The Secret History is a fusion of
tense historical narration, folklore and old poetry. It is an honest, sincere
account depicting Chinghis Khaan without embellishment or laudation. The book is
not an apology of annexation campaigns or the conquerors' ambitious claims. All
people are described as worthy and only the rulers are depicted as cunning, sly
men, evoking feelings of disgust in the simple hearted Mongols.
MONGOLIA NOMADS
Mongolian population is divided into some ethnic groups.
But, they have one thing common: they are nomads, or nomads at heart, even if
they are urbanized. About half of 2.9mln Mongolians live in Gers, and over
500.000 herdsmen look after 50 million livestock. They are truly nomadic,
moving their gers and animals several times a year, constantly searching for
better feed, water and weather. The life of a nomad, and therefore Mongolia, is
inextricably linked to the nature and animals. Nomads learn to ride as soon as
they can walk, they spend half their time looking for stray animals (there are
almost no fences in Mongolia), carrying a type of lasso pole called uurga.
Nomadic Mongolia
Mongolia, which is one of the oldest civilizations on earth, continues to
draw a keen interest of people of diverse nationalities to explore its unique
historical past, the peculiar features of its social and economic development,
its unusual beauty and almost untouched nature.
Mongolian culture has many distinctive features closely
connected with the Nomadic life style. Starting from ancient times,
Mongolians have been living in the vast lands of Central Asia raising livestock
and living a nomadic way of life. These patterns are still reflected in
everyday thinking and the culture.
One of the unique features of nomadic culture is that
Mongolian people live in full harmony with Mother Nature. In comparison with
settled peoples, the nomadic herders face nature directly on a day in, day out
basis. Through this, the herders are involved in multifaced relationship with
nature. This is why Mother Nature is the theme of many epics, blessings, and well-wishes.
There are many traditions, customs, and teachings regarding the protection and
care of Mother Nature. In fact disrupting nature like digging up and destroying
land, putting pollutants into the water ways, killing animals and destroying
forests are considered sins and are thus strictly prohibited even today.
Shamanism is closely related to Mongolian nomadic culture. The tribes in Mongolia
followed shamanism from the times of the Great Huns until the formation
of the Uighur Empire. Shamanism reflects the feeling Mongolians have towards
Mother Nature. For this reason shamans performed rituals of worshipping
the master of mountains, water, Sky and land. Some of these traditions,
mixed with the Mongolian lifestyle, oral literature, folklore and symbolism,
are important components of Mongolian nomadic culture today.
Buddhism, which was introduced to Mongolia in the 16th century, has also played
an enormous role in the development of Mongolian culture. The Mongolians
perceptions, psychology, traditions, thinking, and world outlook were enriched
by the Buddhist philosophy and world view.
The Mongolian Ger
With a history of over a thousand years, this portable dwelling made of wood
lashed together with leather thongs and covered with felt is the home of the
Mongolian nomads. Easy to erect and dismantle, the ger, its furnishings, and
the stove inside can be carried by just three camels, or wagons pulled by yaks.
The average ger is small but spacious enough to provide adequate living space
for a family, is wind resistant, and has good ventilation. Gers are constructed
of a latticed wood structure covered with layers of felt and canvas. A lattice
frame of narrow birch and willow laths is held together by leather strips. The
sections are about 2 meters long and are bound together to form a large
circular structure. This collapsible lattice is called khana. The average ger
uses four to eight khana, with six being the most popular size. The door-frame
is a separate unit, as is the ceiling formed from an umbrella-like frame-work
of slender poles called uni, which are lashed to the khana on one end and
slotted into the tonoo, a circular frame, at the top. Traditionally, the door
was a felt flap attached to the door-frame, but most nomads now use a carved or
painted wooden door. In the center of the tonoo is a small hole which allows
smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. Each ger is heated by a small
metal stove fueled with dried dung or wood.
The entrance of the ger always faces south. Once the wooden framework is
lashed together, it is covered with layers of felt and canvas. The felt
helps the ger retain heat and the canvas over it sheds rain. Ropes made
of hair and wool hold the thick layer of felt in place. During the summer,
one layer of felt is used, but during the winter, two or three layers are
necessary. Travelers to Mongolia will have the opportunity to sleep in
traditional gers while staying with nomadic families or at ger camps. The
Mongolian ger has customs attached to it that are unique; please refer
to the guide following this section to learn more about the Do’s and Don’ts
inside a ger.
return to top
FAQS? - INFORMATION
ABOUT TRAVEL IN MONGOLIA
When is the best time to come to Mongolia?
June to September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the
Naadam Festival and other many outdoor activities. July and August are also the
mild and wettest months of the year, but be assured; climate is such that you
will still have many sunny days at this time. If you are adventure maker
wants to challenge your self with Mongolian harsh climate welcome to travel in
Mongolia in cold and dry seasons.
For all types of visa you will need following documents:
1. Your passport with at least one blank page an should be
valid for minimum 6 months
2. Two copies of recent passport size photo
3. Visa fee
To apply for tourist visa for a period of no longer than one month a letter of
invitation from hosting organization is required. Please make sure visa
requirements of gateway countries to Mongolia, i.e., China, Russia, Korea or
Japan.
Transit visas for 7 days is possible to obtain at the entry point of Chinggis
Khaan international Airport, Zamii-uud and Sukhbaatar railway ports.
Customs
Every one coming to Mongolia must complete a custom declaration, which should be retained until departure. This allows the free import and re-export of article intended for personal use for duration of stay. It prohibited to import and export:
Mongolia allows to the following items to be brought in duty free.
Visitors taking antiques and fossils out of the country must
have official documentation to do so. Some shops will provide the necessary
documents upon purchase. Alternatively, permission can be obtained from the
Ministry of Education and Science, Culture in Ulaanbaatar.
How to get Mongolia?
International air flights
Only international airport Chinggis Khaan is receives flights from Moscow,
Beijing, Seoul, Tokio and Berlin. Beside MIAT Mongolian airline, Aeroflot-
Russian airline, Korean Air- Korean airlines, Air China- CAAC have scheduled
flights to/from Mongolia.
MIAT Mongolian Airlines - http://www.miat.com
Aeroflot - http://www.aeroflot.ru/eng/
Air China - http://www.airchina.com.cn
Korean Air - http://www.koreanair.com
Trans Siberian railway
Another way to enter and leave Mongolian is Trans Siberian railway. Mongolian
and Trans Siberian railway connects Europe and Asia through Mongolia. Cross-
traveling Mongolian-Russian, Mongolian Chinese border, central Asian Gobi
desert, Siberian Forest Mountains and steppe with Trans Siberian railway itself
exciting experience.
Do I need travel insurance?
Although we do not require travel insurance, it is recommended to out client to
purchase a standard travel insurance service from your local company. This will
cover you for unexpected events that may badly influence your
vocation.
What do I need to take in my pack?
If you need some thing that not expected to buy from Mongolia during the trip
please make sure that purchase from your place. The following is a rough
guide of the things that will need pack for your trip to Mongolia. Although
this may not suit everyone’s needs it can be acceptable to personal
requirements or the type of trip that you are planning to take.
How is the communication? How can I contact with my family?
You can make an international call from almost every hotel in the capital and
the main cities. Also, Mongolia is widely accessed with mobile and internet
operators throughout the country, so communicating is never a problem. You can
also rent a mobile phone or satellite phones from the operators.
Can you tell me bit an about accommodation?
If you are staying in Ulaanbaatar, you will be staying in a hotel with 3-5
stars and will stay in tourist Ger camp (Mongolian traditional dwelling) or
tented camps near attractions.
Hotels
In Ulaanbaatar or some local towns we assure that you stay in the best
available hotel. Hotels in Ulaanbaatar graded as 3 and 4 stars are generally
comfortable and offer in-room international standard bathroom facilities,
TV with access to international channels, telephones with IDD, room service
etc.
Tourist GER camp
Most common accommodation outside cities on our expeditions is so-called ger
camps. Made of latticed wood structure covered with felt layers and durable
canvas, this dome shaped unique accommodation is heated by wood stove placed in
the center and furnished with beautifully decorated wood-framed beds. Shower
and toilet facilities are normally found in a separate building outside the
ger. Staying in ger is a memorable experience of Mongolian culture. Most
visitors find their stays at ger camps to be among their most memorable
experiences in Mongolia.
Tented camping
On many of our adventurous journeys to more remote areas we use tented camps. tents
of highest qualities, mattresses, chairs, dining tables are provided. When
necessary we also provide portal shower and toilet facilities for the comfort
of our guests. Our expedition staff set up camps and prepares meals and takes
care of all your needs. Tented camps allow you to interact more with the nature
and visit the remotest areas of the country.
How are the domestic flights?
We sometimes use domestic flights to aimag centers and tourist camps, in
surrounding area of which where many of our discovery tours and adventure tours
are arranged. Major domestic flight destinations include Dalanzadgad in South
Gobi, Murun town in Huvsgul, Khovd town in the western Altai region and
Choibalsan town in Dornod aimag. Helicopters are also chartered for special
tours to the remotest areas where we can not fly an airplane or drive by jeeps.
The personal luggage allowance on domestic flights is 15kg; the cost per kilo
of baggage is 3400-4100Tg depending on distance.
What is the look Mongolia vehicles?
Depending on the nature of tours and type of destination we use different types
of vehicles; for jeep overland expeditions we use Japanese Toyota Landcruiser
jeeps, which is the best available for its type. In some remote areas where we
have to fly we arrange local vehicles most of them happen to be Russian made
UAZ four wheel drives either jeep or minivan. For sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar we
use deluxe coaches and minibuses or small cars.
How long will the drive take per day?
When you travel around the vast steppes in Mongolia, our trip will take about 6
to 10 hours per day and it will cover from 100 up to 360 kilometers / 62-225
miles
How is the meal?
Both traditional Mongolian and European cuisine is available. Look Mongolia
provides the selection of best available local restaurants on cities and
popular destinations. During excursions to remote areas we provide services of
professional chefs who normally travel with the group. Arrangements can be made
for vegetarians and those with special dietary needs.
Gifts and souvenirs
Mongolia is the best place for cashmere products. As one of the leading
countries in the production of cashmere, it offers the cheapest prices for the
highest quality and design. Lately cashmere production is developing rapidly
and being very fashionable. As a gift for the one you care, you can buy
beautifully ornamented art crafts which usually use nomadic life.
How is the Safety and security?
Generally, Mongolia is a safe destination for travelers. However, incidences of
pick pocketing and bag slashing have been on the rise in recent years, so
always keep your personal belongings in a safe place (money belts are highly
recommended), especially in crowded areas or in places where your attention is
diverted, such as internet cafes . Notorious places for theft are the Black
Market, the railway station and crowded bus stops. Violent crime is uncommon,
but still caution is required at night, and dark or deserted alleys and
streets, in particular, should be avoided. Most of the dogs in rural area could
be aggressive. Please note that they are guardians of the herd not pet.
Can you tell me about currency exchange?
The monetary unit in Mongolia is TUGRUG, which is equal to 100 mungu. At
the present, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, and 10 tugrug
notes are in circulation. Commercial banks in Ulaanbaatar and province
centers are the official organizations authorized to exchange foreign currency.
They have network of branches in Ulaanbaatar and exchange bureaus at main
hotels. ATM machine is available. US Dollar, Euro and Japanese Yen
are common currencies in Mongolia. As DEC 2020 currency rate
is:
1 USD =2850 MNT
1 Euro= 3200 MNT
Is Traveler cheques are acceptable in Mongolia?
Few banks accept Travelers Cheque. But Credit cards and cash payment are . You
can also withdraw cash from any ATM in all major towns. Visa, MasterCard,
American Express and JCB card are acceptable. It is almost impossible to use
your credit cards in the countryside.
What is the Electric Current?
The standard voltage in Mongolia is 220Volts/50Hz. Most sockets require a
European style plug or adaptor.
Do you arrange private tours?
We offer private tours to individuals, families, and groups. Our private tours
include a wide range of activities from cultural explorations, archeology to
exhilarating outdoor adventures (Altai Mountain Trekking, Horse and Camel
riding, Gobi desert expeditions, and much more).
What are the entertainments?
National folklore performances, classical art, ballet and other cultural shows
are available in Ulaanbaatar. At tourist camps in the countryside private
concerts of traditional dancing and singing performances can be arranged.
Why should I travel with Shine Zuuch Travel?
Shine Zuuch Travel is a one of the most responsible, experienced and professional
tour operation group in Mongolia which is diversified its services. return
to top
Mongolian Health Issues and Travel insurance
HEALTH-Facilities
Healthcare facilities in Mongolia are poor, particularly in the countryside
where facilities are run down and medicines scarce. Organising an evacuation to
Ulaanbaatar or from Ulaanbaatar to another country can be difficult and
expensive. We strongly advise you to obtain adequate insurance before you
travel.
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers
seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and
enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their
government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information
before departure:
From Australia? Go to: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
From New Zealand? Go to: http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
From Canada? Go to: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/
From US? Go to: http://travel.state.gov/
From UK? Go to: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/
The World Health Organisation
also provides useful health information:
Go to: http://www.who.int/en/
SOS medical in Ulaanbaatar only basic health care is available.
You should bring with you basic supplies of over-the-counter medicines you use
regularly as well as any regular prescription drugs you need.
Mongolia has occasional outbreaks of hand, foot & mouth
disease, a viral infection which most commonly affects children and infants, as
well as other infectious diseases.
During these outbreaks affected areas may be quarantined and
you may not be able to travel to them. Conversely if you are in an affected
area, you may not be allowed to leave. During the summer hunting season there
may be isolated cases of bubonic plague. These are usually confined to the
marmot hunters who pick up the disease from fleas when skinning their prey but
visitors should be aware of the risk.
In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, the
UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that fewer than 500 adults aged 15 or over
in Mongolia (around 0.1% of the adult population) were living with HIV. This
compares with 0.2% of adults in the UK.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Mongolia, particularly if
you have a condition which might be exacerbated by altitude or atmospheric
pollution.
You should ensure that all your vaccinations are up-to-date.
For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and
general disease protection and prevention visit the websites of the National
Travel Heath Network & Centre (NaTHNaC).
HEALTH:Are there any health requirements? Do I need
immunizations to enter Mongolia?
Travelers are advised to check with their doctors before visiting
Mongolia. A Health Declaration form must completed upon arrival. No
immunizations are requigreen for short-term travelers, unless you are coming
from or through a yellow fever infected area. You should also bring any special
health remedies or medications you require, as well as over-the-counter items.
For travelling into countryside, immune globulin is also
recommended to combat hepatitis A, as is typhoid immunization.
The health quarantine service has the right to prevent any
foreigner suffering from AIDS, venereal disease, leprosy, mental illness, or
active tuberculosis from entering Mongolia.
Health- Any food consideration?
Despite what you might hear about food supplies in Mongolia, it's now very
simple to have a balanced diet, even if you're a vegetarian. If you're
intending to eat out in Ulaanbaatar, there are a large number of restaurants
serving quality, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Italian, English, French,
Russian, Latin American and of course Mongolian cuisines. There are also a lot of
supermarkets and markets selling both Mongolian and imported goods from China,
Russia, East Asia and Europe. The domestic meat and dairy products are good
value and considerably more tasty than meat you may find at home. The one used
by most of the expatriates living in the country is the Mercury Market situated
just a couple of hundred meters west of the Circus.In the countryside things
are a bit different. Although some of the larger Aimag(Province) centres will
have supplies suitable for foreigners, the Sums will have little more than
biscuits and chocolate. As you move out of the city, you also lose the quality
in restaurant food. In most cases only Mongolian-style food will be available.
The extreme climate here means that many Mongolians, especially those living in
the countryside have to eat a lot of protein and fat to keep themselves warm
and healthy. Visiting herders in the countryside will inevitably mean that you
will be offered a number of meat and dairy products. Even if some of them look
unappetizing, you will please your host greatly if only you try a little.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
You will never travel without adequate travel insurance.
Comprehensive travel insurance is an essential part of your travel package. We
recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and health insurance before
travelling to Mongolia Vaccination There are no specific vaccinations that are
legally required for entry to Mongolia. However we recommended the following
vaccinations for this holiday. Hepatitis and Rabies? Check the website of a
reputable travel agency or the foreign office website more details. And please
consult your doctor or travel clinic for the latest up to date advice.
Flora
Mongolia’s diverse and distinctive vegetation includes an
important part of Asia’s plant life. Species representative of Siberia’s
coniferous taiga forest, Central Asia’s steppe and desert, and the Altai and
Sayan mountains all occur here. Steppe plants from Kazakhstan grow beside
Manchurian steppe flowers. More than 3000 species vascular plants, 927 lichens,
437 mosses, 875 fungi, and numerous algae have been recorded. Many other
species, however, remain to be classified. Mongolia’s flora includes almost 150
endemic plants and nearly 100 relict species. Over 100 plant species are listed
in the Mongolian Red Book as rare or endangered.
Fauna
Like its vegetation, Mongolia’s fauna represents a mixture of
species from the northern taiga of Siberia, the steppe, and the deserts of
Central Asia. Fauna includes 136 species of mammals, 436 birds, 8 amphibians,
22 reptiles, 75 fish, and numerous invertebrates.
Species
is endemic to Central Asia are found primarily in the Gobi and desert steppe
including the Mongolian subspecies of the saiga antelope Saiga tatarica
mongolica, four species of jerboa (long-eared jerboa Euchoreutus naso, Kozlov’s
pygmy jerboa Salpingotus kozlovi, Mongolian jerboa Stylodipus andewsi, Gobi
jerboa Allactaga bullata) and a vole (Brandt’s vole Lasiopodomys brandti) that
are endemic to Central Asia. The birds include the Altai snowcock. Tetraogallus
altaica and Kozlov’s accentor Prunella kozlove. Reptiles endemic to Central
Asia include eight species. Endemic fish include the Altai Osman Oreoleucicus
potanini and the Mongolian grayling Thymallus brevirostris. Numerous globally
threatened and endangered species occur in Mongolia .
Mongolian
birds and insects
57 different
species of birds belonging to 200 genera, 60 families f 19 orders registered.
81 species birds permanently live during the four seasons, while others
migrate.
Insects in
Mongolia
Entomological
research started in 1960's in the Mongolia and for the past 40 years, Russian
Polish and other countries scientists have worked on Mongolia. Results of this
research, over 12500 species of insects have been recorded in Mongolia, and
over 2000 species have been initial discoveries in the world.
Fish of
Mongolia
Since in 1954 fish has been exploited in Mongolia. There are 75 species
of 43 types, 13 families, 8 groups, 2 classes fishes live in rivers and
lakes of Mongolia. There are 33 species of fish for fishing tour and sport
fishing in our rivers and lakes. There are also represented 875 funguses;
300species of Microorganisms have been registered in Mongolia.
Rates:
Free of charge
For every 15 paying clients in a group, one extra person can be
included in the tour free of charge.
Booking
Payment:Deposit 30% of the total tour cost must be wired to our bank account upon
the tour confirmation and remaining balance must be wired to our bank account
before arrival 2 WEEKS in advance. Payment must be made on time; otherwise,
reservation will be canceled.
Cancellation periods:
20% cancellation charge for all tours cancelled 8-10 business days before
arrival.
30% cancellation charge for all tours cancelled 5-7 business days before
arrival
40% cancellation charge for all tours cancelled 2-4 business days before
arrival.
50% cancellation charge for all tours cancelled 1 business day before arrival.
100% cancellation charge for all tours cancelled the day of arrival.
Note: the payment is usually done by wire transfer; thus, there is fee
of the wire transfer which has to be paid at the time of sending.
Your bank may not require fee for wire transfer, but there is correspondent
bank charges between banks
Confirmation
Transportation:
Guide:
Changes to the Itinerary
Responsibility
Festival |
When |
Description |
Ice Festival |
2-3 March/ annually |
Khuvsgul Lake National Park. Relax at the ice-bar amongst
the ice sculptures to watch sumo wrestling, horse-sledge races, ice skating,
tug of war, and rally driving all on the frozen Lake Khuvsgul ! |
Thousand Camel Festival |
6-7
March/annually |
For the preservation of the Bactrian Camel. Get up close with
these amazing creatures. Camel races, camel polo, handling competitions and
traditional games. |
Tsagaan Tsar |
Feb 09th 2022 |
The festival of the lunar New Year, Tsagaan Sar or ‘White
Month’ marks the passing of winter and arrival of spring. The exact date is
dependent upon the Mongolian lunar calendar. |
Naadam Festival |
10th -
13th July annually |
Naadam, which means "Games", is the most important
holiday of the year and celebrated in every town and village across the
country. It features the three manly sports: wrestling, archery and horse
racing. |
Eagle Festival |
first weekend of October/ annually |
Up to 400 Eagle hunters gather on horse back with their prize
birds to compete in contests of speed, agility and courage and traditional
Kazakh games |
Nomads Day Festival |
17th-18th
September |
An insight into the Nomadic lifestyle with horse
demonstrations and participation encouraged! Followed by a mini Naadam
festival. |
Date: 1st -3rd of
March, every year
Venue: Huvsgul Lake
National Park, Huvsgul aimag
Programs:
1st day:
2nd day:
Date: 6th - 7th of
March, Every year
Venue: Bulgan soum,
Umnugobi (South Gobi) aimag
Ticket price: 50 USD.dollar
Travel to the Gobi Desert
to attend the "Thousand Camels Festival," organized by a local
non-governmental organization working to protect and preserve the 2 humped
Bactrian camel population, which has been steadily declining over the past
thirteen years. This magnificent festival allows travelers a rare opportunity
to interact with and learn first-hand about these amazing animals and the camel
herders' nomadic lifestyle. Highlights of the festival include camel races,
camel polo, nice couple competitions and other amazing
competitions.
Itinerary: UB-Mandalgobi-Dalanzadgad-Bulgan soum (from UB to Dalanzadgad 560km of paved road, approximately 7hours of drive )
Programs:
1st Day, 6th of March
2nd Day, 7th of March
3rd Day, 8th of March
(Leisure day, free day)
Back itinerary: Bulgan
soum- Khavtsgait Rock Petro glyphs- Dalanzadgad
Communication services: Bulgan soum locates in 100 km from Dalanzadgad
and there are available communication operators such as Mobicom, G-mobile,
Skytel, Unitel.
Fee: 50 USD for mandate and allowed to take photos from car during
the camel race in certain distance. Wear the mandate during the whole festival.
Mandates will be given before one month.
Weather: Annual average temperatures at nights -10-15OC, at days -3-8 OC
Kazakh people are one of the ethnic groups of Mongolia with
Muslim religion. Kazakh’s have tradition hunt with eagle for more than 2000
years. They mostly hunt rabbit, fox and wildcat. There are mainly three
competitions held among Kazakhs including grab leather, grab bag and horse
racing and more. Organized in Jargalant, Ulaanbaatar city.
Ice ankle bone shooting game is one the traditional games
played in winter season. From distance of 50 to 60m, attendance will release
the ankle bone targeting the small barrels. The event will be organized on
frozen Tuul river of Capital City Ulaanbaatar.
Nauriz is the celebration of the ethnic group Kazakh people.
The event is held in capital city Ulaanbaatar and has many programs including
Kazakh traditional clothes parade, traditional food and other contests.
Mongolian National
Costume is a bright example of culture that introduces foreign guests and
tourists to the marvels of national costumes and folk performances in the
country. The festival will take place at “Guru” tourist camp in the beautiful
Gorkhi Terelj National Park located 65 km from Ulaanbaatar to the east. During
the festival you will experience customs of various Mongolian minorities as
well as view dances including Tsam and hear national music plus huumii, the
throat singing.
Date: 5th-8th of
July, Every year
Venue: "Dalai
Tour" tourist camp, Khatgal village, Huvsgul aimag
Programs:
1st Day:
2nd Day:
3rd Day:
4th Day:
This event opens Mongolia to all, those who run internationally, who are
looking for new running discoveries and who would like to experience Mongolia -
a rare country with kept untouched ancient nomadic culture, seemingly blue sky
and endless grassland steppe.
This marathon will be not only running, but one of colorful and festive events
of the running world accompanied by cultural performances associated with the
history of Great Genghis khan's Mongolia, Mini-Naadam festival, Mongolian
Noodle party-special event for runners and many more.
The marathon will be organized on professional level prepared and operated by
Mongolian and international experts. The course is measured in accordance with
IAAF guidelines.
Deel
Mongol Festival (on July 10th or on July 13th): A Deel is an item of traditional clothing
commonly worn since centuries ago among the Mongols and other nomadic tribes
of Central Asia, including various Turkic peoples, and can be made from
cotton, silk, wool, or brocade. The deel is still commonly worn by both
men and women outside major towns, especially by herders. In urban areas,
deels are mostly only worn by elderly people, or on festive occasions.
The Deel Mongol Festival is held in the Genghis or Chinggis Khaan square
(*the main square in the heart of Ulaanbaatar) onJuly 10th or on July
13th, and is comprised the folk art concert, parade-show in the Deel of
Mongolian national clothes and Mongolian Ger. A traditional Ger is a portable,
round tent covered with skins or felt used as a dwelling by nomads in the
steppes of Central Asia. The structure comprises an angled assembly or
latticework of pieces of wood or bamboo for walls, a door frame, ribs (poles),
and a wheel (crown, compression ring) possibly steam bent. The roof structure
is often self-supporting but large yurts may have interior posts supporting
the crown.
Naadam Festival (on July 11th - July 13th): Naadam is a traditional
type of Festival in Mongolia. The festival is also locally termed "the
three games of men". The games are Mongolian wrestling, horse racing
and archery and are held throughout the country during the midsummer holidays.
Women have started participating in the archery and girls in the horse-racing
games, but not in Mongolian wrestling. The biggest festival is held in
the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar during the National Holiday from July
11th - July 13th in the National Sports Stadium. Other cities and
towns across Mongolia, have their own, smaller scale Naadam celebrations.
It begins with an elaborate introduction ceremony featuring dancers, athletes,
horse riders, and musicians. After the ceremony, the competitions begin.
Another popular Naadam activity is the playing of games using shagai, sheep
knuckles that serve as game pieces and tokens of both divination and friendship.
Naadam is Mongolia’s longest and most significant public
holiday. It celebrates Mongolian independence, freedom and pride in Mongol
history and culture. Held during the summer in the capital city, the atmosphere
is very festive as Mongols enjoy their holiday season.
Every year, the official Naadam Opening Ceremony is held on 11th July.
The ceremony takes the form of a drama spectacular, similar to that of the
Olympics. Designed and choreographed differently each year, the spirit of
the opening event is a strong message of Mongol freedom, spirit and pride.
A unique part of the ceremony is a parade of ancient Mongol white spirit
banners. These spirit banners are made of horse hair and date back to the
thirteenth century. Kept in the Mongolian Parliament House at all other
times, it is only during the Naadam Opening Ceremony that they are paraded
out in public.
Horse Racing
Mongolian horse racing is vastly different from other horse race cultures,
with its own unique history and culture. Betting on races is not part of
Mongol horse race culture. In the national races, each race event
is entered by four to six hundred horses. In total, some three thousand
male horses compete in six types of race events at the national race in
Ulan Bator. Unlike Western horse traditions, Mongol horses are raced
from age one year. The youngest horses compete in a 10km event. Races take
place on relatively straight courses rather than a circular racetrack.
Adult horses and stallions compete in races that are 28–30 kilometres in
distance. Race jockeys are all children aged five to fourteen years,
both girls and boys.
During the Naadam season, across all of Mongolia’s three
main cities, 21 provinces and 360 villages, the three manly sports are
celebrated through competition (local Naadam). In horse racing events, this
involves some fifty thousand horses across the entire country! The biggest
national horse race in Ulan Bator is on 10–12 July. There are two races on each
of these three days. The race finish line is located about 30 kilometres from
Ulan Bator city.
Archery
One of the critical reasons behind the success of the Mongol
army during the thirteenth century was the keen skill and technology of Mongol
archers. Mongol bows were able to shoot twice as far in distance compared
with any others. These remarkable bows were made using a special technique of
combining animal horns and wood. Even today, Mongols continue to use this same
technology for competing in the Naadam Festival. During the
country’s communist history, women archers began competing in the national
competition. Indeed, Mongolia’s first world champion was a female archer in
1971.
Naadam archery event categories are divided by gender, age and
styles. While the official Naadam Festival runs over just two days,
national archery events continue over ten. For visitors, the archery events
offer wonderful opportunities to admire skills and take photos from different
angles, including at close proximity to the athletes.
Wrestling
The earliest evidence of traditional Mongol wrestling dates back
to the Bronze Age. Very recently, in September 2011, the Mongolian Wrestling
Association organised a tournament of 6006 wrestlers, setting the world record
for the most number of wrestlers any competition.
A ‘men only’ sport, Mongolian wrestling is unique from other
wrestling traditions around the world. Most significantly, there are no weight
or time limits. The longest match occurred during the 1998 Naadam final, taking
4 hours and 15 minutes! The absence of any weight categories reflects the
sports core philosophy that a wrestler must be able to fight against any
opponent of any size. It is the combination of speed, technique, strength and
other skills that makes a champion wrestler.
Mongol wrestling costumes are very distinctive, comprising long,
large boots worn together with small, tight pants and an open-chested top. The
design of the open-chest upper garment can be traced back a few centuries when
a female Mongol entered the competition disguised as a man by wearing a
closed-chest top. This amazing woman went on to win the tournament. After her
true identity became known, open-chest tops became mandatory.
There are a few basic rules to the sport. A wrestler is defeated
if any part of his body, except for his hands, touches the ground. If a
wrestler loses a match, he is out of the tournament.
The Naadam wrestling tournament is the biggest of the year,
involving either 512 or 1024 wrestlers. The first round of 512 wrestlers and
the second round of 256 wrestlers are held on 11 July. There are 256 matches in
the first round, taking about 3 hours. As many as 16 pairs of wrestlers compete
at the same time in a stadium the size of a soccer field. On 12 July, spectator
numbers swell because the remaining wrestlers compete for special rankings.
Just once a year during the Naadam Festival, wrestlers
have the opportunity to increase their ranking. Once obtained, a wrestler keeps
their rank for their whole life. Professional wrestling ranks are mostly named
after animals:
1.
Champion
2.
Lion
3.
Elephant
4.
Eagle
The Eagle rank is gained through winning five rounds, Elephant
by winning 7 rounds, Lion by winning the entire Naadam tournament and Champion
by winning more than one Naadam tournament.
Click here to find our Special Naadam Festival Tours.
Organizer: The
Governor’s Office of Bayankhongor aimag, Citizens’ representatives khural of Erdenetsogt
soum, Gandan Monastery of Bayankhongor aimag, Police department of protection
livestock from criminal attack
Date: 27th of July 2021
Venue: Bayankhongor Erdenetsogt
The Yak festival is the
local traditional celebration which is organized since 2005.
Aim of the event: Protection
of yaks, increase their numbers and promote yak benefits, products from yak.
Ticket sales of the event will be donated to the “Khaluun bolor” or “hot
crystal” center fund for the further activities and sanatorium construction
work for the paralyzed children.
Activities and
competitions:
Highlights: local
herders participate with their marked herds for the "Yak Naadagai-2016"
Festival and during the celebration will be consecrated the Yak god and special
ritual, worship to the deity of the livestock, Banzragch, to make the deity
become the local deity for herders.
Date: 4th of August, Every year
Since 2005, the
festival has been organized on every August 4th. It has become one of the most
favorite festivals among local children. The festival is aim to
inherit the culture and art of Western Mongolia as well as introducing and
promoting it for domestic and foreign tourists. The festival includes
performances of melodies performed on traditional instrument horse headed
fiddle (bayad, durvud, hoton etc., ), throat songs, biyelgee.
Programs :
Note:
Organizer: The Governor's Office of Uvurkhangai aimag, The aimag's
Department of Environment, Green Development and Tourism, The all soum
Governor's Offices of the aimag, "Aravgar-Kheer" Federation of
horse racing sport and trainers
Date: 18th August of
Every year
Venue: At the complex
"Mongol tumeny ikh shuteen", Arvaikheer, Uvurkhangai aimag
Programs:
Date: 5th of August, Every year
Venue: Tsaidam,
Khashaat soum, Arkhangai province
Ticket
price: 30 $ per tourist excluding meals (need to ask for detail
information, price changes every year)
Mongolians have been paying attention on
their children’s manner since long time ago. The method to bring up the
children is mostly connects with culture, tradition, everyday
lifestyle, saving earth or animals. It is hard to imagine Mongolian
nomad life or ancient history without horse. In order to train the horses for
riding they are started from the age of 2-year-old. In a proverb of Mongolia,
"Hun boloh bagaasaa, huleg boloh unaganaasaa" which means "The
fine pullet shows its excellence from the egg". Therefore, similar to this
proverb, developing the children depending on their interests, “99 Heroes Trip”
2-year old or foal horse racing has been organized for the 3rd year.
Aim:
Programs :
Awards:
Date: Sunday, 3rd
week of September, every year
Venue: From Moltsog
Els to Bayanzag, Bulgan soum, Umnugobi aimag (South Gobi province)
Programs:
Marathon
distance: 10km, 21km, 42km
The Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival is held in the last week of September in
the nearby village of Sagsai . It follows much the same pattern as the Larger
Golden Eagle Festival, with about 40 eagle hunters participating. The Larger
Eagle Festival is held on October. This is an annual festival held in
Bayan-Olgii extreme province of Mongolia on October. Anyhow the tourism
infrastructure has somewhat developed. Be prepared for cold temperatures on
October. In eagle festival, eagle hunters will make a show catching small
animals such as fox and hares by their trained eagles. The eagles are released
from a rock cliff, while their owners stand below and signal for them to land
upon their arms, as they do during hunting. Those with the fastest times and
best technique are awarded the highest scores. In addition to the eagle hunting
contests, the participants play such traditional Kazakh games known as kekbar
Mongolia and a number of
other Eastern and Central Asian countries have followed the lunar calendar with
its 12 year animal cycle since ancient times. The New Year according to the
Oriental calendar in Mongolia is called Tsagaan sar which translate white
month. There are many options about the origin of this name. One is that
Mongols believe white symbolizes happiness, purity and abundance of milk
products. The date of Tsagaan sar, depending on the phases of the moon, falls
anywhere between the end of January and early March. Tsagaan sar is a birthday
for all Mongols. Mongol families start preparations for a holiday almost a
month a head. First of all there is a tradition to prepare plenty of gifts and
food, in other words to have one's hand's full. Also gers, sheds and pens should
be cleaned out. Every Mongol family makes hundred of buuzs and bunshes. Mongols
like to greet the New Year in everything new. So women sew new dels for the
whole family. According to custom Mongols kill a sheep, the fattest in the
flock. Then the lower back with the tail is boiled and served on the table for
the entire holiday. Tsagaan sar symbolizes wealth and prosperity in the family.
The New Year eve in Mongolia is called Bituun - the last dinner of the old
year. Beginning at noon family begins to set up the table. There must be
several dishes; a dish with the boiled sheep's back tail a dish with ul boov
(traditional bread biscuit), a dish with the berees (rice cooked with butter ,
sugar and raisins) and dish with traditional milk products; aaruul. Byaslag
(unsalted cheese), cream, etc. one must eat all the traditional dishes that
evening; boiled lamb and beef, huge variety of milk products, buzes and
dessert. Some families have the tradition of placing coins inside the banshes.
Whoever bites into the bansh with them coins will have good luck. At the end of
the evening everyone's stomach is fully satisfied. The following morning
everyone rises bright and early according to tradition (about 6-7 o clock). On
this morning there are many customs to follow. The first is to greet the sun;
everyone watches the sun rise. Second in order to have good health and
happiness in the New Year, each individual must take "their first steps of
the year". Everyone takes some steps in a specific direction. The direction
is dependent upon what lunar calendar year one was born in. for ex, a person
who was born in the mouse year must take the first steps to the north at the
first day of the monkey year. The following year the direction will be
different. After the fist steps are take, all family members re-enter their
home. At this point the traditional Tsagaan sar greetings begin. The oldest
family member is greeted first. They are seated at the north side of the ger
-the most respected side of the ger. The next oldest family member is the first
to greet. This member carries the hadag- a beautiful piece of blue silk -
across their arms. A cup filled with milk is placed in the right hand on the
silk. This person greets the oldest family member by saying"Sar shinedee
saihan shinelj bna uu?" and then gives the silk and milk to them. The
younger member has her or his palms facing upward and grasps the older one's
elbows. The older member has palms faced down, and the arms are above the
younger. While this occurring, the two kiss one other on each cheek. (This
kiss, not exactly kiss, is the touching of one's cheeks) On this day 'all
family members show their respect and love through this greeting. After the
second oldest member has finished the greeting, the one family member greets the
oldest member. Then they continue to greet one another and give gifts. After
the greetings, the food is placed on the table and the eating and drinking
begins once again. The drinks consist of airag and vodka. The almost favorable
drink during this holiday is Mongol milk tea. The woman who is head of the
house continually cooks, and serves, cleans all day. Her children help her with
all of the work.
At this point, guests
begin to arrive and continue to all day long. The greetings continue as well as
the gift- giving. The conversation greetings with the guests are a little
different. Usually, question is asked about livestock's how they survived
through the winter, if they are healthy, etc.
During this period it is
expect that all family members visit one another. The greetings should be
finished within 15 days then Tsagaan Sar has ended.
Date: 17th -18th of
September Every year
Venue: “Gun Galuut ”
Natural Reserve, Bayandelger soum, Tuv province
Ticket price: 35 $
per tourist a day, 70$ for 2 days (need to make clear)
Programs:
1st Day:
2nd Day: